Hockey

Gabriel Landeskog is expected to play in a professional game Friday night for the first time in nearly three years when he suits up with the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators have extended their arena naming rights deal with retail chain Canadian Tire, the NHL club announced Friday. The length and value of the contract were not disclosed.

The Stanley Cup playoffs are coming up fast, with the first series set to begin Saturday, April 19.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes on Friday signed top prospect Alexander Nikishin to a two-year, entry-level contract that begins immediately.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tom Wilson scored his career-best 33rd goal of the season and the Washington Capitals wrapped up the top spot in the Eastern Conference by beating the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 in a shootout Thursday night.

Washington Capitals (50-19-9, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (36-33-9, in the Metropolitan Division) Columbus, Ohio; Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

New York Rangers (37-35-7, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (46-27-5, in the Metropolitan Division) Raleigh, North Carolina; Saturday, 3 p.m.

St. Louis Blues (43-30-7, in the Central Division) vs. Seattle Kraken (34-40-6, in the Pacific Division) Seattle; Saturday, 10 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: The Seattle Kraken take on the St. Louis Blues in Western Conference action.

Buffalo Sabres (35-37-6, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Florida Panthers (46-29-4, in the Atlantic Division) Sunrise, Florida; Saturday, 6 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: The Florida Panthers take on the Buffalo Sabres in a matchup of Atlantic Division teams.

Detroit Red Wings (36-35-7, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (45-26-7, in the Atlantic Division) Tampa, Florida; Friday, 7 p.m.