Hockey

WASHINGTON — Mike Matheson knows firsthand what playoff hockey in Montreal feels like, but even he can’t imagine how electric the Bell Centre’s atmosphere will be Friday night.

LOS ANGELES — For Leon Draisaitl, the answer is easy — the Edmonton Oilers simply need to find another gear. The Los Angeles Kings thumped the Oilers 6-2 on Wednesday to take a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven first-round playoff series.

OTTAWA — Max Pacioretty politely declined to answer the question.

LONDON — A London, Ont., court is hearing legal arguments today in the sex assault trial of five former members of Canada's world junior hockey team.

WASHINGTON — The Montreal Canadiens know they’re close to beating the Washington Capitals, but Juraj Slafkovsky believes anything short of their very best won’t be enough. "There's always something lacking.

LOS ANGELES — There's been one stark difference in the battle between the Edmonton Oilers and L.A. Kings this post-season: special teams.

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog played out this moment Wednesday night in his mind again and again while working his back. His return was everything he envisioned, too.

Carolina Hurricanes (47-30-5, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. New Jersey Devils (42-33-7, in the Metropolitan Division) Newark, New Jersey; Friday, 8 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Hurricanes -165, Devils +139; over/under is 5.

Los Angeles Kings (48-25-9, in the Pacific Division) vs. Edmonton Oilers (48-29-5, in the Pacific Division) Edmonton, Alberta; Friday, 10 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Oilers -135, Kings +115; over/under is 5.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Edmonton Oilers know how to perform when they're facing playoff series deficits. After all, they went down 0-3 last summer in the Stanley Cup Final and still nearly won it all in Game 7.