Hockey

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins fired assistant coach Todd Reirden on Friday, just over two weeks after the organization missed out on the playoffs for a second straight season. Reirden was in charge of Pittsburgh's power play.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The memory of being unable to help the Carolina Hurricanes in the NHL playoffs last year still stings for Andrei Svechnikov. He has opened this post-season like a man savouring every moment of his return.

NASHVILLE — Rick Tocchet drew ample respect during his 18 seasons as an NHL player. Now he’s doing the same behind the bench — and leading the Vancouver Canucks to their best season in over a decade in the process.

NEW YORK — Rick Bowness of the Winnipeg Jets, Rick Tocchet of the Vancouver Canucks and Andrew Brunette of the Nashville Predators are the finalists for this season's Jack Adams Award.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens signed defenceman Adam Engstrom to a three-year, entry-level contract on Friday.

TORONTO — Sheldon Keefe's team had a decision to make.

The Toronto Maple Leafs survived to see another day on Thursday night, while the Vancouver Canucks look to avoid allowing Nashville to do the same on Friday.

Dallas Stars (52-21-9, first in the Central Division) vs. Vegas Golden Knights (45-29-8, fourth in the Pacific Division) Paradise, Nevada; Friday, 10 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK : LINE Stars -113, Golden Knights -107; over/under is 5.

Vancouver Canucks (50-23-9, first in the Pacific Division) vs. Nashville Predators (47-30-5, fourth in the Central Division) Nashville, Tennessee; Friday, 7 p.m. EDT BETMGM SPORTSBOOK : LINE Predators -130, Canucks +110; over/under is 5.

TORONTO — William Nylander could barely watch the Maple Leafs' first three playoff games as he worked his way back from injury — the nerves were almost too much.