National Hockey

MONTREAL — There may come a day when Charlie Lindgren loses a game but until then, the Montreal Canadiens third-stringer is riding a wave.

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Rather than search for positives after a loss, Benoit Pouliot and the Buffalo Sabres have a win to build on.

NEW YORK — Connor McDavid stormed down the ice with Leon Draisaitl trailing a step behind. Two slick passes and a one-timer later, and the game was over.

NEWARK, N.J. — The St. Louis Blues got back in the game against the New Jersey Devils with a lucky bounce, and then their talent took over.

PITTSBURGH — Penguins coach Mike Sullivan understands the risk/reward when he pairs Evgeni Malkin and Phil Kessel. When fully engaged and focused on the finer points of the game, they are as dynamic as any second-line duo in the NHL.

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Nashville Predators finished off a successful early-season trip with a win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Even though the losses mounted early this season for the Carolina Hurricanes, Derek Ryan insists the pressure hasn't.

ST. LOUIS — Blues forward Robby Fabbri is recovering after undergoing left knee surgery. The operation was performed Dr. Bernard Bach on Tuesday in Chicago. The Blues say there is no timetable for Fabbri's return.

BROSSARD, Que. — Jonathan Drouin has cleared up the mystery over what he was doing with his pants down at the bench during the Montreal Canadiens's game in Chicago. He was removing Flexall, a gel used to treat muscle soreness, from his legs.

Toronto Maple Leafs star centre Auston Matthews sat out today's practice as he continues to recover from what the team calls "general soreness." Matthews was a game-time decision before Toronto's game against visiting Vegas on Monday night.