National Hockey

Washington Capitals (36-29-10, fifth in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (47-22-7, second in the Metropolitan Division) Raleigh, North Carolina; Friday, 7 p.m.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — Akil Thomas scored his first NHL goal and David Rittich stopped 15 shots as the Los Angeles Kings beat the San Jose Sharks 2-1 on Thursday night to improve their playoff position. “It felt amazing,” Thomas said.

David Pastrnak and Danton Heinen each had a goal and an assist in the first period and the Boston beat Carolina Hurricanes 4-1.

WINNIPEG — Gabe Vilardi’s hat trick helped the Jets clinch a berth in the NHL playoffs. And now, he’s looking forward to Winnipeg’s famous playoff Whiteout.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Noah Dobson scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period and the New York Islanders stayed alive in their quest for the final Eastern Conference wild-card spot with a 4-2 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Thursday nigh

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and two assists, Justus Annunen made a career-high 44 saves and the Colorado Avalanche moved closer to first place with a 5-2 win over the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night.

The Arizona Coyotes said Thursday night they’re committed to win a land auction that could pave the way for the NHL club to remain in the Phoenix area after years of arena uncertainty .

MONTREAL — The Tampa Bay Lightning are staying white hot as they close in on a playoff spot. Steven Stamkos and Nicholas Paul had two goals apiece to lift Tampa Bay to a 7-4 win over the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday.

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Sergei Bobrovsky made 30 saves for his fifth shutout of the season, Matthew Tkachuk had a goal and two assists and the Florida Panthers routed the Ottawa Senators 6-0 on Thursday night.

OTTAWA — Brady Tkachuk looked completely dejected following a 6-0 loss to his older brother’s Florida Panthers on Thursday. The Ottawa Senators captain was often at a loss for words over what had just transpired.