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BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Adam Fox had a goal and two assist and the the New York Rangers beat the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 on Wednesday night.

VANCOUVER — There have been days this season when walking into the office was a bit like walking into a minefield for Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet.

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — Alex Ovechkin has not missed many games during his two decades in the NHL with the Washington Capitals, and that remarkable durability is one reason why he is fast-approaching Wayne Gretzky's career goals record.

OTTAWA — Brayden Yager had a visitor this fall. Hockey Canada player development coach Scott Walker was in town.

Nathan MacKinnon's message would probably be pretty simple. The Colorado Avalanche centre — one of hockey's hardest-working and intense talents — might even let his younger self know it's OK to ease off the throttle ever so slightly at times.

VANCOUVER — It was a whirlwind day for Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko. Nearly eight months after he was injured in the first game of Vancouver's playoff run, Demko returned to the crease Tuesday for his first start of the season.

Detroit Red Wings (11-13-4, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (13-12-4, in the Metropolitan Division) Philadelphia; Thursday, 7 p.m.

Pittsburgh Penguins (12-14-4, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Montreal Canadiens (11-14-3, in the Atlantic Division) Montreal, Quebec; Thursday, 7 p.m.

Chicago Blackhawks (9-17-2, in the Central Division) vs. New York Islanders (11-12-7, in the Metropolitan Division) Elmont, New York; Thursday, 7:30 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The New York Islanders play the Chicago Blackhawks in a non-conference matchup.

Utah Hockey Club (12-11-5, in the Central Division) vs. Colorado Avalanche (17-13, in the Central Division) Denver; Thursday, 9 p.m.