National Sports

It’s time for the NHL playoffs, where some of the world’s best hockey players are sure to up their game as they chase the Stanley Cup.

EDMONTON — Even with star forwards Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl resting for the playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers were able to close out the regular season on a high note.

TORONTO — Yusei Kikuchi will still be a work in progress for Toronto Blue Jays pitching coach Pete Walker after a disappointing start on Friday.

WINNIPEG — Connor Hellebuyck found some satisfaction with backstopping the Winnipeg Jets to a 3-1 victory over the top-flight Calgary Flames on Friday.

The Houston Texans won't have to wait long for Canadian John Metchie III. Houston traded up with the Cleveland Browns to select the Alabama star receiver in the second round, No. 44 overall, of the 2022 NFL draft Friday night.

MONTREAL — Cole Caufield scored his first career hat trick and the last-place Canadiens crushed the Presidents' Trophy champions Florida Panthers 10-2. Caufield had a roaring end to his season under interim coach Martin St. Louis.

TORONTO — Sheldon Keefe's sole focus Friday was for his team to emerge unscathed on the injury front. That mission firmly accomplished, the Toronto Maple Leafs now flip the page to the playoffs.

TORONTO — The National Hockey Players' Association will begin the search for a new executive director.

PALOS VERDES ESTATES, Calif. (AP) — Hannah Green took the lead into the weekend in the Palos Verdes Championship, rebounding from consecutive bogeys Thursday in gusting wind to birdie the two late par 5s in a 5-under 66.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Brady Tkachuk had a goal and an assist to lead the Ottawa Senators to a 4-2 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday night in the season finale for both teams.