The Latest Breaking News on NHL

RALEIGH, N.C. — With 86 points this season, the Carolina Hurricanes had twice as many as the Anaheim Ducks when the teams took the ice Saturday — which meant nothing once the puck dropped to start the game.

ST. LOUIS — Saturday’s contest had all the makings of a playoff game for two teams currently on the outside looking in: a rowdy crowd, chippy play on the ice and a low-scoring affair that required extra time.

The NHL trade deadline is Friday, and the phones in front offices are heating up.

Sam Lafferty also was scratched Saturday to protect him for a likely imminent trade. That forced the Hawks to dress 11 forwards and seven defensemen against the Sharks and left a “weird” feeling in the locker room.

WASHINGTON – With all that was happening off the ice, it was difficult to pay attention to the game the Rangers were playing against the Washington Capitals Saturday afternoon. Patrick Kane reportedly left his Chicago teammates in San Jose and flew home, Vitali Kravtsov got traded to the Vancouver Canucks,…

Kane flew from San Jose to Chicago on Saturday as the Rangers began clearing salary-cap space to make the move financially viable.

The Capitals superstar had a special meeting with the deaf 10-year-old actor and youth hockey player on Friday.

The Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues prepare to battle it out on the ice in NHL action on Saturday afternoon at the Enterprise Center.

Tyler Johnson is a frequent user of the tablets, where he can watch instant replays to analyze opponent’s formations and learn from his mistakes. Colin Blackwell, however, has weaned himself off that habit — and coach Luke Richardson isn’t a big fan in general, either.

DALLAS — No state has more native-born players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame than the state of Texas. Zach Thomas’ recent election will add to the number of Texans enshrined in Canton, Ohio.

Blink and the Avalanche might be in first place.