National Hockey

Toronto Maple Leafs (18-5-2, first in the North Division) vs. Vancouver Canucks (10-15-2, sixth in the North Division) Vancouver, British Columbia; Saturday, 7 p.m.

Buffalo Sabres (6-12-3, eighth in the East Division) vs. New York Islanders (13-6-4, second in the East Division) Uniondale, New York; Saturday, 1 p.m.

VANCOUVER — When Sheldon Keefe was cutting his teeth as a coach in the junior ranks in Pembroke, Ont., the world's most famous hockey dad paid a memorable visit.

VANCOUVER — After a series of games where the Maple Leafs appeared to be unstoppable, Toronto finally hit a stumbling block Thursday. The Vancouver Canucks beat the Leafs 3-1, snapping Toronto's four-game win streak.

CALGARY — Dillon Dube's first career NHL hat trick for Calgary in a 7-3 win over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday was eclipsed by the post-game firing of Flames head coach Geoff Ward and the hiring Darryl Sutter as his replacement.

CALGARY — The Calgary Flames have rehired the coach that brought the organization its greatest playoff success since winning the 1989 Stanley Cup.

NEWARK, N.J. — Chris Kreider had his second hat trick in five games and the Rangers beat the slumping New Jersey Devils 6-1 on Thursday night in a game marred by a late injury to New York goalie Igor Shesterkin.

TORONTO — Walter Gretzky, the father of hockey great Wayne Gretzky, has died. He was 82. Wayne Gretzky said in a statement Thursday night that his father battled Parkinson’s disease and other health issues the past few years.

CHICAGO — Victor Hedman jumped on the ice and got the puck from Alex Killorn. He heard Tampa Bay's bench yell “Shoot,” so he flung the puck toward the net. Right in the nick of time.

DALLAS — Boone Jenner had a goal and an assist, Oliver Bjorkstrand and Eric Robinson added third-period goals, and the Columbus Blue Jackets held off a late rally attempt to beat the struggling Dallas Stars 3-2 on Thursday night.