National Hockey

NEWARK, N.J. — The Buffalo Sabres are a much better team when they get on the scoreboard first.

WASHINGTON — Alexis Lafrenière got a chance to play on the New York Rangers' top line with Mika Zibanejad and Artemi Panarin, and the result was one of the team's most complete efforts of the season.

NEWARK, N.J. — Nico Hischier has been named the New Jersey Devils' captain. The Devils made the announcement Saturday before Hischier faced the Buffalo Sabres in his first game of the season. The Swiss centre , who was the No.

Calgary Flames (8-8-1, fifth in the North Division) vs. Edmonton Oilers (11-8-0, second in the North Division) Edmonton, Alberta; Saturday, 10 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Connor McDavid and Edmonton take on Calgary.

Florida Panthers (11-2-2, first in the Central Division) vs. Detroit Red Wings (4-12-3, eighth in the Central Division) Detroit; Saturday, 5 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Detroit looks to end its three-game skid when the Red Wings take on Florida.

Philadelphia Flyers (8-3-3, second in the East Division) vs. Boston Bruins (10-3-2, first in the East Division) Stateline; Sunday, 2 p.m.

Winnipeg Jets (10-6-1, third in the North Division) vs. Vancouver Canucks (8-12-1, sixth in the North Division) Vancouver, British Columbia; Sunday, 10 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Winnipeg visits Vancouver after the Jets shut out Vancouver 2-0.

Tampa Bay Lightning (10-3-1, fourth in the Central Division) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (11-3-1, second in the Central Division) Raleigh, North Carolina; Saturday, 7 p.m.

VANCOUVER — For Winnipeg Jets goalie Laurent Brossoit, playing in Vancouver's special, even with no fans in the stands. He earned his second career shutout in the city on Friday night as the Jets blanked the Canucks 2-0.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Nino Niederreiter had two goals and an assist and the Carolina Hurricanes cooled off the Chicago Blackhawks with a 5-3 victory Friday night.