National Hockey

LOS ANGELES — “Johnny for Norris” is all the Washington Capitals can say inside their dressing room about the outstanding play of defenceman John Carlson.

Chicago Blackhawks (10-12-5, seventh in the Central Division) versus Boston Bruins (20-3-5, first in the Atlantic Division) Boston; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Boston heads into a matchup with Chicago as winners of eight consecutive games.

TORONTO — Frederik Andersen wanted to battle with his teammates. Coming off an ugly 6-1 loss in Philadelphia a night earlier — one where he was left hung out to dry late — Toronto's No.

EDMONTON — The Ottawa Senators didn't seem fazed by their short turnaround. Tyler Ennis had a goal and two assists as Ottawa defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5-2 on Wednesday, a night after shouldering a loss in Vancouver.

PITTSBURGH — Stefan Noesen called his first NHL goal in nearly nine months luck. Not really.

GLENDALE, Ariz. — The darkest time came right after the injury. Months in the hospital. Multiple surgeries. Pain, fear, little hope. Playing hockey again was not even a remote consideration. Carl Soderberg had bigger concerns.

Colorado Avalanche (16-8-2, third in the Central Division) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (13-12-4, fifth in the Atlantic Division) Toronto; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Nathan MacKinnon leads Colorado into a matchup with Toronto.

San Jose Sharks (15-13-1, fifth in the Pacific Division) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (16-11-1, fourth in the Metropolitan Division) Raleigh, North Carolina; Thursday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Carolina Hurricanes host the San Jose Sharks.

Vegas Golden Knights (15-11-4, third in the Pacific Division) vs. New York Islanders (18-6-2, second in the Metropolitan Division) Uniondale, New York; Thursday, 7 p.m.

Arizona Coyotes (16-9-4, second in the Pacific Division) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (16-7-5, third in the Metropolitan Division) Philadelphia; Thursday, 7 p.m.