National Hockey

Nearly five months later, Andrei Vasilevskiy was still searching for answers.

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Professional hockey is coming to the Southern California desert.

NEW YORK — Backup goaltending competitions around the NHL have come into focus after the latest round of waiver moves. The Pittsburgh Penguins for now are keeping Tristan Jarry as Matt Murray's backup and waived Casey DeSmith.

EDMONTON — In an off-season of change for the Edmonton Oilers, the most significant news came last Tuesday when captain Connor McDavid was deemed fit to play in his first exhibition game.

VANCOUVER — After bolstering their ranks with some veteran talent over the summer, the Vancouver Canucks have set their sights on returning to the playoffs. Whether they make it will depend on the team's young stars, said coach Travis Green.

OTTAWA — It's a fresh start for the Ottawa Senators. After finishing last in the NHL standings in 2018-19, the Senators are focused on taking the next step in their rebuild.

With the NHL schedule set to kick off Wednesday, there will be countless viewing options for fans over the next seven months or so. Certain games, however, should be circled on calendars.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Jakob Vrana scored two goals, including the winner at 4:57 of the third period, in the Washington Capitals' 4-3 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on Sunday. T.J.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Jordan Staal has been picked as the captain of the Carolina Hurricanes.

CALGARY — Tobias Rieder thought he was in the way, but it turned out that he was in the right place at the right time.