Mitch Marner, Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad are off the board, leaving slim pickings in NHL free agency.

If the Wild finally break through and win their first playoff series in a decade, Minnesota’s top line likely will be the reason.

Jack Eichel welcomed the boos in Buffalo this time by scoring three third-period goals and adding an assist in his second game against his former team as the Vegas Golden Knights routed the Sabres 7-4.

The NHL is relaxing virus protocols during the playoffs for teams that reach a vaccination threshold.