NHL

Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin, left, becomes entangled with Winnipeg Jets center Sean Monahan (23) in the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

How to watch and what to expect in the 2024 Stanley Cup playoffs

Your quick need-to-knows as the only NHL playoff chase gets set to begin

Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin, left, becomes entangled with Winnipeg Jets center Sean Monahan (23) in the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Winnipeg Jets’ Gabriel Vilardi (13) scores on Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (35) during first period NHL action in Winnipeg on Thursday, April 18, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods

Jets take down Canucks 4-2 as both teams wrap up NHL regular season

Vancouver hosts Nashville Sunday in opening round of playoffs

Winnipeg Jets’ Gabriel Vilardi (13) scores on Vancouver Canucks goaltender Thatcher Demko (35) during first period NHL action in Winnipeg on Thursday, April 18, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
Arizona Coyotes fans start to find their seats at Mullett Arena prior to the team’s NHL hockey game against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. The team is expected to be sold and moved to Sale Lake City. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

One last howl as the Arizona Coyotes bid farewell to the desert

Players headed to Salt Lake City, brand remains, fans hopeful franchise will return

Arizona Coyotes fans start to find their seats at Mullett Arena prior to the team’s NHL hockey game against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. The team is expected to be sold and moved to Sale Lake City. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
“You have the whole team come in and buy in getting the summer over a month earlier than normal. You put the work in and really come together. It’s certainly part of the process. We played a lot of good hockey this year and we should be proud,” J.T. Miller on the Canucks 50-win season. Vancouver Canucks photo

THE MOJ: Canucks climbed the mountain this year by earning the day

Vancouver’s Pacific Division title and 3rd 50-win season were not what fans expected a year ago

“You have the whole team come in and buy in getting the summer over a month earlier than normal. You put the work in and really come together. It’s certainly part of the process. We played a lot of good hockey this year and we should be proud,” J.T. Miller on the Canucks 50-win season. Vancouver Canucks photo
Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko (35) stops Calgary Flames’ Martin Pospisil, front left, during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Canucks claim Pacific Division title after 4-1 win over Calgary Flames

Thatcher Demko makes 39 saves in return to Vancouver goal

Vancouver Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko (35) stops Calgary Flames’ Martin Pospisil, front left, during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Boston Univeristy’s Macklin Celebrini (71) skates with the puck in front of Rochester’s Elijah Gonsalves (16) during an NCAA men’s college hockey tournament regional game Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Celebrini remained the top North American skater in the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s final rankings released Tuesday ahead of the 2024 entry draft. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Josh Jurgens

B.C.’s Celebrini tops final list of NHL draft prospect rankings

North Vancouver product and Boston University centre remains top North American prospect

Boston Univeristy’s Macklin Celebrini (71) skates with the puck in front of Rochester’s Elijah Gonsalves (16) during an NCAA men’s college hockey tournament regional game Thursday, March 28, 2024, in Sioux Falls, S.D. Celebrini remained the top North American skater in the NHL Central Scouting Bureau’s final rankings released Tuesday ahead of the 2024 entry draft. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Josh Jurgens
Vancouver Canucks’ goalie Casey DeSmith (29) makes the save as Edmonton Oilers’ Zach Hyman (18) looks for the rebound during second period NHL action in Edmonton, Saturday, April 13, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson

Canucks trip Oilers 3-1, move closer to clinching Pacific Division title

Vancouver hosts the Calgary Flames on Tuesday

Vancouver Canucks’ goalie Casey DeSmith (29) makes the save as Edmonton Oilers’ Zach Hyman (18) looks for the rebound during second period NHL action in Edmonton, Saturday, April 13, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
Goaltender Thatcher Demko speaks to the media after Thursday’s practice at Rogers Arena. Demko was slated to make his return against Calgary on Tuesday at Rogers Arena but that might be accelerated given what’s at stake Saturday in Edmonton. Vancouver Canucks photo

THE MOJ: Are the cards lining up for a Canucks/Oilers showdown for first?

If the Oilers win tonight, Saturday’s matchup could become very interesting

Goaltender Thatcher Demko speaks to the media after Thursday’s practice at Rogers Arena. Demko was slated to make his return against Calgary on Tuesday at Rogers Arena but that might be accelerated given what’s at stake Saturday in Edmonton. Vancouver Canucks photo
Vancouver Canucks’ Elias Pettersson (40), Nils Hoglander (21), and Arizona Coyotes’ Matias Maccelli (63) vie for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Cooley scores winner in overtime as Arizona Coyotes edge Canucks 4-3

Vancouver faces Oilers in Edmonton on Saturday

Vancouver Canucks’ Elias Pettersson (40), Nils Hoglander (21), and Arizona Coyotes’ Matias Maccelli (63) vie for the puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns
Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid waits on a face off during an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars on April 3, 2024, in Dallas. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Tony Gutierrez

Canuck-chasing Oilers could be without McDavid

Superstar centre misses practice, listed as day-to-day

Edmonton Oilers’ Connor McDavid waits on a face off during an NHL hockey game against the Dallas Stars on April 3, 2024, in Dallas. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Tony Gutierrez
Vancouver’s Dakota Joshua arrives at Rogers Arena wearing a t-shirt comemarting Conor Garland’s 400th NHL game. Garland would score twice in the Canucks 4-3 win against the Vegas Golden Knights Monday night at Rogers Arena. Vancouver Canucks photo

THE MOJ: Teacher’s pet Garland comes through as big as the shirts promised

Diminutive coach favourite scores 2 in milestone game to pace Canucks to big win over Vegas

Vancouver’s Dakota Joshua arrives at Rogers Arena wearing a t-shirt comemarting Conor Garland’s 400th NHL game. Garland would score twice in the Canucks 4-3 win against the Vegas Golden Knights Monday night at Rogers Arena. Vancouver Canucks photo
Vancouver Canucks’ Brock Boeser, not seen, scores on Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Logan Thompson (36) as Nicolas Hague (14), Vancouver’s Nils Hoglander (21) and Elias Pettersson (40) watch during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, on Monday, April 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Garland scores 2 in 400th game, Canucks outlast Vegas for 4-3 win

Boeser nets his 40th of season for Vancouver

Vancouver Canucks’ Brock Boeser, not seen, scores on Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Logan Thompson (36) as Nicolas Hague (14), Vancouver’s Nils Hoglander (21) and Elias Pettersson (40) watch during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, on Monday, April 8, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns
Los Angeles Kings defenceman Vladislav Gavrikov, right, shoots against Vancouver Canucks defenceman Carson Soucy (7) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

Kempe, Moore get L.A. Kings closer to playoff spot with 6-3 win over Canucks

Canucks host Vegas Golden Knights on Monday night

Los Angeles Kings defenceman Vladislav Gavrikov, right, shoots against Vancouver Canucks defenceman Carson Soucy (7) during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Saturday, April 6, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Vancouver Canucks right wing Conor Garland (8) celebrates his goal against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. The Canucks won 2-1. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

THE MOJ: No matter how good the Canucks get, questions need to answered

Even a team at the top of the NHL standings is surrounded by things to wonder about

Vancouver Canucks right wing Conor Garland (8) celebrates his goal against the Arizona Coyotes during the third period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. The Canucks won 2-1. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Arizona Coyotes right wing Dylan Guenther (11) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Coyotes desperately chasing win off the ice in bid to stay in Arizona

Upcoming land auction key to franchise securing property for new arena

Arizona Coyotes right wing Dylan Guenther (11) celebrates his goal against the Vancouver Canucks during the third period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

THE MOJ: B.C.’s Paxton expecting big things from himself and his L.A. Dodgers

Veteran pitcher hoping to shake off the injury bug as loaded team aims for World Series

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher James Paxton throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Monday, April 1, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Vancouver Canucks defenceman Quinn Hughes (43) skates with the puck against Arizona Coyotes centre Alex Kerfoot (15) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Garland scores late winner, Canucks trip Coyotes 2-1 in Arizona

Vancouver extends lead atop NHL’s Pacific Division

Vancouver Canucks defenceman Quinn Hughes (43) skates with the puck against Arizona Coyotes centre Alex Kerfoot (15) during the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, April 3, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Alex Pietrangelo (7) reaches for the puck against Vancouver Canucks right wing Conor Garland (8) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Lucas Peltier)

Marchessault scores team-high 41st goal, Vegas beats visiting Canucks 6-3

Captain Quinn Hughes nets pair of goals for Vancouver

Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Alex Pietrangelo (7) reaches for the puck against Vancouver Canucks right wing Conor Garland (8) during the third period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, March 7, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Lucas Peltier)
“Take the win. Go from there. I’m glad they said that because we all feel the same,” - Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet responding to some of his players not being happy with the way they performed in a 3-2 win over Anaheim Sunday afternoon at Rogers Arena. Vancouver Canucks photo

THE MOJ: 2 points better than none but Canucks need to shake off staleness

Team heads out on the road with the team looking to develop a road mentality

“Take the win. Go from there. I’m glad they said that because we all feel the same,” - Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet responding to some of his players not being happy with the way they performed in a 3-2 win over Anaheim Sunday afternoon at Rogers Arena. Vancouver Canucks photo
Vancouver’s J.T. Miller skates by while the Dallas Stars celebrate a goal during Thursday night’s 3-1 win over the Canucks at Rogers Arena. Dallas Stars photo

THE MOJ: As playoff grind looms, Canucks need to fix their power play

Coach calls Vancouver’s man-advantage ‘mechanical’ as team, struggles to weaponize extra man

Vancouver’s J.T. Miller skates by while the Dallas Stars celebrate a goal during Thursday night’s 3-1 win over the Canucks at Rogers Arena. Dallas Stars photo