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Wild and Stars on playoff collision course in powerful Central Division as they chase NHL-best Avs

The Minnesota Wild won their last five games to finish 8-1-1 before the NHL 's three-week schedule pause. Both teams have maintained top-five records in the league for much of the season — and they've constantly been trying to catch the rival Colorado Avalanche. Such has been the predicament in the powerful Central Division, where the NHL's siloed playoff format would pit the Stars against the Wild in the first round if the standings were to stay this way.

Kings Vs Golden Knights Game Preview: Artemi Panarin Makes His Kings Debut

The Olympic break is over, and the Kings start off facing the Vegas Golden Knights, and we see Artemi Panarin make his Kings debut.

'On Any Given Night, Anybody Can Step Up': With Crosby Out, Penguins Prepared To Elevate Game

With the news that Pittsburgh Penguins' star center Sidney Crosby will miss four weeks with a lower-body injury, his teammates are ready to step up in a big way to propel the Penguins to the playoffs in his absence.

Red Wings One Of Few Teams That Can Make MacKenzie Weegar Trade Says NHL Insider

Detroit eyes Flames defenseman Mackenzie Weegar, possessing rare financial flexibility and cap space to secure a proven, top-tier blueliner.

Kings Can't Afford Slow Start With Pacific Gauntlet Out of Olympic Break

With 26 regular-season games remaining for the Los Angeles Kings, there will be no easing in, only a Pacific Division gauntlet that's waiting for them starting tonight after the Olympic break.

Capitals take on the Flyers following Chychrun's 2-goal showing

Philadelphia Flyers (25-20-11, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Washington Capitals (29-23-7, in the Metropolitan Division)

Washington; Wednesday, 7 p.m. EST

BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Capitals -160, Flyers +134; over/under is 6

BOTTOM LINE: The Washington Capitals host the Philadelphia Flyers after Jakob Chychrun's two-goal game against the Nashville Predators in the Capitals' 4-2 win.

Washington is 29-23-7 overall with an 11-4-2 record against the Metropolitan Division. The Capitals have gone 26-8-3 when scoring at least three goals.

Philadelphia is 25-20-11 overall and 6-5-4 against the Metropolitan Division. The Flyers have given up 177 goals while scoring 162 for a -15 scoring differential.

The teams match up Wednesday for the second time this season. The Flyers won 4-2 in the previous meeting.

TOP PERFORMERS: Dylan Strome has 16 goals and 31 assists for the Capitals. Chychrun has four goals and seven assists over the last 10 games.

Travis Konecny has 22 goals and 32 assists for the Flyers. Owen Tippett has scored four goals with three assists over the last 10 games.

LAST 10 GAMES: Capitals: 5-4-1, averaging 3.1 goals, 5.7 assists, 4.3 penalties and 11 penalty minutes while giving up 3.3 goals per game.

Flyers: 3-4-3, averaging 2.9 goals, 4.4 assists, 3.4 penalties and 7.1 penalty minutes while giving up 3.5 goals per game.

INJURIES: Capitals: None listed.

Flyers: None listed.

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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

Canadiens: Trading Gritty Blueliner Would Be A Mistake

The Montreal Canadiens will soon have to make important decisions about their blueline, and trading pending RFA Arber Xhekaj would be a mistake.

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NHL News

Wild and Stars on playoff collision course in powerful Central Division as they chase NHL-best Avs

Kings Vs Golden Knights Game Preview: Artemi Panarin Makes His Kings Debut

'On Any Given Night, Anybody Can Step Up': With Crosby Out, Penguins Prepared To Elevate Game

Red Wings One Of Few Teams That Can Make MacKenzie Weegar Trade Says NHL Insider

Kings Can't Afford Slow Start With Pacific Gauntlet Out of Olympic Break

Capitals take on the Flyers following Chychrun's 2-goal showing

Canadiens: Trading Gritty Blueliner Would Be A Mistake