National Hockey

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators have signed college free agent centre Max Veronneau to a two-year contract. The 23-year-old Ottawa native was free to sign with any NHL team after completing his senior season with Princeton University last weekend.

DENVER — Petr Mrazek got a piece of the shot with his pad, felt the puck trickling behind him and swiftly swung his stick around to knock it away. "Sometimes," the Carolina goaltender said, "those saves are lucky.

TORONTO — The NHL has launched an investigation into the possible use of a homophobic slur in the Toronto Maple Leafs' 6-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night.

EDMONTON — The opportunity was there and the Edmonton Oilers took advantage. Leon Draisaitl scored 35 seconds into overtime and had a pair of assists as the Oilers beat the New York Rangers 3-2 on Monday.

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Thomas Greiss made 31 saves in his fifth shutout of the season, helping the New York Islanders beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-0 on Monday night.

CHICAGO — Brendan Perlini's first career hat trick arrived at an opportune time for the desperate Chicago Blackhawks — and the 22-year-old forward.

TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs looked at Monday's matchup against the NHL's top team as a measuring stick. What they got was major wake-up call.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Martin Jones and the Western Conference-leading San Jose Sharks are peaking as they head into the playoffs. Jones made 24 saves to continue his hot streak and lead the Sharks to a 3-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild on Monday night.

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — The New York Islanders played tough defence , and Thomas Greiss took care of the rest.

PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Flyers have transformed from the worst team in the NHL to not-so-bad in the East. Their recent run toward respectability could net them the playoff berth that seemed inconceivable before the All-Star break.