National Hockey

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — John Tavares scored 4:35 into overtime, and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 2-1 on Saturday night for their first NHL playoff series win in nearly two decades.

TAMPA, Fla. — John Tavares had dreams of suiting up for the Maple Leafs. When the chance to come home arrived, he couldn't pass up the opportunity to join the team he cheered for as a kid just down the road.

NEW YORK (AP) — Pushed to the brink of elimination, the New York Rangers found their offensive touch.

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Toronto Maple Leafs finally advanced in the NHL playoffs, and coach Sheldon Keefe struggled to find the right words to capture the moment. “It's been a long road for a lot of our guys. ...

DENVER (AP) — Colorado Avalanche forward Andrew Cogliano suffered a fracture in his neck during Game 6 in Seattle on Friday, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press.

TAMPA, Fla. — Michael Bunting returned to the Maple Leafs lineup for Game 6 of his team's first-round series against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

WINNIPEG — Head coach Rick Bowness was the target of some criticism by his players after the Winnipeg Jets had exit meetings Saturday and packed their bags for the off-season.

When the Boston Bruins took a 3-1 series lead on the Florida Panthers, it looked like the team that set NHL records for the most wins and points in a season was cruising toward the second round. Except within the opponent's locker room.

Dallas got the best payback against the Wild for their hit on Joe Pavelski in the series opener. The Stars are going to the second round of the NHL playoffs.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes are making a habit of winning at least one postseason series. This time, they did it while missing some key players.