Hockey

MONTREAL (AP) — In an unexpected late-season development, the Montreal Canadiens are getting a huge boost for the stretch run and potentially the playoffs with top prospect Ivan Demidov joining them from Russia.

WINNIPEG — The Manitoba government is ponying up cash to help rally support for the hometown high-flying Winnipeg Jets as the NHL playoffs loom.

MONTREAL — The Montreal Canadiens signed forward Tyler Thorpe to a three-year entry-level contract Tuesday. The deal will begin in the 2025-26 season. Thorpe will spend the remainder of this season on an American Hockey League tryout contract.

St. Louis Blues (43-29-7, in the Central Division) vs. Edmonton Oilers (44-28-5, in the Pacific Division) Edmonton, Alberta; Wednesday, 10 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: The Edmonton Oilers and the St. Louis Blues square off in Western Conference action.

Seattle Kraken (34-38-6, in the Pacific Division) vs. Utah Hockey Club (35-30-12, in the Central Division) Salt Lake City; Tuesday, 9 p.m.

San Jose Sharks (20-47-10, in the Pacific Division) vs. Minnesota Wild (42-29-7, in the Central Division) Saint Paul, Minnesota; Wednesday, 8 p.m.

Philadelphia Flyers (31-37-9, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. New York Rangers (36-34-7, in the Metropolitan Division) New York; Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

NEW YORK (AP) — Brayden Point had two goals an an assist, Nikita Kucherov added a goal and two assists, and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the New York Rangers 5-1 on Monday night.

NEW YORK (AP) — Brayden Point had two goals an an assist, Nikita Kucherov added a goal and two assists, and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the New York Rangers 5-1 on Monday night.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Matty Beniers and Brandon Montour scored 54 seconds apart late in the first period and the Seattle Kraken held off the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 on Monday night.