National Hockey

OTTAWA — Embattled Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk will meet with fans at two town hall meetings in the coming weeks as the club attempts to quell public criticism in the midst of a disappointing season.

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Stanley Cup champion and American Hockey League Hall of Famer Dick Gamble has died. He was 89. The AHL's Rochester Americans announced his death Friday after learning from his family he died Thursday.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Seconds after almost costing the San Jose Sharks a game with a turnover, Logan Couture ended it with his backhand.

DENVER — Anze Kopitar was asked over and over about scoring four goals. All he wanted to do was talk about earning two points. That's the No. 1 figure on his mind. "I'm playing for the guys in here. Our goal is to make the playoffs," Kopitar said .

CHICAGO — The Vancouver Canucks have struggled to score since rookie Brock Boeser was shelved by a back injury. They got some help Thursday night from an unlikely source.

NASHVILLE — Auston Matthews didn't look rusty in his return from a monthlong layoff.

DENVER — Anze Kopitar became the first Kings player with a four-goal game since 1993, Jonathan Quick stopped 29 shots and Los Angeles beat the Colorado Avalanche 7-1 on Thursday night.

DETROIT — The Washington Capitals are in first place because of victories like this.

NEW YORK — Although the Tampa Bay Lightning didn't like the way they almost gave up a four-goal lead in the third period, they were happy to get the win and move on. J.T.

OTTAWA — In five games against the Ottawa Senators, Connor McDavid had yet to score a goal. But he more than made up for it with two goals and two assists in a 6-2 victory Thursday night.