ESPN NHL News

• How hockey fights work during a pandemic: A conversation with one of the NHL's last enforcers April 22, 2021
  Nicolas Deslauriers had twice as many fights as anyone last season and is one of the top pugilists in 2021. Here are his thoughts on why the art of enforcing is diminishing.
• NHL Playoff Watch Daily: It's Throwdown Thursday! April 22, 2021
  The top two teams from three of the four divisions square off Thursday night, including Caps-Isles, Canes-Panthers and Maple Leafs-Jets.
• Vegas wins, 1st in NHL to clinch playoff berth April 22, 2021
  Jonathan Marchessault scored twice and Vegas defeated San Jose 5-2 on Wednesday night to become the first team in the NHL to clinch a playoff berth.
• Sources: NHL targeting Oct. 12 start for '21-22 April 22, 2021
  The NHL told its general managers Wednesday that it is planning to open the 2021-22 season on Oct. 12, with training camps set to begin Sept. 22, sources told ESPN.
• NHL rebuts Lehner's vaccine protocol claim April 22, 2021
  Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Robin Lehner said that NHL players were lied to by the NHL and NHLPA about loosening restrictions after receiving the COVID vaccine, a claim that has been disputed by the league.
• Penguins' Kapanen (foot) practices, nears return April 21, 2021
  Penguins forward Kasperi Kapanen practiced with his teammates without restrictions Wednesday for the first time since being placed on injured reserve last month with a left foot injury.
• Why Florida native Jakob Chychrun is hoping for an Olympic spot ... on Team Canada April 21, 2021
  'It's kind of a crazy story,' the Coyotes' breakout defenseman said. Here are the details on his circuitous hockey journey.
• Backing up their pledges: Which leagues have followed through since George Floyd's murder April 21, 2021
  Leagues pledged to stand with pro and amateur athletes since the murder of George Floyd. After former police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on Tuesday, we look at the leagues' actions and inactions -- and the work that still needs to be done.
• NHL Power Rankings: Toughest remaining schedule stretch for all 31 teams April 21, 2021
  Vegas takes over the No. 1 spot in our poll. Plus, which span of games will have an outsized impact on the playoff races?
• Good Knight: Florida rookie, 20, wins NHL debut April 21, 2021
  Ballyhooed goaltending prospect Spencer Knight, 20, a former first-round pick out of Boston College, led the Florida Panthers to a victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets in his NHL debut on Tuesday night.