Hockey

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes on Friday signed top prospect Alexander Nikishin to a two-year, entry-level contract that begins immediately.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Tom Wilson scored his career-best 33rd goal of the season and the Washington Capitals wrapped up the top spot in the Eastern Conference by beating the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 in a shootout Thursday night.

Washington Capitals (50-19-9, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (36-33-9, in the Metropolitan Division) Columbus, Ohio; Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

New York Rangers (37-35-7, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (46-27-5, in the Metropolitan Division) Raleigh, North Carolina; Saturday, 3 p.m.

St. Louis Blues (43-30-7, in the Central Division) vs. Seattle Kraken (34-40-6, in the Pacific Division) Seattle; Saturday, 10 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: The Seattle Kraken take on the St. Louis Blues in Western Conference action.

Buffalo Sabres (35-37-6, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Florida Panthers (46-29-4, in the Atlantic Division) Sunrise, Florida; Saturday, 6 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: The Florida Panthers take on the Buffalo Sabres in a matchup of Atlantic Division teams.

Detroit Red Wings (36-35-7, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (45-26-7, in the Atlantic Division) Tampa, Florida; Friday, 7 p.m.

Utah Hockey Club (36-30-13, in the Central Division) vs. Dallas Stars (50-23-6, in the Central Division) Dallas; Saturday, 8 p.m. EDT BOTTOM LINE: The Dallas Stars come into a matchup with the Utah Hockey Club as losers of four straight games.

New York Islanders (34-33-11, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. Philadelphia Flyers (32-37-9, in the Metropolitan Division) Philadelphia; Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

Winnipeg Jets (54-21-4, in the Central Division) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (23-46-10, in the Central Division) Chicago; Saturday, 7 p.m.