Hockey

OTTAWA — At 186 pounds, Leevi Merilainen may not be the most physically imposing goalie, but his recent composure and poise have provided the Ottawa Senators with plenty of confidence.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators are ahead of where they were this time last season, giving general manager Steve Staios reasons for optimism at the halfway point of the 2024-25 NHL campaign.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Cutter Gauthier scored two goals, including one 1:52 into overtime, as the Anaheim Ducks beat the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 on Sunday.

OTTAWA — One day after posting his first career shutout, Leevi Merilainen made 24 saves to lead the Ottawa Senators to a 3-2 win over the Dallas Stars.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Nikita Kucherov had two goals and an assist, and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-2 on Sunday. Brandon Hagel also scored for the Lightning, and Anthony Cirelli and Nick Paul had empty-net goals.

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The Pittsburgh Penguins placed center Evgeni Malkin on injured reserve on Sunday with an upper-body injury. Malkin missed his fourth consecutive game against Tampa Bay.

DETROIT (AP) — Patrick Kane scored during Detroit's fast start, and the Red Wings beat the Seattle Kraken 6-2 on Sunday for their seventh consecutive victory. Marco Kasper, J.T.

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Eric Staal became the fourth player to have his number retired by the Carolina Hurricanes when his No. 12 was raised at the Lenovo Center prior to the team’s game against the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday.

Anaheim Ducks (17-20-5, in the Pacific Division) vs. Carolina Hurricanes (26-15-2, in the Metropolitan Division) Raleigh, North Carolina; Sunday, 5 p.m.

Seattle Kraken (18-22-3, in the Pacific Division) vs. Detroit Red Wings (19-18-4, in the Atlantic Division) Detroit; Sunday, 3 p.m.