NHL Playoffs Feature High-Stakes Matchups, MLB Regular Season Continues

Why it matters locally: The New York Yankees' victory over the Houston Astros maintains their lead in the American League East, a key development for fans of the team across New York.

The NHL postseason continued Thursday with two crucial playoff contests impacting conference standings. In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Bruins defeated the Florida Panthers 4-3, moving to a 3-2 series lead. Bruins forward David Pastrnak scored two goals and added an assist, accumulating three points in the victory. Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky made 31 saves on 35 shots faced. Out West, the Vancouver Canucks bested the Edmonton Oilers 3-2, taking a 3-2 series advantage. Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes registered two assists, extending his playoff point streak to five games. Oilers captain Connor McDavid recorded one goal and one assist, totaling two points in the losing effort. Goalie Arturs Silovs stopped 27 of 29 shots for Vancouver. Major League Baseball also saw a full schedule of games. The New York Yankees secured a 7-5 victory over the Houston Astros, maintaining their lead in the American League East. Yankees slugger Aaron Judge hit a two-run home run, his 12th of the season. Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña collected three hits and two RBIs. The Los Angeles Dodgers defeated the San Francisco Giants 6-3, extending their lead in the National League West. Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman went 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Giants pitcher Logan Webb allowed four earned runs over five innings.