As playoff races were raging down the stretch, Commissioner Gary Bettman pointed out that the NHL in years past has had first-round matchups decided on the final day of the season.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Iran will participate in the World Cup “for sure” despite its war with the United States.

ST. LOUIS (AP) – Nathan Church had three hits, Alec Burleson had two RBIs and Jordan Walker extended his hitting streak to 11 games as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Cleveland Guardians 5-3 on Wednesday.

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) – Dallas Stars top-line center Roope Hintz will miss the start of the playoffs after experiencing a setback in his recovery from a lower-body injury, while the team is getting healthier at other positions, coach Glen Gulutzan said Wednesday.

CINCINNATI (AP) – Cincinnati Reds closer Emilio Pagán played catch Wednesday and it appears his left hamstring injury isn’t as serious as initially feared.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) – The current concentration of power in the Western Conference makes the Central Division a good bet to be the star of the show in these Stanley Cup playoffs.

HOUSTON (AP) – Colorado Rockies left-hander Kyle Freeland was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday with inflammation in his throwing shoulder.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – For the second time in four seasons, Rick Bowness had a front row seat to one of his teams collapsing down the stretch and ending the season with disappointment.