The Washington Capitals signed centre Nic Dowd to a two-year contract extension worth $6 million, the team announced on Tuesday.

Blue Jays starter Max Scherzer, who's on the injured list due to right thumb inflammation, was scheduled to visit a hand specialist on Wednesday in Florida.

Five of the top eight teams in the NHL this season play in the Western Conference. Two of them have to face off in a first-round showdown between Dallas and Colorado.