NHL

CHICAGO (AP) - Antoine Vermette paid little attention when he was labeled a bust of a late-season acquisition for the Chicago Blackhawks. He didn't get discouraged when he was scratched three times earlier in the NHL postseason.With two game-winning goals in the Stanley Cup Final, Vermette has answered every...

AP Sports WriterPuck picnic: Calgary Flames practice in NYC's Central ParkBy BEN WALKERNEW YORK (AP) Among all the joggers, dog walkers, bird watchers and families feeding the ducks in Central Park this weekend, Kris Versteeg and his out-of-town pals came for a picnic.A puck picnic, that is.Needing a...

Ondrej Kase re-signs with Ducks for 3 years, $7.8 millionANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) The Anaheim Ducks have re-signed right wing Ondrej Kase to a three-year, $7.8 million contract.The Ducks announced the deal Wednesday.Kase scored 20 goals last season, establishing himself as a promising talent when given his first extensive...

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) - Coach Bruce Boudreau will return to the Anaheim Ducks next season, although he'll be without one of his assistants.Assistant coach Brad Lauer was fired Tuesday after general manager Bob Murray completed his postseason evaluation of the three-time Pacific Division champion Ducks. They lost the Western...

AP Sports WriterKane helps Blackhawks beat Flames 5-1 for 3rd straight winBy JAY COHENCHICAGO (AP) Patrick Kane had a goal and two assists, and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Calgary Flames 5-1 on Tuesday night for their third straight win.Kane scored his third of the season on a...

AP Sports WriterWild hire Bill Guerin as new general managerBy DAVE CAMPBELLThe Minnesota Wild have hired Bill Guerin, who won two Stanley Cups as a player and two more titles in the front office with the Pittsburgh Penguins, as their new general manager.Guerin was announced Wednesday as the fourth...

Devils hire former Wild GM Chuck Fletcher as senior adviserNEWARK, N.J. (AP) The New Jersey Devils have hired former Minnesota Wild general manager Chuck Fletcher as a senior adviser for management and hockey operations.Devils executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero says Fletcher will help him and...

AP Sports WriterBenn's OT goal finishes rally as Stars beat Blues 3-2By SCHUYLER DIXONDALLAS (AP) Jamie Benn turned another tying goal late in regulation into the extra point for the Dallas Stars in the tight Western Conference playoff race.Benn scored 3:04 into overtime after Alexander Radulov's tying tally...

Senators owner excited about team's shot at playoffsOTTAWA, Ontario (AP) Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has new priorities following a life-saving liver transplant - and renewed focus on some old ones, too.Away from the rink, he's taking up a close-to-home fight. Melnyk launched his new foundation, The Organ Project,...

AP Hockey WriterNY Rangers select Lafreniere with No. 1 pick in NHL draftBy JOHN WAWROWAlexis Lafreniere wanted to take the stage at Montreal's Bell Centre near his home and hear his name announced at the NHL draft.The playmaking forward had to settle for being selected first overall by the...

Oilers sign center Leon Draisaitl to 8-year extensionEDMONTON, Alberta (AP) The Edmonton Oilers have signed center Leon Draisaitl to an eight-year contract extension with an average annual value of $8.5 million.The extension runs through the 2024-25 season, similar to the eight-year, $100-million extension superstar captain Connor McDavid signed...

AP Hockey WriterAP Source: Stars waive goalie Niemi and plan to buy him outBy JOHN WAWROWA person with direct knowledge of the decision has confirmed to The Associated Press that the Dallas Stars have placed goalie Antti Niemi on waivers with the intention to buy out the final year...