NHL

AP Hockey WriterCapitals starting Grubauer in goal vs Columbus; Foligno backBy STEPHEN WHYNOARLINGTON, Va. (AP) Philipp Grubauer will start Washington's playoff opener against Columbus, the first Capitals goaltender not named Braden Holtby to start a postseason series since 2011.The 26-year-old German started 10 of the final 16 games...

Golden Knights sign Karlsson to $5.25M, 1-year dealLAS VEGAS (AP) The Vegas Golden Knights have signed forward William Karlsson to a $5.25 million, one-year contract.General manager George McPhee announced the deal Saturday as the two sides avoided arbitration. Karlsson gets a significant raise from his previous $1 million...

Associated PressCrosby, Kessel keep Penguins rolling with 3-2 win over WildBy BRIAN HALLST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Sidney Crosby and Phil Kessel are doing their part, continuing to pile up points for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but the team's goaltenders might have been the headlining act in a big December.Phil...

The Montreal Canadiens and the Anaheim Ducks already have their first chance to finish up the first round.These two clubs on opposite ends of the continent walked similar paths to get their respective 3-0 series advantages heading into Wednesday's games.Both Montreal and Anaheim were regular-season powers that finished atop...

Predators activate goaltender Rinne from injured reserveNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Nashville Predators have activated Vezina Trophy winning-goaltender Pekka Rinne from injured reserve.Predators officials announced the move Wednesday. The Predators also reassigned goaltender Troy Grosenick to their American Hockey League affiliate in Milwaukee.Juuse Saros has started the Predators' last...

AP Sports WriterSharks have plenty of time to stew over down seasonBy JOSH DUBOWThe San Jose Sharks will have plenty of time to stew over the franchise’s worst season in 17 years.With more than three-quarters of the league hoping to return for an expanded playoffs this summer following the...

Blues' Tarasenko to miss weekend games at Boston, DetroitST. LOUIS (AP) Blues forward Vladimir Tarasenko will not travel with the team for weekend games at Boston and Detroit after suffering an unspecified upper-body injury in a win over Los Angeles.General manager Doug Armstrong said Friday that Tarasenko will...

Stars D Oleksiak suspended for 2 games by NHLNEW YORK (AP) Dallas Stars defenseman Jamie Oleksiak has been suspended for two games for an illegal check to the head of Philadelphia Flyers forward Chris VandeVelde.The NHL announced the punishment on Sunday. The play occurred in the third period...

Carolina Hurricanes re-sign D Haydn Fleury to 1-year dealRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) The Carolina Hurricanes have re-signed defenseman Haydn Fleury to a one-year contract worth $850,000.The team announced the deal Tuesday. The 23-year-old skated in 20 regular-season games with the Hurricanes along with nine playoff games last season. He...

Washington Capitals fire coach Todd Reirden after 2nd consecutive exit in 1st round of playoffsWASHINGTON (AP) Washington Capitals fire coach Todd Reirden after 2nd consecutive exit in 1st round of playoffs.

Former NHL player dies of workplace accident injuriesDULUTH, Minn. (AP) The family of former NHL player Scot Kleinendorst says he has died of injuries suffered in a workplace accident in northern Minnesota.Kleinendorst suffered severe brain trauma and numerous broken bones at UPM Blandin paper plant in Grand Rapids...

Preds hire Scuderi, Bordeleau, Rook as development coachesNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Nashville Predators have hired Rob Scuderi, Sebastien Bordeleau and Dave Rook as development coaches to help polish their prospects for the NHL.General manager David Poile announced the hirings Tuesday. Scuderi will develop defensemen, with Bordeleau working with...