NHL

DALLAS (AP) Dallas' Jason Spezza scored three goals, including the tiebreaker late in the third period that lifted the Stars to a 4-2 win against Edmonton on Tuesday.Edmonton's boom youngster Connor McDavid scored his first NHL goal, but struggled in the faceoff circle again, contributing to the Oilers'...

AP Hockey WriterMarchand misses Bruins' last practice before Cup FinalBy STEPHEN WHYNOBOSTON (AP) Brad Marchand was not on the ice for the Boston Bruins' last full practice before the Stanley Cup Final against the St. Louis Blues.Marchand injured his left hand in the team's intrasquad scrimmage Thursday but...

Despite losing their captain, the Pittsburgh Penguins found a way to finish the month unbeaten. Pittsburgh, gearing for a run at the Stanley Cup, welcomed star forward Jarome Iginla to the lineup, but lost Sidney Crosby early in the first period after he was hit in the mouth with a...

In his first game back after missing 17 games with a sprained left knee, Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Marian Gaborik again was sidelined with a broken collarbone. The team announced after a 6-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night that Gaborik had been placed on the injured...

Penguins coach Sullivan taking leave after father's deathPITTSBURGH (AP) Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan is taking a leave of absence to be with his family following the death of his father, George.The Penguins said George Sullivan, 81, passed away on Saturday in Scituate, Massachusetts.Assistant coach Jacques Martin will...

Devils agree to terms with Coleman, NoesenNEWARK, N.J. (AP) The New Jersey Devils have agreed to terms with forwards Blake Coleman and Stefan Noesen.The Devils made the announcement on Tuesday. Both players had previously filed for arbitration.Coleman agreed to a three-year contract that will pay him $1.8 million...

AP Hockey WriterMarleau leaves Sharks to sign 3-year deal with Maple LeafsBy STEPHEN WHYNOPatrick Marleau has left the San Jose Sharks to sign an $18.75 million, three-year deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs.Marleau will count $6.25 million against the salary cap through the 2019-20 season. General manager Lou Lamoriello...

Hurricanes acquire Keane from Rangers for GauthierRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) The Carolina Hurricanes have acquired defenseman Joey Keane from the New York Rangers in exchange for forward Julian Gauthier.The teams announced the deal Tuesday.The 20-year-old Keane has 30 points (eight goals, 22 assists) in 49 games at the American...

LOS ANGELES (AP) San Jose's Logan Couture scored two goals and set up another as the Sharks extended their recent road mastery of Los Angeles with a 4-1 win on Wednesday that widened their lead in the NHL's Pacific Division. Ryan Carpenter scored his first NHL goal and Kevin Labanc...

AP Sports WriterBruins coach Cassidy ready to return to playoffsBy JIMMY GOLENBOSTON (AP) Bruce Cassidy knows how to handle the pre-playoff jitters this time.Returning to the Stanley Cup playoffs as a head coach for the first time since 2003, Cassidy is trusting in his team to smooth over...

Rangers waive defenseman Brendan Smith on 29th birthdayNEW YORK (AP) The New York Rangers have waived defenseman Brendan Smith, less than eight months after re-signing him to a four-year, $17 million contract.The move Thursday came on Smith's 29th birthday. He has one goal and seven assists in 44...

AP Sports Writer7-goal surges push Avalanche and Stars into 2nd-round seriesBy STEPHEN HAWKINSThe Dallas Stars certainly can't take too much comfort in those four victories over Colorado in the regular season or their unprecedented seven-goal surge to advance in these unusual playoffs.Life has certainly been different in the bubble...