NHL

NHL criticizes reduction of suspension for Predators' WatsonNEW YORK (AP) The NHL is criticizing an arbitrator's decision to reduce the suspension of Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson, who pleaded no contest in July to a domestic assault charge.Watson received a 27-game suspension from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman last...

Associated PressDucks move into 3rd in Pacific with 6-3 rout of BlackhawksBy DAN GREENSPANANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Corey Perry has been around the NHL long enough to know how to attack the end of the regular season, and the same is true for the Anaheim Ducks.After some early struggles,...

Senators owner Melnyk cautiously optimistic about teamOTTAWA, Ontario (AP) Senators owner Eugene Melnyk has a few new priorities following a life-saving liver transplant - and a 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...

AP Sports WriterAvs relish first playoff trip since 2013-14By PAT GRAHAMDENVER (AP) Nathan MacKinnon was given a day off from practice, which created a little stir on social media.Turns out, nothing to fear. The Colorado Avalanche just wanted to give their top scorer and Hart Trophy candidate a...

AP Sports ColumnistColumn: Bettman and Daly put on a lounge show of their ownBy TIM DAHLBERGLAS VEGAS (AP) Just before the most improbable of Stanley Cup Final in the most improbable hockey city around, Gary Bettman and Bill Daly put on a little show of their own.As lounge...

AP Hockey WriterSabres' Eichel out indefinitely with sprained right ankleBy JOHN WAWROWBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Buffalo Sabres leading scorer Jack Eichel is out indefinitely after being diagnosed with a sprained right ankle.The Sabres issued the update Sunday afternoon, a day after Eichel was hurt in the first period of...

Associated PressGreiss makes 35 saves, Islanders beat Jets 4-1By ALLAN KREDAUNIONDALE, N.Y. (AP) Josh Bailey, Brock Nelson and Anders Lee scored second-period goals and Thomas Greiss made 35 saves as the New York Islanders beat the Winnipeg Jets 4-1 Sunday night.It was the first win of the season...

AP Sports WriterForsberg starting season way he usually finishes for PredsBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Filip Forsberg of the Nashville Predators finally has started in the sizzling scoring fashion he usually finishes a season.And the Predators couldn't be happier.Forsberg is leading the defending Western Conference champs with...

NEW YORK (AP) Kevin Hayes broke a deadlock late in the first period and Henrik Lundqvist made 32 saves as the opportunistic Rangers beat the Capitals 5-2 on Tuesday night in their first meeting since New York defeated Washington in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference semifinals last...

AP Sports WriterGolden Knights try to play role in healing Vegas with openerBy GREG BEACHAMLAS VEGAS (AP) Hockey fans arrived on the Las Vegas Strip in the crisp desert afternoon, gathering in jovial groups outside the rink. Many wore the striking, multicolored jerseys of the Vegas Golden Knights,...

AP Sports WriterSharks use 2nd period barrage to beat Ducks 8-1 for 3-0 leadBy JOSH DUBOWSAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) Joonas Donskoi scored one goal and set up another to start a four-goal barrage in the second period and the San Jose Sharks raced past Anaheim for the third...

AP Sports WriterBruins gadfly Marchand staying out of trouble (sometimes)By JIMMY GOLENBOSTON (AP) There's a dust-up in the corner, the referee raises his arm to signal a penalty, and Brad Marchand is right in the middle of it.Only this time, he's trying to keep the peace.The face-licking, stick-stomping...