NHL

The Latest: Predators take 4-1 lead over Pens in Game 3NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Latest on Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final (all times local):9:28 p.m.Craig Smith has scored to make it 4-1 Predators over the Penguins in the third period of Game 3 of the Stanley...

AP Sports WriterPreds: Shutting down Pens' stars not possible every gameBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Nashville Predators have shut down the likes of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, Vladimir Tarasenko and Ryan Getzlaf this postseason.They have slowed down Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.Stopping them completely? Even...

AP Hockey WriterAnaheim Ducks move to buy out injured D Simon DespresBy GREG BEACHAMANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) The Anaheim Ducks are parting ways with defenseman Simon Despres, whose once-promising career has been curtailed by serious concussion issues.The Ducks placed Despres on waivers Friday. General manager Bob Murray indicated the...

AP Hockey WriterAP Sources: Caps to host Leafs in outdoor game at NavyBy STEPHEN WHYNOThe NHL will play an outdoor game at a U.S. service academy for the first time when the Washington Capitals host the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, next season.Two people...

AP Hockey WriterDucks' Lindholm, Vatanen out long-term for shoulder surgeryBy GREG BEACHAMANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Anaheim Ducks defensemen Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen need shoulder surgeries that will sideline them into next season.Ducks general manager Bob Murray disclosed the problems Thursday while the Ducks packed up for the summer...

AP Sports WriterSubban's approach to Preds: Open mind is (Cup) gold mineBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) It has been an extraordinary 11 months for P.K. Subban.The defenseman moved from the Eastern Conference to the Western Conference. Left his native Canada to live in the American South. Blended...

AP Sports WriterComing home: Cullen picks Wild for 21st NHL seasonBy DAVE CAMPBELLThe Minnesota Wild and center Matt Cullen have agreed to a one-year, $1 million contract, bringing him back to his home state for a 21st season in the NHL.The Wild announced the deal, which includes $700,000 in...

AP Sports WriterNashville GM has chance at Stanley Cup after 35 yearsBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) David Poile thought he could squeeze in a quick day off after the exhilarating run by the Nashville Predators to their first Stanley Cup Final.Wrong.At least 200 texts and emails congratulating...

AP Hockey WriterDucks' Lindholm, Vatanen out long-term for shoulder surgeryBy GREG BEACHAMANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Anaheim Ducks defensemen Hampus Lindholm and Sami Vatanen need shoulder surgeries that will sideline them into next season.Ducks general manager Bob Murray disclosed the problems Thursday while the Ducks packed up for the summer...

AP Hockey WriterNo-name Penguins defense faces unheralded Predators centersBy STEPHEN WHYNOThe star centers and no-name defense of the Pittsburgh Penguins. The standout defensemen and unheralded centers of the Nashville Predators.The Stanley Cup Final is full of intriguing matchups, with Game 1 coming up Monday night in Pittsburgh.Pittsburgh goes for...

The Latest: Alfredsson stepping down as Senators adviserBy The Associated PressThe Latest on the first day of NHL free agency (all times ET):3:50 p.m.Daniel Alfredsson is stepping down as Ottawa Senators senior adviser of hockey operations, saying he has decided to take a break from the game and evaluate...

Coyotes hire Craig Cunningham as pro scoutGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) The Arizona Coyotes have hired Craig Cunningham as a pro scout and say he will assist with player development.General manager John Chayka announced the two-year contract Wednesday that allows Cunningham to remain in hockey.Cunningham collapsed on the ice with...