NHL

Associated PressDevils open training camp with sense of excitementBy JIM HAGUENEWARK, N.J. (AP) As the New Jersey Devils arrived for the start of training camp Thursday, there was a sense of optimism for the first time in a while.The Devils were 44-29-9 last season and finished with 97...

Kraken hire Everett Fitzhugh as club's first broadcasterSEATTLE (AP) The Seattle Kraken have hired Everett Fitzhugh as the club's first broadcaster, the team announced Friday.Fitzhugh is believed to be the first Black team broadcaster hired by an NHL franchise. He has spent the past five seasons as the...

LA Kings suspends mascot after sexual harassment lawsuitLOS ANGELES (AP) The Los Angeles Kings have suspended the man who performs as the ice hockey team's mascot after a sexual harassment lawsuit was filed against him.The team suspended Tim Smith, who portrays Bailey the lion and is the senior...

AP Sports WriterBobrovsky comes back strong in Blue Jackets' playoff chaseBy MITCH STACYCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Through an odd, erratic season for the Columbus Blue Jackets, nobody has had a bumpier ride than star goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.A high-profile contract issue, a slump, a disciplinary suspension and a humiliating healthy...

AP Sports WriterBobrovsky says he came to Florida to win the Stanley CupBy TIM REYNOLDSSUNRISE, Fla. (AP) Sergei Bobrovsky already has two Vezina Trophies, the award handed out at the end of each season to the NHL's top goaltender.He's not looking for a third.For the Florida Panthers' new...

Sabres sign F Johansson to 2-year dealBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Marcus Johansson has signed a two-year contract with Buffalo, giving new Sabres coach Ralph Krueger another option for his lines.Johansson played for New Jersey and Boston last season, finishing with 13 goals and 17 assists in 58 games. The...

AP Hockey WriterNHL primes pump for future talent with transfer feesBy STEPHEN WHYNOWhen Rasmus Dahlin put pen to paper on his first NHL contract, the reverberations carried to Gothenburg and Lidkoping in his native Sweden.The No. 1 overall pick signing with the Buffalo Sabres earned Sweden more than $250,000...

AP Sports WriterToews hoping renewed focus on athleticism improves gameBy JAY COHENCHICAGO (AP) Coming off perhaps the worst season of his career, Jonathan Toews sees only one way forward.Learn from the past. Apply those lessons to right now. Relish every moment.It's just that simple. In the wake of...

D Jan Rutta agrees to 1-year deal with Chicago BlackhawksCHICAGO (AP) The Chicago Blackhawks have agreed to a one-year deal with Czech defenseman Jan Rutta.The 26-year-old Rutta set career highs with 24 assists and 32 points in 46 games with the Czech Extraliga's Pirati Chomutov. He also played...

AP Sports WriterWith Laviolette, Preds find offensive payoff in postseasonBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Three years ago, general manager David Poile let the only coach the Predators had ever known in Barry Trotz leave and hired Peter Laviolette to inject more offense into the Nashville lineup.The payoff...

AP Hockey WriterDefending champion Capitals have almost no camp competitionBy STEPHEN WHYNOARLINGTON, Va. (AP) While smiles are in high supply at training camp for the defending Stanley Cup champion Washington Capitals, open jobs are not.Returning 18 of 20 the players who dressed in their Cup-clinching victory, the Capitals...

Associated PressKeller's two goals, big 1st period send Coyotes past FlyersBy JOSE M. ROMEROGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) A three-game skid didn't damage the Arizona Coyotes' spirits, and the team has responded with three straight wins.Now they'll try to stay upbeat with goalie Antti Raanta perhaps headed to the shelf.Clayton...