NHL

AP Hockey WriterCap's Alex Ovechkin finished playoffs with lower-body injuryBy STEPHEN WHYNOWashington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin finished the playoffs playing through a lower-body injury that required pain-numbing injections.The Russian Hockey Federation announced the injury Thursday, saying Ovechkin would not be able to play at the world championships in Europe...

AP Hockey WriterBruins prospect Linus Arnesson to return to play in SwedenBy JOHN WAWROWBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney says prospect defenseman Linus Arnesson is returning to play in his native Sweden to rediscover his game after an injury-plagued season in the minors.Sweeney says the...

AP Hockey WriterJagr, Kovalchuk among questions left in busy NHL free agencyBy STEPHEN WHYNOA busy weekend to kick off NHL free agency has left a few prominent players still looking for landing spots and teams still needing to fill some holes.The leftover list is a who's who of stars...

Predators re-sign Arvidsson to $29.75 million, 7-year dealNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Nashville Predators are making sure they keep Viktor Arvidsson around, re-signing the forward who made the second-biggest scoring jump in the NHL with a seven-year deal worth $29.75 million.General manager David Poile announced the deal Saturday night...

Fisher rejoins Predators at practice, questionable for FinalNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Predators captain Mike Fisher said Thursday he feels a lot better and his goal is to be available during the Stanley Cup Final that begins next week.Fisher skated for the first time with his teammates since being injured...

Draisaitl helps Oilers rout Ducks 7-1 to force Game 7EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) The Edmonton Oilers bounced back from a tough loss in the last game with a resounding win, and put the pressure on the Anaheim Ducks.Leon Draisaitl had three goals and two assists, Mark Letestu added two...

AP Hockey WriterLaviolette, Sullivan meet in 1st all-US coaches Cup FinalBy STEPHEN WHYNOHockey history will be made for American coaches in the Stanley Cup Final.The Cup has been handed out 89 times to the champion of the NHL since 1927. For the first time, two American coaches will face...

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...

Predators captain Fisher retires after 17 seasons in NHLNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Nashville Predators forward Mike Fisher has retired in what he calls the hardest decision he's had to make, leaving the defending Stanley Cup finalists in need of a new captain.The 37-year-old Fisher said in a letter to...

Wild, Granlund agree to 3-year, $17.24 million contractMINNEAPOLIS (AP) The Minnesota Wild have agreed to terms with standout forward Mikael Granlund on a three-year, $17.25 million contract.The Wild announced the deal Tuesday with the restricted free agent, whose 69 points last season ranked tied for fourth in franchise...