NHL

AP Hockey WriterAP source: Eichel, Sabres negotiating potential 8-year dealBy JOHN WAWROWPITTSFORD, N.Y. (AP) A person familiar with negotiations tells The Associated Press the Buffalo Sabres and Jack Eichel are discussing a contract extension that could run the NHL maximum eight years.The person spoke on the condition of...

Assistant coach Paul MacLean leaves Ducks after 2 seasonsANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Assistant coach Paul MacLean and the Anaheim Ducks have mutually parted ways at the conclusion of his contract.The Ducks announced MacLean's departure after two seasons Thursday.MacLean was hired as an assistant to Bruce Boudreau in 2015, and...

Catfish tosser says he was 'dumb redneck with a bad idea'PITTSBURGH (AP) A Tennessee man is calling himself a ''dumb redneck with a bad idea'' after police filed charges against him for throwing a catfish onto the rink in Pittsburgh during the opening of the Stanley Cup Final.Police...

AP Hockey WriterRussian winger Zaripov cleared to pursue NHL contractBy STEPHEN WHYNORussian winger Danis Zaripov has been cleared to pursue an NHL contract after being banned by the Kontinental Hockey League and International Ice Hockey Federation for doping.Zaripov says in a statement released by his agent that he looks...

AP Hockey WriterAP Sources: Caps to host Leafs in outdoor game at NavyBy STEPHEN WHYNOTwo people with knowledge of the situation say the Washington Capitals and Toronto Maple Leafs will play an outdoor game at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, next season.The people spoke to The Associated Press...

AP Sports Writer"My record is Cups" - Malkin focused on titles, not stardomBy WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) Just about anywhere else in the NHL, Evgeni Malkin would be ''The Guy.''The captain. The unquestioned leader. The brightest star. The fulcrum around which to build a franchise.Yet he has found comfort,...

AP Hockey WriterOvechkin played through hamstring, knee injuries in playoffsBy STEPHEN WHYNOARLINGTON, Va. (AP) Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin played through hamstring and knee injuries that hampered him in the playoffs.Ovechkin said he felt something in his hamstring late in Game 3 of the second-round series against the...

The Latest: 650,000 celebrate at Penguins Stanley Cup paradePITTSBURGH (AP) The Latest on the parade celebrating the Pittsburgh Penguins' Stanley Cup championship (all times local):1:45 p.m.The Pittsburgh Penguins' Stanley Cup victory parade and rally drew an estimated 650,000 people downtown. Not bad for a city that, officially, has...

Predators captain Fisher retires after 17 seasons in NHLNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Nashville Predators forward Mike Fisher has announced his retirement, a move that means the defending Stanley Cup finalists must select a new captain.The 37-year-old Fisher said in a letter to Predators fans that ''this is the hardest...

Predators left surprised, determined by Johansen's injuryANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) The Nashville Predators say they were stunned by the loss of top scorer Ryan Johansen to a season-ending thigh injury after Game 4 of the Western Conference finals.They also won't allow his absence to stop their quest for the...

AP Sports WriterPredators sign C Ryan Johansen to 8-year, $64 million dealBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Nashville Predators have signed top center Ryan Johansen to an eight-year, $64 million contract, the largest deal the franchise has ever handed out.General manager David Poile announced the deal Friday.Poile...

AP Hockey WriterRangers, Brendan Smith agree to $17M, 4-year dealBy STEPHEN WHYNOWASHINGTON (AP) The New York Rangers have agreed to terms on a $17 million, four-year deal with Brendan Smith.The defenseman will count $4.35 million against the salary cap in each season of the new contract.General manager Jeff...