NHL

AP Sports WriterGM: Hurricanes 'capable' of finally making playoffsBy JOEDY McCREARYRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) The Carolina Hurricanes figure they look like a playoff team on paper. They're eager to find out if that translates to the ice.After missing the postseason for the eighth straight year - the longest active...

Coyotes acquire Demers from Panthers for McGinnGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) The Arizona Coyotes acquired defenseman Jason Demers from the Florida Panthers on Sunday for forward Jamie McGinn.The 29-year-old Demers had nine goals and 19 assists in 81 regular-season games for the Panthers last season. He has 37 goals and...

AP Hockey WriterRest of NHL aims to prevent Penguins Stanley Cup three-peatBy STEPHEN WHYNOEach time Seth Jones felt like the Columbus Blue Jackets were dominating, the Pittsburgh Penguins went down the ice and scored. The series was over fast.T.J. Oshie knows the feeling because the Penguins did it to...

AP Sports WriterWilliams, 'Canes open training camp with sense of optimismBy JOEDY McCREARYRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) Justin Williams zipped up and down the ice with the Carolina Hurricanes - just like old times.For the player known as ''Mr. Game 7,'' mark down Practice 1 as a success.Williams went through...

AP Hockey WriterSabres' Jack Eichel focused on hockey, not contract talksBy JOHN WAWROWBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Buffalo Sabres center Jack Eichel is focused on taking on a larger leadership role, and not concerning himself with contract talks.Eichel says both sides know where they stand in negotiations. He adds if...

AP Hockey WriterOilers, Maple Leafs lead NHL's Canadian revivalBy STEPHEN WHYNOThe NHL's two most dynamic stars under 21 play there, and it's the home of five playoff teams from last season and potentially more this year.Oh, Canada, home of some pretty good hockey.Connor McDavid and Auston Matthews are at...

AP Hockey WriterNHL Players to Watch: Sabres Eichel has plenty to proveBy JOHN WAWROWSabres center Jack Eichel isn't mincing words when assessing his first two NHL seasons.''Actually, I think I've proven nothing,'' the 20-year-old face of the franchise said before bluntly outlining his lack of accomplishments.''If you look at...

AP Hockey WriterHockey broadcaster Dave Strader dies of cancer at 62By STEPHEN WHYNODave Strader, the hockey broadcaster known affectionately as ''The Voice,'' has died after battling bile duct cancer for more than a year. He was 62.The Dallas Stars said Strader died Sunday at his home in Glens Falls,...

AP Hockey WriterHockey broadcaster Dave Strader dies of cancer at 62By STEPHEN WHYNODave Strader, the hockey broadcaster known affectionately as ''The Voice,'' has died after battling bile duct cancer for more than a year. He was 62.The Dallas Stars said Strader died Sunday at his home in Glens Falls,...

AP Sports WriterCoyotes captain Shane Doan calls it a careerBy JOHN MARSHALLGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Arizona Coyotes captain Shane Doan is retiring after 21 seasons with the same franchise.The Coyotes announced Doan's retirement on Wednesday.The 40-year-old Doan is the franchise's all-time leader in nearly every category, finishing his career...

AP Sports WriterAs Wild camp begins, Parise injured but 'not overly serious'By DAVE CAMPBELLST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Minnesota Wild training camp began with one notable absence: Zach Parise.He's being held off the ice for now because of a back injury, his status considered day to day. Coach Bruce...

Calgary Flames sign forward Sam Bennett to 2-year contractCALGARY, Alberta (AP) The Calgary Flames signed forward Sam Bennett to a two-year contract Wednesday with an annual average value of $1.95 million.The 21-year-old Bennett had 13 goals and 13 assists in 81 regular-season games last season, and added two...