NHL

AP Hockey WriterLightning face Blue Jackets in 1st-round NHL playoff rematchBy JOHN WAWROWTORONTO (AP) As if forward Alex Killorn and the Tampa Bay Lightning needed yet another reminder of last year's monumental playoff collapse in preparing to open the first round Tuesday.The ever-stingy, John Tortorella-coached Columbus Blue Jackets...

AP Hockey WriterPens appreciate now-Coyotes coach Tocchet's role in Cup winsBy STEPHEN WHYNOWhen Rick Tocchet returns to Pittsburgh, he will see another Stanley Cup banner in the rafters and be celebrated for his part in earning it.Tocchet doesn't plan on reminiscing too much about the Penguins' back-to-back titles, except...

Vancouver signs defenseman Alex Edler to 2-year extensionVANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) Defenseman Alex Edler has signed a two-year extension with the Vancouver Canucks at an average salary of $6 million.The 33-year-old Swede had 10 goals and 24 assists in 56 games last season. In 13 seasons with the...

Associated PressPietrangelo scores twice as Blues beat Maple Leafs 6-4By JOE HARRISST. LOUIS (AP) Alex Pietrangelo is off to an outstanding start. Same for the St. Louis Blues.Pietrangelo scored twice, Brayden Schenn had four assists and the Blues beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-4 on Saturday night.Vladimir Tarasenko,...

Sharks to buy out final year of defenseman Martin's contractSAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) The San Jose Sharks have placed defenseman Paul Martin on unconditional waivers with the intention to buy out the remaining season of the 14-year NHL veteran's contact.In announcing the decision Friday, general manager Doug Wilson...

Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa practiced Thursday after taking a forearm to the back of the head from the Vancouver Canucks' Jannik Hansen, and coach Joel Quenneville said Hossa could play Friday against the San Jose Sharks. "I thought he felt much better today," Quenneville said. "He said he felt...

AP Hockey WriterNHL's top prospect says he is overcoming 2 hernia injuriesBy JOHN WAWROWBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Center Nolan Patrick says a misdiagnosis of a sports hernia injury contributed to the NHL's top-ranked draft prospect missing more than half of last season.Patrick had surgery to repair one side of...

Associated PressSimmonds' late goal lifts Flyers over struggling Oilers, 2-1By MIKE CRANSTONPHILADELPHIA (AP) Wayne Simmonds expects to lose some teeth in the next few days. On Saturday, he suited up and ensured the Philadelphia Flyers wouldn't lose a game.Wearing a guard to protect his sore mouth after taking...

Jeff Zatkoff injures groin at morning skate for LA KingsLOS ANGELES (AP) The Los Angeles Kings placed goalie Jeff Zatkoff on injured reserve Saturday after he hurt his groin during a morning skate, setting in motion a chain of events that will force the Kings' top minor league...

Kings agree with coach Darryl Sutter on contract extensionLOS ANGELES (AP) The Los Angeles Kings and coach Darryl Sutter have agreed to a multiyear contract extension that begins in the fall.The two-time Stanley Cup champion coach reached an agreement that is reportedly for two more seasons with an...

AP Hockey WriterCaps' Ovechkin and Kuznetsov inspire Russian players, fansBy STEPHEN WHYNOWASHINGTON (AP) Alex Ovechkin knows the Washington Capitals have plenty of fans back in Russia.''Over there lots of friends, lots of people watch the games,'' Ovechkin said of his countrymen. ''It's been huge.''He is also huge in...

Associated PressNolan Patrick expected to practice with Flyers on MondayBy MIKE CRANSTONPHILADELPHIA (AP) Flyers rookie Nolan Patrick is nearing a return from a lengthy absence due to a suspected concussion.General manager Ron Hextall said Saturday he hopes the No. 2 pick in this year's draft will be able...