NHL

NHL criticizes reduction of suspension for Predators' WatsonNEW YORK (AP) The NHL is criticizing an arbitrator's decision to reduce the suspension of Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson, who pleaded no contest in July to a domestic assault charge.Watson received a 27-game suspension from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman last...

The Montreal Canadiens and the Dallas Stars will both be gunning for a victory on Wednesday when they meet at American Airlines Center. Montreal Canadiens vs. Dallas Stars When: 8:00 PM  ET, Wednesday, January 4, 2017 Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas ROT TEAM PL OU ML 3 MONTREAL (-110)   4 DALLAS TV: 8 p.m. ET, Sportsnet, Sportsnet 360, RDS (Montreal), FSN Southwest...

Blues sign coach Craig Berube to 3-year contract extensionST. LOUIS (AP) The Blues signed coach Craig Berube to a three-year contract extension Tuesday after he led St. Louis to its first Stanley Cup championship in his first season in charge.The Blues were in last place at the start...

Predators' Watson suspended, in substance abuse programNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Predators forward Austin Watson, who began this season on suspension, has been suspended again as part of the NHL's substance abuse program.The NHL and NHL Players' Association announced Tuesday that Watson had been placed in Stage Two of the...

AP Hockey WriterVegas' Schmidt suspended for violating NHL's PED policyBy STEPHEN WHYNOVegas Golden Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt has been suspended for 20 games for violating the NHL's performance-enhancing substances policy.After the NHL announced the punishment on Sunday, Schmidt said he did not intentionally take a banned substance and ''will...

Paul Byron scores twice, Canadiens beat Oilers 4-1EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) Paul Byron scored twice and added an assist in the Montreal Canadiens' 4-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday night.Alex Galchenyuk and Max Pacioretty also scored, and Carey Price made 24 saves. The Canadiens have won seven...

Sean Couturier lifts Flyers past Maple Leafs in shootoutTORONTO (AP) Sean Couturier scored the shootout winner to give the Philadelphia Flyers a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night.Flyers captain Claude Giroux also scored in the shootout. William Nylander was the only successful Toronto shooter.Phillipe...

Edmonton names Ken Holland as GM, president of hockey opsEDMONTON, Alberta (AP) The Edmonton Oilers hired longtime Detroit Red Wings executive Ken Holland as their new general manager and president of hockey operations Tuesday.Holland takes over the struggling team from interim GM Keith Gretzky and one of his...

AP Hockey WritersFlames coach Bill Peters quits; accused of slurs, abuseBy JOHN WAWROW and STEPHEN WHYNOBill Peters resigned as coach of the Calgary Flames on Friday after allegedly making racist slurs at a Nigerian-born player in the minors and kicking and punching players behind the bench during his time...

NHLPA files appeal of Wilson's 20-game suspensionWASHINGTON (AP) The NHL Players' Association has filed an appeal on behalf of Tom Wilson after the Capitals forward was suspended 20 games for an illegal check to the head.The NHLPA announced the expected move Friday, which had to happen within 48...

Blue Jackets acquire center Matt Duchene from OttawaOTTAWA, Ontario (AP) The Columbus Blue Jackets acquired Matt Duchene from the Ottawa Senators on Friday in exchange for a 2019 first-round draft pick and two top prospects, adding a veteran center as they make a push for a playoff spot.The...

Golden Knights rout Canucks 9-4 in first preseason gameVANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) By the time the Elvis Presley impersonator singing tunes between whistles had left the building, the NHL's newest franchise was already well on its way to victory in its first exhibition game.Tyler Wong scored three times...