NHL

AP Hockey WriterBlues geared up for challenge of being defending championsBy STEPHEN WHYNOJordan Binnington still doesn't look nervous.For the first time in his career, he is going into a season as a starting NHL goaltender and for the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues. No big deal.''It's the...

AP Hockey WriterBlackhawks' Caggiula suspended for Game 2 vs. OilersBy STEPHEN WHYNOChicago forward Drake Caggiula was suspended by the NHL on Sunday for Game 2 of the Blackhawks' qualifying round series against the Oilers for an illegal check to the head of Edmonton's Tyler Ennis.The hit occurred in the...

Associated PressCrawford lead Blackhawks to 1st win, 3-1 over OilersBy MATT CARLSONCHICAGO (AP) Patrick Kane and Alexander Nylander scored, Corey Crawford stopped 27 shots, and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 Monday night for their first win of the season.Brandon Saad added an empty-netter with 32.7...

Sens GM Dorion says Boucher was first choice to fill vacancyOTTAWA, Ontario (AP) Pierre Dorion said he knew he had found the next Ottawa Senators head coach after his first meeting with Guy Boucher.The new Senators GM said Boucher was the first candidate he interviewed for the position...

AP Sports WriterBruins return to ice; honor player, coach and GM SchmidtBy JIMMY GOLENBOSTON (AP) Boston said goodbye to the man called ''the ultimate Bruin.''The hockey club observed ''a moment of celebration and applause'' for Milt Schmidt before its game against the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night, a...

AP Sports WriterTavares and who else? Top names to watch in NHL free agencyBy LARRY LAGEThe NHL's best rarely make it to free agency.Teams tend to re-sign their top players, keeping them off the market and on their rosters. That leaves a slew of solid veterans and journeymen available...

Ducks re-sign D Sami Vatanen for 4 years, $19.5 millionANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Defenseman Sami Vatanen has re-signed with the Anaheim Ducks, agreeing to a four-year, $19.5 million deal.The Ducks retained the restricted free agent Saturday.Vatanen had nine goals and a career-high 29 assists last season. The aggressive, puck-moving...

Avalanche sign defenseman Mark Alt to a 2-year dealDENVER (AP) The Colorado Avalanche have signed defenseman Mark Alt to a two-year deal.The team claimed the 26-year-old off waivers from Philadelphia on Feb. 26. He played in seven games for Colorado during the regular season but didn't play in...

Predators sign Rem Pitlick to two-year, entry-level contractNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Nashville Predators have signed forward Rem Pitlick to a two-year, entry-level contract.Pitlick, who is 5-foot-9 and 196 pounds, just finished his junior season at the University of Minnesota. The 21-year-old collected 21 goals and 24 assists for...

Frolik scores twice, leads Flames past Bruins 5-2CALGARY, Alberta (AP) Michael Frolik went from healthy scratch to catalyst for the Calgary Flames.Frolik scored two goals to lead the Flames to a 5-2 victory over the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night.''It feels good when you can help the team...

AP Hockey WriterJeremy Roenick won't return to NBC Sports after suspensionBy STEPHEN WHYNOJeremy Roenick will not be returning to NBC Sports after his suspension for making inappropriate comments about coworkers.A network spokesman confirmed to The Associated Press on Wednesday that Roenick will not be back on the air. The...

AP Hockey WriterGoalapalooza: Offense coming from everywhere around NHLBy STEPHEN WHYNOAlain Nasreddine watched New York Rangers defensemen go to the front of the net and hang out below the goal line.It wasn't like this back in his playing days.Nasreddine scored one goal in 74 NHL games as a defenseman...