NHL

AP Hockey WriterMixed feelings around hockey about holding NHL draft earlyBy STEPHEN WHYNOThe NFL's success virtually drafting players and uncertainty surrounding the hockey this season have led to the possibility of the NHL holding its draft before awarding the Stanley CupAP Photo transref:NYDD201, transref:NYDD202, transref:NY172Eds: UPDATES: With AP Photos.By...

Restricted free-agent forward Kyle Connor re-signs with JetsWINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) The Winnipeg Jets re-signed restricted free-agent forward Kyle Connor on Saturday to a seven-year, $50 million deal.Connor's deal carries an average annual value of $7.14 million.The 22-year-old Connor was the final player general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff needed to...

Associated PressKeller's two goals, big 1st period send Coyotes past FlyersBy JOSE M. ROMEROGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Clayton Keller scored twice, including one during a three-goal first period by the Arizona Coyotes in a 6-2 romp over the Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday night.Arizona set a season high for goals...

Blues goalie Jordan Binnington no longer flies under radarTORONTO (AP) Jordan Binnington used to fly under the radar during his summer training.But after a head-turning, seemingly-out-of-nowhere rookie season capped by a Stanley Cup victory, those days are long gone for the St. Louis Blues goalie.''It happened quickly, but...

Bouchard gets 1st goal, Oilers beat Capitals 4-1EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) The Edmonton Oilers got a signature early-season victory - and not just because it came against the defending Stanley Cup champions.Rookie Evan Bouchard scored his first goal, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins had a goal and an assist and the Oilers...

CHICAGO (AP) The International Olympic Committee and hockey's governing body will have to make concessions before the NHL sends the world's best players to the Winter Games in South Korea next year, commissioner Gary Bettman said on Friday. ''As things stand today, you should assume we're not going,'' he said. Bettman...

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The injury-riddled Columbus Blue Jackets will be without forward Boone Jenner for one to two months because of a stress fracture in his back.The club placed Jenner on injured reserve Saturday and recalled center Sean Collins from its American Hockey League affiliate in Springfield, Massachusetts.Jenner...

Stepan scores in overtime, Coyotes beat Oilers 3-2EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) The Arizona Coyotes are off to an impressive start early in the season.Derek Stepan scored at 2:01 of overtime and the Arizona Coyotes beat the Edmonton Oilers 3-2 on Monday night.Stepan took a feed from Nick Schmaltz and...

Kuznetsov game-time decision for Game 3 of Stanley Cup FinalWASHINGTON (AP) Evgeny Kuznetsov is a game-time decision to play for the Capitals in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.Washington's leading scorer in the playoffs left Wednesday's Game 2 clutching his left arm...

AP Sports WriterSidney Crosby has highlight-reel goal, milestone assistBy WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) Sidney Crosby doesn't really have an explanation for how he does what he does. He just does it.So if you're looking for clarity on how the Pittsburgh Penguins star managed to knock a pass from Jake...

AP Hockey WriterBruins land Kase by trading Backes, 1st-round pick to DucksBy JOHN WAWROWDavid Backes no longer has to worry whether he’ll get another shot at playing in the NHL.The 35-year-old forward was freed from what Backes referred to as “purgatory” on Friday, when the Boston Bruins traded him...

Devils defenseman Andy Greene misses first game since 2012NEWARK, N.J. (AP) New Jersey Devils captain Andy Greene is missing his first regular-season game since 2012.The 34-year-old defenseman sustained an upper-body injury in the Devils' game at Carolina on Tuesday night, when he was struck on the left wrist...