NHL

AP Sports WriterCouture scores 3 goals, Sharks beat Avs 4-2 in Game 3By PAT GRAHAMDENVER (AP) San Jose center Gustav Nyquist had a couple of special deliveries this week.On Monday, his wife gave birth to their first child. He rejoined the team Tuesday and assisted on Logan Couture...

AP Hockey Writer=Stamkos scores on first shot, Lightning lead Stars 2-1By STEPHEN WHYNOEDMONTON, Alberta (AP) - Steven Stamkos scored on his first shot since February, and the Tampa Bay Lightning lead the Dallas Stars 2-1 after one period of Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final on Wednesday night.The...

AP Hockey WriterAfter another strong season, Ducks again fail to reach goalsBy GREG BEACHAMANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) For all their talent and tenacity, the Anaheim Ducks just can't reach their postseason goals. Whether it's luck, tactics or some ineffable winning mentality, the Ducks haven't acquired it yet.One of the...

Buffalo Sabres defenseman Andrej Sekera has been ruled out against the Florida Panthers on Sunday because of a lower body injury. Coach Lindy Ruff said before the game that Sekera will miss at least a few days and potentially longer. Sekera was hurt Saturday, when he was struck in the leg...

AP Hockey WriterHart to tell: Crowded NHL MVP race has a dozen candidatesBy STEPHEN WHYNOTaylor Hall had just scored two more goals in another big New Jersey Devils victory when his general manager asked him a simple question.''I said, `Taylor, what'd you get tonight?''' Ray Shero recalled. ''He goes,...

Kane has goal, 3 assists in Blackhawks' 4-1 win over JetsWINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) Patrick Kane scored his 19th goal of the season and had three assists in the Chicago Blackhawks' 4-1 victory over the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday night.Robin Lehner made 36 saves, Alex Nylander had a goal...

AP Sports WriterCoyotes score 3 in the third period to beat Ducks 4-2By JOHN MARSHALLGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) The Arizona Coyotes got off to a fast start, gave up a goal late in the first period and found themselves trailing after a so-so second.Coach Rick Tocchet's message heading into...

CHICAGO (AP) The Blackhawks have recalled forward Bryan Bickell from Rockford of the American Hockey League.The physical winger was sent down Nov. 2 after he had no points in his first seven games of the season with Chicago. The 29-year-old Bickell had seven goals and seven assists in...

AP Hockey WriterDisappointing Game 7 loss leaves Flyers with major questionsBy STEPHEN WHYNOLong after being the hottest team in the NHL and resembling a Stanley Cup contender in February and March, Philadelphia won its first four games when hockey resumed as if it hadn't missed a beat.The Flyers earned...

Bruins' Marchand expected to play in Game 1 of Cup FinalBOSTON (AP) Brad Marchand is expected to play in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final despite leaving the Boston Bruins' morning skate early.Coach Bruce Cassidy says Marchand is good to go for the series opener against the...

The Latest: Vegas' Marchessault leaves after hit by WilsonLAS VEGAS (AP) The Latest on Game 1 of the Stanley Cup between the Washington Capitals and Vegas Golden Knights (all times local):7:50 p.m.Jonathan Marchessault, Vegas' leading scorer in the playoffs, walked off the ice and toward the Golden...

AP Hockey WriterAP Source: Sabres retain rights to Girgensons, LarssonBy JOHN WAWROWThe Buffalo Sabres have issued qualifying offers to their most high-profile restricted free agents, including forwards Zemgus Girgensons and Johan Larsson, a person with direct knowledge of the decisions tells The Associated Press.The Sabres also issued offers to...