NHL

Associated PressTkachuk has goal, assist in Sens' 4-1 win over RangersBy SCOTT CHARLESNEW YORK (AP) Brady Tkachuk had a goal and an assist and the Ottawa Senators earned a 4-1 win against the New York Rangers on Wednesday night.Bobby Ryan, Zack Smith and Brian Gibbons also scored while...

AP Hockey WriterKucherov making plenty of points for NHL's MVP considerationBy JOHN WAWROWConnor McDavid knows better than to risk making end-of-season NHL award projections.Through no fault of his own, the Edmonton Oilers captain was not included among last year's three MVP candidates, causing a stir back home. So McDavid...

Malkin closer to return as Penguins vie for playoffsPITTSBURGH (AP) Evgeni Malkin might be ready to get back to work. The Pittsburgh Penguins certainly need him.The veteran center practiced with his teammates on Wednesday and could be back in the lineup on Thursday night against Detroit. Malkin has...

AP Sports WriterPanthers goalie Luongo to turn 40, figure out what's nextBy TIM REYNOLDSSUNRISE, Fla. (AP) Roberto Luongo won 227 games during his 20s. He won 262 more games during his 30s.And now, his 40s await.Florida's veteran goalie - the oldest netminder and third-oldest player to appear in...

AP Hockey WriterKucherov making plenty of points for NHL's MVP considerationBy JOHN WAWROWConnor McDavid knows better than to risk making end-of-season NHL award projections.Through no fault of his own, the Edmonton Oilers captain was not included among last year's three MVP candidates, causing a stir back home. So McDavid...

AP Hockey WriterJets' Laine evolves from sublime scorer to all-around playerBy STEPHEN WHYNOPatrik Laine tossed sports drinks to his teammates in the locker room and received plenty of barbs in return.Laine led the Winnipeg Jets with 44 goals last season, but on this day in practice he was on...

Associated PressKings hurt Coyotes' wild-card chances with 3-1 winBy JOSE M. ROMEROGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) An impressive performance by Jack Campbell helped the lowly Los Angeles Kings push the Arizona Coyotes to the brink of elimination from the Western Conference playoff race.Campbell made a career-high 49 saves and Trevor...

AP Sports WriterStars clinch 1st playoff trip since 2016, beating Flyers 6-2By SCHUYLER DIXONDALLAS (AP) Jamie Benn gave a brief nod to Tyler Seguin after sharing a big smile with goalie Anton Khudobin.A trying season for the Dallas captain will continue in the playoffs.The Stars clinched their first...

AP Sports WriterDeBrusk helps Bruins rout Blue Jackets 6-2By MITCH STACYCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Jake DeBrusk and the Boston Bruins are looking to build some momentum heading into the playoffs.The Columbus Blue Jackets are just trying to get into the postseason right now.Boston beat Columbus 6-2 on Tuesday night,...

AP Sports WriterDeBrusk helps Bruins rout Blue Jackets 6-2By MITCH STACYCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Jake DeBrusk and the Boston Bruins bolstered their chance for home-ice advantage for the first round of the playoffs.The Columbus Blue Jackets are just trying to get into the postseason right now.Boston beat Columbus 6-2...

Watson to return to Predators for 1st time since suspensionBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson is returning to the lineup for the first time since he was suspended by the NHL more than two months ago for alcohol abuse.Coach Peter Laviolette announced Watson will play in...

Red Wings, Blashill agree on 2-year contract extensionDETROIT (AP) The Detroit Red Wings announced a two-year contract extension with coach Jeff Blashill on Tuesday, giving their young leader a vote of confidence in a rebuild that will now include a third straight year without a playoff berth after...