NHL

AP Hockey WriterSkinner focused on present in Buffalo rather than futureBy JOHN WAWROWBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Jeff Skinner knows how much the Sabres and their playoff-starved fans want him to stay in Buffalo beyond this season.''Ha, ha, I've heard,'' the forward memorably said with a laugh in December. ''I'm...

AP Sports WriterHot streak helps Hurricanes surge into playoff contentionBy JOEDY McCREARYRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) The Carolina Hurricanes have skated their way out of being tied for last place into playoff contention - all in just six weeks.They have been the NHL's best team since Dec. 30, going 14-5-1...

Associated PressDucks top Canucks 1-0 in Murray's debut to end losing streakBy DAN GREENSPANANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Kevin Boyle made 35 saves in his first career start and the Anaheim Ducks beat the Vancouver Canucks 1-0 Wednesday night in general manager Bob Murray's first game as interim coach.Jakob Silfverberg...

Associated PressDucks top Canucks 1-0 in Murray's debut to end losing streakBy DAN GREENSPANANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Kevin Boyle made 35 saves in his first career start and the Anaheim Ducks beat the Vancouver Canucks 1-0 Wednesday night in general manager Bob Murray's first game as interim coach.Jakob Silfverberg...

AP Sports WriterNHL goalies do best to prepare for unexpected, unpredictableBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) NHL goaltenders prepare for the unexpected and unpredictable, ready for pucks deflecting off sticks, bodies, feet or even a divot in the ice past all the gear designed to help defend their...

Associated PressArizona hands Vegas fourth straight home loss in 5-2 winBy W.G. RAMIREZLAS VEGAS (AP) Nick Cousins said he ''couldn't put a finger on'' why teams are playing better in Las Vegas this season.Nor does he care.Cousins scored his first game-winning goal of the season and goaltender Darcy...

AP Sports WriterKadri, Kapanen score 22 seconds apart as Leafs beat Avs 5-2By PAT GRAHAMDENVER (AP) The Toronto Maple Leafs had one powerful surge against Colorado, and it came from their re-energized power play.Nazem Kadri and Kasperi Kapanen scored power-play goals 22 seconds apart in the second period,...

Associated PressArizona hands Vegas fourth straight home loss in 5-2 winBy W.G. RAMIREZLAS VEGAS (AP) Nick Cousins scored his first game-winning goal of the season and goaltender Darcy Kuemper made 41 saves to lead the Arizona Coyotes to a 5-2 victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Tuesday...

Associated PressVan Riemsdyk scores twice as Flyers top Wild 5-4By PATRICK DONNELLYST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Coming off a tough loss, a two-hour flight and a miserable first period, the Philadelphia Flyers did what they've been doing for the last five weeks. They won.James van Riemsdyk scored two goals,...

AP Sports WriterCrosby, Penguins trip up McDavid, Oilers 3-1By WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) Matt Murray robbed Connor McDavid on a penalty shot for one of his 38 saves and the Pittsburgh Penguins beat the struggling Edmonton Oilers 3-1 on Wednesday night.Murray's acrobatic stop on McDavid late in the second...

AP Sports WriterPredators need help beyond top line after 3-game skidBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Nashville Predators' sizzling 13-3 start to the season is a distant memory. The defending Presidents Trophy winners have lost three straight and seven of the last 11 on their home ice...

AP Sports WriterNHL goalies do best to defend the unpredictable at netBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) NHL goaltenders prepare for the unpredictable, ready for pucks deflecting off sticks, bodies, feet or a divot in the ice, past all the gear designed to help defend their net.The freaky,...