NHL

AP Hockey WriterCapitals Improvement: MacLellan plans on tweaks not overhaulBy STEPHEN WHYNOARLINGTON, Va. (AP) Brian MacLellan has the power to completely remake the Washington Capitals in the wake of another early playoff exit and he faces a salary-cap crunch that would justify it.The general manager doesn't expect anything...

The Winnipeg Jets have agreed to terms with defenseman Jacob Trouba on a $6 million, two-year deal, ending his long contract stalemate. The team announced the deal Monday. Trouba will count $3 million against the salary cap for the remainder of this season and next. He'll make a pro-rated $2.5 million...

AP Sports WriterDatsyuk leaving Red Wings to play in Russia-based KHLBy NOAH TRISTERWEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) Pavel Datsyuk is leaving the Detroit Red Wings at least a year earlier than they'd like - but with plenty of dazzling memories from 14 seasons in the NHL.The smooth-skating Russian...

Dubois, Blue Jackets beat Canadiens 4-3, sweep season seriesMONTREAL (AP) Pierre-Luc Dubois scored twice and added an assist to lift the Columbus Blue Jackets over the Montreal Canadiens 4-3 Sunday.Vladislav Gavrikov and Gustav Nyquist also scored as Columbus swept the season series. The Blue Jackets have picked up...

AP Hockey WriterColumbus hopes for Game 5 bounceback after historic collapseBy STEPHEN WHYNONo team in NHL history with a chance to win a playoff series had blown a three-goal lead in the final four minutes.Until the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday night.The Toronto Maple Leafs scored three goals in...

Associated PressToews, Kane lead Blackhawks past Blues in shootoutBy MATT CARLSONCHICAGO (AP) Despite staging a late comeback against the Chicago Blackhawks, the St. Louis Blues are still a point shy as they tried to climb into a tie for first place in the Central Division.Jonathan Toews scored the...

AP Hockey WriterOn the rebound: coaches Cassidy, Berube in Stanley Cup FinalBy STEPHEN WHYNOBruce Cassidy has come a long way from writing his first NHL practice plan on a napkin.Craig Berube hasn't changed a bit from the moment he was fired from his first NHL head coaching job.Two roads...

Penguins open Stanley Cup defense, beat Capitals in shootoutPITTSBURGH (AP) Pittsburgh began its defense of the Stanley Cup with a 3-2 victory over Washington on Thursday, with Phil Kessel beating Braden Holtby in the fourth round of the shootout for the winning tally.Kessel's wrist shot over Holtby's glove...

Sabres forward Kane injured during opener against MontrealBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Buffalo Sabres forward Evander Kane was taken to the hospital for evaluation after he slammed heavily into the end boards late in the second period of Buffalo's season-opening 4-1 loss to Montreal on Thursday night.Coach Dan Bylsma was...

AP Sports WriterDallas Stars fire Jim Montgomery for unprofessional conductBy SCHUYLER DIXONDALLAS (AP) The Dallas Stars fired second-year coach Jim Montgomery on Tuesday for what the team called unprofessional conduct.General manager Jim Nill said the Stars expect all employees to act with integrity and exhibit professional behavior while...

AP Hockey WriterDavidson named Rangers president after leaving Blue JacketsBy STEPHEN WHYNOJohn Davidson has been hired as president of the New York Rangers hours after leaving his post with the Columbus Blue Jackets.Davidson on Friday rejoined the organization he was synonymous with as a goaltender and a longtime broadcaster...

AP Sports WriterPreds reach 1st Western final in team history, ousting BluesBy TERESA M. WALKERNASHVILLE, Tennessee (AP) Ryan Johansen celebrated his game-winning goal with a windmill fist pump and the Nashville Predators finished off the rest of a thrilling third period with the standing-room only crowd on their...