NHL

Hutchinson, Matthews lead Maple Leafs past Canucks 5-0TORONTO (AP) Just over a week ago, Michael Hutchinson was battling to get back in the NHL. Now, he's filling a key need for the Toronto Maple Leafs.Hutchinson stopped 28 shots for his first shutout in more than two years, Auston...

Ovechkin to skip All-Star Game, will be suspended 1 gameWASHINGTON (AP) Alex Ovechkin has decided to skip the All-Star Weekend in San Jose to get some extra rest and will serve an automatic one-game suspension.The Washington Capitals announced Ovechkin's decision Wednesday. The team says the league's leading goal-scorer...

AP Sports WriterBettman says he hasn't talked to Stars about Lites' commentsBy JAY COHENSOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said he hasn't reached out to the Dallas Stars about CEO Jim Lites' expletive-laced criticism of high-priced forwards Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin.Lites ripped Benn and Seguin...

AP Sports WriterCall it a comeback: No lead safe as late rallies on the riseBy PAT GRAHAMDENVER (AP) Don't be fooled: That third-period lead isn't so safe.Not this season, anyway. There's been quite a comeback for the comeback.The NHL has seen 110 third-period comeback wins spanning 611 games...

Associated PressArvidsson, Saros lead Predators past slumping Flyers 4-0By JIM DIAMONDNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Viktor Arvidsson's thumb and Juuse Saros' goalkeeping appear to be just fine for the Nashville Predators.Arvidsson scored twice, Saros made 32 saves and the Predators defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-0 Tuesday.Craig Smith and Rocco Grimaldi...

Associated PressPirri, Fleury lead Golden Knights to 2-0 win over KingsBy W.G. RAMIREZLAS VEGAS (AP) During his two-game stint with the Vegas Golden Knights last year, Brandon Pirri recognized the key to the team's success in its inaugural season was each player sticking to his role.In the seven...

AP Hockey WriterOvechkin to skip NHL All-Star Game, be suspended 1 gameBy STEPHEN WHYNOAlex Ovechkin will skip the NHL's All-Star Weekend in San Jose to get some extra rest and serve an automatic one-game suspension.The Washington Capitals announced Ovechkin's decision Wednesday, hours before the league unveiled the full All-Star...

Canadiens goalie Price set to return from lower-body injuryBROSSARD, Quebec (AP) Montreal Canadiens star goaltender Carey Price is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday night against the visiting Vancouver Canucks.But after missing the past three games with a lower-body injury, it's not certain whether Price will...

Canucks deal Nilsson, Archibald to SenatorsOTTAWA, Ontario (AP) The Vancouver Canucks traded goalie Anders Nilsson and minor-league winger Darren Archibald to the Ottawa Senators for netminder Mike McKenna, forward Tom Pyatt and a sixth-round pick in the 2019 draft on Wednesday.Nilsson, 28, had a 3-8-1 record with a...

Ovechkin to skip NHL All-Star Game, be suspended 1 gameWASHINGTON (AP) Alex Ovechkin will skip the All-Star Weekend in San Jose to get some extra rest and serve an automatic one-game suspension.The Washington Capitals announced Ovechkin's decision Wednesday. The team says the NHL's leading goal-scorer wants to take...

Ovechkin to skip NHL All-Star Game, be suspended 1 gameWASHINGTON (AP) Alex Ovechkin will skip the All-Star Weekend in San Jose to get some extra rest and serve an automatic one-game suspension.The Washington Capitals announced Ovechkin's decision Wednesday. The team says the NHL's leading goal-scorer wants to take...

Associated PressCrosby, Kessel keep Penguins rolling with 3-2 win over WildBy BRIAN HALLST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) Sidney Crosby and Phil Kessel are doing their part, continuing to pile up points for the Pittsburgh Penguins, but the team's goaltenders might have been the headlining act in a big December.Phil...