NHL

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,...

AP Hockey WriterBettman: Next NHL season could start in December or JanuaryBy STEPHEN WHYNOEDMONTON, Alberta (AP) Commissioner Gary Bettman said Saturday he wouldn't be surprised if the next NHL season begins after the tentatively planned Dec. 1 start date.In his annual pre-Stanley Cup Final news conference, Bettman said...

The Latest: Vegas, Capitals tied 4-4 late in Cup openerLAS VEGAS (AP) The Latest on Game 1 of the Stanley Cup between the Washington Capitals and Vegas Golden Knights (all times local):7:35 p.m.Vegas and Washington are putting on a show in the Stanley Cup Final opener.Tom Wilson put...

CHICAGO (AP) Chicago's Patrick Kane scored a spectacular tiebreaking goal in the second period and the Blackhawks beat Montreal 3-2 on Sunday, handing the NHL-leading Canadiens just their second regulation loss of the season. The Blackhawks maintained their six-point lead in the Central Division, while Pacific Division leader Edmonton missed...

AP Sports WriterOld cogs, new tricks? Penguins eye reboot after flameoutBy WILL GRAVESCRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, Pa. (AP) The Pittsburgh Penguins began the franchise’s longest offseason in more than a decade with general manager Jim Rutherford talking about the need for its stars to get past the complacency he feared...

Judge denies request to block funding tied to Detroit arenaDETROIT (AP) A judge has denied a request to block some public funding for Little Caesars Arena and the Detroit Pistons' move from the suburbs.U.S. District Court Judge Mark Goldsmith issued his decision late Monday, saying a requested injunction...

CHICAGO (AP) - Pekka Rinne watched one more hard-fought night end with the rookie goaltender in the other net stealing the headlines.But after the biggest win of his brief career, the Blackhawks' Scott Darling did his best to share the credit.''Credit Rinne,'' he said after teammate Brent Seabrook beat...

AP Sports WriterBruins retiring jersey of NHL barrier breaker Willie O'ReeBy KYLE HIGHTOWERBOSTON (AP) More than 60 years after he broke the NHL's color barrier, Willie O'Ree will soon add another milestone to his career.The Boston Bruins announced Tuesday that O'Ree will have his No. 22 jersey retired...

AP Sports WriterCoyotes sign Ekman-Larsson to 8-year extensionBy JOHN MARSHALLGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) The Arizona Coyotes have undergone massive changes in recent years, parting ways with key players while overhauling their roster.Defenseman Oliver Ekman Larsson has been the one constant and he's going to be in the desert a...

After big improvement, Leafs wary of rising expectationsTORONTO (AP) Lou Lamoriello described the Maple Leafs' season as a ''step'' and nothing more.''It's a step and then now it's our job to convince the players that it's only a step,'' Toronto's general manager said. ''It's going to get more...

Ashes of late NHL enforcer Bob Probert spread in penalty boxDETROIT (AP) Late Red Wings enforcer Bob Probert has been given a little more time in the penalty box at Detroit's Joe Louis Arena.Probert's widow, Dani, sprinkled some of the forward's ashes in the box on Sunday, when...

AP Sports WriterOvechkin, Capitals headed to Stanley Cup Final vs. VegasBy FRED GOODALLTAMPA, Fla. (AP) Alex Ovechkin is thrilled, though hardly satisfied.The Washington Capitals star is headed to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in his 13-year career, eager to put more distance between the Eastern...