NHL

AP Sports WriterSchmaltz looking to take next step with BlackhawksBy JAY COHENCHICAGO (AP) While the Chicago Blackhawks tumbled into last place last season, Nick Schmaltz showed off the flashy skills that made him a first-round pick in 2014.Another step forward for the center might have more to do...

Penguins coach Sullivan taking leave after father's deathPITTSBURGH (AP) Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan is taking a leave of absence to be with his family following the death of his father, George.The Penguins said George Sullivan, 81, passed away on Saturday in Scituate, Massachusetts.Assistant coach Jacques Martin will...

AP Hockey WriterNHL clears Capitals on trading, signing Orpik after buyoutBy STEPHEN WHYNOARLINGTON, Va. (AP) The NHL questioned the Washington Capitals about re-signing Brooks Orpik after trading him to Colorado and cleared the Stanley Cup champions of any wrongdoing.General manager Brian MacLellan said the league questioned the Capitals...

AP Hockey WriterNHL clears Capitals on trading, signing Orpik after buyoutBy STEPHEN WHYNOARLINGTON, Va. (AP) The NHL questioned the Washington Capitals about re-signing Brooks Orpik after trading him to Colorado and cleared the Stanley Cup champions of any wrongdoing.General manager Brian MacLellan said the league questioned the Capitals...

AP Sports WriterG Corey Crawford skates before Chicago's first practiceBy JAY COHENCHICAGO (AP) Corey Crawford is skating again. The Stanley Cup-winning goaltender hasn't been cleared for practice just yet, but he thinks he is close.Now about those defensemen for the Chicago Blackhawks.While Crawford delivered a positive update Friday...

AP Hockey WriterNHL clears Capitals on trading, signing Orpik after buyoutBy STEPHEN WHYNOARLINGTON, Va. (AP) The NHL questioned the Washington Capitals about re-signing Brooks Orpik after trading him to Colorado and cleared the Stanley Cup champions of any wrongdoing.General manager Brian MacLellan says the league put the Capitals...

AP Sports WriterYouthful Rangers focused on getting better after changesBy VIN A. CHERWOOGREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) Chris Kreider and the New York Rangers have put last season's struggles behind and are just focusing on trying to get better.''Show up and compete every single day,'' Kreider said Friday as players...

Associated PressCrosby, Penguins return from long summerBy WES CROSBYCRANBERRY, Pa. (AP) Sidney Crosby has been back in Pittsburgh for a few weeks, participating in several informal practices while his Penguins teammates returned from an unusually long offseason. Still, the first day of training camp felt different Friday.''It's always...

AP Sports WriterPanthers open training camp, with Bill Torrey still in mindBy TIM REYNOLDSCORAL SPRINGS, Fla. (AP) The first day of Florida Panthers training camp is always roughly the same: Plenty of players on the ice, plenty of hope for the new season, a bit of organized chaos.Day...

AP Sports WriterBlackhawks defensemen Murphy, Seabrook out with injuriesBy JAY COHENCHICAGO (AP) Chicago's Connor Murphy will miss the start of the season with a back injury and fellow Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook is out with an abdominal injury.Team physician Dr. Michael Terry says Murphy will be sidelined for...

AP Sports WriterBlackhawks defensemen Murphy, Seabrook out with injuriesBy JAY COHENCHICAGO (AP) Chicago's Connor Murphy will miss the start of the season with a back injury and fellow Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook is out with an abdominal injury.Team physician Dr. Michael Terry says Murphy will be sidelined for...

AP Hockey WriterRed Wings, Henrik Zetterberg say his playing career is overBy LARRY LAGEDETROIT (AP) The Detroit Red Wings and Henrik Zetterberg say his professional hockey career is over due to a back injury.The team and Zetterberg made the announcement Friday at the team's training camp in Traverse...