NHL

AP Sports WriterNHL All-Star Game returns to thriving Tampa Bay marketBy FRED GOODALLTAMPA, Fla. (AP) The NHL All-Star game is being played in Tampa Bay for the first time since Wayne Gretzky made his last appearance in the showcase and many still questioned whether the league could prosper...

Coyotes sign defenseman Oesterle to 2-year extensionGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) The Arizona Coyotes have signed defenseman Jordan Oesterle to a two-year contract extension through the 2020-21 season.Terms of the deal announced Wednesday were not disclosed.The 26-year-old Oesterle has a career-best 20 points with six goals in 51 games this...

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...

AP Hockey WriterStanley Cup Faceoff: Stars, Lightning showing value of drawsBy STEPHEN WHYNOEDMONTON, Alberta (AP) When Ron Francis knew something was working on faceoffs, he would experiment and not use his best moves right away.That was usually during the regular season. In the playoffs and in the Stanley...

Oilers overcome melting ice, Jets to win 3-0WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) Edmonton had to sit through a two-hour delay due to melting ice in the outdoor game at Winnipeg, and then recorded a 3-0 win over the Jets on Sunday.Cam Talbot made 31 saves and the Oilers scored all...

Red Wings' Mike Green to have surgery on cervical spineDETROIT (AP) Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Green will have season-ending surgery on his cervical spine.The Red Wings said Thursday the procedure is scheduled for April 5 at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City and will...

AP Hockey WriterBettman: Carolina Hurricanes not under threat of relocationBy GREG BEACHAMLOS ANGELES (AP) NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says Carolina Hurricanes fans shouldn't worry about losing their team to Quebec City.Bettman swiftly knocked down speculation about a possible relocation of the Hurricanes on Saturday during All-Star weekend, saying...

Stars introduce Montgomery as coach, from college to NHLDALLAS (AP) The Dallas Stars have made Jim Montgomery the second head coach in three years to go from the college ranks to the NHL.Montgomery was introduced Friday as the new coach of the Stars. Montgomery was 125-57-26 the past...

AP Sports WriterIslanders look to keep improving in 2nd year under TrotzBy VIN A. CHERWOOEAST MEADOW, N.Y. (AP) The New York Islanders know about the moves other teams in the Metropolitan Division made in the offseason. It just doesn't matter to them.After finishing second in the division and...

Canucks sign defenseman Gudbranson to 3-year extensionVANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) The Vancouver Canucks have signed defenseman Erik Gudbranson to a three-year contract extension Tuesday.The Canucks said the deal will carry an average annual value of $4 million.''Erik is an important part of our team and provides a physical...

Hurricanes spoil Karlsson's return, beat Senators 5-2OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) Phillip Di Giusseppe and Jordan Staal each had a goal and assist to lead the Carolina Hurricanes to a 5-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday night.Brock McGinn, Noah Hanifin and Jeff Skinner also scored, and Cam Ward...

The Latest: NHL moving forward with Seattle expansion bidNEW YORK (AP) The Latest on the Seattle NHL expansion presentation (all times local):5 p.m.NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman says the Board of Governors' executive committee has recommended moving forward with plans to add a team in Seattle. The final vote...