NHL

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...

Rangers hire Boston University's David Quinn as coachNEW YORK (AP) The New York Rangers hired Boston University's David Quinn as their new head coach Wednesday, the second college coach hired by an NHL team this month and third in the past four years.Quinn replaces Alain Vigneault, who was...

Rangers hire Boston University's David Quinn as coachNEW YORK (AP) The New York Rangers have hired Boston University's David Quinn as their new head coach.General manager Jeff Gorton announced the move Wednesday. Quinn is the second college coach hired by an NHL team this month and third in...

Sabres sign 2016 2nd-round pick Asplund to 3-year contractBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) The Buffalo Sabres have signed prospect forward Rasmus Asplund to a three-year entry level contract.Asplund is from Sweden and was selected by Buffalo in the second round of the 2016 NHL draft. The 20-year-old had a career-best...

AP Sports WriterAP source: Sharks closing in on 7-year deal with KaneBy JOSH DUBOWSAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) The San Jose Sharks are closing in on a seven-year contract with Evander Kane that will keep the high-scoring forward off the free-agent market.A person familiar with the negotiations says the...

AP Sports WriterAP source: Sharks closing in on 7-year deal with KaneBy JOSH DUBOWSAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) The San Jose Sharks are closing in on a seven-year contract with Evander Kane that will keep the high-scoring forward off the free-agent market.A person familiar with the negotiations says the...

Associated PressGeorge McPhee's strategic moves help Vegas reach Cup FinalBy W.G. RAMIREZLAS VEGAS (AP) George McPhee's endgame has always been about making the Golden Knights contenders.Strategic moves to keep winning.The veteran general manager has ridden his savvy all the way to the Stanley Cup Final, a stirring run...

Canadiens sign goaltender Antti Niemi to one-year dealMONTREAL (AP) Goaltender Antti Niemi was seeking stability more than money when he agreed to a one-year, $950,000 contract with the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday.Who could blame the 34-year-old, who was eligible for free agency on July 1, after a whirlwind...

AP Sports WriterOvechkin, Capitals prepare for 'biggest game of life'By FRED GOODALLTAMPA, Fla. (AP) Washington Capitals star Alex Ovechkin is closer than ever to playing for the Stanley Cup, and he's determined to make the most of the opportunity.''I've never been in this position before,'' he said...

Canadiens sign goaltender Antti Niemi to one-year dealMONTREAL (AP) Goaltender Antti Niemi was seeking stability more than money when he agreed to a one-year, $950,000 contract with the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday.Who could blame the 34-year-old, who was eligible for free agency on July 1, after a whirlwind...

AP Sports WritersLou Lamoriello hired to run hockey operations for IslandersBy VIN A. CHERWOO and STEPHEN WHYNONEW YORK (AP) Lou Lamoriello is taking over the New York Islanders.All the questions belong to him now.The Islanders announced the hiring of Lamoriello on Tuesday as president of hockey operations, giving...

Maple Leafs front office loses Lamoriello, HunterTORONTO (AP) The Toronto Maple Leafs have taken another step in shuffling their front office.Following the elevation of Kyle Dubas to general manager this month, assistant general manager Mark Hunter and senior adviser Lou Lamoriello are now gone.Toronto announced Tuesday that Hunter...