NHL

AP Hockey WriterThree of a grind: Playoff rematches crank up the hatredBy STEPHEN WHYNOWhen the Washington Capitals faced the New York Islanders in the playoffs five years in a row in the 1980s, players knew everything.They knew where Mike Bossy loved to shoot from, that Bob Nystrom was going...

Huberdeau scores twice as Panthers top Wild 4-2SUNRISE, Fla. (AP) Jonathan Huberdeau scored two goals, James Reimer made 29 saves and the Florida Panthers beat the Minnesota Wild 4-2 on Friday night.Vincent Trocheck and Connor Brickley also scored for Florida, and Aleksander Barkov had two assists. It was...

Underperforming Maple Leafs fire coach Mike BabcockTORONTO (AP) The underperforming Toronto Maple Leafs fired coach Mike Babcock on Wednesday and replaced him with Sheldon Keefe.Babcock had a record of 9-10-4 this season for the struggling Leafs, who are 0-5-1 in their last six games, including five straight losses...

The Latest: Buffalo Sabres win NHL draft lotteryTORONTO (AP) The Latest on the NHL draft lottery (all times local):10:15 p.m.The Buffalo Sabres followed a season filled with losses by finally winning something - the NHL draft lottery - and landing the No. 1 pick for just third time...

AP Hockey WriterCapitals hire Stanley Cup-winning coach Peter LavioletteBy STEPHEN WHYNOPeter Laviolette was hired Tuesday as coach of the Washington Capitals, who hope to harness his ability to quickly take a team to the Stanley Cup Final in what could be the final few years of their championship window.Laviolette...

AP Hockey WriterNHL teams adjusting on the fly to new wrinkle of bye weeksBy STEPHEN WHYNOMike Smith felt weird.The All-Star goaltender for Arizona knew other teams were playing while he and the rest of the Coyotes were enjoying a week off. He filled his time by sledding with his...

AP Hockey WriterPuck and player tracking coming to NHL next seasonBy STEPHEN WHYNOPuck and player tracking is coming to the NHL next season.Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the long-expected news Friday during All-Star Weekend in San Jose, California. The league is partnering with German company Jogmo World Corp. to put...

Devils fans help young anthem singer who forgets the wordsNEWARK, N.J. (AP) Hockey fans have come to the rescue of a girl who apparently forgot the words while singing the national anthem at a New Jersey Devils game.Lauralie Mufute started singing ''The Star-Spangled Banner'' before the Devils' game...

AP Sports WriterGolden Knights try to play role in healing Vegas with openerBy GREG BEACHAMLAS VEGAS (AP) Hockey fans arrived on the Las Vegas Strip in the crisp desert afternoon, gathering in jovial groups outside the rink. Many wore the striking, multicolored jerseys of the Vegas Golden Knights,...

AP Hockey WriterSabres acquire Sheary, Hunwick in trade with PenguinsBy JOHN WAWROWBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Sabres general manager Jason Botterill is drawing from his championship past in Pittsburgh to provide a boost in Buffalo.The Sabres improved their top-six forward ranks by acquiring Conor Sheary and defenseman Matt Hunwick in...

Associated PressHellebuyck, Jets stay hot with 3-0 win over DucksBy DAN GREENSPANANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) Connor Hellebuyck made 24 saves for his second shutout and the Winnipeg Jets continued their torrid November with a 3-0 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Friday.Neal Pionk had a power-play goal for the...

NHL could go with temporary realignment for next seasonBy The Associated PressThe NHL could go with a temporary realignment of its teams for next season during the COVID-19 pandemic.The league also is contemplating a reduced schedule and temporary hubs. NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said realignment could help with ongoing...