NHL

NHL criticizes reduction of suspension for Predators' WatsonNEW YORK (AP) The NHL is criticizing an arbitrator's decision to reduce the suspension of Nashville Predators forward Austin Watson, who pleaded no contest in July to a domestic assault charge.Watson received a 27-game suspension from NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman last...

AP Sports WriterRask's roll has Bruins a win away from Stanley Cup FinalBy AARON BEARDRALEIGH, N.C. (AP) Tuukka Rask is stopping just about any puck playoff opponents can shoot his way - even the ones he doesn't see.The goaltender has been dominant in the Boston Bruins' six-game postseason...

AP Hockey WriterIslanders fire coach Jack Capuano in his seventh seasonBy STEPHEN WHYNOThe struggling New York Islanders fired coach Jack Capuano on Tuesday, ending his tenure in the middle of its seventh season.General manager Garth Snow named assistant GM/coach Doug Weight as Capuano's interim replacement. The Islanders were 17-17-8...

Jarry wins backup goalie job, Pens put DeSmith on waiversNEW YORK (AP) Backup goaltending competitions around the NHL have come into focus after the latest round of waiver moves.The Pittsburgh Penguins for now are keeping Tristan Jarry as Matt Murray's backup and waived Casey DeSmith.James Reimer won the...

AP Hockey WriterFlyers make splash, sign van Riemsdyk to $35M, 5-year dealBy STEPHEN WHYNOA 36-goal scorer is moving closer to home and couldn't be happier about it.No, the other one.James van Riemsdyk signed a $35 million, five-year contract with the Philadelphia Flyers on Sunday, the second-richest deal signed by...

The Latest: Bruins' Chara leaves game bloodied by puckST. LOUIS (AP) The Latest on Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final (all times local):8:30 p.m.Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara has left Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final after taking a puck to the face from short range...

LAS VEGAS (AP) Kicked off the bus by the Florida Panthers in November, Gerard Gallant has packed his bags for Las Vegas to take over as the first coach of the NHL expansion Golden Knights. ''I interviewed in mid-January and when I got the interview I felt real comfortable coming...

AP Sports WriterKadri, Kapanen score 22 seconds apart as Leafs beat Avs 5-2By PAT GRAHAMDENVER (AP) Nazem Kadri and Kasperi Kapanen scored power-play goals 22 seconds apart in the second period, Frederik Andersen stopped 34 shots and the Toronto Maple Leafs beat Colorado 5-2 on Tuesday night, extending...

Associated PressTkachuk has goal, assist in Sens' 4-1 win over RangersBy SCOTT CHARLESNEW YORK (AP) The Ottawa Senators took advantage of their chances on special teams against the New York Rangers on Wednesday night.Brady Tkachuk had a goal and an assist and the Senators earned a 4-1 win...

AP Hockey WriterKuznetsov game-time decision for Game 3 of Stanley Cup FinalBy STEPHEN WHYNOWASHINGTON (AP) Evgeny Kuznetsov is a game-time decision to play for the Capitals in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday night.Washington's leading scorer in the playoffs left...

AP Sports WriterBobrovsky comes back strong in Blue Jackets' playoff chaseBy MITCH STACYCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Through an odd, erratic season for the Columbus Blue Jackets, nobody has had a bumpier ride than star goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky.A high-profile contract issue, a slump, a disciplinary suspension and a humiliating healthy...

AP Hockey WriterRussian winger Zaripov cleared to pursue NHL contractBy STEPHEN WHYNORussian winger Danis Zaripov has been cleared to pursue an NHL contract after being banned by the Kontinental Hockey League and International Ice Hockey Federation for doping.Zaripov says in a statement released by his agent that he looks...