NHL

Associated PressGionta, Nash help streaking Bruins power past Chicago 7-4By KEN POWTAKBOSTON (AP) The Boston Bruins found different ways to win during their perfect homestand.Brian Gionta and Rick Nash scored power-play goals just over a minute apart, and the Bruins beat the Chicago Blackhawks 7-4 on Saturday to...

Stars take 3-1 series lead over Avalanche with 5-3 winEDMONTON, Alberta (AP) Radek Faksa had a goal and two assists, Roope Hintz scored the last of three power-play goals by Dallas and the Stars beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-4 on Sunday night, taking a 3-1 series lead in...

AP Hockey WriterButcher an NHL free agent after not signing with AvalancheBy JOHN WAWROWCollege hockey's top player is an NHL free agent after former University of Denver defenseman Will Butcher allowed a deadline to pass without signing with the Colorado Avalanche.The Avalanche selected Butcher in the fifth round of...

WASHINGTON (AP) Capitals coach Barry Trotz says captain Alex Ovechkin will be a game-time decision against the San Jose Sharks.Ovechkin missed Washington's morning skate ahead of Tuesday night's game for personal reasons.No other details were given.Ovechkin is a three-time NHL MVP who led the league with 53 goals...

AP Sports WriterSakic credits late Lacroix for assist in GM success with AvsBy PAT GRAHAMDENVER (AP) Joe Sakic learned early on the secret behind building a contending Stanley Cup team -- keep everything secret.For that particular insight, the Colorado Avalanche Hall of Fame forward turned general manager credits...

Bettman: Montreal lacked venue for outdoor anniversary gameMONTREAL (AP) The NHL wanted to hold an outdoor game in Montreal to mark its 100th anniversary, but couldn't find a suitable venue, commissioner Gary Bettman said Friday.Holding an outdoor game indoors at the domed Olympic Stadium wasn't considered, and Percival...

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - The NHL playoffs have been a roller coaster of excitement, punctuated by a pair of Game 7s over the weekend to decide the Stanley Cup finalists.It'll be Tampa Bay vs. Chicago in the best-of-seven series that begins Wednesday night, with the tradition-rich Blackhawks aiming for...

AP Hockey WriterSabres acquire Pominville, Scandella in trade with WildBy JOHN WAWROWBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Former Sabres captain Jason Pominville is returning to Buffalo after being acquired along with defenseman Marco Scandella in a four-player trade with the Minnesota Wild.In exchange, the Wild acquired forwards Tyler Ennis and Marcus...

Seeking playoff return, Sabres hire Ralph Krueger as coachBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Ralph Krueger has officially been named the new coach of the Buffalo Sabres as the franchise seeks to return to the playoffs after an eight-year absence.The Sabres announced the hire on Wednesday. General manager Jason Botterill says...

AP Hockey WriterCrawford's future in doubt, Blackhawks confront uncertaintyBy STEPHEN WHYNOIt's not lost on Jonathan Toews that if the NHL regular season had finished as scheduled, the Chicago Blackhawks wouldn't have made the playoffs.When they got that chance in an expanded 24-team field, the three-time Stanley Cup-winning captain shelved...

Coyotes assign McBain to Tucson of AHLGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) The Arizona Coyotes have assigned defenseman Jamie McBain to the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL.The club announced the move on Tuesday.The 28-year-old McBain signed a one-year contract with the Coyotes during the offseason after two seasons with the Los...

Islanders agree to terms with C Brassard on 1-year dealEAST MEADOW, N.Y. (AP) The New York Islanders agreed to terms with Derick Brassard on a one-year contract Wednesday.Brassard, who will turn 32 on Sept. 22, had 14 goals and nine assists in 70 games last season while with...