NHL

After big improvement, Leafs wary of rising expectationsTORONTO (AP) Lou Lamoriello described the Maple Leafs' season as a ''step'' and nothing more.''It's a step and then now it's our job to convince the players that it's only a step,'' Toronto's general manager said. ''It's going to get more...

Despite heel injury, Karlsson leading Senators in postseasonOTTAWA, Ontario (AP) Sweden's Erik Karlsson was the best player in the Ottawa Senators' opening-round series against the Boston Bruins, and that was while playing with two hairline fractures in his left heel.If Ottawa's captain was that good playing injured, one...

AP Hockey WriterAgents to AP: Eichel not pushing for Sabres coaching changeBy JOHN WAWROWBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) If Buffalo Sabres coach Dan Bylsma's job is in jeopardy, star forward Jack Eichel's representatives say their client is not the one pushing for a change.Peter Donatelli tells The Associated Press a...

Associated PressJake Allen's turnaround fueling Blues' playoff runBy JOE HARRISST. LOUIS (AP) Three months ago, most St. Louis Blues fans were ready to run goalie Jake Allen out of town. Now they are chanting his name.Allen is the main reason the Blues, whose major January swoon got their...

AP Hockey WriterLate additions Sobotka, McAvoy, Kapanen make playoff impactsBy STEPHEN WHYNOWhen Vladimir Sobotka left the KHL to rejoin the St. Louis Blues, it came with a tinge of guilt.Despite not skating for 10 days and practicing with his new (and old) teammates just once, Sobotka jumped right into...

AP Sports WriterSharks even series with 7-0 win over Oilers in Game 4By JOSH DUBOWSAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) Joe Pavelski took just 15 seconds to end San Jose's two-game scoring drought. Once that first puck went in, a bushel of goals followed.Pavelski and Logan Couture each scored twice...

AP Sports WriterBlackhawks, Blue Jackets look to stave off eliminationBy JOSH DUBOWSAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) After posting two of the top four records in the NHL in the regular season, the Chicago Blackhawks and Columbus Blue Jackets both need to find out a way to get a win...

AP Hockey WriterAgents to AP: Eichel not pushing for Sabres coaching changeBy JOHN WAWROWBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) If Buffalo Sabres coach Dan Bylsma's job is in jeopardy, star forward Jack Eichel's representatives insist their client is not the one pushing for a change.Whether Bylsma returns for a third season...

Oilers' Draisaitl faces possible suspension for spearingSAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) Edmonton Oilers forward Leon Draisaitl will have a hearing with the NHL Department of Player Safety for spearing San Jose's Chris Tierney.Draisaitl received a major penalty and game misconduct when he hit Tierney in the groin with his...

AP Hockey WriterAgents to AP: Eichel not pushing for Sabres coaching changeBy JOHN WAWROWBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) If Buffalo Sabres coach Dan Bylsma's job is in jeopardy, star forward Jack Eichel's representatives insist their client is not the one pushing for a change.Whether Bylsma returns for a third season...

AP Sports WriterBlue Jackets beat Penguins 5-4 to avoid sweepBy MITCH STACYCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) Markus Nutivaara, William Karlsson and Boone Jenner each had a goal and an assist as the Columbus Blue Jackets held on to beat the Pittsburgh Penguins 5-4 on Tuesday, avoiding a sweep in the...

AP Hockey WriterBlown leads, 11 OTs and surprises abound in NHL first roundBy STEPHEN WHYNOThe first week of the NHL postseason has been about as unpredictable as anyone could imagine, even in a sport where upsets are the norm, home-ice advantage is often meaningless and a hot goaltender can...