NHL

AP Hockey WriterStanley Cup finalists land in NHL's altered Central DivisionBy LARRY LAGEThe NHL's Central Division features the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning and the runner-up Dallas Stars among its eight teamsAP Photo transref:NY185, transref:NYDD206By LARRY LAGE=AP Hockey Writer=The NHL's pandemic-altered divisions were set up based on...

AP Sports WriterAvs, Knights, Blues make realigned West tall at the topBy DAVE CAMPBELLThe team that emerges from the limited-time-only West Division should enter the Stanley Cup semifinals in prime, title-winning position.Like those mountain ranges in the middle of this three time zone conglomerate, coronavirus-driven realignment yielded a division...

Canadiens approved for home games during pandemicMONTREAL (AP) The Montreal Canadiens will be able to play home games despite the Quebec government's imposition of a curfew aimed at curbing COVID-19 in the province.There will be no fans at games. Players and personnel will be tested daily and they...

AP Hockey WriterSabres lose F Girgensons to season-ending hamstring injuryBy JOHN WAWROWBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Buffalo Sabres forward Zemgus Girgensons is expected to miss the entire season after having surgery to repair a hamstring injury he suffered in a team scrimmage on Monday.The Sabres announced Girgensons' injury upon returning...

Blue Jackets sign Bjorkstrand to 5-year contract extensionCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward Oliver Bjorkstrand to a five-year contract extension worth $27 million.The deal announced Wednesday will keep one of the team's best young players in Columbus through the 2025-26 season. He had one...

AP Hockey WriterSabres lose F Girgensons to season-ending hamstring injuryBy JOHN WAWROWBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Buffalo Sabres forward Zemgus Girgensons is expected to miss the entire season after having surgery to repair a hamstring injury he suffered in a team scrimmage on Monday.The Sabres announced Girgensons' injury upon returning...

Blue Jackets sign Bjorkstrand to 5-year contract extensionCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed forward Oliver Bjorkstrand to a five-year contract extension worth $27 million.The deal announced Wednesday will keep one of the team's best young players in Columbus through the 2025-26 season. He had one...

Predators sign Luke Kunin to 2-year, $4.6 million dealNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) The Nashville Predators have signed forward Luke Kunin to a two-year, $4.6 million contract.General manager David Poile announced the deal Wednesday.The Predators acquired Kunin, 23, on Oct. 7 in a trade with Minnesota. Kunin just finished his...

AP Sports WriterCarolina Hurricanes aim to build on 2 straight playoff tripsBy AARON BEARDThe Carolina Hurricanes have gone from spending a decade out of the playoffs to putting together consecutive postseason appearances. They're hoping that has them poised to accomplish much more in this delayed season.The Hurricanes have a...

AP Sports WriterCoyotes add grit after first postseason trip in 8 yearsBy JOHN MARSHALLGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) The Arizona Coyotes had a breakthrough in a pandemic-altered season, earning their first postseason appearance and series win in eight years.They hope to build on their bubble success after adding a bit...

AP Hockey WriterSabres have unfinished business after last season cut shortBy JOHN WAWROWBUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) Ralph Krueger doesn't consider the Sabres' home opener against the Washington Capitals on Jan. 14 as the start of a new season. Buffalo's second-year coach is approaching it more as a continuation of...

AP Sports WriterCoyotes add grit after first postseason trip in 8 yearsBy JOHN MARSHALLGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) The Arizona Coyotes had a breakthrough in a pandemic-altered season, earning their first postseason appearance and series win in eight years.They hope to build on their bubble success after adding a bit...