NHL

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...

Associated PressWatchdog clears Interior chief Zinke in speech to NHL teamBy MATTHEW DALYWASHINGTON (AP) An independent watchdog has cleared Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke of wrongdoing when he gave a speech to a National Hockey League team owned by a campaign contributor.The Office of Special Counsel said Zinke's June...

AP Hockey WriterMost dangerous lead in hockey? This season, it's all of themBy STEPHEN WHYNOJoel Quenneville remembers years past when NHL teams leading going into the third period could feel comfortable chalking up two points. A win was a pretty sure bet.Earlier this season, his Florida Panthers erased a...

AP Hockey WriterAP/CP Survey: 48 percent of NHLPA reps favor playoff changeBy STEPHEN WHYNOHockey players are conditioned to think that winning the Stanley Cup means going through the best teams to be the best team.That doesn't mean they are blind to some of the inequalities of the NHL's current...

AP Hockey WriterOilers place Sekera on waivers to buy out his contractBy JOHN WAWROWThe Edmonton Oilers are parting ways with injury-prone defenseman Andrej Sekera by placing him on waivers with the intention to buy out the final two years of his contract.The Philadelphia Flyers announced Sunday they are doing...

Disorderly conduct charge against Leafs’ Matthews dismissedSCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) A misdemeanor charge accusing Toronto Maple Leafs star forward Auston Matthews of disorderly conduct and disruptive behavior has been dismissed.The 22-year-old Matthews had been charged over the summer in connection with a May incident in Scottsdale. Court records indicate...

UBS reaches 20-year deal for Islanders' arena naming rightsNEW YORK (AP) The New York Islanders have reached a 20-year naming rights deal for their new arena with wealth management service UBS.The facility on the grounds of the Belmont Park racetrack will be called UBS Arena at Belmont Park,...

AP Hockey WriterIsles' Lehner thrives after confronting mental health issuesBy STEPHEN WHYNOEAST MEADOW, N.Y. (AP) A sign hangs above the door between the locker room and the ice at the New York Islanders' practice facility that reads, ''GET BETTER TODAY.''It carries a powerful double meaning for Robin Lehner,...

AP Hockey WriterFellow coaches expect Krueger to thrive, adjust with SabresBy STEPHEN WHYNOMike Babcock and Ralph Krueger's relationship goes back to 2004 and countless conversations since about coaching in the NHL.The Toronto Maple Leafs coach just wishes Krueger hadn't join ed the rival Buffalo Sabres to make his job...

Islanders' playoff run boosting ticket sales for new arenaNEW YORK (AP) The New York Islanders' playoff run is helping boost season ticket sales for their new arena, scheduled to open next year.The Islanders beat Florida in the qualifying round, then advanced past Atlantic Division-rival Washington in the first...

AP Hockey WriterDumba kneels, NHL puts focus on Black Lives Matter movementBy STEPHEN WHYNOMinnesota's Matt Dumba on Saturday became the first NHL player to kneel during the U.S. national anthem when he did so before the opening playoff game between the Oilers and Blackhawks in Edmonton, Alberta.Dumba knelt at...

Associated PressMax Pacioretty on pace for career-best season in VegasBy W.G. RAMIREZLAS VEGAS (AP) Max Pacioretty is putting on an offensive showcase for the Vegas Golden Knights this season.The 31-year-old forward leads the team in points (44) and goals scored (19); he ranks second with 25 assists. His...