NHL

Associated PressTkachuk, Hamilton lead Flames over Predators, 4-3By JIM DIAMONDNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Matthew Tkachuk and Dougie Hamilton each had a goal and an assist in the Calgary Flames' 4-3 victory over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night.Mark Jankowski and Curtis Lazar also scored, and David Rittich made 29...

AP Hockey WriterRed Wings need Larkin to step up in new eraBy LARRY LAGEDETROIT (AP) Dylan Larkin has suddenly become a veteran at the age of 22 for the Detroit Red Wings.''It could be the first time I'm not the youngest guy on the team,'' Larkin said. ''That's...

Zack Kassian suspended 7 games for kicking opponentNEW YORK (AP) Edmonton Oilers forward Zack Kassian was suspended seven games by the NHL on Friday for kicking an opponent in the chest.Kassian swung his right leg and kicked Tampa Bay forward Erik Cernak in the chest during a game...

AP Hockey WriterIslanders, sparked by Barzal, top Panthers 5-1 to advanceBy JOHN WAWROWTORONTO (AP) Mathew Barzal can appreciate how the New York Islanders' identity is built around being defensively sound.In centering New York's top line, Barzal also knows it's his role to contribute on offense, too.Acknowledging it took...

AP Sports WriterJoe Thornton, 40, signs 1-year, $2 million deal with SharksBy JOSH DUBOWSAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) Joe Thornton is coming back for another season at age 40, signing a one-year, $2 million contract with the San Jose Sharks on Friday after briefly contemplating retirement at the end...

Stars honor slain Dallas officers before, during NHL openerDALLAS (AP) The Stars honored five officers slain in downtown Dallas this summer by wearing decals of their badges on their helmets during the season opener Thursday night.Family members of two of the slain officers, Dallas police Sgt. Michael Smith...

AP Sports WriterIce melting to slush in Vegas heat at Stanley Cup FinalBy GREG BEACHAMLAS VEGAS (AP) After just one game, it's already clear this Stanley Cup Final is on thin ice. Thin, patchy, slushy, rut-riddled ice.The Vegas Golden Knights have shocked the sporting world by playing for...

AP Sports WriterIslanders, Josh Bailey agree to 6-year, $30 million dealBy VIN A. CHERWOONEW YORK (AP) Josh Bailey agreed to a six-year, $30 million deal Friday to stay with the New York Islanders instead of testing free agency this summer.The 28-year-old forward, selected to his first All-Star appearance...

Tavares scores OT winner to lift Maple Leafs past Ducks 5-4TORONTO (AP) John Tavares scored his second goal of the game at 4:53 of overtime, lifting the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 5-4 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Friday night.Auston Matthews got his 40th goal of the...

Canadiens' Pacioretty to miss several weeks with knee injuryMONTREAL (AP) Montreal Canadiens forward Max Pacioretty and defenseman Victor Mete will miss several weeks as they recover from injuries.Both players were injured Friday in Montreal's 6-3 win over the New York Islanders. Pacioretty, the Canadiens' captain, suffered a knee...

AP Sports WriterLindblom scores, Stolarz leads Flyers past Rangers 1-0By VIN A. CHERWOONEW YORK (AP) Anthony Stolarz was unbeatable during his first NHL game in six weeks.Oskar Lindblom scored early, Stolarz stopped 38 shots for his second career shutout and the Philadelphia Flyers held on to beat the...

AP Sports WriterRask comes up big as Boston Bruins advance to face 'CanesBy MITCH STACYCOLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) The Boston Bruins got some timely goals in their tight Eastern Conference semifinal series with Columbus, and when the goals weren't coming, Tuukka Rask stood tall.The Finn turned in his best...