NHL

AP Hockey WriterStarting goaltenders battle physical and mental fatigueBy STEPHEN WHYNOBehind the mask is a mind filled with a web of a thousand thoughts, worries and a singular focus of what it takes to win a game.Then the next game, then the one after that.''There is no shut-off for...

Lightning sign Kucherov to 8-year extension through 2026-27TAMPA, Fla. (AP) The Tampa Bay Lightning have signed forward Nikita Kucherov to an eight-year contract extension worth an average of $9.5 million in salary and annual bonuses.The team announced the deal Tuesday. The 25-year-old would have been a restricted free...

Stepan's late goal lifts Coyotes over Canucks 2-1VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) Derek Stepan scored with 58 seconds left in the third period, leading the Arizona Coyotes to a 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night.Clayton Keller assisted on the winning goal and also scored in the...

AP Sports WriterWild defenseman Spurgeon 10 seasons into size-defying careerBy DAVE CAMPBELLST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) The defining moment of Jared Spurgeon's hockey career came when he was just 13: His peewee coach in Edmonton moved him from forward to defenseman.There was no going back for Spurgeon, even though...

Associated PressRinne makes 32 saves as Predators beat Jets 3-1By JIM DIAMONDNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Facing a tired team, the Nashville Predators jumped on Winnipeg early.Pekka Rinne made 32 saves and the surging Predators scored two short-handed goals in beating the Jets 3-1 on Tuesday night to tie for...

AP Hockey WriterNHL teams adjusting on the fly to new wrinkle of bye weeksBy STEPHEN WHYNOMike Smith felt weird.The All-Star goaltender for Phoenix knew other teams were playing while he and the rest of the Coyotes were enjoying a week off. He filled his time by sledding with his...

March 2 - NHL trade deadline.March 16-18 - NHL general managers meeting, Boca Raton, Fla.April 11 - Regular season ends.April 15 - Stanley Cup playoffs begin.April 16-26 - IIHF Under-18 World Championship, Zug and Lucerne, SwitzerlandMay 1-17 - IIHF World Championship, Prague and Ostrava, Czech Republic.June 17 - Last...

AP Sports WriterStamkos focused on team success, not personal milestonesBy FRED GOODALLTAMPA, Fla. (AP) Steven Stamkos celebrated another milestone in a stellar career with grace and humility.The long-time captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning scored his 400th goal last weekend, joining an elite group that includes eight other...

Associated PressTatar leads Red Wings to 5-4 OT win against CapitalsBy RICH DUBROFFWASHINGTON (AP) Tomas Tatar scored his second goal of the game 2:47 into overtime, and the Detroit Red Wings avoided a second straight embarrassing loss by edging the Washington Capitals 5-4 on Sunday.Tatar beat Braden Holtby...

AP Sports WriterBettman says he hasn't talked to Stars about Lites' commentsBy JAY COHENSOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said he hasn't reached out to the Dallas Stars about CEO Jim Lites' expletive-laced criticism of high-priced forwards Jamie Benn and Tyler Seguin.Lites ripped Benn and Seguin...

Sidney Crosby injury timelineBy The Associated PressPittsburgh star Sidney Crosby has been diagnosed with a concussion and is ruled out of Game 4 of the Penguins' Eastern Conference semifinal with Washington on Wednesday. He has battled concussions and other injuries throughout his career. A brief look at Crosby's injury...

AP Hockey WriterBig goalie, little kid dominate All-Star Skills CompetitionBy GREG BEACHAMLOS ANGELES (AP) Big Mike Smith and little Ryker Kesler stole the show at the NHL All-Star Skills Competition.The towering Arizona goalie scored a 188-foot goal during the Four Line Challenge on Saturday night, and the 6-year-old...