NHL

Catfish tosser says he was 'dumb redneck with a bad idea'PITTSBURGH (AP) A Tennessee man is calling himself a ''dumb redneck with a bad idea'' after police filed charges against him for throwing a catfish onto the rink in Pittsburgh during the opening of the Stanley Cup Final.Police...

Associated PressMcDavid scores in OT to lead Oilers past Coyotes 3-2By JACK MAGRUDERGLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Connor McDavid remained on pace to set a career high for points for the third straight season - and kept the Edmonton Oilers on a roll, too.McDavid scored two goals, including the winner...

Kane scores twice as Blackhawks beat Stars 5-2DALLAS (AP) Patrick Kane had two goals and an assist, and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Dallas Stars 5-2 on Thursday night for their first win streak in two months.Alex DeBrincat had a goal and two assists for last-place Chicago, and...

It is no surprise the Chicago Blackhawks are in the playoffs for the fifth straight year. After all, the NHL leaders started the lockout-shortened season with points in their first 24 games -- a league record. But the Blackhawks made a strong statement Sunday in becoming the first team this...

Kane scores 4 goals to lead Sharks past Flames 7-4CALGARY, Alberta (AP) It took Evander Kane until his 565th game to get his first NHL hat trick.Then he added another goal for good measure.Kane scored four times to lead the San Jose Sharks past the Calgary Flames 7-4...

AP Sports WriterKunitz's double-OT goal sends Penguins back to Stanley CupBy WILL GRAVESPITTSBURGH (AP) Chris Kunitz spent a portion of the spring nursing a lower-body injury and wondering if his time with the Pittsburgh Penguins was over. The veteran forward's contract is up this summer and he's been...

AP Hockey WriterNHL names ex-enforcer Parros to run player safetyBy STEPHEN WHYNONEW YORK (AP) The NHL has tabbed former enforcer George Parros to run its department of player safety.Commissioner Gary Bettman announced Parros' appointment to senior vice president of player safety on Thursday. Parros replaces Stephane Quintal, who...

AP Sports WriterDallas Stars emerge from eventful first half in solid shapeBy STEPHEN HAWKINSDALLAS (AP) There was the 1-7-1 start for the Dallas Stars, who had such high expectations after an impressive playoff run last season.When they started consistently winning again, there was the shocking coaching change unrelated...

Senators' Claesson suspended 2 games for check to headNEW YORK (AP) The NHL has suspended Ottawa Senators defenseman Fredrik Claesson for two games for an illegal check to the head of Boston Bruins forward Noel Acciari.The league's department of player safety announced the suspension on Thursday.Claesson was given...

Coyotes beat Jets 4-2, get first win in WinnipegWINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) Nick Schmaltz knew the Arizona Coyotes' power play was going to finally click.Schmaltz and linemate Christian Dvorak each scored with the man advantage just over two minutes apart and the Coyotes beat the Jets 4-2 for a...

AP Sports WriterIslanders are rolling: 14-0-1 stretch harkens to 1982 gloryBy VIN A. CHERWOONEW YORK (AP) The New York Islanders insist they don’t think about how well they are playing. They are too busy preparing for their next opponent.However, win after win after win has added up to...

AP Hockey WriterMaple Leafs among NHL teams facing cap crunches next yearBy JOHN WAWROWThere are questions Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock won't touch with a 10-foot hockey stick.The challenge a team brimming with young talent faces in managing its payroll structure was one topic Babcock particularly enjoyed sidestepping...