NHL

AP Hockey WriterLeafs' Matthews progressing in return from injuryBy STEPHEN WHYNOANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) Auston Matthews won't play for the Toronto Maple Leafs in their outdoor game at Navy but is progressing in his work to return from an apparent shoulder injury.Coach Mike Babcock says the 20-year-old center is...

WASHINGTON (AP) - Alex Ovechkin is 29, and his hair is flecked with gray nowadays. His coaches and linemates keep changing, as have the ways opponents try to stop him.After 10 years in the NHL, one thing that stays the same about the guy known as Alex the Great:...

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...

AP Sports WriterBruins beat Red Wings 3-2, close in on NHL-best Tampa BayBy NOAH TRISTERDETROIT (AP) The Boston Bruins' formula looks almost foolproof at the moment: Rask and the rookies.Tuukka Rask made 26 saves, and rookies Sean Kuraly and Danton Heinen scored for Boston in a 3-2 victory...

The Phoenix Coyotes have signed forward Henrik Samuelsson, their first-round draft pick last year, to a three-year entry-level contract. Coyotes general manager Don Maloney announced the signing Monday, but didn't disclose financial details. The 19-year-old Samuelsson is from Scottsdale and is the son of former NHL defenseman and ex-Coyotes assistant...

Nick DeSimone breaks tie, Sharks beat Golden Knights 5-3LAS VEGAS (AP) Nick DeSimone broke a tie midway through the third period in the San Jose Sharks' 5-3 exhibition victory over the expansion Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday night.Marcus Sorensen, Chris Tierney, Barclay Goodrow and Joel Ward also scored...

Judge denies request to block funding tied to Detroit arenaDETROIT (AP) A federal judge has denied a request to block some public funding for Little Caesars Arena and the Detroit Pistons' move from the suburbs.U.S. District Court Judge Mark Goldsmith issued his decision late Monday, saying a requested...

4 arrested in connection with assault after playoff gameQUINCY, Mass. (AP) Transit police in Massachusetts say four people have been arrested in connection with an assault hours after the Boston Bruins beat the Carolina Hurricanes in a playoff game.Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority police posted surveillance images of five...

AP Hockey WriterRoad warrior Blues unfazed by Cup Final Game 7 in BostonBy STEPHEN WHYNOBOSTON (AP) If the St. Louis Blues beat the Boston Bruins in Game 7, perhaps Steve Hatze Petros should get his name on the Stanley Cup.He is the NHL schedule-maker , making him the...

AP Hockey WriterBounce-back Binnington out to beat Bruins who took him inBy STEPHEN WHYNOBOSTON (AP) The resolve Jordan Binnington is showing in the playoffs was forged in Bruins black and gold.Now it's being used to try to beat the organization that took him in.Binnington bounced back from a...

Associated PressHoffman hat trick leads Panthers over LightningBy PAUL GEREFFISUNRISE, Fla. (AP) The Panthers beat their Florida rivals for the first time in nearly two years.Mike Hoffman had his second career hat trick to help Florida beat Tampa Bay 4-3 on Saturday night to split an opening home-and-home...

AP Hockey WriterTrading for Shattenkirk another 'all-in' move for CapitalsBy STEPHEN WHYNOWASHINGTON (AP) Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan didn't feel any pressure to make a move before this week's trading deadline because of Washington's impressive collection of talent.What MacLellan did feel was a sense of urgency that the...