NHL

AP Hockey WriterBlues geared up for challenge of being defending championsBy STEPHEN WHYNOJordan Binnington still doesn't look nervous.For the first time in his career, he is going into a season as a starting NHL goaltender and for the defending Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues. No big deal.''It's the...

Coyotes forward Josh Archibald suspended for 2 gamesNEW YORK (AP) Arizona Coyotes forward Josh Archibald was suspended for two games without pay by the NHL on Friday for an illegal check to Nashville forward Ryan Hartman's head.Archibald was given a minor penalty for an illegal check to the...

Blues acquire defenseman Justin Faulk in trade with 'CanesST. LOUIS (AP) The St. Louis Blues have acquired All-Star defenseman Justin Faulk from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for defenseman Joel Edmundson and a prospect.The Blues also announced Tuesday that Faulk signed a seven-year contract extension worth $45.5 million...

Associated PressGeorge McPhee's strategic moves help Vegas reach Cup FinalBy W.G. RAMIREZLAS VEGAS (AP) George McPhee's endgame has always been about making the Golden Knights contenders.Strategic moves to keep winning.The veteran general manager has ridden his savvy all the way to the Stanley Cup Final, a stirring run...

AP Hockey WriterRangers fire coach Alain Vigneault after missing playoffsBy STEPHEN WHYNOThe New York Rangers fired coach Alain Vigneault hours after they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2010.General manager Jeff Gorton announced the firing Saturday night, a full day before the end of the NHL regular...

TORONTO (AP) - The doctor told Tomas Fleischmann he might never play hockey again. Blood clots that began in his leg had moved to his lungs and threatened not only his career but his life.Goaltender Tomas Vokoun's left leg was almost 4 inches bigger than his right because of...

So-called 'preseason' over, Bruins prepare for HurricanesTORONTO (AP) Hockey's best record in the regular season.Winless in the seeding round.The Boston Bruins don't know what the NHL playoffs hold but, coach Bruce Cassidy says, ''They can't come soon enough.''The Bruins earned the Presidents' Trophy with 100 points before the...

AP Sports WriterKane helps Blackhawks beat Flames 5-1 for 3rd straight winBy JAY COHENCHICAGO (AP) Patrick Kane was terrific, and Corey Crawford had another solid performance for the Blackhawks.Oh, and the Chicago Cubs beat the Cleveland Indians in Game 6 of the World Series.''Sure is a good day...