NHL

AP Sports WriterBruins fire coach Claude Julien after 419 wins, Cup titleBy JIMMY GOLENBOSTON (AP) The Bruins felt they needed to a change at the top, even if it meant doing it on a day when the city was celebrating a championship.Boston fired Stanley Cup-winning coach Claude Julien...

AP Hockey WriterNine-game NHL tryouts create uncertainty for young playersBy STEPHEN WHYNODylan Strome is living his NHL dream playing for the Arizona Coyotes, staying in a hotel and avoiding the harsh Pennsylvania winter he endured the past three years playing for the Ontario Hockey League's Erie Otters.He just doesn't...

Jets' Trouba suspended 2 games for hit on Senators' StoneNEW YORK (AP) The NHL has suspended Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba for two games for an illegal check to the head of Ottawa Senators forward Mark Stone.The incident occurred at 6:42 of the third period of Winnipeg's 3-2...

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The Nashville Predators have taken care of their first goal and are back in the playoffs for the first time in three years.With five games left, they have their sights set on much more.''Certainly it was a goal to get back in the playoffs,'' Nashville...

Washington 1 0 2-3Pittsburgh 0 0 0-0First Period-1, Washington, Fehr 8 (Beagle, Laich), 17:47.Second Period-None.Third Period-2, Washington, Johansson 10 (Kuznetsov, Orpik), 5:36. 3, Washington, Fehr 9 (Ward, Carlson), 10:16.Shots on Goal-Washington 9-16-9-34. Pittsburgh 9-10-12-31.Goalies-Washington, Holtby. Pittsburgh, Fleury. A-18,663 (18,387). T-2:23.

Toews breaks season drought as Blackhawks beat KingsBy The Associated PressCHICAGO (AP) Chicago's Jonathan Toews belatedly scored his first goal of the season as the Blackhawks beat Los Angeles 3-0 on Sunday.Toews, who had just three assists over Chicago's first eight games scored on the power play.Elsewhere, Philadelphia...

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - The Tampa Bay Lightning came within two victories of hoisting the Stanley Cup during an impressive playoff run that's heightened expectations for one of the NHL's youngest teams.The challenge now not only is to get back to the playoffs, but return to the championship round...

Penguins' star Crosby could return against PanthersPITTSBURGH (AP) Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby could make his season debut Tuesday night against Florida.The two-time MVP and reigning Conn Smythe Trophy winner hasn't played since sustaining a concussion in practice earlier this month. Crosby returned to practice on Monday and...

BROSSARD, Quebec (AP) - The Montreal Canadiens will be without team scoring leader Max Pacioretty to start the playoffs.Coach Michel Therrien said Pacioretty will sit out the opening game of their first-round playoff series against the Ottawa Senators on Wednesday night at the Bell Centre.He said it is possible...

PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (AP) The NHL eliminated its policy Tuesday that allowed teams to seek compensation when other franchises hired away a coach or executive under contract.Commissioner Gary Bettman told the Board of Governors that as of Jan. 1, the league will revert to its old policy that...

PITTSBURGH (AP) The Pittsburgh Penguins aren't wasting any time with Phil Kessel.General manager Jim Rutherford said Tuesday the team plans to place the speedy forward alongside star center Sidney Crosby when the Penguins open training camp next month.The Penguins acquired the three-time All Star from Toronto in July...

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) The New Jersey Devils have hired Andy Schneider as an amateur scout and Patrick Rissmiller as a development coach.Executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero announced the moves Wednesday.Schneider, 43, joins the Devils after serving three seasons as a scout for the Columbus Blue...