PITTSBURGH — In one crease Wednesday was a star goaltender who reportedly turned down an $88 million offer from his team — and you could argue was justified in doing so.

In the other was a goalie who might have been starting the 2024-25 season opener only because Pittsburgh’s other goalie suffered an unfortunate preseason injury.

The ...Read more

MIAMI — It was a celebration a long time coming Tuesday night — the first time in 31 franchise seasons the Florida Panthers had ever skated onto the ice in the regular season as reigning NHL champions. And the home fans acted in kind in a packed Sunrise arena ready for a party.

The Stanley Cup was in the house and the championship banner ...Read more

MIAMI — Sam Bennett remains a villain to the Boston Bruins.

If last year’s hit which knocked out Bruins captain Brad Marchand from Game 3 of their second-round playoff series wasn’t enough, Boston had more reason to dislike the Panthers’ 28-year-old center after Tuesday night’s season opener.

This time, Bennett did his damage on ...Read more

SEATTLE — Jessica Campbell tried to fight back a smile as the cheers continued to grow. Eventually a little smirk crossed her face before the cameras moved on to the next member of the Kraken coaching staff.

Tuesday was notable on many levels for the Kraken: The first time opening the season at Climate Pledge Arena. An odd 1:30 p.m. PDT puck ...Read more

SEATTLE — Call it a little early jitters.

After falling behind two goals, the Blues roared back for a 3-2 season-opening win over the Kraken on Tuesday afternoon at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Jordan Kyrou scored twice for the Blues, and Philip Broberg scored one goal.

Jordan Binnington made 30 saves and has not lost in regulation in ...Read more

SAN JOSE, Calif. — If you look at the NHL standings six months from now, you’ll be forgiven for thinking that things didn’t improve much for the Sharks in the 2024-25 season.

After all, this is still, in all likelihood, the worst team in hockey. That long, unbecoming, playoff drought will reach six seasons come April. Another high draft ...Read more

SEATTLE — Dan Bylsma was an alternate captain for the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, but in a 12-year pro career spent only four full seasons at the NHL level. Many times he was called into the coach's office and was told he'd be sent down, before eventually switching to the other side of the desk. He still draws on those experiences.

Roughly ...Read more

TAMPA BAY, Fla. — The Lightning have been forced to evacuate Tampa Bay before due to an approaching hurricane. But the challenge that faces them now with Milton is different than when they relocated training camp to Nashville two years ago to avoid Ian.

Many players had their homes and property damaged by storm surge from Helene less than two...Read more

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — One by one, the Florida Panthers players were called Monday night to the front of the War Memorial Auditorium by team owner Vincent Viola to get a box holding their championship ring, get a hug and a personal message as last season celebrated its final night.

“This guy’s very special to me and my family” Viola ...Read more

SEATTLE — Bright and awkwardly early Tuesday, the bounce-back bid begins. The Seattle Kraken will open the 2024-25 season at home with another playoff bid in their distant sights.

“We got punched in the mouth last year,” veteran Jordan Eberle said. “I hope that we respond with a good start this year.

“I trust in the leadership and ...Read more

BOSTON — Less than a week after the two sides exchanged words harsh enough to make the outside world believe their profession relationship was down to its last withered thread, the Bruins and Jeremy Swayman arrived at an eight-year contract extension worth $66 million on Sunday.

With the process done and an $8.25 million average annual value ...Read more

PITTSBURGH — One Thursday this summer, Tristan Broz was near the end of another day of hard work at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex when he suddenly got star-struck.

The 21-year-old has known Penguins captain Sidney Crosby for a little while now, and the two shared the ice a number of times this offseason in Cranberry, Pa. And yet, Broz was still...Read more

LAS VEGAS — Jack Eichel was in disbelief.

The second period just ended in Game 7 of the Golden Knights’ first-round series against the Dallas Stars. Eichel missed a surefire goal that would’ve given the Knights a lead heading into the third period.

Instead, the Knights lost 2-1, and their season ended earlier than anticipated.

“Jesus ...Read more

MIAMI — Anton Lundell is another year older and another year wiser. He has another year in the NHL under his belt, with another extended playoff run — this time ending with a Stanley Cup — to go with it.

And yet compared to the rest of his Florida Panthers teammates, Lundell is still the young guy in the dressing room.

The Finnish center...Read more

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Macklin Celebrini’s injury isn’t considered severe, and San Jose Sharks coach Ryan Warsofsky said Wednesday there remains a chance the top-line center could play in the team’s season-opener next week.

Celebrini is considered day-to-day with a lower-body injury after he left Tuesday’s preseason game against the Utah ...Read more

TAMPA BAY, Fla. — Tampa Mayor Jane Castor walked into the Tampa Police Department headquarters Tuesday afternoon and gave Lightning defenseman Victor Hedman a big hug.

“Good to see you, captain,” Castor said.

Hedman may have been named the Lightning’s new captain just last month, but his impact in Tampa Bay is nothing new — both on ...Read more

PHILADELPHIA — Hockey is a family and the NHL family will come together in October.

Through games on Oct. 24, every team will wear helmet decals with a capital G surrounded by the Nos. 13 and 21.

The 21 is for Matthew Gaudreau, who wore it at Boston College. Johnny Gaudreau wore 13 for the Eagles, the Calgary Flames and the Columbus Blue ...Read more

Jonathan Drouin is sleeping well these days.

Part of that is because he’s found a new home with the Colorado Avalanche after a breakout 2023-24 season. It’s also partly because his wife, son and newborn daughter haven’t arrived in Denver yet because his baby girl isn’t old enough to fly.

“I’m sure when they get here, my wife will ...Read more

PITTSBURGH — Kris Letang in the second half of his NHL career has happily served as a mentor, every year giving young Penguins defensemen pointers at training camp.

This fall has been a little different. During the first week of camp, Letang has taken a 30-year-old with 445 career games of NHL experience under his wing.

"It's been great. He'...Read more