• The Canadian Press

    Rangers rookie Matt Rempe doesn't mind playing the villain role in the NHL playoffs

    Matt Rempe stretched on the bench several minutes before warmups when the chants started. A chorus of “Rempe! Rempe!” emerged from nearby New York Rangers fans, sounding almost like the Yankees “Bleacher Creatures” roll-calling players from the outfield. The popular 6-foot-8 rookie waved and got a big cheer when he went down the tunnel. Then, every time he touched the puck during the game in Washington, the Capitals crowd booed Rempe, unhappy about a hit he made two nights earlier that injured d

  • The Canadian Press

    High-scoring Avalanche await winner of Stars-Golden Knights in next round after dispatching Jets

    DENVER (AP) — The high-scoring, fast-flying Colorado Avalanche are so much more than the Nathan MacKinnon Show. The supporting cast for the Avalanche played an integral role as they eliminated the Winnipeg Jets in five games during their first-round series. The Avalanche had 12 different players find the back of the net in a series where they averaged 5.6 goals a game against a team that led the NHL in fewest goals allowed during the regular season. It's the sort of top-to-bottom depth that has

  • The Canadian Press

    Oilers forward Zach Hyman hoping to teach 'Shaq Hyman' how to skate: 'For free'

    EDMONTON — Zach Hyman is extending the invitation. If basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal needs to learn how to skate — for real this time — Hyman will hit the ice with him. “If Shaq wants lessons, no problem,” the Edmonton Oilers forward said Wednesday. “For free.” O’Neal, a Basketball Hall of Famer and larger-than-life personality, has twice jumped onto the NHL on TNT broadcasts under the “Shaq Hyman” moniker during the Stanley Cup playoffs. The seven-foot-one, 325-pounder walked onto the set l

  • The Canadian Press

    FACEOFF: Rookie goaltender Joseph Woll stands tall, gives Maple Leafs life against Bruins

    TORONTO (AP) — Joseph Woll knew he wasn’t getting the nod for Game 1 of the playoffs. The Toronto Maple Leafs had clearly been leaning toward Ilya Samsonov late in the regular season, including a week of rest for the goaltender ahead of the Stanley Cup chase. Woll didn’t pout. He kept his head down and stayed ready. “It was really obvious to me that he was going to just continue to work,” Leafs coach Sheldon Keefe said. “And prepare as though he was playing.” Woll got that chance Tuesday night,