STEPHEN WHYNO

AP Hockey Writer
Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson dives for the puck in the third period of Game 2 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Logan Thompson’s superb goaltending puts the Capitals up 2-0 on the Canadiens in the series
Logan Thompson’s goaltending in the third period is the biggest reason the Washington Capitals took a 2-0 series lead on the Montreal Canadiens.
 
Montreal Canadiens center Christian Dvorak (28) scores a goal against Washington Capitals goaltender Logan Thompson (48) in the second period of Game 2 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Thompson dazzles late as the Capitals beat the Canadiens in Game 2 to take a 2-0 series lead
Connor McMichael and Dylan Strome scored a minute apart early in the second period, Logan Thompson made some spectacular stops among his 25 saves and the Washington Capitals beat the Montreal Canadiens 3-1 to take a 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven first-round series.
 
New York Islanders right wing Cal Clutterbuck skates on the ice in the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Detroit Red Wings, March 21, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya, file)
Cal Clutterbuck says he’s retiring after 17 NHL seasons with the Islanders and Wild
Cal Clutterbuck says he is retiring from the NHL after playing more than 1,100 games over 17 seasons. The longtime New York Islanders forward and all-time hits leader did not play this season after not having his contract renewed last summer.
 
In this Dec. 17, 2015, file photo, U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2015 inductee Chris Drury poses for a photograph prior to the induction ceremony in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
Rangers agree to terms with general manager Chris Drury on a multiyear contract extension
The New York Rangers have agreed to terms on a multiyear contract extension with general manager Chris Drury. Owner James Dolan announced the move several days after Drury fired coach Peter Laviolette.
 
Colorado Avalanche defenseman Erik Johnson, left, and Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) collide while competing for the puck during the first period in Game 2 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series Monday, April 21, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
The start of the NHL playoffs has been hard-hitting, with just about everyone getting physical
The NHL playoffs are off to a heavy-hitting start. Teams are laying nearly 80 hits a game early in the first round after the average was just over 40 during the regular season.
 
New York Islanders president and general manager Lou Lamoriello responds to questions after the second day of the NHL hockey draft, June 29, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, file)
Lou Lamoriello is not returning as New York Islanders general manager
Lou Lamoriello is out as president and general manager of the New York Islanders. The team announced Tuesday that the longtime NHL executive’s contract was not being renewed.
 
Washington Capitals defenseman Martin Fehérváry (42) passes the puck during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Saturday, April 12, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Joe Maiorana)
Capitals defenseman Martin Fehervary is out for the playoffs after having knee surgery
The Washington Capitals will be without top four defenseman Martin Fehervary for the remainder of their playoff run. The team said Fehervary underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his right knee.
 
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series past against the Montreal Canadiens, Monday, April 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Alex Ovechkin makes more history with his first NHL playoff overtime goal
Alex Ovechkin added another accomplishment to his illustrious career just over two weeks since breaking Wayne Gretzky’s record for the most goals in NHL history.
 
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates after his winning goal past Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault (35) in overtime of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series Monday, April 21, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Ovechkin scores his 1st playoff overtime goal as the Capitals beat the Canadiens 3-2 in Game 1
Alex Ovechkin scored the first playoff overtime goal of his NHL career to give the Washington Capitals a 3-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
 
Seattle Kraken general manager Ron Francis speaks during an NHL hockey press conference, July 3, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Jason Redmond, file)
After firing Bylsma as coach, Kraken elevate Francis, with Botterill replacing him as GM
A day after firing coach Dan Bylsma, the Seattle Kraken have promoted longtime general manager Ron Francis to president of hockey operations, with assistant Jason Botterill taking over day-to-day responsibilities.
 
Washington Capitals' Dylan Strome, right, and Alex Ovechkin, left, celebrate with teammates after Strome scored a goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the New York Islanders Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Elmont, N.Y. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
After breaking the NHL goals record, Ovechkin and the Capitals open the playoffs vs. the Canadiens
Two weeks since Alex Ovechkin became the NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer, he and the Washington Capitals turn their attention to their next challenge as they open the playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens.
 
New York Rangers coach Peter Laviolette, top, watches during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Tampa Bay Lightning in New York, Thursday, April 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Rangers fire coach Peter Laviolette after missing the playoffs
The New York Rangers have fired coach Peter Laviolette. The move by general manager Chris Drury was announced Saturday and comes after they missed the playoffs.
 
Montreal Canadiens' Ivan Demidov (93) celebrates with teammate Joel Armia (40) after scoring against the Chicago Blackhawks during first-period NHL hockey game action in Montreal, Monday, April 14, 2025. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press via AP)
From old guys chasing the Stanley Cup to new players breaking in, what to watch in the NHL playoffs
An infusion of young talent fresh to the NHL in recent weeks, a handful of veterans in their mid-to-late 30s chasing the Stanley Cup and the best goaltender in the league this season looking to change his reputation are among the things to watch as the playoffs unfold.
 
Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck blocks a shot by the Dallas Stars during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
Who will win the Hart as MVP and the NHL’s other top awards this season? Here are AP’s predictions
There is no clear-cut favorite to take home the Hart Trophy as NHL MVP, with Colorado’s reigning winner Nathan MacKinnon, Tampa Bay winger Nikita Kucherov, Edmonton center Leon Draisaitl and Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck all in the mix.
 
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels talks to media after receiving the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award at the NFL Honors award show ahead of the Super Bowl 59 football game, Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, file)
A year after Jayden Daniels, the NFL draft is more about supplementing talent for the Commanders
A year ago, the NFL draft gave the Washington Commanders a chance to find their quarterback of the future with the No. 2 pick.
 
Toronto Maple Leafs left wing Scott Laughton, right, and Ottawa Senators center Ridly Greig fight during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Toronto on Saturday, March 15, 2025. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press via AP File)
What to know about the first-round matchups in the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs
It took until the penultimate night of the regular season, but all the matchups are set for the first round of the NHL playoffs. The reigning champion Florida Panthers open against the cross-state rival Tampa Bay Lightning.
 
RFK Stadium is visible from Air Force One as it takes off from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., Nov. 29, 2017. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
Commanders and the D.C. government are in talks on a stadium deal, AP source says
The NFL’s Washington Commanders and the District of Columbia are in discussions on an agreement for a new football stadium in the nation’s capital, a person with knowledge of talks tells The Associated Press.
 
Washington Capitals head coach Spencer Carbery watches the action from the bench during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/John McDonnell, File)
Spencer Carbery coached the Capitals to 1st in the East. His NHL colleagues rave about how he did it
Spencer Carbery is only in his second season as an NHL head coach, and he’s expected to be a finalist for the Jack Adams Award for making the Washington Capitals one of the top teams in the league.
 
Los Angeles Kings' Brandt Clarke, bottom, and Edmonton Oilers' Vasily Podkolzin, left, fight during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Edmonton, Alberta, Monday, April 14, 2025. (Jason Franson/The Canadian Press via AP)
Road through the Western Conference to the Stanley Cup Final is a ‘war of attrition’
Five of the top eight teams in the NHL this season play in the Western Conference. Two of them have to face off in a first-round matchup between Dallas and Colorado.
 
Florida Panthers center Evan Rodrigues, left, reacts after scoring against Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, right, during the second period of an NHL hockey game, Nov. 16, 2024, in Sunrise, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, file)
Who will win the Stanley Cup? The season, odds, math and probability collide on picking a favorite
The Winnipeg Jets and the Washington Capitals have been the top teams in the NHL much of the season, respectively finishing atop the Western and Eastern Conferences.
 
Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (19) celebrates his goal with teammates during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Fantilli and Greaves are the latest contributors in keeping the Blue Jackets’ playoff hopes going
The Columbus Blue Jackets’ surprising season of exceeding expectations and contending for the playoffs is still going after beating the Eastern Conference-leading Washington Capitals twice this weekend.
 
Columbus Blue Jackets center Adam Fantilli (19) celebrates his goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Sunday, April 13, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Adam Fantilli scores twice as the Blue Jackets beat the Capitals to remain in playoff contention
Adam Fantilli scored twice, Jet Greaves made 29 saves to win his third start in four days and the Columbus Blue Jackets remained in playoff contention by beating the Eastern Conference-leading Washington Capitals 4-1.
 
Washington Capitals center Aliaksei Protas, left, is congratulated by goaltender Logan Thompson (48) after scoring against the San Jose Sharks during the first period of an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, March 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Tony Avelar, File)
Capitals’ Logan Thompson resumes skating with Aliaksei Protas close to getting back on the ice
The banged-up Washington Capitals could be getting a couple of their most important players back in time for the start of the playoffs or at least sometime in the first round.
 
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin holds a goat as he takes part in the GR8 city celebration to honor him for scoring 895 NHL hockey career goals, Friday, April 11, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Capitals are the top team in the East after getting Alex Ovechkin the NHL career goals record
Alex Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record, and the Washington Capitals clinched the top spot in the Eastern Conference the following game.
 
Washington Capitals left wing Pierre-Luc Dubois, center, celebrates his goal with left wing Andrew Mangiapane (88) next to Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Dmitry Orlov (7) during the first period of an NHL hockey game, Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Capitals beat the Hurricanes in a shootout to secure the 1st playoff seed in the Eastern Conference
Tom Wilson scored his career-best 33rd goal of the season and the Washington Capitals wrapped up the top spot in the Eastern Conference by beating the Carolina Hurricanes 5-4 in a shootout.
 
The Commissioners of the NCAA's power four conferences, SEC's Greg Sankey, ACC's Jim Phillips, Big 12's Brett Yormark and Big Ten's Tony Petitti speak with ESPN's Roddy Jones, left, and Dana Boyle, right, at the College Sports Day on Capitol Hill reception in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, after they lobbied lawmakers earlier in the day for legislation to standardize name, image and likeness and other rules. (AP Photo/Stephen Whyno )
With NCAA settlement pending, Power Four conference stakeholders lobby lawmakers on Capitol Hill
The commissioners of the NCAA’s Power Four conferences and dozens of athletic directors from the SEC, ACC, Big Ten and Big 12, and coaches and players lobbied lawmakers on Capitol Hill for legislation to standardize name, image and likeness rules and other elements of the college sports landscape.
 
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) celebrates with teammates after scoring against New York Islanders during the second period of an NHL hockey game in Elmont, N.Y., Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Alex Ovechkin has the NHL career goals record. Now the Capitals want to get ready for the playoffs
The Washington Capitals got back to work three days after Alex Ovechkin broke Wayne Gretzky’s NHL career goals record and hope to get their game on track with the playoffs fast approaching.
 
New Jersey Devils' general manager Ray Shero speaks during a news conference in Newark, N.J., Monday, June 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, file)
Longtime NHL executive Ray Shero, 2009 Stanley Cup-winning GM with Pittsburgh, dies at age 62
Longtime NHL executive Ray Shero has died. He was 62. The Minnesota Wild announced Shero’s death Wednesday. It was not immediately clear how Shero died or where he was. Shero had been a senior adviser to Wild general manager Bill Guerin.
 
Washington Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin (8) is greeted by Wayne Gretzky during a ceremony after he scored his 895th career goal during the second period of an NHL hockey game against New York Islanders in Elmont, N.Y., Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
‘Great One’ Gretzky and ‘Great 8' Ovechkin: Great goal-scorers and completely different players
Wayne Gretzky was the “Great One” for his dominance on the ice in the high-scoring hockey days of the 1980s, a playmaker who just happened to score 894 goals while amassing more assists than anyone in the sport has points.
 
Miami Dolphins wide receivers coach Wes Welker walks onto the field before the start of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Monday, Dec. 12, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray, file)
Wes Welker is joining the Commanders as a personnel analyst, AP source says
Wes Welker is joining the Washington Commanders as a personnel analyst for the front office and coaching staff, a person familiar with the move tells The Associated Press.
 
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