National Hockey

VANCOUVER — Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet says a series of changes to his staff are "bittersweet.

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Oilers know what to expect from the Florida Panthers. Lots of hits. Scrums after the whistle. A mix of skill and willpower. But the Oilers say they’re not intimidated by the physical challenges posed by the Panthers.

Firing a coach during the season is typically seen as a sign that a season has gone off the rails. Based on recent history in the NHL, it also can been seen as a sign that a talented team might be ready for a turnaround.

While interpreting the annual pre-Stanley Cup Final state of the NHL address into American Sign Language for the first time in 2022, Brice Christianson worried that it was a one-time thing, his only chance to open the door to hockey for the Deaf comm

TORONTO — The Toronto Maple Leafs have hired former New York Islanders head coach Lane Lambert as an associate coach on Craig Berube's staff. The 59-year-old Lambert posted a 61-46-20 record as Islanders head coach.

EDMONTON — Corey Perry won his first Stanley Cup in his second NHL season while with the Anaheim Ducks. Seventeen years later, he’s still looking for ring No. 2. It’s not for lack of trying.

TORONTO — Labatt Breweries of Canada and the National Hockey League have announced a deal that will see Budweiser become an official beer of the NHL in Canada. Financial terms of the multi-year agreement were not immediately available.

TARRYTOWN, N.Y. (AP) — Seven years ago after the Henrik Lundqvist-led New York Rangers lost in the second round of the playoffs to Ottawa, there was talk of the team’s veteran core soon being dismantled.

EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is looking to extend her winning streak as the Edmonton Oilers prepare to face off against the Florida Panthers for the Stanley Cup.

FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Joe Pavelski says he has no plans to play any more in the NHL after 1,533 games over 18 seasons, and never getting to raise the Stanley Cup.