National Hockey

LAS VEGAS GOLDEN KNIGHTS EXPANSION: The Golden Knights are the first NHL expansion team since the Columbus Blue Jackets and Minnesota Wild in 2000. COACH: Gerard Gallant (first season, seventh NHL season). PLAYER TO WATCH: LW James Neal.

The Vegas Golden Knights have been the hit of Sin City, exciting a fan base that finally has a professional sports team to root for. After months of buildup, it's finally time to show what they can do on the ice.

Pittsburgh Penguins coach Mike Sullivan insists the franchise's decision to visit the White House does not mean the team is wading into the increasingly charged intersection of sports and politics.

TAMPA, Fla. — Steven Stamkos is back, hoping to again lead the Tampa Bay Lightning deep in the playoffs.

BOSTON BRUINS LAST SEASON: 44-31-7, 95 points. Third in Atlantic Division. Lost to Ottawa Senators in Eastern Conference first round. COACH: Bruce Cassidy (2nd season, 18-8-1). ADDED: Kenny Agostino, Paul Postma, Anders Bjork.

TAMPA BAY LIGHTNING LAST SEASON: 42-30-10, 94 points. 5th place Atlantic Division. COACH: Jon Cooper (fourth full season).

BOSTON — For the first time since 2006, the Boston Bruins are entering the season with someone other than Claude Julien as their head coach.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Bruce Boudreau brought his mastery of the regular season to Minnesota last season, and the Wild aced that test behind their new head coach.

The NHL has a clear message to coaches starting this season: Don't challenge an offside call unless you are really, really sure.

DETROIT — The Detroit Red Wings' new arena has an enormous, four-sided videoboard hanging over the ice surrounded by steeply pitched, red seats and spectacular suites. "It's just an unbelievable building," Detroit coach Jeff Blashill said.