National Hockey

NASHVILLE — The Nashville Predators believe they learned a couple of important lessons in reaching the first Stanley Cup final in the franchise's history. Play at home as much as possible.

SUNRISE, Fla. — Florida general manager Dale Tallon has selective amnesia. To him, how things went for the Panthers last season is no longer worth talking about or even remembering. It's another restart for Florida.

FLORIDA PANTHERS LAST SEASON: 35-36-11, 81 points. Finished 13th in Eastern Conference. COACH: Bob Boughner (first season, first NHL season). ADDED: RW Evgeny Davydov, RW; RW Radim Vrbata, LW Henrik Haapala.

NASHVILLE PREDATORS LAST SEASON: 41-29-12, 94 points. Fourth in Central Division. Lost to Pittsburgh Penguins in Stanley Cup Final. COACH: Peter Laviolette (fourth season, 16th NHL season). ADDED: C Nick Bonino, F Scott Hartnell, D Alexei Emelin.

Star Nashville Predators defenceman P.K. Subban says he will not join athletes who kneel or otherwise protest during the U.S. national anthem.

Vladimir Tarasenko told the St. Louis Blues he wants to lead them to another level. After a sixth consecutive playoff appearance without a trip to the Stanley Cup Final, what is the next level for the Blues? "Winning a Cup?" coach Mike Yeo said.

PITTSBURGH PENGUINS LAST SEASON: 50-21-11, 111 points. Second in Metropolitan Division. Beat Nashville in six games to win Stanley Cup. COACH: Mike Sullivan (third season, fifth NHL season). ADDED: RW Ryan Reaves, G Antti Niemi.

PITTSBURGH — The chance to make history doesn't come up in the Pittsburgh Penguins dressing room. It doesn't have to.

WASHINGTON CAPITALS LAST SEASON: 55-19-8, 118 points. Won Metropolitan Division. Lost to Pittsburgh Penguins in second round. COACH: Barry Trotz (fifth season, 16th NHL season).

RALEIGH, N.C. — The Carolina Hurricanes figure they look like a playoff team on paper. They're eager to find out if that translates to the ice.