Hockey, Stanley Cup | featured news

On the ice, the National Hockey League has never been more competitive than over the course of its last collective bargaining agreement, which began with the 2005-06 season. A different team has won the Stanley Cup each season, ranging from big-market clubs like Los Angeles and Chicago to small ones such as Pittsburgh and Raleigh. A total of 12 different teams reached the finals during the seven-year CBA.

The Los Angeles Kings' 45-year Stanley Cup quest ended in a triumphant flourish of blood, sweat and power-play goals. After missing two chances to claim the title last week, the long-suffering Kings are NHL champions for the first time. Hooray for Hockeywood.

Hoping to reign atop the hockey world for the first time, the Los Angeles Kings aim to finish off the New Jersey Devils on Saturday night and capture the Stanley Cup.

Jonathan Quick made 22 saves in his third shutout of the postseason, Anze Kopitar had a goal and an assist, and the Los Angeles Kings rolled to the brink of the franchise's first NHL title, beating the New Jersey Devils 4-0 in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup finals on Monday to take a 3-0 series lead.

Drew Doughty scores in transition after New Jersey put heavy pressure on L.A. goaltender Jonathan Quick early in Game 2. The New Jersey Devils talked for two days about putting more pressure on Kings goaltender Jonathan Quick.

Mark Fayne knew the puck was heading his way and he knew Los Angeles goalie Jonathan Quick was out of position....

Ryan Carter snapped a tie with 4:24 left, and the New Jersey Devils posted a 5-3 victory over the New York Rangers after blowing a three-goal lead in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals on Wednesday night.

Washington defenseman Mike Green scored on a power play with 5 minutes 48 seconds in the game, giving the Capitals a victory and a 2-2 series tie with the Rangers.

The NHL on Saturday suspended Phoenix Coyotes forward Raffi Torres for 25 games for launching himself into an opponent during a playoff game earlier this week.

Playoff rookie Braden Holtby followed up a shaky outing with a superb one by making 44 saves Thursday night, and Alexander Semin scored the go-ahead goal, leading the Washington Capitals to a 2-1 victory over the reigning Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins that tied the first-round series at two games apiece.