Phil Kessel

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Shea Theodore (27) embraces goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) after defeating the Arizona Coyotes in an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Theodore scores twice, Golden Knights beat Coyotes 5-2

Jan. 21, 2021 1:46 AM EST

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Shea Theodore scored two goals, Marc-Andre Fleury made 21 saves and the Vegas Golden Knights defeated the Arizona Coyotes 5-2 on Wednesday night. It marks the first time the Golden Knights have started 4-0-0 in their four-year existence. They’re the first team in the NHL to reach...

St. Louis Blues' Mike Hoffman (68) and San Jose Sharks' Fredrik Handemark (37) chase after a loose puck during the second period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Capped out: Flat salary cap makes NHL teams get creative

Jan. 20, 2021 11:01 AM EST

In the 16 years since the salary cap has been a reality in the NHL, it never has been this much of a challenge to maneuver. Teams that made moves in 2019 and right up to the 2020 trade deadline expected the cap to increase substantially from the current $81.5 million. Then the coronavirus pandemic hit, the league...

Vegas Golden Knights center Chandler Stephenson, left, embraces left wing Max Pacioretty (67) after Pacioretty scored against the Arizona Coyotes during the second period of an NHL hockey game Monday, Jan. 18, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Stickless Stephenson gets winner, Vegas beats Coyotes 4-2

Jan. 19, 2021 1:48 AM EST

LAS VEGAS (AP) — A stickless Chandler Stephenson was credited with the game-winning goal, Robin Lehner made 30 saves and the Vegas Golden Knights beat the Arizona Coyotes 4-2 on Monday night. Not too long after the first of Reilly Smith’s two goals tied it early in the third period, Vegas defenseman...

San Jose Sharks goaltender Martin Jones (31) gives up a goal to Arizona Coyotes' Phil Kessel as Sharks defenseman Jacob Middleton (21) and Coyotes center Barrett Hayton (29) look on during the first period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Phil Kessel, Coyotes bounce back with 5-3 win over Sharks

Jan. 16, 2021 7:16 PM EST

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Phil Kessel's first season in the desert did not go as planned. Expected to give Arizona a huge scoring boost, he instead struggled with injuries and his production suffered. It's just two games into the season, but it seems Phil the Thrill is back. Kessel scored two goals, Antti...

San Jose Sharks defenseman Nicolas Meloche (53) gets the puck after sending Arizona Coyotes right wing Clayton Keller, right, to the ice during the first period of an NHL hockey game Thursday, Jan. 14, 2021, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Sharks open the season with 4-3 shootout win over Coyotes

Jan. 15, 2021 12:38 AM EST

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Martin Jones stopped Clayton Keller in a shootout and the San Jose Sharks bounced back after Arizona's Phil Kessel scored with 3.2 seconds left in regulation, beating the Coyotes 4-3 Thursday night. “Goaltending a lot of times is your most important player on the ice,”...

FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019, file photo, Arizona Coyotes center Phil Kessel, right, celebrates his goal with defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson, left, of Sweden, and center Clayton Keller, center, during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings in Los Angeles. Bolstered by a taste of playoff success, the Coyotes are aiming to go even deeper in a unique 2021 season with roster additions who are expected to add a level of toughness and tenacity. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo, File)

Coyotes add grit after first postseason trip in 8 years

Jan. 5, 2021 3:21 PM EST

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — The Arizona Coyotes had a breakthrough in a pandemic-altered season, earning their first postseason appearance and series win in eight years. They hope to build on their bubble success after adding a bit of grit for the upcoming season. Bolstered by a taste of playoff success, the...