Lightning embrace challenge of defending Stanley Cup title

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Winning Stanley Cup championships in consecutive seasons is rare. The Tampa Bay Lightning are confident they can do it. Even without leading scorer Nikita Kucherov, who’ll miss the year after undergoing hip surgery. The Lightning are that talented with a highly skilled offense...

Blues eager to restart another run after '20 disappointment

ST. LOUIS (AP) — New St. Louis Blues captain Ryan O’Reilly would like to rid himself of the bitter taste in his mouth. So would his teammates. The Blues’ defense of their first Stanley Cup championship came to an unceremonious end, losing in the first round of the NHL playoff bubble to the...