NHL

Tampa Bay Lightning center Blake Coleman (20) shoots against the New York Islanders during the third period of Game 6 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup semifinals, Wednesday, June 23, 2021, in Uniondale, N.Y. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Frank Franklin II

Oilers, Flames make big splashes in free agency; Leafs find help in net

Vancouver Canucks sign defenceman Poolman, re-sign Hamonic

 

FILE - In this May 6, 2021, file photo, Carolina Hurricanes' Dougie Hamilton (19) skates with the puck against the Chicago Blackhawks during the third period of an NHL hockey game in Raleigh, N.C. Hamilton would be among the most coveted free agents. He's a 28-year-old right-shooting defenseman who can produce offensively. (AP Photo/Karl B DeBlaker, File)

Grubauer, Hamilton among top names entering NHL free agency

Hockey’s annual spending season kicks off this morning

 

Justin Trudeau speaks with a young Montreal Canadiens fan at the Frank Conservation Area in Plainfield, Ont. on Sunday, Oct. 6, 2019. Prime Minister Trudeau says that as a lifelong Montreal Canadiens fan he’s disappointed by the team’s selection of Logan Mailloux in the NHL draft. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

Trudeau says Canadiens’ selection of sex-related offender shows ‘lack of judgment’

Logan Mailloux picked after sharing, without her consent, a photo of a woman performing a sexual act

 

Canada’s Owen Power in action during the Ice Hockey World Championship final match between Finland and Canada at the Arena in Riga, Latvia, on June 6, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Sergei Grits

NHL prepares for second straight virtual entry draft

Toronto Maple Leafs dealt their first-round selection to the Columbus Blue Jackets in April

Canada’s Owen Power in action during the Ice Hockey World Championship final match between Finland and Canada at the Arena in Riga, Latvia, on June 6, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, Sergei Grits
FILE - Edmonton Oilers’ Adam Larsson (6) is shown during an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks in Vancouver, British Columbia, in this Monday, May 3, 2021, file photo. Adam Larsson and Chris Driedger are going to the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft. (AP Photo/Nick Didlick, File)

Seattle Kraken sets first roster, will open season at Vegas

‘I envisioned this a lot of different ways and this is unbelievable’

FILE - Edmonton Oilers’ Adam Larsson (6) is shown during an NHL hockey game against the Vancouver Canucks in Vancouver, British Columbia, in this Monday, May 3, 2021, file photo. Adam Larsson and Chris Driedger are going to the Seattle Kraken in the expansion draft. (AP Photo/Nick Didlick, File)
Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos holds up the Stanley Cup as the team celebrates their Stanley Cup victory with a boat parade Monday, July 12, 2021 in Tampa, Fla. (Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times via AP)

Lightning dent Stanley Cup after another Tampa boat parade

Stanley Cup will go to Montreal after all, albeit only for some repairs

Tampa Bay Lightning center Steven Stamkos holds up the Stanley Cup as the team celebrates their Stanley Cup victory with a boat parade Monday, July 12, 2021 in Tampa, Fla. (Dirk Shadd/Tampa Bay Times via AP)
Montreal Canadiens fans react as they watch Game 5 Stanley Cup finals action against the Tampa Bay Lightning on a big screen outside of the Bell Centre in Montreal, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Canadiens fans saddened by loss, proud team made it to Stanley Cup final

‘Heart, 100 per cent heart, no matter which way you look at it’

Montreal Canadiens fans react as they watch Game 5 Stanley Cup finals action against the Tampa Bay Lightning on a big screen outside of the Bell Centre in Montreal, Wednesday, July 7, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman David Savard (58), centre Steven Stamkos (91), and centre Anthony Cirelli (71) crowd left wing Ross Colton (79) after his goal on Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price (31) during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup finals, Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)

Lightning beat Canadiens 1-0 to claim 2nd straight Stanley Cup title

Tampa Bay beats Montreal in 5 games; Vasilevskiy named playoff MVP

Tampa Bay Lightning defenceman David Savard (58), centre Steven Stamkos (91), and centre Anthony Cirelli (71) crowd left wing Ross Colton (79) after his goal on Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price (31) during the second period in Game 5 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup finals, Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
Looking north at the neighborhood of Paradise Island on Treasure Island, Fla., outer bands of Tropical Storm Elsa brings a downpour of rain over the area on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The Montreal Canadiens quite literally flew into a storm to continue their Stanley Cup final series with the Tampa Bay Lightning. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Tampa Bay Times, Marc Topkin, *MANDATORY CREDIT*

Canadiens head into stormy Florida for Game 5 of Stanley Cup final with Lightning

Habs have already stared down elimination four times

Looking north at the neighborhood of Paradise Island on Treasure Island, Fla., outer bands of Tropical Storm Elsa brings a downpour of rain over the area on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The Montreal Canadiens quite literally flew into a storm to continue their Stanley Cup final series with the Tampa Bay Lightning. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Tampa Bay Times, Marc Topkin, *MANDATORY CREDIT*
Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (17) celebrates with right wing Cole Caufield (22) after scoring the game-winning goal during overtime period Game 4 Stanley Cup finals hockey action against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Montreal, Monday, July 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

Anderson scores in OT, Habs beat Lightning 3-2 to stay alive in Stanley Cup final

Montreal trails series 3-1 with Game 5 set for Wednesday in Tampa

Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson (17) celebrates with right wing Cole Caufield (22) after scoring the game-winning goal during overtime period Game 4 Stanley Cup finals hockey action against the Tampa Bay Lightning in Montreal, Monday, July 5, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
FILE - Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks (80) is shown during the second period of an NHL hockey game in New York, in this Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, file photo. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Latvian Hockey Federation said Monday, July 5, 2021, that 24-year-old goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks has died. The team said in a statement Kivlenieks died from an apparent head injury in a fall after medical personnel arrived. It was not immediately clear what caused the fall or where he was at the time of the incident, and multiple messages were left with team and national federation personnel that were not immediately returned.(AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)

NHL goalie dead from chest trauma in July 4 fireworks blast

Autopsy finds Columbus player Matiss Kivlenieks died after firework tilted and fired toward people

FILE - Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks (80) is shown during the second period of an NHL hockey game in New York, in this Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, file photo. The Columbus Blue Jackets and Latvian Hockey Federation said Monday, July 5, 2021, that 24-year-old goaltender Matiss Kivlenieks has died. The team said in a statement Kivlenieks died from an apparent head injury in a fall after medical personnel arrived. It was not immediately clear what caused the fall or where he was at the time of the incident, and multiple messages were left with team and national federation personnel that were not immediately returned.(AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File)
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price makes a save off Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov during second period Game 3 Stanley Cup finals action in Montreal, Friday, July 2, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

Lightning beat Canadiens 6-3 to take 3-0 stranglehold in Stanley Cup final

Game 4 goes Monday in Montreal

Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price makes a save off Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikita Kucherov during second period Game 3 Stanley Cup finals action in Montreal, Friday, July 2, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) blocks a shot by Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki (14) during the first period in Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup finals, Wednesday, June 30, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

Vasilevskiy makes 42 saves, Bolts dump Montreal 3-1 to go up 2-0 in Stanley Cup final

Habs will host Game 3 on Friday night

Tampa Bay Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy (88) blocks a shot by Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki (14) during the first period in Game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup finals, Wednesday, June 30, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
A referee breaks up Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson, left, and Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Pat Maroon (14) during the third period in Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup finals, Monday, June 28, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)

Lightning strike first, dominate Habs 5-1 in Game 1 of Stanley Cup final

Montreal, Tampa resume series with Game 2 on Wednesday

A referee breaks up Montreal Canadiens right wing Josh Anderson, left, and Tampa Bay Lightning left wing Pat Maroon (14) during the third period in Game 1 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup finals, Monday, June 28, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)
The Stanley Cup is carried down to the ice at Amalie Arena as fans look on in Tampa, Fla., Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Tampa Bay Times, Dirk Shadd

Denied by COVID-19 in 2020, Tampa gets second chance to pull out Stanley Cup stops

Game one of the Stanley Cup Final gets underway with defending champ Tampa hosting hungry Montreal

The Stanley Cup is carried down to the ice at Amalie Arena as fans look on in Tampa, Fla., Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Tampa Bay Times, Dirk Shadd
Montreal Canadiens fans celebrate on Rue St Catherine after the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in overtime game 6 NHL Stanley Cup playoff hockey semifinal action in Montreal, Thursday, June 24, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter McCabe

COVID-19 restrictions could still limit celebrations as Habs try to win Stanley Cup

Unlike past playoff runs, many fans will be celebrating from their homes instead of in bars and restaurants

Montreal Canadiens fans celebrate on Rue St Catherine after the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in overtime game 6 NHL Stanley Cup playoff hockey semifinal action in Montreal, Thursday, June 24, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter McCabe
Montreal Canadiens fans run from tear gas fired by the police to break up the huge crowds as Canadiens fans celebrate on Rue Rene Levesque after the Canadiens defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in overtime game 6 NHL Stanley Cup playoff hockey semifinal action in Montreal, Thursday, June 24, 2021. The Canadiens will advance to the Stanley Cup final. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter McCabe

Tear gas used as police contain rowdy Canadiens fans after win over Vegas to advance

Fans were temporarily forced to stay inside the arena due to safety concerns

Montreal Canadiens fans run from tear gas fired by the police to break up the huge crowds as Canadiens fans celebrate on Rue Rene Levesque after the Canadiens defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in overtime game 6 NHL Stanley Cup playoff hockey semifinal action in Montreal, Thursday, June 24, 2021. The Canadiens will advance to the Stanley Cup final. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter McCabe
Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield (22) celebrates his goal against the Vegas Golden Knights with teammates Nick Suzuki (14) and Paul Byron (41) during second period NHL Stanley Cup playoff hockey semifinal action Thursday, June 24, 2021 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Montreal Canadiens beat Vegas 3-2 in OT to reach first Stanley Cup final since 1993

Habs now await winner of Tampa Bay-New York Islanders series

Montreal Canadiens right wing Cole Caufield (22) celebrates his goal against the Vegas Golden Knights with teammates Nick Suzuki (14) and Paul Byron (41) during second period NHL Stanley Cup playoff hockey semifinal action Thursday, June 24, 2021 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
Montreal Canadiens celebrate after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup semifinal playoff series Tuesday, June 22, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Montreal Canadiens could advance to Stanley Cup final on Quebec’s Fête nationale

North America’s most successful hockey team one win away from first final appearance since 1993

Montreal Canadiens celebrate after defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in Game 5 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup semifinal playoff series Tuesday, June 22, 2021, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)
Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki celebrates his open net goal during the third period in Game 5 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup semifinal playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights Tuesday, June 22, 2021, in Las Vegas. The Canadiens won 4-1. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Habs a win away from Stanley Cup final after 4-1 victory over Vegas

Montreal can finish off NHL semifinal series with Game 6 triumph Thursday

Montreal Canadiens center Nick Suzuki celebrates his open net goal during the third period in Game 5 of an NHL hockey Stanley Cup semifinal playoff series against the Vegas Golden Knights Tuesday, June 22, 2021, in Las Vegas. The Canadiens won 4-1. (AP Photo/John Locher)