NHL Western Conference News

For two and a half periods, the Toronto Marlies had done enough to keep their dreams of an American Hockey League Calder Cup alive while facing elimination against the Grand Rapids Griffins.

The Grand Rapids Griffins open the Western Conference finals Friday against Oklahoma City and a hockey team affected by the deadly tornado that carved through the outlying city and nearby suburb of Moore on Monday.

The Associated Press 5/21/13 Undated- The Boston Bruins and defending Stanley Cup champion L.A. Kings can take commanding leads in their respective NHL conference semifinal series tonight.

The President's Trophy winners are in a bit of trouble now as one team with an ex-Boston College Eagle made a statement on their home ice.

The Predators hope one of the best American-born defensemen in NHL history can help develop some of their younger blueliners.

The 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs are moving into their fourth week and already we've seen moments that have added to the NHL 's mythology.

The New York Rangers will try to get on the board in the Eastern Conference semifinals when they host the Boston Bruins in Tuesday's Game 3 at Madison Square Garden.

The way center Ryan Johansen finished the season in Columbus - strong defensively and effective between wingers R.J. Umberger and Nick Foligno - gave the Blue Jackets hope that he had moved beyond needing constant prodding to stay motivated.

NHL Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy is poised to become the next coach of the Colorado Avalanche according to a report by The Canadian Press.

Winger Adam Burish took part in his first full practice since he injured his right hand in the last game of the opening round against Vancouver and defenseman Jason Demers took some shifts at forward as the Sharks resumed preparations Monday for a vital Game 4 against the Los Angeles Kings at HP Pavilion.

News: Kane has picked up his first-ever nomination for the Lady Byng Trophy, which is given each year to the player who has best exhibited the combination of sportsmanship, gentlemanly conduct and skill.

Are you surprised that the Red Wings returned home to host the Blackhawks on Monday night at Joe Louis Arena with their second-round series tied at one game apiece? Detroit was rather dominant while defeating Chicago in Game 2 and has, for the moment, wrested home ice advantage away from the favored Hawks.

Pavel Datsyuk and the Wings host Chicago on Monday night in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals.

Kearns, a Vancouver native, who played for the Dinos from 2001-2005, has played in all three games for the Sharks in their Western Conference semi-final series against the Los Angeles Kings, despite playing in only six career regular season games with the Sharks and Florida Panthers over the last two seasons.

It's home-ice advantage and after working all season to obtain it, it's what the Blackhawks yielded to the Red Wings on Saturday when they dropped Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals at the United Center.

Damien Brunner had one eye on the Chicago Blackhawks and another on the world hockey championship taking place in Sweden on Sunday.

The Winnipeg Jets showed this season that they are just a few pieces short of being a legitimate playoff contender.

The Sharks are hoping for a lift from the notoriously loud HP Pavilion crowd Saturday night for a vital Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Los Angeles Kings.

The San Jose Sharks were already facing an uphill battle in their Western Conference Semifinals matchup versus the Los Angeles Kings , and now the underdogs might be hemorrhaging on offense.

Brianwa Flores, left, and Katie Cosentino from Illinois State Lottery greet hockey fans before Game 2 of an NHL hockey playoff Western Conference semifinal between the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks in Chicago on Saturday, May 18, 2013.