EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsHaving the option of choosing their playoff opponent wasn't taken lightly by the staff and players of the Professional Women's Hockey League's Toronto franchise for clinching first-place in the standings.So sensitive and in-depth were the discussions, coach Troy Ryan knew better on Monday night than to disclose the reasons behind Toronto's decision to face fourth-place Minnesota over third-place…

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSUNRISE, Fla. -- Have a day, Brandon Carlo.The Boston Bruins defenseman wasn't with his team Monday morning for an excellent reason: His wife, Mayson, was giving birth to their son, Crew, the couple's second child.With mother and baby doing well, Carlo flew to South Florida, arriving at Amerant Bank Arena later than the rest of his teammates then…

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsANAHEIM, Calif. -- Anaheim Ducks goaltending coach Sudarshan Maharaj has been declared cancer-free one year after his diagnosis.The Ducks announced the news Monday that Maharaj -- better known as "Sudsie" -- is free of pancreatic cancer.The team said Maharaj faced low odds of survival but persevered through 11 rounds of chemotherapy and major surgery to remove his gallbladder…

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLos Angeles Kings general manager Rob Blake said that the team will not buy out the contract of maligned star center Pierre-Luc Dubois, who struggled in his first season with the team.The Kings acquired Dubois from the Winnipeg Jets in a blockbuster trade last June. Los Angeles sent forwards Alex Iafallo, Rasmus Kupari and Gabriel Vilardi and a…