Kevin Dineen

TORONTO (Reuters) - After being forced to loosen the purse strings and spend $30 million just to make the NHL's minimum team salary level, the long-suffering Florida Panthers have emerged as this season's surprise package.

BOSTON (Reuters) - The Florida Panthers proved they can compete with the very best in the National Hockey League with a 2-0 win at defending Stanley Cup champions Boston on Thursday.

(Reuters) - The Florida Panthers earned their second win in three days over Tampa Bay with a 7-4 offensive showcase on Monday that spoiled the Lightning's home opener.

Ex-Hartford Whalers owner to take over business operations of Hartford AHL franchise. The former owner of the Hartford Whalers is taking control of business operations of the city's minor league hockey team and renaming the franchise the Connecticut Whale.

Columbus Blue Jackets tap Manitoba's Scott Arniel to take over as head coach. Scott Arniel was interested in the Columbus Blue Jackets even before they showed any interest in him.

Founder of Whalers starts campaign to market Hartford as a viable NHL market. The former owner of the Hartford Whalers is planning an outdoor hockey festival that he hopes will help re-energize efforts to bring the NHL back to Connecticut.

Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson: "Getting closer" to hiring new coach. Columbus Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson says he is getting closer to hiring a new coach.

Ray Whitney scores in overtime, Hurricanes beat Ovechkin-less Capitals. Ray Whitney scored at 4:02 of overtime to give the Carolina Hurricanes a 4-3 victory over the Washington Capitals on Thursday night.