(Associated Press)

Stars Win Cup Thriller in 3OTs
Brett Hull's controversial triple overtime goal (pictured) gave the Dallas Stars a 2-1 victory and the franchise's first Stanley Cup as they defeated the Buffalo Sabres, 4-2, in the best-of-seven series. Joe Nieuwendyk won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs.

• Stanley Cup Finals Section
• Jagr Wins NHL MVP Award

The Gretzky Era Comes to End
Wayne Gretzky had the final assist of his career in the Rangers' 2-1 overtime loss to the Penguins on April 18. As he retires, Gretzky has 10 scoring titles, four Stanley Cups and nine MVP awards.

• Gallery
• 'Great One' Lifts North America

Europeans Dominate NHL Draft
The expansion Atlanta Thrashers chose forward Patrik Stefan with the No. 1 overall pick in the NHL entry draft Saturday. Stefan was the first of four consecutive players chosen who are of European descent.

(Associated Press)

On Thin Ice, Penguins Saved
Bankrupt and expected to be sold and relocated, the Pittsburgh Penguins again found a hero in Mario Lemieux (pictured), who rescued the franchise for which he won two Stanley Cups and distinction as one of the sport's greatest players.

Carolina's Chiasson Killed in Auto Wreck
Hurricanes' defenseman Steve Chiasson was killed May 3 in Raleigh when his pickup overturned while he was returning home from the team's playoff loss in Boston. He was 32.

Flyers' Rookie Dies in Boating Accident
Russian-born defenseman Dmitri Tertyshny was killed July 23 when he fell out of a boat while on a trip to British Columbia.