News

RALEIGH, N.C. – The shutout was lost in the final minute for Ryan Miller. Then, the Buffalo Sabres came off the ice and found out that something even more important got away – any chance at the playoffs

ATLANTA – The Florida Panthers were eliminated from the playoff race after they beat the Atlanta Thrashers 3-2 on Thursday night.David Booth scored with 4:25 left in the third period to lift Florida to a victory it had to have, but the Panthers (91 points) needed more help from around the NHL to stay in the Eastern Conference postseason mix

NEW YORK – Henrik Lundqvist made 37 saves, Ryan Callahan had a goal and an assist and the New York Rangers clinched a playoff spot with a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday night

TAMPA, Fla. – Don Koharski is ready for his next challenge.The veteran referee completed a 32-year on-ice NHL career in Thursday night’s game between the Washington Capitals and the Tampa Bay Lightning

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Lightning signed free agent defenceman Geoff Kinrade to an amateur tryout contract on Thursday.The injury-depleted Lightning also recalled defenceman Kevin Quick from Norfolk of the AHL

HAMEENLINNA, Finland – Canada and the U.S. have outscored their opposition at the women’s world hockey championship by a combined 51-1 margin

According to the Boston Herald the NHL has chosen Fenway Park, as the host of the 2010 NHL Winter Classic.

The report states Boston was chosen over New York and Philadelphia to host next season’s ode to alfresco hockey and the opposing team is likely to be either the Rangers or the Montreal Canadiens, though nothing has been officially decided

Scoring summaries from Wednesday’s NHL games:Sabres 3 at Maple Leafs 1First Period1. Toronto, Finger 6 (Blake, Hanson) 16:22Penalties – Ellis Buf (high-sticking) 5:53, Stajan Tor (roughing) 10:08, Vanek Buf (tripping) 10:40, Sekera Buf (hooking) 18:01

Results Wednesday:IIHF Women’s World Championship At Hameenlinna, FinlandChampionship Bracket Canada 8 Finland 0Sweden 9 Kazakhstan 0 Relegation Bracket Switzerland 5 China 4 (SO) IIHF Men’s Under-18 World Championship At Fargo, N

CHICAGO – Defenceman Fedor Tyutin scored the lone goal in the shootout and the Columbus Blue Jackets earned their first playoff berth in franchise history Wednesday night, beating the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3

TORONTO – For at least one more team flight, the Buffalo Sabres are in the NHL playoff picture.The Sabres’ 3-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs Wednesday night kept their slim playoff chances alive

Movements in the world of hockey Wednesday:National Hockey LeagueMONTREAL CANADIENS-Recalled D Yannick Weber from Hamilton (AHL). Assigned D Doug Janik to Hamilton

HAMILTON, Ont. – Ryan Russell scored two goals and Max Pacioretty had three assists as the Hamilton Bulldogs beat the Manitoba Moose 6-2 in American Hockey League action Wednesday

TORONTO – The Buffalo Sabres kept their playoff hopes alive, barely, with a 3-1 victory over Toronto that shunted veteran Maple Leafs goaltender Curtis Joseph into a share of a dubious NHL record Wednesday night

TORONTO – Karl Stewart scored twice and Randall Gelech had the overtime winner as the Rochester Americans defeated the Toronto Marlies 5-4 in American Hockey League play Wednesday night

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Marian Gaborik didn’t bite. Given yet another opportunity to expound on his preferred career path beyond this season, Minnesota’s injury-burdened, goal-scoring superstar stayed mum on the subject

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Coach Alain Vigneault jokes about it but knows his Vancouver Canucks must play tighter defensively when the Stanley Cup playoffs begin next week

PITTSBURGH – The Pittsburgh Penguins must be wondering if an entire team is eligible for the comeback player of the year award.The Penguins were one more losing streak away from being out of playoff contention when Dan Bylsma took over as interim coach on Feb

MONTREAL – The Montreal Canadiens are a good enough deal that the sale of the iconic National Hockey League franchise could spark a bidding war among buyers, even in the current recession, an economist says

SAN JOSE, Calif. – Sharks captain Patrick Marleau and high-scoring forward Ryane Clowe expect to return to San Jose’s lineup Thursday night for the NHL-leading club’s regular-season home finale