News

Time is ticking for NHL general managers.As the league heads into the final stretch before Wednesday’s trade deadline, several are still pondering key questions that will help determine how big the fireworks will be during the NHL’s annual swap meet.

TORONTO – The NHL Players’ Association has filled its vacant ombudsmen role with a familiar face.Former Canadian Auto Workers president Buzz Hargrove has accepted the role on an interim basis, replacing Eric Lindros.

BOSTON – The Boston Bruins placed forward Petteri Nokelainen on injured reserve on Friday and recalled forward Vladimir Sobotka on an emergency basis from their AHL affiliate in Providence.

TORONTO – Hockey Hall of Famer Jim Gregory is in critical condition after suffering a heart attack in the NHL’s Toronto office.The league’s senior vice-president of hockey operations had the heart attack on Thursday afternoon, according to nhl.

TORONTO – It didn’t take the National Hockey League very long to punish Brendan Witt.The New York Islanders defenceman has been suspended five games by the NHL after elbowing Toronto’s Niklas Hagman in the head on Thursday night.

TORONTO – They’re doing it in honour of their parents, deceased friends and former hockey coaches. But above all, NHL players are choosing to give back in support of the international humanitarian organization Right To Play.

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Bay Lightning is cutting season ticket prices, with some 4,000 seats available for just US$239 for the 2009-10 season.

PHILADELPHIA – Daniel Briere’s return to the Philadelphia Flyers’ lineup has come at a price.The team had two players claimed off waivers Friday as Montreal picked up forward Glen Metropolit and Vancouver grabbed defenceman Ossi Vaananen.

Scoring summaries from Thursday’s NHL games:Blue Jackets 1 at Oilers 0First PeriodNo Scoring.Penalties – Stortini Edm (cross-checking) 2:34, Nash Clb (interference) 3:33, Torres Clb, Strudwick Edm (fighting) 10:50, Boll Clb (unsportsmanlike) 13:49.

Movements in the world of hockey Thursday:National Hockey LeagueCALGARY FLAMES-Recalled F David Van der Gulik from Quad City (AHL).CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS-Recalled G Antti Niemi from Rockford (AHL).

EDMONTON – Steve Mason faced just 19 in his eighth shutout of the season and the Columbus Blue Jackets ended a two-game losing skid, defeating the Edmonton Oilers 1-0 in a key Western Conference clash Thursday night.

DALLAS – Chris Mason made 41 saves, and rookie T.J. Oshie scored the go-ahead goal in the third period in the St. Louis Blues’ 3-1 victory over the Dallas Stars on Thursday night.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Jason Arnott scored an unassisted goal 54 seconds after Phoenix tied it in the second, and the Nashville Predators beat the Coyotes 4-1 on Thursday night for their third straight victory.

OTTAWA – Milan Michalek and Patrick Marleau scored power-play goals in the second period as the San Jose Sharks beat the Ottawa Senators 2-1 Thursday.

UNIONDALE, N.Y. – Tim Stapleton’s shootout goal in the third round led the Toronto Maple Leafs to a 5-4 win over the New York Islanders on Thursday night.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Jussi Jokinen scored the winning goal in a shootout, and Cam Ward made 36 saves in the Carolina Hurricanes’ 2-1 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday night.

NEWARK, N.J. – Marty’s back, as good as ever.Martin Brodeur recorded his 99th career regular-season shutout, making 24 saves in his first game since elbow surgery in early November and the New Jersey Devils beat the Colorado Avalanche 4-0 on Thursday night.

BOSTON – Tim Thomas stopped 35 shots for his fourth shutout of the season, and Michael Ryder had two goals and an assist in his second game back after facial surgery to lead the Boston Bruins to a 6-0 victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night.

WASHINGTON – Alexander Semin scored one of Washington’s three power-play goals Thursday night and assisted on both of the others, including Mike Green’s go-ahead goal, and the Capitals held on for a 4-3 victory over the Atlanta Thrashers.

NEW YORK – David Booth and Nathan Horton scored on consecutive shots a minute apart in the third period to rally the Florida Panthers to a key 2-1 victory over the Rangers on Thursday night, spoiling New York coach John Tortorella’s home debut.