News

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia – Jussi Jokinen and Vincent Lecavalier scored in a shootout Tuesday to lift the Tampa Bay Lightning to a 3-2 victory over HC Slovan Bratislava in a pre-season game, the first ever for an NHL team in Slovakia.

NEW YORK – Former NFL draft bust Tony Mandarich says he used steroids at Michigan State and faked a drug test before the 1988 Rose Bowl.He also said during an interview on “Inside the NFL” that will air Wednesday on Showtime that he did not use steroids in the NFL but was addicted to alcohol and painkillers.

BERN, Switzerland – The New York Rangers returned to Switzerland after a 49-year absence and easily beat Bern 8-1 Tuesday in an exhibition game.

VANCOUVER – The Vancouver Canucks have named goaltender Roberto Luongo as their new captain.Coach Alain Vigneault says Luongo can’t wear the C on his jersey because he’s a goalie but is permitted to be designated the team’s captain.

To get an idea of just how wide open the NHL’s Eastern Conference is this season, all you have to do is start asking those involved about their competition.

Nikolai Khabibulin has cleared waivers, one day after the Blackhawks placed him there.
Trade speculation continues to follow the one-time Stanley Cup champion, who’s future with the club was called into question when GM Dale Tallon signed Cristobal Huet from the free agent market in the off-season.

There is plenty to look for in the 2008-09 NHL season.Chris Chelios will play a 25th NHL season with the Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings and top draft pick Steven Stamkos will play his first for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Sabres centre Paul Gaustad is expected to miss at least three to four weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his right thumb Tuesday.

RALEIGH, N.C. – Jeff O’Neill has decided to end his comeback bid with the Carolina Hurricanes.The 32-year-old forward attended Carolina’s training camp on a tryout and appeared in three pre-season games.

PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh Penguins defenceman Sergei Gonchar will have surgery on his disclocated shoulder Thursday and miss four to six months of the upcoming season.

Movements in the world of hockey Monday:National Hockey LeagueANAHEIM DUCKS-Assigned LW Michal Birner, C Eric Bogunieckie, D John de Gray, G J.

GLENDALE, Ariz. – Peter Mueller scored three goals and rookie Mikkel Boedker added a pair in the Phoenix Coyotes’ 5-1 win over the San Jose Sharks on Monday night.

TORONTO – Luke Schenn seized his moment in the spotlight.The Toronto Maple Leafs first-round draft pick scored the shootout winner on Monday night to give his team a 4-3 pre-season victory over the St.

WATERBURY, Vt. – The Boston Bruins set up training camp in ski country Monday for three days of practice, team-building exercises and relaxation as coaches mull their next round of roster cuts.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Rick Nash had two goals and an assist to lead the Columbus Blue Jackets to a 7-1 pre-season victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night.

NEWARK, N.J. – Michael Nylander set up two second-period goals and Hart Trophy winner Alex Ovechkin added a what proved to be a game-winning short-handed goal early in the third as the unbeaten Washington Capitals held off the New Jersey Devils 3-2 on Monday night for their fourth straight pre-season victory.

VANCOUVER – Kyle Wellwood is winning the battle of the bulge, but he still must fight to earn himself a spot on the Vancouver Canucks NHL roster.

CHICAGO – The Chicago Blackhawks have put goaltender Nikolai Khabibulin on waivers, a team spokesman confirmed Monday.Khabibulin is entering the final season of a US$27-million, four-year contract.

TORONTO – One of Paul Kelly’s first tasks in his first full season at the helm of the NHL Players’ Association might be his most important yet.

There is a feeling of deja vu as the NHL prepares to embark on its 91st season.For the second straight year, the puck will be dropped on another continent with regular season games in Europe and few would be surprised to see the Stanley Cup presented to the Detroit Red Wings again next June.