The Detroit Red Wings pounded the Dallas Stars 6-1 on Thursday to record their fifth straight win and maintain a perfect start to the year.
Detroit’s streak began with a win over the Chicago Blackhawks in their final game of last year and the Stanley Cup champions have carried that momentum into the new year with four consecutive victories, starting with the outdoor Winter Classic on New Year’s Day.
Detroit scored twice in each period to move within two points of the idle San Jose Sharks, who sit at the top of the Western conference standings with 63 points.
PHOTO: AP
“We played a good solid game for 60 minutes for once,” Detroit’s Dan Cleary said. “But we still have to catch the team in front of us so we have to get points every night.”
The Wings got goals from six different scorers — Marian Hossa, Cleary, Kirk Maltby, Tomas Holmstrom, Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg.
Detroit have also tightened up defensively, surrendering just seven goals during their five-game win streak.
PHOTO: AP
Loui Eriksson spoiled Chris Osgood’s shutout bid, notching the struggling Stars’ only goal early in the third.
“The guys played hard and we were able to get a win against a team that has been playing real well,” Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. “Everyone loves to score ... but you’re always a work in progress, you’re always trying to get better.”
“Our goaltending has been better. [Ty] Conklin played real well and now Ozzy has come back and been real fresh for us,” he said. “You need good goaltending to have success.”
PHOTO: AP
Hossa opened the scoring when his fluttering wrist shot fooled Marty Turco for his 19th goal of the season and Cleary added another before the end of the first period to put Detroit up 2-0.
Maltby and Holmstrom found the net in the second before Eriksson tipped in Trevor Daley’s blast from the top of the left faceoff circle 38 seconds into the third period.
But the Wings quickly extinguished any thoughts of a comeback, Datsyuk and Zetterberg answering with their 18th and 16th goals of the season.
“We played a great 60 minutes, we deserved the win tonight,” Hossa said. “It’s always easier with a team like we have to play with a 2-0 lead.”
BRUINS 6, SENATORS 4
At Boston, the home team claimed the league’s highest points total with a win over Ottawa.
The Bruins moved to 64 points for the season, one above the San Jose Sharks, who have two games in hand.
David Krejci and Marc Savard scored in the third period to secure the win. Savard also had two assists.
The Senators have lost seven of their past eight.
COYOTES 3, LIGHTNING 2
At Glendale, Arizona, Phoenix beat Tampa Bay for the first time in nearly eight years.
Kyle Turris broke a tie with 11:51 remaining for the Coyotes.
CANADIENS 6, MAPLE LEAFS 2
At Montreal, the hosts notched a third straight win by beating Canadian rival Toronto.
Andrei Kostitsyn had a goal and two assists, and Jaroslav Halak made 30 saves for the Canadiens, who have lost only once in regulation in the past 10 games.
FLYERS 3, WILD 1
At Philadelphia, the home side took sole possession of the Atlantic Division lead by defeating Minnesota.
BLACKHAWKS 2, AVALANCHE 1
At Denver, Wojtek Wolski’s goal with seven minutes remaining saw Chicago edge Colorado.
Andrew Raycroft stopped 43 shots for Colorado.
In other games, it was:
• Panthers 4, Hurricanes 2
• Kings 4, Ducks 3
• Predators 5, Penguins 3
• Thrashers 4, Devils 0
• Flames 5, Islanders 2
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely