Dany Heatley assisted on two goals in his first game against Ottawa since his blockbuster trade to San Jose, leading the Sharks to a 5-2 win over the Senators in the NHL on Tuesday.
Patrick Marleau scored on both of Heatley’s assists, passing him for the team lead with 19 goals. Jamie McGinn, Ryane Clowe and Manny Malhotra also scored for San Jose, while Joe Thornton had two assists to up his league-leading total to 32.
Milan Michalek, traded to Ottawa in the September deal for Heatley, scored both goals for the Senators.
The Sharks, which boast the league’s best record, became the first team this season to pass the 100-goal milestone.
MAPLE LEAFS 3, CANADIENS 0
In Montreal, Toronto goalie Jonas Gustavsson was taken to the hospital with an elevated heart rate following the first period of the Maple Leafs’ victory over Montreal.
Gustavsson made eight saves before he was taken to the hospital as a precaution. The Swedish rookie had minor heart surgery during training camp after he experienced a racing heartbeat.
Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke said Gustavsson was expected to be fine.
Colton Orr and Jeff Finger scored in the first period for Toronto and Matt Stajan added his eighth goal in the second.
Montreal have lost three straight.
BLACKHAWKS 4, BLUE JACKETS 3, SO
In Chicago, Brent Seabrook scored in the 11th round of a shootout, giving Chicago victory over Columbus.
Marian Hossa, playing his first game with the Blackhawks at the United Center, scored in the second round of the shootout. Columbus’ Jakub Voracek tied it in the next round, setting the stage for a goaltending battle between Steve Mason and Chicago’s Cristobal Huet before Seabrook skated in for the winner.
KINGS 4, DUCKS 3
In Anaheim, California, Jack Johnson scored the go-ahead goal with 2:20 left as Los Angeles beat Anaheim in the first meeting of the season between the city rivals.
Scott Parse and Justin Williams scored first-period goals for the Kings and Randy Jones connected in the second.
Anaheim’s Corey Perry had a goal and an assist to extend his point streak to 19 games, tied for the longest by an NHL player since Paul Stastny’s 20-game run in 2006-2007. Sidney Crosby also had a 19-game streak for Pittsburgh two seasons ago.
■OVECHKIN SUSPENDED
AFP, WASHINGTON
Washington left wing Alex Ovechkin was given a two-game suspension by the National Hockey League on Tuesday and instructions to tone down his reckless ways could be coming soon from coach Bruce Bourdreau.
Ovechkin, the NHL Most Valuable Player of 2008 and last year, instigated a knee-on-knee collision with Carolina defenseman Tim Gleason in a victory on Monday that left the Russian star injured while his rival was quickly back on the ice.
“I regret that this has happened,” Ovechkin said in a statement. “I’m glad that Tim wasn’t injured because I never ever want to see anyone get hurt.”
Ovechkin, who was given a five-minute kneeing penalty and his second game misconduct in three games for the play, will forfeit US$98,844 in salary as a result of the two-game ban.
Ovechkin skated on Tuesday before his Capitals teammates practiced. While he never went at top speed, Ovechkin dismissed his sore right knee as a small setback.
“It’s not a bad injury,” Ovechkin said. “I thought it was going to be worse. But I can walk. I can skate. Of course, it’s a little bit sore, but it’s not that serious.”
Ovechkin said he might be healthy for today’s home game against Florida, but the NHL banishment will sideline him for that game and another tomorrow at Philadelphia. He will be eligible to return on Monday at Tampa Bay.
The suspension was the first since the Russian star joined the NHL in 2005.
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