Phoenix’s Mikkel Boedker scored in overtime for the second straight game to give the Coyotes a 3-2 win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday and take a 3-1 lead in their NHL first-round playoff series.
Boedker skated ahead of defenseman Nick Leddy and shoveled the puck under goalie Corey Crawford in the fourth straight game that has gone to an extra period.
Chicago’s Michael Frolik had tapped in from the left with 1:26 left in regulation to tie the game, marking the third time in four games the Blackhawks rallied to force overtime.
Earlier, Shane Doan and Taylor Pyatt scored 44 seconds apart to give the Coyotes a 2-0 lead in the third. However, Brendan Morrison, making his first appearance in the series, scored to make it 2-1.
The Blackhawks played without star right wing Marian Hossa, who was driven to the ice and carried off on a stretcher in Game 3 after a shoulder-to-head hit from the Coyotes’ Raffi Torres.
Torres was suspended indefinitely on Wednesday and was scheduled for a hearing with the league yesterday. The Blackhawks were already without rookie forward Andrew Shaw, who drew a five-game suspension for knocking an opponent to the ice in Game 2.
DEVILS 4, PANTHERS 0
In Newark, New Jersey, Martin Brodeur produced a record-setting 24th playoff shutout, helping New Jersey beat Florida and tie the series 2-2.
Two days after the shortest playoff outing of his career — after conceding four goals in 22 minutes — Brodeur made 26 saves in taking over sole possession of the shutout mark from Patrick Roy.
Brodeur made at least six outstanding saves while benefiting from some early luck when Sean Bergenheim hit a post.
Zach Parise, Steve Bernier, Travis Zajac and Ilya Kovalchuk scored for New Jersey.
CAPITALS 2, BRUINS 1
In Washington, playoff rookie Braden Holtby shone with 44 saves, helping Washington edge Boston and square the series at 2-2.
Washington’s Marcus Johansson put the puck past Tim Thomas less than one-and-a-half minutes after the opening faceoff, but Boston’s Rich Peverley tied it for the reigning Stanley Cup champions later in the first period.
Alexander Semin put the Capitals ahead for good with 1:17 left in the second on a power-play goal.
BLUES 2, SHARKS 1
In San Jose, St Louis moved within one win of the second round by beating San Jose and taking a 3-1 series lead.
Brian Elliott made 24 saves and B.J. Crombeen and Andy McDonald scored for the Blues.
San Jose played well for long stretches, especially in the second and third period, but once again struggled to score against St Louis’ stingy defense that allowed the fewest goals ever in an 82-game season. Joe Thornton finally broke through with 1:07 remaining, but the Sharks could not get the equalizer.
San Jose have won only once in eight tries against the Blues this season.
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
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