Tampa Bay’s Valtteri Filppula had two goals and an assist to lead the Lightning to a 5-1 win over the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday in a clash of NHL divisional leaders.
Chicago took sole possession of the Central lead with victory over Phoenix as Colorado slipped to second with a defeat at St Louis, while San Jose closed in on the Pacific lead with a win against Vancouver.
Tampa Bay goaltender Ben Bishop won his 13th game this season, while Martin St Louis added a goal and two assists for the Lightning, who again won without star Steven Stamkos. The center is out indefinitely after breaking his right leg on Monday and he had surgery on Tuesday.
Alex Killorn and Victor Hedman had the other Tampa Bay goals, while Emerson Etem scored for the Ducks.
Chicago’s Jonathan Toews and rookie Brandon Pirri scored in a four-round shootout to help the Blackhawks beat the Phoenix Coyotes 5-4 for their fourth straight win.
Pirri tied the score at 4-4 early in the third period when he connected on a midair deflection.
Brandon Saad, Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa also scored in regulation for the Blackhawks, who extended their point streak to eight games (7-0-1).
Chicago fired a season-high 52 shots through overtime at Coyotes goalie Mike Smith.
Phoenix defenseman Michael Stone scored twice for the first time in his career as the Coyotes overcame an early two-goal deficit to earn a point.
At 13-4-3, the Coyotes are off to their best start since 1998-1999.
St Louis’ Alexander Steen scored his league-leading 15th and 16th goals of the season as the Blues slumping power play woke up with three goals which set up a 7-3 win over the Colorado Avalanche.
St Louis are off to the fastest start in franchise history with 12 wins in their first 17 games. Colorado lost consecutive games for the first time this season.
Derek Roy, David Backes, Vladimir Tarasenko, Chris Stewart and Jay Bouwmeester also scored for the Blues, who have won their past five home meetings with the Avalanche.
Nathan MacKinnon, Matt Duchene and Ryan O’Reilly scored for Colorado.
San Jose’s Dan Boyle scored a power-play goal at 2 minutes, 38 seconds of overtime to give the Sharks a 2-1 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.
Henrik Sedin was in the penalty box when Boyle’s shot from the slot stood after a video review.
San Jose’s Tomas Hertl had tied the game with 65 seconds left in regulation, preventing the Sharks suffering a sixth loss in seven games.
Kevin Bieksa scored his first goal of the season for the Canucks, who, in a scheduling quirk, were playing their last game of the season against the Sharks, despite both being in the Pacific Division.
San Jose have won 10 of 11 against the Canucks dating to last season.
Los Angeles’ Tyler Toffoli deflected in the winning goal as the Kings stunned the New York Islanders by scoring three times in the third period to take a 3-2 win.
Boston’s Milan Lucic scored on a breakaway in overtime to lift the Bruins to a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Dallas’ Tyler Seguin scored four goals to lead the Stars over the slumping Calgary Flames 7-3.
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
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