James Neal on Friday scored his league-high ninth goal and hosts the Edmonton Oilers won for the seventh time in eight games to open the season by edging the slumping Detroit Red Wings 2-1.
Ethan Bear scored the other goal for the Oilers, while goalkeeper Mikko Koskinen, who stopped a career-high 49 shots in a 6-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday, made 25 saves.
Red Wings defenseman Mike Green scored the lone goal for Detroit, but his team lost their fourth straight game, including three consecutive on the road.
Goalkeeper Jonathan Bernier made 35 saves for Detroit, who had given up five goals in each of their three previous losses during the slide.
The Oilers were credited with 24 hits, compared with 15 by the Wings. Only three penalties were called and neither side scored with the man advantage.
The teams combined for 27 shots on goal in the opening period, but none got past the goal line.
The Oilers took a 2-1 lead in the second period, while outshooting Detroit 15-6.
Neal scored on a rebound to break the scoreless deadlock at 7 minutes, 39 seconds. Nurse took a shot from the point and Bernier made the stop. Alex Chiasson got a piece of the puck before Neal fired it into the net.
Bear made it 2-0 with his shot from the right point that got past a screened Bernier. Nurse and Leon Draisaitl were credited with the assists at 12:22.
The teams split their two-game series last season with each side winning on the road.
Also on Friday, it was:
‧ Penguins 4, Stars 2
‧ Capitals 5, Rangers 2
‧ Avalanche 5, Panthers 4 (OT)
‧ Blackhawks 3, Blue Jackets 2
‧ Ducks 4, Hurricanes 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