Winter Classic may set attendance record (AP)
The Detroit Red Wings and Toronto Maple Leafs will began 2013 by renewing their rivalry at one of North America’s most iconic stadiums. The two Original Six foes will play in the Winter Classic on Jan. 1 at Michigan Stadium, part of an outdoor showcase that will also include minor league and college hockey games at Detroit’s Comerica Park.
Wild captain Koivu cleared to return (AP)
Minnesota Wild captain Mikko Koivu has been cleared to return to the lineup after missing the last eight games with a left shoulder injury. Wild coach Mike Yeo said before Thursday’s game against Vancouver that he expected Koivu to be back on the first line, centering Dany Heatley and Devin Setoguchi to face the Canucks.
No fracture for Henrik Sedin, may play (AP)
The Vancouver Canucks say Henrik Sedin has no broken bones in his right foot. Head coach Alain Vigneault said before Thursday night’s game at Minnesota that a CT scan came back clean. Sedin took part in the morning skate, and Vigneault said he’d be a game-time decision to play the Wild. Sedin was hit in the foot in the last game at Nashville by a slap shot from Predators defenseman Kevin…
Canada could support 2 more NHL teams (AP)
A new report released by the Conference Board of Canada says the country could support up to nine NHL teams, two more than the current number. Quebec City and Hamilton are the most suitable cities for having a team, according to the report by the non-profit organization that studies economic trends in the country.
Church ad urges prayer for flailing Habs (AP)
It’s come to this for the Montreal Canadiens: The Catholic church is asking people to pray for the last-place team. The church has placed an ad in Montreal newspapers in hopes of an eighth-place finish and a spot in the playoffs. The ad shows the Eastern Conference standings with every team listed except the Canadiens.
Flames’ Kiprusoff notches 300th victory (AP)
Miikka Kiprusoff can thank fellow Finn Olli Jokinen for helping him earn his 300th career NHL win. Jokinen capitalized on a turnover by Colin White to break a third-period tie with his third goal of the game, and the Calgary Flames beat the San Jose Sharks 4-3 Wednesday night. Jokinen also assisted on Jarome Iginla’s second-period goal to help Kiprusoff reach the milestone and end San…
Perry’s OT goal gets Ducks by Hurricanes (AP)
The Anaheim Ducks sure are playing it close these days. All-Star Corey Perry scored at 2:14 of overtime to help them beat the last-place Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 on Wednesday night for their second straight victory. It was the third time in three games that the Ducks went to overtime or a shootout. “It’s a tell-tale sign of a team that won’t quit, and a tell-tale sign of a team that…
With Ruff out, Sabres rout Bruins 6-0 (AP)
As difficult as it was for Lindy Ruff to watch from the press box, and as painful as his three broken ribs felt, the Buffalo Sabres coach had plenty to smile about after a 6-0 win over the Boston Bruins on Wednesday night. “I’ll take a hit to win a game any day,” Ruff said two days after being upended during a collision in practice.
Red Wings extend home win streak to 18 (AP)
Back on home ice — where they have been unbeatable for three months — the Detroit Red Wings closed in on an NHL record. Drew Miller and Henrik Zetterberg scored in the third period, and the Red Wings extended their home winning streak to 18 games with a 4-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night.
Univ. of Michigan seeks Winter Classic (AP)
The University of Michigan Board of Regents on Wednesday authorized athletic director Dave Brandon to seek a contract with the NHL that would allow the league to hold next year’s Winter Classic at Michigan Stadium. The board called the special meeting to discuss renting the stadium to the league for the outdoor hockey game.