NHL standings (Yahoo Sports)

Jan 1 (Gracenote) - Standings from the NHL on Saturday WESTERN CONFERENCECENTRAL DIVISION W L OTL GF GA PTS 1. Chicago 23 11 5 108 94 51 2. Minnesota 23 9 4 113 76 50 3. St. Louis 19 13 5 104 110 43 4. Dallas 16 15 7 97 113 39 5. Nashville 16 14 6 102 100 38 6. Winnipeg 17 19 3 103 117 37 7. Colorado 12 23 1 74 122 25 PACIFIC DIVISION W L OTL GF GA PTS 1. San Jose 23 13 1 94 80 47 2. Edmonton 19 12 7 110 101 45 3. Anaheim 18 12 8 103 106 44 4. Calgary 20 17 2 105 111 42 5. Los Angeles 18 15 4 92 91 40 6. Vancouver 17 18 3 94 114 37 7. ...

NHL-Highlights from Saturday's NHL games (Yahoo Sports)

Highlights of National Hockey League games on Saturday: Blue Jackets 4, Wild 2 Cam Atkinson scored twice and Sergei Bobrovsky made 29 saves for the Columbus Blue Jackets, who extended their winning streak to 15 games while snapping Minnesota's run of 12 wins. Defensemen Jack Johnson and Seth Jones also scored for Columbus, who have not lost since Nov. 26 in overtime at Florida. Mikael Granlund and Jason Zucker scored for Minnesota.

Blue Jackets win 15th in row, end Wild 12-game streak (Yahoo Sports)

Cam Atkinson netted two goals and the Columbus Blue Jackets matched the second-longest win streak in National Hockey League history Saturday with their 15th consecutive victory, a 4-2 triumph at Minnesota. Atkinson, a 27-year-old US right wing who tops Columbus scorers, struck for his 16th and 17th goals of the season as the league-leading Blue Jackets stretched their streak two wins shy of the league record by snapping Minnesota's 12-game victory run. It was the first time two NHL teams on double-digit win streaks had ever faced each other and the first time two clubs had such long streaks concurrently.

Blue Jackets victorious in Unsustainabowl, extend streak to 15 games (Yahoo Sports)

Just as everyone predicted at the beginning of the season, the most anticipated game to close out the calendar year is … the Minnesota Wild versus the Columbus Blue Jackets?

NHL results (Yahoo Sports)

Jan 1 (Gracenote) - Results from the NHL games on Saturday (home team in CAPS) Columbus 4 MINNESOTA 2 BOSTON 3 Buffalo 1 Washington 6 NEW JERSEY 2

Watch Dylan Strome's mom reaction to her son's scoring chance (Yahoo Sports)

The USA defeated Canada 3-1. Tonight, It was the mother of Team Canada captain Dylan Strome who found herself on the highlight reel. Dylan Strome's mom's reaction to his latest chance is probably how every Canadian fan reacted.

5 best moments from Canada-USA New Year's Eve showdown (Yahoo Sports)

USA goalie Joseph Woll reaches to poke the puck away as Canada’s Mathieu Joseph (11) tries to turn with United States’ Joseph Cecconi (33) impeding him. Canada lost 3-1. It was the Americans’ first victory over Canada in their last seven world junior games on NYE.

Canadians fail to raise American flag after USA world junior win (Video) (Yahoo Sports)

Team USA was victorious in its IIHF U20 World Junior Hockey Championship Tournament game against host Canada, 3-1, on Saturday night in Toronto. The flag-handlers made a good recovery as the cameras desperately scanned the emptying crowd for anything to focus on that wasn’t two people getting tangled in the American flag like a cat in a sleeping bag. Were this any other sport, we imagine the ESPN shout shows would be demanding a full apology and an Congressional inquiry into how the American flag wasn’t raised to the rafters after a preliminary-round win, but we imagine junior hockey isn’t exactly on the docket for PTI.

USA captain Kunin gets game misconduct for late hit (Yahoo Sports)

Team USA defeated Team Russia 3-2. Team USA will be without their captain for the remainder of Saturday’s game, and possibly beyond, after Luke Kunin was ejected following a late hit near the head of Team Canada defenceman Philippe Myers.

Denna Laing drops puck for Bruins on tragic injury anniversary (Video) (Yahoo Sports)

Late in the first period, Laing went to the corner and accidentally stepped on another player’s stick. Laing was then stretchered off the ice. Laing suffered a “significant spinal injury” at the Women’s Outdoor Classic.

Watch: USA's Greenway dazzles to put Canada in early hole (Yahoo Sports)

Team USA defeated Team Russia 3-2. Jordan Greenway of Team USA had two power play points, including the Americans’ second goal, before Team Canada even had their first shot on goal in Saturday’s New Year’s Eve showdown.

Kris Draper, Gary Roberts get their anger up in Alumni Game (Video) (Yahoo Sports)

The alumni game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday at BMO Field in Toronto features more than a few players known for their grit, physical play and occasional viciousness.

Top 10 games of 2016 (Puck Daddy’s Year In Hockey) (Yahoo Sports)

If the Bears were going to have a chance in the Calder Cup, they needed a win in Game 3 vs. Lake Erie, who had them in a 2-0 series hole. A tightly played and dramatic game saw Oliver Bjorkstrand stunningly end it about 90 seconds into overtime for a 3-2 Monsters win, setting up a sweep for the Columbus Blue Jackets’ AHL affiliate. Mike Fisher scored at 11:12 of triple overtime – the longest game of the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs – to give the Predators Game 4 over the Sharks, 4-3.

Devils’ John Moore stretched off after Tom Wilson hit; suspension coming? (Yahoo Sports)

Very scary scene in the New Jersey Devils’ game against the Washington Capitals on New Year’s Eve, and controversial Capitals forward Tom Wilson was the catalyst for it. Just 3:10 in the game, Devils defenseman John Moore played the puck against the end boards of his own zone. Training and medical staff arrived, and Moore stayed down for several silent minutes at Prudential Center in Newark.

Jaroslav Halak clears waivers, demoted to AHL by Islanders (Yahoo Sports)

In September, Jaroslav Halak reestablished himself as an elite big-game goalie, backstopping Team Europe to the World Cup of Hockey championship round. In December, Jaroslav Halak was demoted to the American Hockey League’s Bridgeport Sound Tigers by the New York Islanders. Halak, 31, cleared waivers on Saturday, one day after the Islanders placed him there.

Crawford is Ready to Roll (Yahoo Sports)

Joey Alfieri breaks down the great, good and bad fantasy goalies for the next week.

US-Canada-Mexico 2026 World Cup bid a possibility: CONCACAF President (Reuters)

By Alexander Cornwell DUBAI (Reuters) - Football officials from the United States, Canada and Mexico are likely to meet next year to discuss a joint bid for the 2026 World Cup, CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani said on Wednesday. FIFA confirmed on Oct. 14 that co-hosting would be allowed at the 2026 tournament and that there would be no restrictions on the number of countries in a given bid. CONCACAF governs football in North and Central America and the Caribbean.

FIFA boss says football federations back expanded World Cup (Reuters)

By Alexander Cornwell DUBAI (Reuters) - Football federations are "overwhelmingly in favor" of expanding the existing 32-nation World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday. The global football federation boss wants to increase the number of teams playing in the World Cup final tournament to 48, arguing that it can be done in the same time frame as the current tournament. "We have to be more inclusive," Infantino said at a sports conference in Dubai, adding that a 48-team tournament was the most financially appealing.

Hurricanes sign equipment manager as backup goalie (Yahoo Sports)

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- The Carolina Hurricanes have signed equipment manager Jorge Alves to a professional tryout contract to be the backup goaltender for Saturday night's game at Tampa Bay.

Oshie, Ovechkin power Capitals to 6-2 win over Devils (Yahoo Sports)

T.J. Oshie and Alex Ovechkin scored 33 seconds apart in the second period Saturday to power the Washington Capitals to a 6-2 victory, and a split of a home-and-home series with the New Jersey Devils. The Devils stunned the Capitals with a 2-1 shootout victory on Thursday in Washington. This one was all Capitals, with six different players all hitting the net.

Bruins beat Sabres 3-1 on Bergeron, Schaller goals (Yahoo Sports)

Patrice Bergeron and Tim Schaller scored second-period goals Saturday to help the Boston Bruins beat Buffalo 3-1 and complete a sweep of home-and-home games against the Sabres. The victory also gave Boston a sweep of its four-game season series against the Sabres. Buffalo was the only team the Bruins had never swept during a regular season.

Title-chasing Liverpool pulls clear of Man City with 1-0 win (The Associated Press)

Georginio Wijnaldum's early header cemented Liverpool's title credentials by clinching a 1-0 victory over Manchester City on Saturday as Pep Guardiola's side slipped 10 points behind leader Chelsea. While Guardiola is discovering just how competitive the English Premier League is in his first season at City, Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp will start the second half of the season only six points behind Chelsea. The 18-time English champions are mounting their strongest challenge for the trophy in three years, predating Klopp's arrival from Borussia Dortmund, as they seek to deliver league silverware to Anfield for the first time since 1990.

Liverpool extend home success over Manchester City with 1-0 victory (The Associated Press)

Georginio Wijnaldum scored in the eighth minute, and that was all Liverpool needed to continue their home dominance of Manchester City with Saturday's 1-0 victory. The Reds (13-4-2) have won four straight overall and at home against City, who are 1-5-14 at Anfield during the Premier League era and 0-5-10 through all competitions since last winning there May 3, 2003. Manchester City (12-3-4) won 3-0 at Hull City on Boxing Day, but their three-game league winning streak ended as they recorded just two shots on target.

Bruins' Marchand replies to Twitter user's homophobic slur (Yahoo Sports)

BOSTON (AP) -- Bruins winger Brad Marchand is standing up to a Twitter user who attacked him with a homophobic slur.

Devils defenseman John Moore removed from ice on stretcher (Yahoo Sports)

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) -- New Jersey Devils defenseman John Moore was removed from the ice on a stretcher during Saturday's game against the Washington Capitals.

Chelsea ties EPL record with 13th straight win (The Associated Press)

Chelsea matched Arsenal's record of consecutive Premier League wins at 13, as goals from Gary Cahill, Diego Costa and a brace from Willian lifted Antonio Conte's club to a 4-2 victory over Stoke City on Saturday. Conte's men have had a perfect record in the league since being beaten by Arsenal and have now matched the Gunners' record from 2001-02 with a hard-fought win against a competitive Stoke side.

Robson-Kanu’s blast powers West Brom past Southampton (The Associated Press)

Hal Robson-Kanu struck for the second-half winner on Saturday as West Bromwich Albion claimed an impressive three points with a 2-1 win over Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium. Tony Pulis' boys came in looking to put an end to a two-match losing streak in league play, while Southampton was still smarting from a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Tottenham in midweek. Shane Long collected his first goal for the Saints since May with an excellent near-post header from a corner kick that left Baggies goalkeeper Ben Foster with no chances.

Bournemouth dominates sinking Swansea City (The Associated Press)

Swansea City went down 3-0 to Bournemouth on Saturday at the Liberty Stadium after a late goal from Joshua King made sure of all three points for the Cherries. The game got off to an even start but the Swans found themselves behind on 26 minutes when defender Jordi Amat sent a Jack Wilshere cross smashing against Lukasz Fabianski and Benik Afobe was there to tap the rebound home from close-range. It was then 2-0 before half time as Junior Stanislas found Ryan Fraser inside the box with a low cross and the Bournemouth man was able to smash the ball into the back of the net.

Gray's hat trick helps Burnley rip Sunderland (The Associated Press)

Burnley end the year with a thumping 4-1 win over Sunderland on Saturday as a hat trick from Andre Gray and a penalty from Ashley Barnes ensure the Clarets enter the new year in the 11th spot. Sunderland pulled one back through Jermain Defoe's ninth of the season, but it was too little too late for the Black Cats, who stay two points adrift of safety in 18th. Burnley were by far the superior side and dominated from start to finish.

Slimani's header lifts Leicester City by West Ham United (The Associated Press)

Islam Slimani's first-half header proved enough to secure Leicester a 1-0 win over West Ham at the King Power Stadium on Saturday. Nineteen minutes were on the clock when Marc Albrighton got free on the right wing and curled a superb cross to the back post, where Slimani finished with a perfect header. West Ham did wrestle back control eventually and they hit the woodwork themselves when Michail Antonio struck the bar with a venomous half-volley on the turn.

Pogba scores late winner as Man U tops Middlesbrough (The Associated Press)

Manchester United left it late to secure a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. Jose Mourinho was left bewildered at halftime as his side managed to do just about everything but score inside the first 45 minutes. Both Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial hit the post before Zlatan Ibrahimovic had a goal dubiously disallowed for a high boot.

Henrik Sedin scores in OT as Canucks edge Ducks 3-2 (Yahoo Sports)

Henrik Sedin scored 4:01 into overtime and the Vancouver Canucks beat the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 on Friday night. The Canucks captain roofed his ninth of the season on a 2-on-1 rush after Ryan Getzlaf missed the net on a 2-on-1 at the other end. Loui Eriksson and Jack Skille also scored in regulation for Vancouver, which got 24 saves from Ryan Miller.

Dell gets first career shutout in Sharks' 2-0 victory (Yahoo Sports)

Rookie Aaron Dell stopped 21 shots to get his first career shutout and the San Jose Sharks beat the Philadelphia Flyers 2-0 on Friday night. Patrick Marleau scored on a power play late in the first period, and the Sharks won their fourth straight and eighth of nine. Justin Braun added a late goal.

Saros gets first career shutout as Predators beat Blues 4-0 (Yahoo Sports)

ST. LOUIS (AP) -- Juuse Saros made 25 saves for his first career shutout, Filip Forsberg got a goal and an assist and the Nashville Predators beat the St. Louis Blues 4-0 on Friday night.

Carolina beats Chicago 3-2 to continue surge on home ice (Yahoo Sports)

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Jay McClement scored the key goal 2:54 into the third period and the Carolina Hurricanes beat the Chicago Blackhawks 3-2 on Friday night.

Carolina's Bickell determined to return to hockey despite MS (Yahoo Sports)

Bryan Bickell says he doesn't want to let multiple sclerosis end his hockey career. The matchup held special significance for Bickell, who helped the Blackhawks win three Stanley Cups before he was traded to Carolina over the summer.

Crystal Palace-Arsenal Preview (The Associated Press)

After losing consecutive Premier League matches for the first time earlier this month, Arsenal head into the teeth of the crowded festive period aiming to string together another lengthy unbeaten streak. Arsene Wenger's boys suffered successive defeats to Everton and Manchester City in mid-December, but have bounced back nicely and will face a unique challenge when they host Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. The Gunners squeaked out a 1-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion on Boxing Day courtesy of an 86th-minute header from Olivier Giroud.

Tottenham Hotspur-Watford Preview (The Associated Press)

Continuing to lurk in the shadows of the top four, Tottenham Hotspur seek their fourth win on the bounce as they kick off 2017 at Vicarage Road on Sunday against Watford. After conceding an early goal, the Lily Whites bounced back as Dele Alli netted the equaliser on 19 minutes. Harry Kane put Tottenham ahead shortly after the interval, and after Southampton had Nathan Redmond sent off for a red card just before the hour, Heung-Min Son added an insurance tally before Alli fattened the scoreline by completing a brace.

NHL still searching for reason to play at 2018 Winter Games (Yahoo Sports)

TORONTO (AP) -- NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly says the league lacks a compelling reason to have its players compete in the next Winter Olympics in South Korea.

Barkley's late goal gives Everton draw with woeful Hull City (The Associated Press)

Hull City moved off the foot of the Premier League table with a 2-2 draw against Everton at the KCOM Stadium on Friday evening. Michael Dawson hammered the hosts into an early lead before a David Marshall own goal got the Toffees level just before the break. Robert Snodgrass' magnificent free-kick appeared to have given the Tigers just their second win since August but Ross Barkley headed in late on to save a point for Ronald Koeman's side.

Islanders place goaltender Jaroslav Halak on waivers (Yahoo Sports)

NEW YORK (AP) -- The New York Islanders have placed starting goaltender Jaroslav Halak on waivers.

Thursday's Sports in Brief (Yahoo Sports)

Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam killed himself after struggling with depression, an autopsy report confirmed, but investigators will never know whether the one-time running back suffered chronic head trauma from playing football because his family did not consent to those tests. Salaam was found dead Dec. 5 in a park near the University of Colorado, where he played from 1992-94, becoming one of the greatest players in the program's history. Salaam died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, an autopsy by the Boulder County Coroner's Office confirmed.

Spain's anti-doping agency investigating Nasri (The Associated Press)

Spanish club Sevilla says the national anti-doping agency is looking into reports that midfielder Samir Nasri recently had intravenous treatment at a Los Angeles clinic. Sevilla spokesman Jesus Gomez told The Associated Press on Friday that ''the agency has been in contact with the club to ask for information'' about the player. A spokesman for the anti-doping agency told the AP that its investigators are checking whether any treatment Nasri may have received had steered clear of the list of prohibited substances.

Valencia coach Cesare Prandelli resigns after 3 months (The Associated Press)

VALENCIA, Spain (AP) -- Valencia says Italian manager Cesare Prandelli has resigned after three months in charge of the Spanish team.

AP Interview: Ref Clattenburg opens up on coping with errors (The Associated Press)

In the hours and even days after blowing the final whistle, Mark Clattenburg endures hidden anguish as the decisions made during 90 minutes of refereeing whirl through his mind. ''If I make a mistake, it beats me up,'' Clattenburg told The Associated Press during a rare interview. Rarely is there public praise - only intense scrutiny of any mistakes - for soccer's top referees, particularly when you have overseen football's biggest finals in 2016 like Clattenburg and become as well known as the stars of the game.

Ronaldo's agent confirms lucrative offer from Chinese league (The Associated Press)

Cristiano Ronaldo's agent says the Real Madrid star has been offered ''more than 100 million'' euros per season to move to the Chinese Super League. Asked by Italy's Sky Sport about reports of a 300 million euro ($315 million) transfer offer to Madrid and a 100 million euro ($105 million) per season contract offer from an unspecified club, Jorge Mendes replied, ''It's normal. Mendes adds, ''But Cristiano is happy at Real Madrid.

Canucks look to get physical with Ducks (Yahoo Sports)

It is often said that the real NHL season begins after Christmas. On Friday, the Vancouver Canucks (15-18-3) will try to demonstrate their ability to handle the heavy hitting for postseason purposes as they host the Anaheim Ducks (18-12-7) at Rogers Arena. "It's the second-half push now," Vancouver rookie defenseman Troy Stecher said.

Predators limp into St. Louis to face Blues (Yahoo Sports)

The NHL schedule-maker did not do the Nashville Predators any favors coming out of the Christmas break. Waiting for them as a belated present were three games in four nights, all against Central Division rivals. The Predators got on a plane after that game to fly to St. Louis, where they meet the Blues on Friday night.

Puempel gets power-play hat trick, Rangers hold off Coyotes (Yahoo Sports)

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- Matt Puempel got two of his three power-play goals late in the third period to help the New York Rangers avert a collapse and beat the Arizona Coyotes 6-3 on Thursday night.

Silfverberg's go-ahead goal lifts Ducks past Flames, 3-1 (Yahoo Sports)

Jakob Silfverberg scored the go-ahead goal 5:37 into the third period to lead the Anaheim Ducks to a 3-1 victory over the Calgary Flames on Thursday night. On a 2-on-1 with Andrew Cogliano, Silfverberg hung onto the puck and whipped a 40-foot wrist shot over Chad Johnson's shoulder. Silfverberg has scored in three straight games.

Hurricanes continue tough stretch versus Blackhawks (Yahoo Sports)

The Hurricanes tangle with the visiting Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night at PNC Arena, something that should heighten the team's alert level. While the Blackhawks have the best record in the Western Conference, they needed a comeback Thursday night in Nashville to snap a three-game losing streak. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said it helps that the Blackhawks can be a four-line team.

Eric Gryba scores winner, Oilers beat Kings 3-1 (Yahoo Sports)

EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) -- Eric Gryba broke a tie at 6:58 of the third period and Jordan Eberle had two assists in the Edmonton Oilers' 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Thursday night.

Blue Jackets get 14th straight victory by beating Jets 5-3 (Yahoo Sports)

Alexander Wennberg had two goals and Brandon Saad also scored, helping the Columbus Blue Jackets beat the Winnipeg Jets 5-3 on Thursday night to extend their franchise-record winning streak to 14 games. The run is tied for the fourth longest winning streak ever in the NHL and Columbus closing in on the record of 17 set by Pittsburgh in 1992-93. The Jackets next play at Minnesota on Saturday night, and the Wild have won 12 straight, setting up the first meeting between clubs with such long streaks.

Stars top Avs 4-2 for 1st 3-game winning streak this season (Yahoo Sports)

Tyler Seguin had two goals and an assist and the Dallas Stars beat the lowly Colorado Avalanche 4-2 on Thursday night for their first three-game winning streak of the season. Seguin's 12th goal of the season, a one-timer from the middle of the left circle on a pass from captain Jamie Benn, put the Stars up 2-0 in the first period. Seguin and Benn assisted on Jamie Oleksiak's wrister from the right circle for a 3-1 lead early in the second period, right after Benn had a shot ricochet off the crossbar.

Anthony Mantha scores in OT, Red Wings beats Senators 3-2 (Yahoo Sports)

OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) -- Anthony Mantha scored at 1:07 of overtime after Bobby Ryan's turnover to give the Detroit Red Wings a 3-2 victory over the Ottawa Senators on Thursday night.

Wild win 12th in a row, 6-4 against Islanders (Yahoo Sports)

Erik Haula scored midway through the third period to help the Minnesota Wild hold off the New York Islanders 6-4 on Thursday night for their 12th victory in a row. Marco Scandella, Chris Stewart, Jared Spurgeon, Jordan Schroeder and Mikael Granlund also scored for Minnesota, which had a franchise-record three goals in 80 seconds in the second period. The Wild's Devan Dubnyk allowed more than three goals for the first time this season but made 23 saves to win his 10th straight start.

Kane has goal, assist in Blackhawks' 3-2 win over Predators (Yahoo Sports)

Patrick Kane had a goal and an assist to lead the Chicago Blackhawks to a 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night. Artem Anisimov and Jonathan Toews also scored and Corey Crawford made 36 saves to help Chicago snap a three-game losing streak, the Blackhawks' longest skid of the season. Filip Forsberg and Mike Fisher scored for Nashville, and Ryan Johansen had two assists.

Danault scores in OT after Gallagher ties it, Canadiens win (Yahoo Sports)

Phillip Danault scored 39 seconds into overtime after Brendan Gallagher tied it late in the third period, leading the Montreal Canadiens over the Florida Panthers 3-2 on Thursday night. Gallagher ended a 13-game goal drought with 2:37 remaining when his shot from the right circle went over James Reimer's glove, and then Danault came in on a breakaway and beat Reimer for his seventh goal of the season. Max Pacioretty also scored for Montreal, and Al Montoya made 31 saves.

Kadri scores in OT, Maple Leafs beat Lightning 3-2 (Yahoo Sports)

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) -- Nazem Kadri scored on a power play 3:37 into overtime to give the Toronto Maple Leafs a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Thursday night.

Ryan Spooner scores twice in 3rd, Bruins beat Sabres 4-2 (Yahoo Sports)

Ryan Spooner scored twice in the final four minutes and the Boston Bruins beat the Buffalo Sabres 4-2 on Thursday night. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci also scored in the opening game of a home-and-home series. Krejci also had an assist, and Tuuka Rask made 31 saves to help the Bruins snap a two-game losing streak.

Kinkaid stars as Devils beat Capitals in shootout (Yahoo Sports)

Keith Kinkaid made 43 saves and stopped two attempts in the shootout, helping the New Jersey Devils beat the Washington Capitals 2-1 on Thursday night. New Jersey's backup goaltender was the best player on the ice for the entire game and cracked only on a short-handed goal by Daniel Winnik. Jacob Josefson returned from a five-game absence caused by a concussion to score the shootout winner.

David Backes injured on William Carrier hit; suspension coming? (Video) (Yahoo Sports)

When David Backes takes a hard high hit that leaves him in a pile on the ice, it’s a disturbing sight. Backes was trying to gain the red line for a dump-in, and awkwardly lurched his body forward. Backes flew backwards and crashed to the ice.

Blackhawks GM Bowman calls Panarin extension "top priority" (Yahoo Sports)

Chicago Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman said signing Artemi Panarin to a contract extension was a ''top priority'' a day after locking up the high-scoring left wing with a two-year, $12 million deal. Bowman said Thursday prior to a game against the Nashville Predators that getting the reigning Calder Trophy winner signed took several months of work. With nearly a season and a half of NHL experience, Panarin has been nearly a point per game player since entering the league.

NHL-National Hockey League roundup (Yahoo Sports)

Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray is sidelined indefinitely with a lower-body injury, Penguins coach Mike Sullivan said Thursday. Sullivan described Murray's status as week-to-week. Murray, who signed a three-year contract extension with the Penguins in October, missed the beginning of the NHL season after breaking his hand at the World Cup of Hockey.

Top 10 saves of 2016 (Puck Daddy Year in Hockey) (Yahoo Sports)

(Puck Daddy presents its annual look back at the year in hockey. Check back every day through the New Year for our many lists and hot takes.)

Denmark continues stunning World Juniors run on awesome OT goal (Video) (Yahoo Sports)

On Tuesday, Denmark shocked the hockey world with an upset of Finland, the defending U-20 IIHF World Junior Champion. On Thursday, Denmark showed they’re not out of tournament magic quite yet. The Danes defeated the Czech Republic, 3-2, on Mathias From’s overtime winner at 0:47 at the Bell Centre in Montreal.

Yahoo Daily Fantasy Hockey: Thursday picks (Yahoo Sports)

[Join a Yahoo Daily Fantasy Hockey contest now] GOALIE

KHL player times puck drop perfectly, scores directly off faceoff (Video) (Yahoo Sports)

Sibir of the KHL needed just a single goal to beat Metallurg in KHL action on Wednesday, and it came in unique fashion.

Bloodlust trumps logic for hockey fight-loving creeps (Trending Topics) (Yahoo Sports)

Josh Anderson, a 22-year-old rookie, was pursuing the puck but got beat to the dots by Adam McQuaid. Anderson was fired up about a hit McQuaid had thrown earlier in the shift, or other so he went after McQuaid and got his hands up high. The linesman stepped in and prevented the fight, ostensibly because Anderson tried to engage in it after the whistle had already gone.

Honoring Alfie; Bortuzzo extension; make the Winter Classic relevant again (Puck Headlines) (Yahoo Sports)

• The Ottawa Senators will retire Daniel Alfredsson’s number tonight. • Making the case for Alfie to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame. • Brandon Saad writes about his time winning a Stanley Cup with Chicago and how that’s impacts him on and off the ice with the Columbus Blue Jackets as they continue on their historic win streak.

Stoke City-Chelsea Preview (The Associated Press)

A chance at history beckons table-topping Chelsea, who can match the Premier League record for the longest single-season winning streak Saturday when they host Stoke City at Stamford Bridge. Antonio Conte's side joined the 2001-02 Arsenal squad as the only two in the Premier League era to win 12 consecutive games in the same season as the Blues swept aside Bournemouth 3-0 on Boxing Day. The 12 victories on the bounce also established a club record, and a victory over the Potters would equal the Gunners' standard as part of their Premier League-record 14-match win streak that carried over into the opening fixture of the 2002-03 campaign.

Manchester City-Liverpool Preview (The Associated Press)

Whether the preferred style is brash, loud colours or the understated yet sharp, tapered style of timeless grace and movement, both Klopp and Guardiola - and by extension both teams they lead - are now the fashion forward of a Premier League whose vanguard of foreign managers are no longer content to just hoof it up the pitch to re-create the blood-and-thunder days so many on the isle wistfully recall. Klopp leads his Liverpool side into a mouth-watering clash against Guardiola's Manchester City on Saturday to ring out 2016 with the prize of second place as Chelsea's closest pursuers. The two managers are no strangers to each other, having squared off eight times in the German Bundesliga in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons as Klopp managed upstart Borussia Dortmund and Guardiola directed leviathan Bayern Munich.

Middlesbrough-Manchester United Preview (The Associated Press)

Regardless of club or status, the fortunes of players rise and fall in the Premier League, sometimes with startling speed as a season unfolds. Such is the case at Manchester United, who are watching summer signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan develop before their eyes as one-time teenage starlet Anthony Martial simply watches from the bench heading into Friday's match against Middlesbrough at Old Trafford. Far and away the best player at the international level for Armenia and a key contributor to Borussia Dortmund's rise in the Bundesliga before making the jump to the English top flight for a reported £26.3 million transfer fee, Mkhitaryan struggled in his transition to the rough-and-tumble world of Premier League midfields.

US beats Russia 3-2 in world junior hockey (Yahoo Sports)

Colin White and Troy Terry scored second-period goals and Tyler Parsons made 25 saves to help the United States beat Russia 3-2 on Thursday in the world junior hockey championship. The United States took the Group B lead, with Canada in position to match the Americans' 3-0-0 start with a victory over Latvia on Thursday night. Clayton Keller also scored for the United States.

West Brom-Southampton Preview (The Associated Press)

Consistency has been a challenge for Southampton this season. Saturday represents another opportunity to move closer to that goal as the Saints welcome West Bromwich Albion to St. Mary's Stadium for a pivotal mid-table clash. Claude Puel's boys come into the match aiming to get back to winning after Wednesday's second-half collapse in a 4-1 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on home soil.

Bournemouth-Swansea City Preview (The Associated Press)

The fate of Bob Bradley is symbolic of the downward direction that Swansea football club has taken in recent years. Then, Swansea had a sustainable model, a clear style of play and managerial consistency - not unlike Saturday's opponents Bournemouth have at present. "I don't think it's the correct decision," Bradley said the day after his sacking.

West Ham United-Leicester City Preview (The Associated Press)

The end of the most remarkable year in Leicester City's history comes to a close Saturday. West Ham United are the visitors to the King Power Stadium on New Year's Eve, bringing the curtain down on the Foxes' astonishing title-winning 2016. The Boxing Day loss to Everton saw Leicester's crown slip further, with manager Claudio Ranieri even picking out last term's Premier League player of the season Riyad Mahrez for criticism.

Sunderland-Burnley Preview (The Associated Press)

Burnley against Sunderland is the sort of match that flies under the radar at the time, only to have big consequences come the end of the season. Sean Dyche's Burnley (6-2-10) picked up a significant win against Middlesbrough on Boxing Day to pull further clear of the bottom three after a solid start to the season, grinding out the win on a tough afternoon against their fellow promoted opponents. Dyche, though, has admitted that a change of style was necessary to survive, and has praised his players for their adaptability.

Panthers fret about Barkov ahead of Habs' visit (Yahoo Sports)

The Florida Panthers are worried. The Montreal Canadiens are angry. The Panthers (15-14-7) lost star center Aleksander Barkov to an undisclosed injury on Wednesday night during a 3-2 shootout defeat against the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs.

Stars host struggling Avalanche to start homestand (Yahoo Sports)

The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars renew their Central Division rivalry Thursday night at American Airlines Center, but only one of these clubs is currently playing good hockey. The Avalanche (12-21-1), who head into Wednesday's games leading the NHL with 112 goals allowed and have a league-worst minus-42 goal differential, continue to languish in the Central basement after a 6-3 loss to Calgary at Pepsi Center on Tuesday. The Avalanche, who are 8-9-0 on the road, got several bad bounces in that defeat, which makes them 3-7-0 in their last 10 contests, but first-year Colorado coach Jared Bednar knows that beside a lack of puck luck against the Flames, it was the continuing theme of several problem areas that helped doom their chances before a partisan crowd.

Blue Jackets put 13-game win streak on line against Jets (Yahoo Sports)

The Winnipeg Jets have an opportunity to stop the streak -- or simply be the latest victims of the seemingly unstoppable Columbus Blue Jackets. Winnipeg (17-17-3) welcomes the NHL's hottest team to town Thursday night at the MTS Centre. Columbus (24-5-4) has won 13 straight games, the latest being a 4-3 victory on home ice against Boston on Tuesday.

Wild host Islanders with Blue Jackets looming (Yahoo Sports)

Before that, though, Minnesota must survive a home game against the visiting New York Islanders. The Wild (22-8-4) have already set a franchise record for most wins in a row but can extend that Thursday night when the Islanders (14-14-6) come to town. Minnesota's 11th consecutive victory took a little extra time.

Preds, Blackhawks both aim for quick start (Yahoo Sports)

When the Chicago Blackhawks and Nashville Predators meet Thursday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, one thing is certain: One of them is bound to get off to a better start than it has lately. Nashville (15-13-6) trailed 1-0 for the eighth time in nine games Thursday night and ended up losing 3-2 in overtime to scalding-hot Minnesota. A couple of years ago, Predators coach Peter Laviolette cautioned media not to look too much into who allows the first goal, comparing it to cutting a deck of cards.

Weary Kings to face rested Oilers (Yahoo Sports)

EDMONTON, Alberta -- The Edmonton Oilers got to enjoy an extended Christmas break. The Los Angeles Kings will come into Edmonton with tired legs.

Wednesday's Sports in Brief (Yahoo Sports)

U.S. women's national team players say attorney Rich Nichols will no longer serve as the union's counsel in contract negotiations with the U.S. Soccer Federation. Nichols had represented U.S. Women's National Soccer Team Players Association in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, which had become more frequent this month as the deadline approached. Neither the USWNTPA nor U.S. Soccer have filed a 60-day notice of termination that is necessary for a work stoppage, meaning talks will continue into the new year.

Sens to retire Alfredsson's number ahead of clash with Wings (Yahoo Sports)

OTTAWA -- - The atmosphere will be emotionally charged when the Ottawa Senators and Detroit Red Wings face-off at Canadian Tire Centre on Thursday. Prior to the game, the Senators will raise to the rafters the No. 11 once worn by former captain Daniel Alfredsson, the first player in the team's modern day history to have his jersey retired. Alfredsson, who spent 17 seasons with the Senators and holds the franchise record in most offensive categories, called it quits after the 2013-14 campaign, his one and only season with the Red Wings.

Penguins goalie Murray out with lower-body injury (Yahoo Sports)

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Pittsburgh Penguins goaltender Matt Murray is out indefinitely with a lower-body injury.

Madrid's Vazquez and Kovacic sidelined by injuries (The Associated Press)

MADRID (AP) -- Real Madrid says forward Lucas Vazquez and midfielder Mateo Kovacic will be sidelined for an undetermined period because of injuries sustained during the Club World Cup.

Much-delayed Russian soccer stadium officially completed (The Associated Press)

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia (AP) -- A Russian stadium that is due to host a 2018 World Cup semi-final match has been officially completed after many construction delays and corruption scandals.