Ovechkin first $100 million man
The Washington Capitals signed Alex Ovechkin to a 13-year, $124 million contract extension Thursday, ending months of speculation about his future with the organization and making him the first player in NHL history to sign a nine-figure contract.
The deal will pay the 22-year-old Russian $9 million per season in each of the first six years, then $10 million per season in each of the final seven. It’s the wealthiest contract in Washington sports history and ranks second in NHL history in length behind New York Islanders goaltender Rick DiPietro’s 15-year, $67.5 million pact.
Wild 6, Red Wings 5 (SO): At Detroit, Martin Gaborik scored on the final attempt in a shootout, lifting Minnesota over the Red Wings.
Sharks 3, Canucks 1: At San Jose, Calif., Jeremy Roenick and Milan Michalek scored power play goals, and the Sharks beat Vancouver for their sixth victory in seven games.
Panthers 3, Thrashers 2 (SO): Ilya Kovalchuk scored his NHL-leading 36th goal but missed in the shootout, and Florida defeated host Atlanta.
Devils 4, Hurricanes 1: At Raleigh, N.C., Patrik Elias scored the go-ahead goal in the second period, and Martin Brodeur made 20 saves in New Jersey’s win over Carolina.
Flyers 6, Rangers 2: At New York, Scott Hartnell scored three consecutive goals and Antero Niittymaki won his fourth straight start for Philadelphia, which rallied to victory over the Rangers.
Penguins 4, Lightning 1: At Tampa, Fla., Ty Conklin made 35 saves, Jordan Staal had two goals and an assist, and Pittsburgh beat Tampa Bay.
Canadiens 5, Bruins 2: Alex Kovalev and Tomas Plekanec each notched a goal and an assist to lift Montreal to victory over host Boston.
Senators 3, Sabres 2 (SO): Dean McAmmond scored on Ottawa’s sixth shootout attempt and host Ottowa handed Buffalo its eighth straight loss.
Blues 4, Stars 2: Brad Boyes scored twice, Paul Kariya had a goal and two assists, and host St. Louis beat Dallas.
Oilers 5, Coyotes 2: At Edmonton, Alberta, Robert Nilsson and Kyle Brodziak each had a goal and an assist, and the Oilers beat Phoenix.
Kings 5, Maple Leafs 2: Dustin Brown scored twice on power plays and host Los Angeles beat Toronto.
Ducks added to All-Star rosters
Chris Pronger and Ryan Getzlaf of the Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks were among 16 players chosen Thursday to fill out the Western Conference roster for the NHL All-Star game.