NHL Headline News

• Game of the Week: New Jersey Devils at New York Rangers
  It's the New Jersey Devils against the New York Rangers in ESPN.com's Game of the Week.


• Michigan board OKs stadium for Winter Classic
  In the special meeting Wednesday of the University of Michigan Board of Regents, the group approved the license of Michigan Stadium for the 2013 NHL Winter Classic.


• Return of Red Wings' Howard depends on pain
  Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard, who broke his index finger Feb. 2, visited a doctor Wednesday morning for an update.


• Sabres' Ruff won't be behind bench vs. Bruins
  Injured Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff won't be behind the team's bench for Wednesday's game against the Boston Bruins.


• Ex-Sharks captain Nolan announces retirement
  Owen Nolan, who hasn't played in the NHL since the 2009-10 season, announced his retirement Tuesday at the San Jose Sharks' home rink.


• Blue Jackets' Prospal signs one-year extension
  The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed left wing Vinny Prospal to a one-year contract extension through next season.


• Crosby practices, says he's no closer to return
  Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby practiced Monday but said he is no closer to returning from a concussion and neck injury that have sidelined him for most of the season.


• Oilers' Nugent-Hopkins out with shoulder sprain
  The Edmonton Oilers announced Tuesday that Ryan Nugent-Hopkins is out 7-10 days with a sprained shoulder.
  
  


• Nielsen agrees to 4-year extension with Isles
  Danish center Frans Nielsen has agreed to a four-year extension with the Islanders.


• Avalanche's Kobasew fined $2,500 for tripping
  The NHL has fined Colorado Avalanche forward Chuck Kobasew for tripping Vancouver Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis.


• Prosser signs two-year extension with Wild
  The Minnesota Wild have signed defenseman Nate Prosser to a two-year contract extension.


• Emery to start again in goal for reeling Hawks
  Mired in a season-high five-game losing streak, the Chicago Blackhawks will start Ray Emery in goal Tuesday against the Colorado Avalanche, his second straight start in place of Corey Crawford.


• Wings G Howard out 2 weeks (broken finger)
  Detroit Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard will be out about two weeks with a broken pinkie suffered in Thursday night's 4-3 shootout win over the Vancouver Canucks, a source told ESPN.com.
  
  


• Rangers trade Christensen to Wild for Wellman
  The New York Rangers made a minor deal Friday morning, sending center Erik Christensen to the Minnesota Wild for 24-year-old center Casey Wellman. The Wild will also receive a conditional seventh-round draft pick in 2013 in the trade.