Hockey

DENVER (AP) — The return of suspended Colorado Avalanche forward Valeri Nichushkin to practice Monday was sudden enough that teammate Mikko Rantanen did a little double-take when he spotted him on the ice. Rantanen recovered with an ice breaker.

BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Bruins have signed forward Tyler Johnson to a contract that will pay him $775,000 for this season. Johnson, 34, appeared in 67 games with the Blackhawks last year, when he had 17 goals and 14 assists.

NEW YORK — Washington Capitals left-wing Alex Ovechkin, Carolina Hurricanes centre Martin Necas and Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby have been named the NHL’s three stars of the week.

BROSSARD, Que. — As the Montreal Canadiens look for wins and progress, head coach Martin St. Louis is toughening his approach. “If we're gonna transition as a team, I have to be in transition as well. It's a big part of this season for me,” St.

MARYLAND HEIGHTS, Mo. (AP) — St. Louis Blues defenseman Philip Broberg is expected to miss the next four to six weeks because of an apparent right leg injury.

CALGARY — The Edmonton Oilers continue to dig themselves out of their early-season hole with Leon Draisaitl wielding a wide shovel in the absence of captain and NHL star Connor McDavid.

Utah Hockey Club (5-4-3, in the Central Division) vs. Winnipeg Jets (11-1, in the Central Division) Winnipeg, Manitoba; Tuesday, 8 p.m.

Columbus Blue Jackets (5-5-1, in the Metropolitan Division) vs. San Jose Sharks (3-8-2, in the Pacific Division) San Jose, California; Tuesday, 10:30 p.m.

Calgary Flames (6-5-1, in the Pacific Division) vs. Montreal Canadiens (4-7-1, in the Atlantic Division) Montreal, Quebec; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Montreal Canadiens play the Calgary Flames after losing three games in a row.

Ottawa Senators (6-5, in the Atlantic Division) vs. Buffalo Sabres (4-7-1, in the Atlantic Division) Buffalo, New York; Tuesday, 7 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: The Buffalo Sabres play the Ottawa Senators after losing three games in a row.