National Hockey

TORONTO — Vancouver defenceman Erik Gudbranson is part of a dwindling group of players in the NHL that still chooses to play without a visor. Not even a broken orbital bone in his second season could convince him to start wearing one.

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Senators signed defenceman Mark Borowiecki to a US$2.4-million, two-year contract extension on Thursday. Borowiecki had three points in a career-high 70 games last season and led the NHL in hits (364) and penalty minutes (154).

TORONTO — With hockey season now underway, here's something for fans to take to heart: a new study suggests the excitement of watching one's favourite team, either live or on TV, can have a profound effect on the cardiovascular system, in some cases

EDMONTON — An Edmonton police officer attacked last weekend was honoured by the Oilers ahead of their home opener against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night.

TORONTO — Even before the puck dropped on the NHL season, Canada's teams were in competition with each other on social media.

PITTSBURGH — Alex Pietrangelo beat Matt Murray 1:15 into overtime to give the St. Louis Blues a 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday night in the season opener for both teams.

SAN JOSE, Calif. — With a couple of key deflections, Wayne Simmonds helped answer any questions that came up in the preseason about the potency of Philadelphia's power play.

EDMONTON — Connor McDavid looks more than ready to pick up where he left off last season. McDavid had a hat trick as the Oilers defeated the rival Calgary Flames 3-0 on Wednesday night in Edmonton's home opener.

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Penguins insist they're well aware of the bumpy road ahead as the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions chase history. Just in case, they needed a reminder, Alex Pietrangelo and the St. Louis Blues provided one.

WINNIPEG — Patrick Marleau's birth certificate may say he's 38 years old, but Toronto's veteran free agent was feeling young and energized on Wednesday.