National Hockey

John 'Chick' Webster, believed to be the oldest living former NHL player, has died. He was 97. Webster died Thursday at his home in Mattawa, Ont., where he had resided since 1969.

SUNRISE, Fla. — Gerard Gallant now coaches in a place where home games are parties, practices are attended by hundreds of fans and he can't get into restaurants unnoticed. He hoped all that would happen in Florida.

NEW YORK — Rangers defenceman Kevin Shattenkirk will have surgery on his left knee and is expected to be out indefinitely. The prized free-agent acquisition, who signed a four-year, $26.

MONTREAL — Legendary hockey writer Red Fisher had his idiosyncrasies. He didn't talk to rookies because he felt they hadn't yet earned the right to talk.

OTTAWA — James van Riemsdyk has no problem with his goaltender calling out teammates. He said it's only those outside the team who are making a big deal of it.

LOS ANGELES — Until Pittsburgh goalie Casey DeSmith got the start at Staples Center on Thursday night, his entire NHL experience consisted of two relief appearances in Penguins losses.

DENVER — The Colorado Avalanche looked unstoppable early and shaky down the stretch in nearly blowing a big lead. Bottom line: The streak goes on.

TAMPA, Fla. — Marc-Andre Fleury made 28 saves, David Perron had a goal and an assist, and the Vegas Golden Knights beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-1 Thursday night in a matchup of conference leaders.

NEW YORK — The Rangers have been waiting all season for Rick Nash to score in bunches. A fresh line combination may be doing the trick.

NASHVILLE — Despite missing the first three months of the season, Ryan Ellis looks to be in top form already for the Predators.