Sports News - Hockey - The New York Times

Jirik played with the St. Louis Blues in the 1969-70 season.

Jaroslav Jirik, 71, Dies; 1st Eastern-Bloc Player in N.H.L.

By JEFF Z. KLEIN

Jirik was a Czech hockey star who played a role in his national team’s emotional victory over the Soviets in 1969.

The Rangers are counting on Brad Richards, their new center, to propel them to a Stanley Cup.

In Brad Richards, Rangers Have a Dedicated Leader

By JEFF Z. KLEIN

Brad Richards, the Rangers’ new $60 million center, doesn’t want to be called a savior, although he has played that role twice before.

Rangers Re-Sign Michael Sauer and Artem Anisimov

By JEFF Z. KLEIN

The Rangers announced Friday that they re-signed defenseman Michael Sauer and center Artem Anisimov.

Analysis

Defenseman James Wisniewski, previously with the Canadiens, signed a six-year, $33 million deal with the Blue Jackets.

Hoping Moves Pay Off After Free-Agent Frenzy

By JEFF Z. KLEIN

The spending frenzy for a relatively weak field said a lot about the N.H.L.’s financial and competitive state.

New Ranger Eager to Get Settled In

By JEFF Z. KLEIN

Brad Richards, the most prized N.H.L. free agent of the summer, “can’t wait” to start his career in New York.

4 Rangers Headed for Arbitration

By JEFF Z. KLEIN

Ryan Callahan, Brandon Dubinsky, Brian Boyle and Michael Sauer are all considered key to the team’s future.

Maple Leafs Sign C Tim Connolly to 2-Year Deal

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Toronto Maple Leafs are jumping into the NHL free agent market by signing center Tim Connolly to a two-year contract.

Sharks Trade Heatley to Wild for Havlat

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

San Jose and Minnesota made their second major deal of the offseason with the Sharks sending forward Dany Heatley to the Wild on Sunday for forward Martin Havlat.

TV Sports

Joe Pavelski of San Jose after scoring against Detroit in Game 2, the most-watched game on Versus in this year's playoffs.

N.H.L. Playoffs on Versus Find a Growing Audience

By RICHARD SANDOMIR

The network’s combined viewership for the first two rounds is the highest since 1994.

TV Sports

Nelson Mandela used the Rugby World Cup in 1995 to help defuse racial divisions.

Hits on Broad Street, Healing in South Africa

By RICHARD SANDOMIR

In HBO’s new documentary, “Broad Street Bullies,” there are 153 images of brawls. In ESPN’s “The 16th Man,” there is one tale of inspiration.

Box Seats

The sound of a goal being scored in the N.H.L. begins with a surging cheer from the crowd and ends with a carefully selected recording of music.

Songs to Accompany an Air Horn

By DAVE CALDWELL

Not long after N.H.L. teams started to turn away from live organ music during games and began using recorded music, playing a song after a home team goal became commonplace.