Ovechkin won't be forced to return to Russia

Alexander Ovechkin opted out of his 2005-06 contract with Avangard Omsk to join the Washington Capitals.

Two days after scoring the highlight goal of the NHL season, Washington Capitals rookie Alex Ovechkin learned that he will stay in the league.

A judge ruled Wednesday that he cannot be forced to return to Russia to play for his former team, Dynamo Moscow.

Ovechkin leads all rookies with 32 goals and 58 points and will play for the Russian national team at the Turin Olympics. On Monday night, he scored with an outstretched flick of his stick while rolling on the ice after a hard check by defenseman Paul Mara in a win at Phoenix.

Dynamo wanted the court to enforce a Russian arbitrator's ruling that the team still owns the rights to the 20-year-old left wing. Ovechkin played three years for Dynamo before moving to another Russian club, Avangard Omsk. He then opted out of his 2005-06 contract with Avangard Omsk to join the Capitals.

Dynamo contended it had matched Avangard Omsk's offer to Ovechkin, although without the opt-out clause.

U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan dismissed the case. He said the evidence "supports the argument that Ovechkin wished to end his relationship with Dynamo once and for all."
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Panthers trade Cairns to Penguins for draft pick

The Florida Panthers traded defenseman Eric Cairns to the Pittsburgh Penguins on Wednesday in exchange for a sixth-round pick in this year's NHL entry draft.

Cairns, 31, had one assist and 37 penalty minutes in 23 games with the Panthers this season. He was signed by the Panthers as a free agent following the 2003-04 season.

In 429 career games with the Rangers, Islanders and Panthers, Cairns has nine goals and 32 assists with 1,090 penalty minutes.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Forsberg out at least one game with groin injury

Peter Forsberg will miss at least one game because of a groin injury, but the Philadelphia Flyers' leading scorer hopes to play Saturday.

Forsberg, a five-time All-Star, termed the injury as "nothing bad." He plans to skate Friday and stressed that he doesn't want to come back too early.

"It's something you have to be careful with," he said Wednesday.

Forsberg has 60 points (15 goals, 45 assists) in his first season in Philadelphia. He missed six games earlier this season with a small tear in his right groin, but this injury is on the other side. Forsberg originally felt discomfort last week and left after the second period in Tuesday night's 4-3 shootout loss to Carolina.

Forsberg has lived up to expectations since signing a two-year, $11.5 million contract with the Flyers after leading Colorado to two Stanley Cup championships during his nine years with the Avalanche. He was tied for sixth in the league in scoring and has helped Atlantic Division-leading Philadelphia overcome a slew of injuries to key players.

Two of those regulars, defenseman Joni Pitkanen and goaltender Robert Esche, practiced again and might be back for Saturday's game at Pittsburgh.

Pitkanen has been sidelined since Dec. 6 after abdominal surgery for a sports hernia. Esche hasn't played since aggravating a groin injury Dec. 15. The Flyers also remain without captain Keith Primeau (concussion) and defenseman Eric Desjardins (shoulder).

Still, the Flyers were only two points behind NHL-leading Carolina with 64 points. They have struggled lately, though, having lost three straight and four of five games. They host Boston on Thursday night in their third game back from an 11-game road trip in which they went 8-2-1.

With Forsberg out, coach Ken Hitch**** has flipped players on his top two lines. Michal Handzus will center Simon Gagne and Sami Kapanen on the top line. Mike Richards, Mike Knuble and Jon Sim will play on the second line.

"The mentality of our team, especially with the young guys, is that this is a real opportunity for them," Hitch**** said.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chicago Blackhawks Assigned defenseman Anton Babchuk to Norfolk of the American Hockey League.

Edmonton Oilers Recalled right wing Zach Stortini from Iowa of the American Hockey League and assigned him to Milwaukee of the American Hockey League.

Los Angeles Kings Assigned defenseman Denis Grebeshkov to Manchester of the American Hockey League.
Dallas Stars Recalled goaltender Mike Smith from Iowa of the American Hockey League.

Pittsburgh Penguins Announced the retirement of right wing Ziggy Palffy; acquired defenseman Eric Cairns from the Florida Panthers for a 2006 sixth-round pick.

St. Louis Blues Recalled center Jon DiSalvatore from Peoria of the American Hockey League; assigned center Jay McClement to Peoria.

Columbus Blue Jackets Activated defenseman Adam Foote from injured reserve; placed right wing Mike Rupp on injured reserve; recalled right wing Mark Hartigan from Syracuse of the American Hockey League.