NHL

NBC to show controversial commercial

By wire services
Published September 28, 2005

NEW YORK - Despite objections from Martha Burk, NBC said it was going ahead with plans to air an NHL commercial showing a bare-chested player being dressed by a scantily clad woman.

Burk, chairwoman of the National Council of Women's Organizations, said the ad was offensive. Burk led an unsuccessful effort to allow female members at Augusta National three years ago and is stepping down as chair of NCWO on Nov. 1.

NBC said it had no problem with the spot, which first appeared last week on the NHL's Web site, and planned to air it on its NHL preview show Saturday.

CAPITALS: Chris Bourque, son of retired All-Star defenseman Ray Bourque, was among five forwards assigned to the team's AHL affiliate.

HURRICANES: Left wing Andrew Ladd signed a three-year, entry-level contract potentially worth more than $5.5-million.

SABRES: Forward Daniel Paille broke his jaw while practicing with the team's AHL affiliate.

Preseason games

AVALANCHE 2, RED WINGS 1: Colorado's Andrew Brunette tied the score with 7:36 left in the second period. Alex Tanguay put host Colorado ahead with a short-handed goal with six minutes left.

CANADIENS 4, BRUINS 3 (OT): Guillaume Latendresse deflected a shot past Andrew Raycroft on a two-man power play at 2:12 of overtime to lift host Montreal.

DEVILS 3, RANGERS 1: Host New Jersey's Zach Parise and Vladimir Malakhov scored power-play goals and Ari Ahonen made 13 saves in relief of Martin Brodeur.

FLYERS 5, ISLANDERS 3: Patrick Sharp scored two goals to lead host Philadelphia, which played without Peter Forsberg (right ankle injury) and Derian Hatcher (sprained left knee).

OILERS 4, FLAMES 0: Third-string goalie Mike Morrison made 21 saves, and Chris Pronger and Ales Hemsky each had a goal and an assist for host Edmonton.

PENGUINS 7, BLUE JACKETS 2: The crowd came to see Sidney Crosby's first home game in a Pittsburgh uniform. Instead, fans saw a show by Mario Lemieux, who turns 40 next week. He had a goal and three assists against flu-weakened Columbus.

SABRES 5, MAPLE LEAFS 2: Chris Drury scored the first of visiting Buffalo's four power-play goals. Toronto's Eric Lindros missed his second straight game because of a strained ribcage.

STARS 3, BLUES 1: Marty Turco made 18 saves and Stephane Robidas, Antti Miettinen and Patrick Traverse scored power-play goals for visiting Dallas.

[Last modified September 28, 2005, 02:30:38]