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Compiled from Times wires
© St. Petersburg Times, published January 12, 2001
Flyers end Lindros-Leafs talk
PHILADELPHIA -- Flyers chairman Ed Snider has told general manager Bob Clarke to stop negotiating with the Toronto Maple Leafs about a trade for Eric Lindros.
"I can tell you without question there are several teams that have offered us infinitely more than the Toronto Maple Leafs," Snider said Thursday. "And the Maple Leafs actually have offered us nothing. There is no reason for us to continue to negotiate with Toronto."
Snider's comments surprised Toronto general manager Pat Quinn: "They haven't called us. To have them take this stance is surprising."
Lindros, a restricted free agent, said the matter is between the teams. "I'm going about it as business as usual," he said. "I don't see anything changing on my part."
Lindros rejected an $8.5-million qualifying offer from the Flyers last summer and made it clear he would not return to the team because of a contentious relationship with Clarke. Lindros has said Toronto is his first choice as a destination and has declined to talk to other teams interested in him.
COYOTES: Phoenix developer Steve Ellman and Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky are working out the details of securing a $20-million bank loan that would complete the team's purchase, said Bill Daly, the NHL's chief legal officer. Owner Richard Burke has given Gretzky and Ellman until Feb. 15 to complete the $87-million purchase.
RANGERS: Goalie Mike Richter had fluid drained from his left knee and was questionable for weekend games with the Bruins and Wild.
SABRES: Commissioner Gary Bettman reduced right wing Rob Ray's suspension for abuse of officials to seven games from 10 after reviewing tape of Buffalo's loss to Boston on Jan. 1.
After a Boston goal, Ray charged referee Don Van Massenhoven and was restrained by linesman Derek Ameil. Bettman said he reduced the ban because Ray did not make physical contact with Van Massenhoven. Ray has served six games and can return Tuesday against the Lightning.
STARS: Goalie Ed Belfour was scheduled to start tonight for the first time since walking out on the team Saturday after clashing with coach Ken Hitchcock over participation in an optional pregame practice at Boston. Dallas plays Detroit at home.
KINGS 3, SABRES 2: Bryan Smolinski had a goal and an assist for host Los Angeles, which built a 2-0 lead in the first period. Buffalo goalie Dominik Hasek, who made 27 saves, is 0-2-2 in his past four decisions and 15-13-4 overall.
FLAMES 2, PREDTORS 1: Dave Lowry scored the winner with 1:05 left in the second period for Calgary. Nashville, playing its third road game in four nights, remained one of two teams with a winning road record (11-10-1-1).