Wild lose captain Spurgeon for season
ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon will miss the remainder of the season because of injuries to his hip and back that will require separate surgeries.
Wild general manager Bill Guerin announced Thursday that Spurgeon will have the procedure on his left hip done Feb. 6 and undergo the operation on his back approximately four weeks later. The Wild said Spurgeon is expected to be fully recovered before the start of training camp in September.
The 34-year-old Spurgeon, who is the team captain, has played in only 16 games this season due to his injuries.
Thursday’s games
Lightning 7, Wild 3: Nikita Kucherov had three assists to reach 500 for his career and host Tampa Bay won its fourth straight. Kucherov, who leads the league with 75 points, reached the milestone in his 688th game, the third-fewest among active players behind Connor McDavid (527) and Sidney Crosby (554).
Flyers 5, Stars 1: Owen Tippett scored twice, including a highlight-reel goal late in the third period, Scott Laughton made a penalty shot and streaking host Philadelphia won its fifth straight. Tyler Seguin scored for Dallas, which lost for just the second time in the last six.
Capitals 5, Blues 2: T.J. Oshie had a hat trick against his old team, Dylan Strome added a goal and an assist, and host Washington won its second consecutive game.
Sabres 3, Blackhawks 0: Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen made 20 saves for his second consecutive shutout and host Buffalo prevailed in a game moved back a day because of snow. Arvid Soderblom made 27 saves for struggling Chicago.
Bruins 5, Colorado 2: David Pastrnak scored on the game’s opening shift, had two insurance goals late in the third period, and host Boston handed red-hot Colorado just its fourth loss in 14 games.
Senators 6, Canadiens 2: Tim Stutzle had a goal and two assists, Joonas Korpisalo stopped 21 shots and host Ottawa handed Montreal its eighth loss on the second half of a back-to-back in 9 such spans.