Devs rally in 3rd, fall in shootout

The Devils charged back to force overtime with two third-period goals but fizzled out in a shootout in a 4-3 loss to the visiting maple Leafs on friday night.

James Reimer made 43 saves, and Tyler Bozak, Tim Connolly and Nazam Kadri tallied against Martin brodeur inthe shootout.

Ilya Kovalchuk and Zach Parise scored against Reimer on the Devils’ first two shootout shots, but Reimer made a pad save on Patrik Elias, and Kadri got the winner with a spectacular side to side move against Brodeur. Trailing 3-1 with just over 10 minutes to play, the Devils tied it on goals by parise and adam henrique.

PIETRUS EXITS ON STRETCHER

Celtics guard Mickael Pietrus left the court on a stretcher and was to remain hospitalized overnight after an awkward collision late in the first half of a 99-86 loss to the host Sixers. He was listed as having a questionable closed head injury.

Pietrus crashed to the court after he collided with 76ers guard Lou Williams on a drive down the lane. He landed hard on his tail bone and his head nearly smacked the court. He was down for at least 10minutes.

Russell Westbrook scored 45 points, Kevin Durant added 40 points and a season-high 17 rebounds and the host Thunder overcame a career-high 51 points from Kevin Love to beat the Timberwolves, 149-140, in double overtime.

Former net Tate george was indicted in Newark on federal charges of wire fraud, accused of running a more than $2 million Ponzi scheme.

The Spurs signed forward Boris Diaw a day after he was waived by the Bobcats.

SAINTS’ PAYTON SORRY

Sean payton apologized for the bounty scandal under which Saints players were offered payouts for big hits on opponents, saying he took “full responsibility” for the system that operated for three years under his watch. Roger Goodell on Wednesday suspended Payton for the 2012 season, effective April 1.

A person with knowledge of the negotiations said veteran free agent center Jeff Saturday had agreed to a deal with the Packers.

VENUS SERVES NOTICE

Venus Williams took a big step in her comeback when she defeated reigning Wimbledon champion and third-seeded Petra Kvitova, 6-4, 4-6, 6-0, in the second round of the Sony Ericsson Open in Key Biscayne, Fla. Williams is playing in her first tournament since she withdrew from the U.S. Open last August after being diagnosed with a fatigue-causing auto immune disease.

JENKS BUSTED FOR DUI

Authorities in Fort Myers, Fla., said Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Bobby Jenks was arrested on charges of driving under the influence.

Royals closer Joakim Soria will undergo reconstructive elbow surgery and will miss the season.