Islander skid hits three as Blues explode in 3rd
John Tavares and Mikhail Grabovski scored in the second period to tie the game at 2, but the Blues scored four times in the third to beat the Islanders in St. Louis on Thursday night, 6-3.
The Isles’ Jaroslav Halak, who started 40 games for the Blues last season, made 27 saves. Jake Allen made 25 saves for St. Louis .
The Islanders (19-10-0) have lost three straight including twice to the Blues (19-8-2) in a span of five days. The Isles have also given up 17 goals in their longest skid of the season.
n Matt Read and Sean Couturier each had a goal and an assist to lead the host Flyers to a 4-1 win over the Devils.
Martin Havlat scored for the Devils (11-14-5), who have lost two in a row.
n TSN’s Bob McKenzie reported that the Boston Bruins are expected to be awarded the 2016 Winter Classic. McKenzie said the NHL is to make the announcement in January or February. He also confirmed reports that the Colorado Avalanche and Minnesota Wild will host Stadium Series games while the Winnipeg Jets will host the 2016 Heritage Classic.
THUNDER BEAT LEBRON-LESS CAVS
Russell Westbrook scored 26 points, and the host Thunder took advantage of LeBron James’ absence to beat the Cavaliers, 103-94. James sat out with left-knee soreness, and without him, Cleveland’s winning streak ended at eight games. Cavaliers coach David Blatt said before the game that James’ injury wasn’t too serious, and he would be day-to-day.
MARIOTA SWEEPS AWARDS
Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota swept the three biggest college football honors by winning the Maxwell Award, given to the nation’s outstanding player, the Walter Camp player of the year award and Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award.
Mariota leads the nation in passing efficiency (186.3) and has accounted for a Pac-12 record 53 touchdowns, including 38 touchdown passes. The junior led the Ducks to the first College Football Playoff, where they will be the second seed and play Florida State on Jan. 1.
EX-YANK GETS 3 YEARS IN PRISON
Ex-Yankee outfielder Rosendo (Rusty) Torres, 66, who worked as a youth baseball coach, was sentenced in Mineola, L.I., to three years in prison for sexually abusing an 8-year-old girl during baseball practice.
TULSA HIRES COACH
Tulsa hired Baylor offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery as its head coach. Montgomery has been calling the plays for one of the most prolific offenses in college football for the last four seasons.
n Barry Alvarez is returning to the sidelines to coach the Badgers for the second time in Wisconsin’s last three bowl games.
Alvarez, Wisconsin’s athletic director, will coach the Badgers in the Outback Bowl against Auburn on Jan. 1. He is replacing Gary Andersen, who abruptly left the program Wednesday to become Oregon State’s coach.
MOVE TO DISMISS SOLO CASE
Hope Solo’s lawyer is asking the court to dismiss domestic violence charges against the United States women’s goalkeeper.
Attorney Todd Maybrown filed his request in Kirkland, Washington, Municipal Court, claiming that the victims in the case have not allowed depositions that were granted the defense.
Solo was charged with two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree domestic violence assault following an altercation with her half-sister and nephew at a party in June. The trial is scheduled for Jan. 20.