Blues’ Bouwmeester has defibrillator implant after collapse

Jay Bouwmeester had surgery Friday to insert a defibrillator to restore his heart’s normal rhythm after the St. Louis Blues defenseman collapsed on the bench during a game in Anaheim this week.

Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said the procedure was performed at the UC Irvine Medical Center. The 36-year-old Bouwmeester will be monitored by a team of specialists at the hospital until he is cleared to return to St. Louis.

Then Bouwmeester will be monitored by doctors at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University.

Bouwmeester had just completed a shift against the Ducks on Tuesday night when he collapsed on the bench. The veteran defenseman was unresponsive and doctors quickly used a defibrillator to restore his heart beat. Bouwmeester also regained consciousness before he was taken by ambulance to an Anaheim hospital. KINGS, AVS TAKE ON ELEMENTS

AT COLORADO SPRINGS >> The 82-game schedule can be a grind, especially in the middle of winter, but the Colorado Avalanche and Los Angeles Kings are taking a break from the normal.

The two Western Conference opponents are bringing their games into the fresh air for an outdoor game at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, tonight. The Avalanche and Kings are playing the next installment of the NHL Stadium Series at Falcon Stadium, home of the Air Force football team. AROUND THE LEAGUE >> Edmonton Oilers forward Zack Kassian was suspended seven games by the NHL on Friday for kicking an opponent in the chest.

• The Buffalo Sabres placed Zach Bogosian on waivers Friday.

• The Minnesota Wild fired coach Bruce Boudreau on Friday with the goal of correcting some inconsistencies and making a lateseason push for a playoff spot.

PENGUINS 4, CANADIENS 1 >> Newly-acquired Jason Zucker scored his first two goals with Pittsburgh during a win over Montreal.

HURRICANES 5, DEVILS 2 >>

Andrei Svechnikov scored on a perfectly executed rush in the second period to push his point streak to six games and help Carolina beat New Jersey.

RANGERS 3, BLUE JACKETS 1 >>

Chris Kreider scored the tiebreaking goal with 3:11 remaining in the third period, and New York beat host Columbus.