National Hockey

More integration of women into this year's NHL's all-star weekend is another milestone for their game. The women kick off Friday's skills competition at Enterprise Centre in St. Louis with their own three-on-three tournament.

Jason Spezza guesses he's probably in the minority. The veteran centre for the Toronto Maple Leafs has been a creature of habit throughout his career — one where he rarely goes a day or two without hitting the ice during the season.

NEW YORK — Following a stretch of seven games in 11 days, the New York Islanders don't play again until Feb. 1 The extended time off around the All-Star break will feel much better after a needed win against one of their biggest rivals.

Winnipeg Jets (25-21-4, fourth in the Central Division) vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (26-16-8, fifth in the Metropolitan Division) Columbus, Ohio; Wednesday, 7 p.m.

BOSTON — The Boston Bruins had it all set up to honour backup goalie Jaroslav Halak on Tuesday night for becoming the 74th goalie in NHL history to play in 500 games. Then something went wrong: Starter Tuukka Rask was injured, Halak became the No.

CHICAGO — Joel Quenneville barking out instructions from behind the bench. A young team with a couple budding stars showing signs of improvement. It was a familiar scene, with quite a twist.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Justin Williams scored a pair of goals in his second game back in the NHL, leading the Carolina Hurricanes to a 4-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night.

BOSTON — Down a goal entering the third period with a long layoff ahead, the Boston Bruins rallied their way to a win before the All-Star break.

PHILADELPHIA — Brian Elliott and the Flyers defence stymied Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Elliott made 19 saves, Jakub Voracek and James van Riemsdyk scored, and Philadelphia beat Pittsburgh 3-0 Tuesday night.

RALEIGH, N.C. — Justin Williams couldn’t have scripted a better return to the NHL.