PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Penguins star Mario Lemieux, 36, said Saturday he has been assured by doctors that his injured hip should start feeling better in time for him to play next season.

        The Penguins owner-player won't commit to playing beyond next year — “I'll take it season to season,” he said — but said he might keep playing if he can avoid similar injuries.

        • Red Wings 4, Pens 2, at Pittsburgh — Brendan Shanahan and Boyd Devereaux scored in the second period, and Detroit won its sixth in a row. Former Cincinnati Mighty Duck Sean Avery made it 3-1 by scoring his first NHL goal.

        • Rangers 6, Flyers 5, at New York — Eric Lindros scored three goals against his former team, and the Rangers turned in a rare physical performance.

        • Stars 2, Avs 1, at Denver — Mike Modano scored a short-handed goal, and Marty Turco stopped 28 shots for Dallas.

        • Blue Jackets 2, Kings 0, at Los Angeles — Ron Tugnutt earned his 21st career shutout and Mike Sillinger scored in the first period as Columbus earned its first road shutout this season.

        • Lightning 3, Panthers 2, at Tampa, Fla. — Miami University grad Dan Boyle completed Tampa Bay's three-goal third period by scoring a power-play goal.

        • Isles 4, Thrashers 1, at Uniondale, N.Y. — Dave Scatchard scored twice.

        • Caps 3, Senators 2, OT, at Ottawa — Jaromir Jagr scored his second goal at 1:53 of overtime.

        • Leafs 3, Sabres 3, at Toronto — Toronto's Mats Sundin scored twice.

        • 'Canes 4, Habs 3, at Montreal — Jeff O'Neill scored with 2:04 to play.

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