Lemieux puts team on market

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Penguins are considering several offers to buy the team, and keeping it in Pittsburgh will remain a priority but is not guaranteed.

A recent offer by a casino firm to build a new arena, an influx of young talent and the NHL's new collective bargaining agreement have made the time right to consider selling, Penguins owner-player Mario Lemieux said Thursday.

"We've had quite a few inquiries over the last few months," Lemieux said. "I think the timing was right to look at them and explore them and see what our options are. ... We've laid the foundation for the future, and hopefully in a way that they'll stay here forever."

Lemieux and team president Ken Sawyer wouldn't identify the interested parties. Most of the prospective buyers approached them before Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. offered last month to pay $290 million for a new arena, if the gambling firm gets a license to operate a slot machine parlor in Pittsburgh.

HURRICANES 4, ISLANDERS 3

In Raleigh, N.C., Kevyn Adams scored the go-ahead goal seconds after he inadvertenly caused one to be waived off, and Eric Staal added his 30th of the season in Carolina's ninth consecutive victory.

The winning streak ties the franchise record set earlier this season - the previous best of seven came about 21 years ago when the team was the Hartford Whalers. Carolina also improved the NHL's best home record to 21-4-1.

BRUINS 5, FLYERS 2

In Philadelphia, Travis Green scored twice to lead Boston.

Sami Kapanen and Simon Gagne scored for Atlantic Division-leading Philadelphia. The suddenly struggling Flyers have lost four straight and five of six and trail NHL-leading Carolina by four points.

RANGERS 4, PENGUINS 2

In Pittsburgh, Michal Rozsival scored the winning goal late in the third period after accidentally creating Pittsburgh's first goal as New York ran the Penguins' losing streak to eight games.

Rozsival, a former Penguins defenseman who came into the contest with 13 points in 46 games, had a goal and an assist as the Rangers won for the first time in three games.

CAPITALS 5, BLUES 4 (SO)

In Washington, Matt Pettinger scored in the fourth round of a shootout, giving Washington its season-high third consecutive victory.