NEWARK, N.J. — Facing the prospect of missing the playoffs for the first time since 1997, the New Jersey Devils fired rookie coach John MacLean on Thursday and brought back the firm hand of Jacques Lemaire.
The Devils lost 5-1 to the New York Islanders in Lemaire’s return and are last in the NHL with 20 points in 34 games (9-23-2).
Lemaire, 65, led the Devils to their first Stanley Cup title in 1995 and returned for a second stint last season before retiring.
• New York Rangers forward Marian Gaborik is day to day because of groin soreness.
• Buffalo center Derek Roy left the Sabres’ game against the Florida Panthers because of a left leg injury and didn’t return.
Lawyer: Taurasi fails drug test
NEW YORK — The lawyer for WNBA standout Diana Taurasi said the former UConn star has tested positive for a mild stimulant while playing in a pro basketball league overseas.
Howard Jacobs said Taurasi’s A sample came back positive from a Turkish lab and she was provisionally suspended by the Turkish league she’s playing in. Taurasi has requested her B sample be tested. Jacobs said the substance “was not a steroid or recreational drug.” How- ever, he refused to identify it.
Rhodes, Rangers agree to deal
ARLINGTON, Texas — Left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes agreed to a contract with the Texas Rangers.
Rhodes, 41, was 4-4 with a 2.29 ERA in 69 relief appearances for the Cincinnati Reds last season, when he became a first-time all-star.
• Former Rockies infielder Garrett Atkins signed a one-year, $800,000 minor-league deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
• Left-handed reliever Sean Burnett and the Washington Nationals agreed on a $3.95 million, two-year contract with a mutual option for 2013. Burnett went 1-7 with three saves and a 2.14 ERA in 73 appearances in 2010.
West Virginia out three players
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia coach Bill Stewart said three players — center Joe Madsen, defensive back Eain Smith and defensive lineman Josh Taylor — won’t participate in the Champs Sports Bowl against North Carolina State on Tuesday because they didn’t meet NCAA eligibility requirements.
Footnotes.
Virginia Tech guard Dorenzo Hudson and forward Cadarian Raines are out for the remainder of the basketball season because of foot injuries.
• Orlando Magic rookie center Daniel Orton is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He is not expected to begin practicing again until at least February.
• Matt Reis, who has set New England franchise records for games by a goalkeeper (188), wins (75), saves (757) and shutouts (50), agreed to a new contract with the Revolution.
• Mexico’s Hugo Cazares (34-6-2 with 24 KOs) defeated Japan’s Hiroyuki Hisataka (19-9-1, 8 KOs) by unanimous decision to retain his World Boxing Association super flyweight title in Osaka, Japan.
Denver Post wire services
