FRIDAY EYE-OPENER

Sean Monahan scored his first goal of the season, then added another as the Calgary Flames toppled the Carolina Hurricanes 5-0 at the Saddledome. Jonas Hiller stopped all 16 shots he faced to earn his 22nd career shutout. A moment of silence was held prior to the game to commemorate Wednesday’s shootings in Ottawa.

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The Boston Bruins also commemorated the shootings in Ottawa by singing “O Canada” at TD Garden prior to their 3-2 loss to the Islanders. Famed anthem singer Rene Rancourt did the honours. The Canadian anthem was also sung in San Jose before the Sharks took on the Columbus Blue Jackets.

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Ryan Miller was triumphant in his return to St. Louis. The Canucks goaltender stopped 31 shots en route to a 4-1 Vancouver victory over the Blues. Miller was traded from Buffalo to St. Louis last season, and played 19 games for the Missouri team. Vancouver scored three times in the third period to help snap a two-game losing streak.

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Peyton Manning threw three touchdown passes to Emmanuel Sanders as Denver tightened its lead in the AFC West with a 35-21 victory over the San Diego Chargers. Rookie running back Juwan Thompson added two T-D runs as the Broncos improved to 6-1. The Chargers meanwhile, lost their second straight game to fall to 5-3.

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A freak back injury has put the career of 40-year-old Lakers guard Steve Nash in limbo. The two-time NBA MVP from Victoria has been ruled out for the season after suffering this latest injury a few days ago while carrying his bags. The 2014-15 campaign would have been Nash’s 19th in the NBA.

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The PGA of America president referred to Ian Poulter as a “little girl” for his criticism of the way Nick Faldo and Tom Watson captained their Ryder Cup teams. Poulter was critical of both captains in his book, “No Limits,” which was released this week. PGA President Ted Bishop said on his Facebook page that the criticism made Poulter sound “like a little school girl squealing during recess.” He also tweeted a similar message at Poulter.

(Canadian Press)