THURSDAY SPORTS: START SPREADING THE NEWS

WINNIPEG, Manitoba (AP) – There’s a new leader in the NHL’s Central Division standings. Gabe Vilardi had a goal and two assists, Laurent Brossoit made 26 saves and the Winnipeg Jets beat Detroit 5-2 to take sole possession of the Central Division lead.

Axel Jonnson-Fjallby and Nikolaj Ehlers each had a goal and an assist and Mark Scheifele and Neal Pionk also scored to help Winnipeg 5-2 on Wednesday to improve to 9-9-3.

Patrick Kane and Olli Maatta scored for Detroit, and James Reimer stopped 36 shots.

Elsewhere in the NHL on Wednesday:

Alex Ovechkin’s career-worst goal drought is up to 14 games. The Washington forward did have an assist on Dylan Strome’s overtime winner as the Capitals beat the New York Islanders 3-2. Seattle edged the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 in the late game.

—

The Denver Nuggets have won five of their last six games. The latest victory was a 113-104 decision over the Toronto Raptors. Canada’s Jamal Murray scored 20 points in his only regular-season appearance at Scotiabank Arena. Murray is from Kitchener, Ontario. Scottie Barnes had 30 points for the Raptors.

—

New long-term deals for the coach and general manager of the Montreal Alouettes. GM Danny Maciocia has signed a new contract through 2027 with the Grey Cup champions. Head coach Jason Maas gets a new deal through 2026. The Alouettes upset the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the CFL championship game last month.

—

Aaron Rodgers has been activated from the injured reserve list but the quarterback won’t play again this season for the New York Jets. Coach Robert Saleh says the move is the next step in Rodgers’ rehabilitation from a torn Achilles tendon. The Jets had to activate the four-time NFL MVP or he would go back on injured reserve for the rest of the season.

(Canadian Press)