In brief: Chicago wins Western showdown

NHL: Patrick Kane’s goal in the second round of a shootout clinched the Chicago Blackhawks’ fifth straight victory on the road, 4-3 over the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday night in St. Paul, Minn., in a matchup of the top two teams in the Western Conference.

Jonathan Toews also scored in the shootout after giving Chicago a lead with a goal in the third period that Mikko Koivu matched a few minutes later.

The Wild lead the NHL with 44 points. The Blackhawks, who are 7-1-1 in their last nine games, have 42.

Sullinger returns in Ohio State win

Men’s basketball: Deshaun Thomas scored 23 points and No. 2 Ohio State (9-1) welcomed back star forward Jared Sullinger in an 82-58 victory over South Carolina Upstate (6-5) at Columbus, Ohio.

Sullinger, who had missed Ohio State’s last two games, took his time getting into the pace of the game, finishing with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

Schimmel helps rally No. 14 Louisville

Women’s basketball: Shoni Schimmel scored 16 points to lead No. 14 Louisville (9-2) past host Cincinnati (6-3) 64-59 in the Big East opener for both teams. After trailing for much of the second half, Louisville tied the score at 55 with 2:37 left in the game and went ahead on Schimmel’s 3-pointer.

Magic may not rush to trade Howard

NBA: For now, it appears that the Orlando Magic front office has decided there’s no reason to rush into trading Dwight Howard, because the same offers – and perhaps better ones – likely still will be available right up until the March 15 NBA trade deadline.

And perhaps Howard’s thinking about his future will change by that time.

But general manager Otis Smith also denied multiple reports that said Magic officials have told teams they are ending trade talks for their All-NBA center.

• In other NBA news: Veteran guard Richard Hamilton signed with the Chicago Bulls, joining MVP Derrick Rose in what figures to be a deep backcourt. … The Golden State Warriors signed free-agent center Kwame Brown to a $7 million, one-year deal. … J.J. Barea signed a four-year contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the flashy combo guard will be expected to help slick-passing Ricky Rubio make the transition from Spain to the NBA. … The Cleveland Cavaliers waived veteran point guard Baron Davis, using the NBA’s new “amnesty clause” to clear space under the salary cap.

Brewers add Ramirez to boost offense

Baseball: With Prince Fielder all but gone and Ryan Braun facing a possible 50-game suspension, the Milwaukee Brewers needed another source of offense.

The Brewers finalized a $36 million, three-year contract with free agent third baseman Aramis Ramirez, adding a much-needed bat to their lineup.

The 33-year-old Ramirez played 149 games for the Cubs last year, batting .306 with 26 home runs and 93 RBIs.

• In other baseball news: The St. Louis Cardinals finalized a two-year, $14 million free-agent deal with shortstop Rafael Furcal, a trade deadline pickup who helped them in their run to the World Series title. … The Seattle Mariners re-signed backup catcher Chris Gimenez to a one-year contract, two days after he was non-tendered by the club. … The Oakland Athletics agreed to a $3.35 million, one-year contract with left-hander Dallas Braden. The 28-year-old Braden pitched a perfect game against Tampa Bay on May 9, 2010. … The Baltimore Orioles signed Japanese left-hander Tsuyoshi Wada to a $8.15 million, two-year contract. … C.J. Wilson will earn $10 million in 2012 as he starts his $77.5 million, five-year contract with the Los Angeles Angels, the club announced.

Wahlin takes early lead at Dubai Masters

Golf: Lotta Wahlin made seven birdies for a 6-under-par 66 to take a one-shot lead over Becky Brewerton after the first round of the Dubai Ladies Masters at Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The Swede is two shots ahead of four golfers and four shots ahead of Lexi Thompson (70), the 16-year-old American who is the youngest winner on the LPGA Tour.