In brief: Kings even series with 6-goal outburst
HOCKEY: Jeff Carter scored three of Los Angeles’ six straight goals, and the Kings beat the host Chicago Blackhawks 6-2 on Wednesday night to leave the Western Conference final tied at one game apiece.
Drew Doughty and Tyler Toffoli also scored in Los Angeles’ five-goal third period as the Kings became the first visiting team to win in Chicago this postseason.
• Tokarski gets nod: Dustin Tokarski will start in goal again for the Montreal Canadiens in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final today against the Rangers in New York. The former Spokane Chief made 27 saves in his playoff debut Monday.
• Canucks hire general manager: The Vancouver Canucks hired as general manager Jim Benning, who spent the last eight seasons with the Boston Bruins.
• Storm rout Knights: Scott Kosmachuk scored three goals and the Guelph Storm beat the host London (Ontario) Knights 7-2 in the Memorial Cup to complete round-robin play 3-0 and advance to Sunday’s title game. Edmonton of the Western Hockey League and Val-d’Or play Friday for the other berth.
Smith makes plea
FOOTBALL: San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith pleaded no contest to three felony weapons charges and two misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence.
He faces a sentence ranging from spending no time in custody to a maximum of four years and four months behind bars at a judge’s discretion, prosecutors said.
• BYU investigates gift allegations: BYU is looking into allegations that football players received improper benefits. Associate athletic director Duff Tittle said the university is conducting a “thorough review of the matter.” The NCAA had no comment on the matter.
Tinkle introduced
MISCELLANY: Wayne Tinkle promises to emphasize effort and attitude as Oregon State’s basketball coach. Tinkle, a Ferris High graduate who was introduced in a news conference yesterday, comes to the Beavers from Montana, where he took the Grizzlies to the NCAA tournament three times during his eight years with the team.
• Rutgers signs Stringer: Rutgers and women’s basketball coach C. Vivian Stringer agreed to a four-year contract. Stringer is 929-341 in 43 seasons, including a 409-206 mark for her 19 seasons at Rutgers, with 14 NCAA tournament berths.
• WNBA launches LGBT campaign: The WNBA is launching a campaign to market specifically to the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community. The marketing push begins with the launch of a website and the signature event will be a nationally televised “pride” game between Tulsa and Chicago on June 22.
• Rogers takes 11th stage: Michael Rogers took advantage of a downhill attack to win the 11th stage of the Giro d’Italia at Savona, Italy, while fellow Australian Cadel Evans retained the overall lead.