Atlanta Closer To Nhl

Atlanta, which lost the Flames to Calgary in 1980, moved to the front of the National Hockey League expansion race when a deal for a $213 million arena cleared its final governmental hurdle.

A Turner Broadcasting System official immediately notified the NHL about the commission’s 5-2 vote, and William Shaw, vice president of Turner Sports, said he expected to receive word on the bid for an expansion franchise within a few days.

Two former players who once went through the boards and continued fighting in the hallway are among the top candidates to share the Buffalo Sabres’ front office.

Former Sabres defenseman and captain Jim Schoenfeld and former Boston Bruins forward and coach Terry O’Reilly both were interviewed for jobs with the Sabres.

Schoenfeld, fired Tuesday as Washington Caps coach, is considered a strong choice to become general manager. O’Reilly could become the team’s coach.