Penguins seek new arena

The Pittsburgh Penguins have partnered with a gambling company in hopes of building a new arena the team says it must have to remain in Pittsburgh.

Under the agreement announced Wednesday, if Isle of Capri Casinos Inc. lands the license expected to be awarded next year for a Pittsburgh slots parlor, it will build a $290 million arena.

The company, which owns and operates 15 casinos and a race track, would turn the building over to the city-county agency that currently operates 44-year-old Mellon Arena. The Penguins have played in the building since 1967.

As part of Isle of Capri’s proposal to acquire the slots license, Columbus-based developer Nationwide Realty Investors would develop the 50-acre site where Mellon Arena now sits with retail stores, residential properties and office buildings.

Nationwide financed Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, home to the NHL’s Blue Jackets. The total cost of the project, including the arena, is estimated at about $1 billion.

Penguins owner Mario Lemieux said earlier this month there was a “slim chance” the team would stay past the 2006-07 season without the new arena he has sought since acquiring the team in 1999.

On the ice

Stars 5, Blue Jackets 3: At Columbus, Ohio, Philippe Boucher and Stu Barnes each had two goals and Dallas scored three times within four minutes to start the third period for a victory over the Blue Jackets.

Islanders 4, Devils 2: At Uniondale, N.Y., Mike York had a goal and two assists, and Jason Blake scored in his return from a concussion to lift New York to a victory over New Jersey.

Predators 6, Blackhawks 1: At Chicago, Paul Kariya had two goals and rookie defenseman Ryan Suter scored his first in the NHL to lead Nashville to a win over the Blackhawks.

Kings 5, Flames 2: At Calgary, Alberta, Mike Cammalleri scored twice and Jeff Giuliano’s first career goal was the game-winner as Los Angeles scored four times in the third period for a win over the Flames.

Mighty Ducks 6, Blues 3: At Anaheim, Calif., Andy McDonald had two goals and an assist, Samuel Pahlsson scored short-handed during a four-goal first period and Anaheim beat St. Louis.

Oilers 7, Canucks 6: At Vancouver, British Columbia, Ryan Smyth scored the go-ahead goal midway through the third period, as Edmonton beat Vancouver for the fourth straight time.