Moore case dismissed in Denver
Former Colorado Avalanche forward Steve Moore’s lawsuit over a vicious hit by Todd Bertuzzi was dismissed Thursday, and the judge advised him to take the case to Canada.
Moore’s claims would be better handled in Canada because that’s where the hit happened and all the defendants are based there, Denver District Judge Shelley Gilman said. Her ruling was in agreement with attorneys for Bertuzzi, the Vancouver Canucks and others.
“British Columbia bears the most significant relationship to Moore’s claims,” Gilman wrote. She also said a new state law prohibited her from allowing the case to continue.
Moore hasn’t played since the March 8, 2004, game in which Bertuzzi grabbed him from behind, punched him in the head and drove his head into the ice. Moore, who suffered three fractured vertebrae in his neck, a concussion and other injuries, testified earlier this month that after months of physical therapy, he has begun training in hopes of rejoining the Avalanche.
He was seeking unspecified damages from the Canucks, team owner Orca Bay Hockey Limited Partnership, Bertuzzi, coach Marc Crawford, former general manager Brian Burke and former Canucks player Brad May.
Moore has the right to ask the judge to reconsider or to appeal her ruling. Neither Moore’s attorneys nor his agent returned calls seeking comment.
Boynton joins Bruins
Defenseman Nick Boynton ended his holdout, signing a one-year deal with the Boston Bruins.
Boynton skipped training camp and was the Bruins’ lone unsigned player. In 2003-04, he played in the All-Star game for the first time.
On the ice
Predators 5, Coyotes 4 (SO): At Glendale, Ariz., Paul Kariya scored the only goal in the shootout to keep Nashville unbeaten (4-0-0) with a victory over Phoenix. Ottawa (4-0-0) is the league’s other undefeated team.
Red Wings 5, Kings 2: At Los Angeles, Kirk Maltby and Jiri Fisher scored short-handed goals in the third period, and Detroit, with Steve Yzerman playing his first game of the season, defeated Los Angeles.
Stars 3, Flames 2 (OT): At Calgary, Alberta, Philippe Boucher scored with 55 seconds left in overtime as Dallas spoiled Calgary’s home opener.
Sabres 4, Lightning 3 (SO): At Tampa, Fla., Daniel Briere and Thomas Vanek scored in the shootout to give Buffalo a victory over Tampa Bay.
Islanders 5, Capitals 3: At Washington, Jason Blake and Petteri Nokelainen both had a goal and an assist and Oleg Kvasha added three assists to lead New York past Washington.
Rangers 4, Devils 1: At New York, Martin Rucinsky and Ville Nieminen scored 17 seconds apart in the first period and rookie goalie Henrik Lundqvist made 20 saves for his first NHL win as New York beat New Jersey.
Bruins 5, Panthers 2: At Sunrise, Fla., Patrice Bergeron, centering Boston’s top line in place of the injured Joe Thornton, had a goal and an assist to lead the Bruins over Florida.