Sidney Crosby is certain of this: The NHL won't have to manufacture a rivalry when the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins play in the Winter Classic on Jan. 1 in Pittsburgh.
Crosby says the Capitals-Penguins series is so intense it's essentially a season within a season when the teams meet. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says it probably is the NHL's best rivalry now. And now it's moving outdoors.
The NHL picked the most summery of days to showcase its midwinter game, as Crosby and teammates Pascal Dupuis and Max Talbot and the Capitals' Mike Knuble and David Steckel shot pucks between Heinz Field's goal posts.
Rangers sign Frolov: The New York Rangers added offensive punch by agreeing to terms Tuesday with longtime Los Angeles Kings forward Alexander Frolov, who should provide a potent complement to Marian Gaborik on New York's top line.
The 28-year-old winger, who spent his first seven NHL seasons with Los Angeles, has scored over 20 goals five times - including two 30-goal seasons - but is coming off a disappointing one in which he had only 19 goals and 32 assists in 81 games.
Frolov and the Rangers agreed on a one-year deal worth $3 million. He earned $4 million last season when he scored his fewest goals since posting 14 in his rookie season of 2002-03.
Kings bring in Ponikarovsky: The Los Angeles Kings signed left wing Alexei Ponikarovsky to a one-year contract Tuesday after losing Alexander Frolov to the New York Rangers and falling short in their pursuit of Ilya Kovalchuk.
Oilers re-sign Brule: The Edmonton Oilers re-signed center Gilbert Brule.
Brule, who had 17 goals and 20 assists with the Oilers last season, agreed to terms Tuesday on a two-year contract.
Kearns agrees to deal with Coyotes: The Phoenix Coyotes have signed free-agent center Bracken Kearns to a one-year, two-way contract.
Islanders sign Moulson: New York Islanders left wing Matt Moulson has agreed to a one-year contract.
Barbero dies: Longtime Pittsburgh Penguins public address announcer John Barbero has died of a brain tumor at 65.
