Lecavalier needs shoulder surgery

Tampa Bay Lightning center Vincent Lecavalier will have surgery to repair damage to his right shoulder.

Lecavalier was hurt in Thursday's game at Washington. His shoulder was dislocated when he fell awkwardly after a hit by Washington's Matt Cooke.

Tests showed Lecavalier damaged the labrum of the right shoulder. Recovery time is expected to be 12 to 15 weeks, which means Lecavalier could be ready for the start of training camp next season.

NUMMINEN RETURNS: Buffalo Sabres defenseman Teppo Numminen played his first game Saturday night since having open-heart surgery 6 1/2 months ago.

Numminen took a regular turn, playing 16 minutes, 3 seconds in Buffalo's season-ending 3-0 win over the playoff-bound Boston Bruins.

The 18-year NHL veteran and three-time All-Star Game participant, had surgery Sept. 20 to repair a faulty heart valve.

CANADIENS HOST ALL-STAR GAME: The Montreal Canadiens will host the 2009 NHL All-Star Game and draft as part of the club's 100th anniversary celebrations.

Bill Daly, the league's deputy commissioner, also confirmed that the Canadiens have asked to play a regular-season game outdoors in that same week.

The All-Star Game is set for Jan. 25, 2009. The draft will be held in June.

ICE CHIPS: Anaheim Ducks captain Chris Pronger can return to play tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes after completing an eight-game suspension for stomping Vancouver Canucks forward Ryan Kessler in a game on March 12.

* The Blue Jackets' Ken Hitchcock coached the 900th game of his NHL career Saturday. Hitchcock, 56, is the 20th coach in NHL history to reach the milestone.

* Columbus forward Jason Chimera left Saturday's game in the first period with a groin injury. He's questionable for today's season finale against St. Louis after playing in 243 consecutive games, a team record.