Kings offer assistant coaching job to John Stevens

Former Philadelphia Flyers head coach John Stevens, who was fired by the team in December, is the Kings’ choice to fill the assistant coaching vacancy created by Mark Hardy’s resignation and has been offered the job, and his hiring could be announced next week, confirmed an NHL source, who was granted anonymity because the organization is not ready to make the decision public.

Key Kings executives know Stevens well. Kings Coach Terry Murray, previously part of the Flyers’ staff, worked with Stevens in Philadelphia, and Kings General Manager Dean Lombardi and assistant GM Ron Hextall are familiar with him from their past employment in the Flyers’ organization.

Next week could also bring a contract extension for Lombardi and his staff. Lombardi has one year left on the deal he signed in 2006, and he’s coming off his most successful season so far. The Kings made the playoffs for the first time since 2002 and made significant progress in a long and torturous rebuilding process, stockpiling young talent at the NHL and minor league levels.

—Helene Elliott

The Ducks re-signed center Kyle Chipchura to a one-year contract extension.

The deal will keep Chipchura with the Ducks through 2011.

BASEBALL

Troy Tulowitzki has a broken wrist

The Colorado Rockies will be without offensive catalyst and slick-fielding shortstop Troy Tulowitzki for at least six weeks after he broke his left wrist.

Tulowitzki was hurt when he was hit by a pitch from Twins reliever Alex Burnett in the eighth inning of a win Thursday in Minnesota.

Although the initial examination didn’t reveal a break, an MRI test Friday found an avulsion fracture, where a fragment of bone tears away.

Tulowitzki was put on the 15-day disabled list, and the Rockies recalled infielder Chris Nelson from triple-A Colorado Springs to fill his roster spot.

ETC.

Justine Henin reaches UNICEF final

Justine Henin defeated Alexandra Dulgheru, 6-2, 6-2, to reach the final of the UNICEF Open at Den Bosch, Netherlands.

Seventh-seeded Andrea Petkovic upset Kirsten Flipkens, 6-7 (3), 7-6 (2), 6-4, to also advance to Saturday’s final.

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Samantha Stosur was upset by qualifier Ekaterina Makarova, 7-6 (5), 7-5, in the semifinals of the Eastbourne International grass-court event at Eastbourne, England.

In the final, the Russian will play Victoria Azarenka, who knocked out eighth-seeded Marion Bartoli of France, 6-3, 7-5.