AROUND THE NHL

Hockey great Maurice “Rocket” Richard is feared to have abdominal cancer that he first fought off more than a year ago.

Richard, 76, was in the hospital Monday, the same day former Montreal Canadien teammate Jean Beliveau said he needed treatment for a cancerous tumor in his neck.

Richard, the NHL’s first 50-goal scorer, played 18 seasons from 1942 to 1960, amassing a then-record 544 goals with the Canadiens.

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Phoenix Coyote owner Richard Burke has extended the deadline for a prospective buyer to make a $10-million down payment.

Developer Steve Ellman was to have delivered the money to Burke on Wednesday. But Burke, in a gesture he called unsolicited, gave Ellman an extension until May 26.

Ellman has been trying to round up investors to help with the purchase, which must be completed by June 30 with an additional $17-million cash payment and a $60-million loan transfer.

If Ellman defaults on the deal, Burke would be free to look for other buyers. One is readily available in Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, who wants to move the franchise to Portland, Ore.