Blackhawks’ streak ends as Colorado wins, 6-2

The best start in NHL history is over. The Chicago Blackhawks finally left the ice without a point.

The Blackhawks were stunned, 6-2, by the struggling Colorado Avalanche on Friday night in Denver. It was their first loss in regulation and ended a remarkable run in which they earned at least one point in their first 24 games, an NHL record.

Matt Duchene scored four points and Ryan O’Reilly got his first goal since his contract dispute was resolved more than a week ago. O’Reilly assisted on another goal in a four-goal onslaught in the second period that turned a 1-1 tie into a laugher.

The Blackhawks (21-1-3) hadn’t lost in regulation since a 6-1 rout by Nashville on March 25, 2012, and their last loss in regulation on the road came more than a year ago, with a 5-1 defeat at St. Louis on March 6, 2012.

Dating back to last year’s regular season, the streak was 30 games.

Chicago’s overall points streak was the second longest in NHL history. The 1979-80 Philadelphia Flyers set the league record with a staggering 35-game unbeaten streak that included 25 wins and 10 ties — all in the same season.

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The Columbus Blue Jackets have placed right wing Derek Dorsett on injured reserve after he broke his collarbone in the first period of Thursday night’s 2-1 overtime win over Vancouver. The club expects Dorsett to miss the rest of the season.

ETC.

U.S. soccer goalkeeper Howard has back injury

Tim Howard, goalkeeper for the U.S. national team and Everton in England’s Premier League, has two broken bones in his back and probably will miss the Americans’ World Cup qualifiers against Costa Rica and Mexico this month.

Aston Villa’s Brad Guzan is poised to take over in goal in what would be his first qualifiers in four years.

Howard was hurt Feb. 26 in an FA Cup win over Oldham and missed last weekend’s Premier League game against Reading.

Everton Coach David Moyes said Howard will miss Saturday’s FA Cup quarterfinal against Wigan and the March 16 match league match versus Manchester City, but could return March 30 against Stoke.

Howard, 34, was the U.S. starter at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and has played in all seven qualifiers for the 2014 tournament in Brazil.

The Americans lost, 2-1, at Honduras last month in their opener of the final round of qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean. They face Costa Rica on March 22 at Commerce City, Colo., then play four days later at Mexico City.

The top three nations in the finals, which also include Jamaica and Panama, advance to the 32-team field at next year’s tournament. The No. 4 team goes to a playoff for another berth.

The U.S. also will be missing midfielder Landon Donovan, not scheduled to return to training with the Galaxy until late March. In addition, Tottenham midfielder Clint Dempsey has not played since Feb. 21 because of a calf injury. Hannover right back Steve Cherundolo has an injured knee and his return is uncertain.

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The U.S. women’s team beat China, 5-0, at the Algarve Cup on Friday, staying on top of its group with a second straight victory at Albufeira, Portugal.

The Americans face former coach Pia Sundhage when they play Sweden on Monday in the final match of the group phase

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Veteran receiver Brian Hartline signed a five-year deal for nearly $31 million to remain with the Miami Dolphins, his agent said. Quarterback Matt Moore signed a two-year deal to remain as Ryan Tannehill’s backup. ... The Arizona Cardinals released five-time Pro Bowl strong safety Adrian Wilson. ... The Carolina Panthers released starting cornerback Chris Gamble in a move that will save the team $7.9 million and get it the NFL salary cap.

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Brad Keselowski will start on the pole after heavy rain forced NASCAR to cancel qualifying for Sunday’s race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Sunday’s field will be set by points and the NASCAR rule book, giving the pole to last season’s Sprint Cup series champion.

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Eight months after failing a NASCAR drug test and losing his job on Roger Penske’s Cup team, AJ Allmendinger was rehired by Penske to drive in two IndyCar races this season — including the Indianapolis 500.

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Andres Romero of Argentina shot his second straight seven-under 65 to take a one-stroke lead in the PGA Tour’s Puerto Rico Open on the Trump International course at Rio Grande.

Scott Brown was second at 13 under after a 63. Peter Uihlein and Steve LeBrun shot 65 to reach 12 under. Patrick Cantlay, the 20-year-old former UCLA player coming off a Web.com Tour victory Sunday in Colombia, was seven under after a 67.