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Henin-Hardenne Advances to Open Final (AP)
 AP - Justine Henin-Hardenne beat Maria Sharapova 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 Thursday to advance to the Australian Open final and extend her winning stretch to 13 matches at Melbourne Park.
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Pacers Send Artest to Kings for Stojakovic (AP)
 AP - Ron Artest needed a place to play. The Indiana Pacers needed to unload their biggest problem.
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Gay Leads No. 1 UConn Over St. John's (AP)
 AP - Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun said he hadn't seen a Big East game like this for a few years — quite a few.
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Something Special? Not Yet for Steelers (AP)
 AP - The Pittsburgh Steelers sense something special is going on here, the kind of season that is remembered and replayed not only for a few years but for generations.
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Long-Running Red Sox Soap Opera on Hiatus (AP)
 AP - On Wednesday's episode of the soap opera that is the Boston Red Sox, Theo Epstein and Larry Lucchino kissed and made up.
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Blog: Just Six Non-Super Bowl Teams Left (AP)
 AP - As the teams make their way down the road to Super Bowl XL in Detroit on Feb. 5, AP Football Writer Dave Goldberg will be filing periodic reports on the playoffs from his perspective.
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Mavericks Roar Past Warriors 102-93 (AP)
 AP - Avery Johnson cited his Dallas Mavericks' defense and rebounding as the reasons for the victory that sent their coach to the All-Star game. He also knew the Golden State Warriors helped out just as much with a phenomenally inept fourth quarter. Jerry Stackhouse scored a season-high 23 points, Dirk Nowitzki added 18 and the Mavericks roared past the Warriors in the final minutes for their sixth straight victory, 102-93 on Wednesday night.
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Neagle Pleads Guilty in Prostitution Rap (AP)
AP - Denny Neagle has pleaded guilty to a charge of patronizing a prostitute and was sentenced to 40 hours of community service, prosecutors announced Wednesday.
Mexico Beats Norway 2-1 in Exhibition Game (AP)
 AP - Luis Ernesto Perez scored in the 87th minute to rally Mexico to a 2-1 victory over Norway in an exhibition game Wednesday night.
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Pronger Leads Oilers Past Ducks 5-3 (AP)
 AP - Despite all that heavy goaltender equipment, the Edmonton Oilers got under the skin of Anaheim's Jean-Sebastien Giguere. The Oilers capitalized on 16 minutes in penalties against the frustrated Giguere to beat the Ducks 5-3 Wednesday night, as Chris Pronger broke open a tie game with a pair of power-play goals 47 seconds apart in the third period.
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Weathering the storm
SEATTLE – Before Matt Hasselbeck shined in Seattle, he endured some dark days as the Seahawks' quarterback.
Steelers feel something special going on (AP)
The Pittsburgh Steelers sense something special is going on here, the kind of season that is remembered and replayed not only for a few years but for generations. A season in which a team has to try harder and travel a far more difficult road to win football's biggest game. After a month virtually unrivaled in NFL playoff history, the Steelers are one victory away from a Super Bowl championship...
Jets, Heimerdinger part ways (AP)
The New York Jets parted ways with offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger on Wednesday. Last week, new coach Eric Mangini informed Heimerdinger the team would retain him to run the offense. Heimerdinger was upset with the decision because he was interviewed and passed over for the head coaching job, making for an awkward situation.
Seattle's ex-Steelers know the opponent (AP)
The Seahawks are about to thank Kevin Bentley. Not for beating up and effectively removing Carolina star receiver Steve Smith from the NFC championship. They've already done that during a joyous postgame celebration last Sunday. No, the Seahawks will soon be glad to discover the reserve linebacker, a former Cleveland Brown, kept handwritten notes on the eight games he played against the Pittsburgh...
Holmgren preparing early for Super Bowl (AP)
To Matt Hasselbeck, the best thing about Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren right now is not his game planning. It's not how he handles his players or assembles a staff. For the Seattle quarterback, the most impressive thing about Holmgren is that he's been to the Super Bowl. And now he's going back with a third franchise.
Dan Marino to Big Ben: Enjoy the moment (AP)
He was a kid when he made it to the Super Bowl, his right arm gunning the Miami Dolphins all the way to California for a date with the San Francisco 49ers. Dan Marino figured every year would end with the big game, even after the Dolphins lost 38-16 in the 1985 Super Bowl. He was only 23. He had plenty of time.
Detroit character makes venue special (AP)
With enormous windows offering views of downtown, tons of exposed brick and dramatic steel beams across the ceiling, these may just be the coolest digs in Detroit. This distinctive pad is the home of the Detroit Lions, and if you're lucky enough to have a ticket to the Super Bowl, you'll get a chance to look around.
Falcons' Vick stands by troubled brother (AP)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick believes Virginia Tech overreacted when the school dismissed his brother, Marcus, from the football team after he stomped on an opposing player during the Gator Bowl. Marcus Vick later claimed the incident was accidental and that he apologized to Louisville's Elvis Dumervil, but the All-American defensive end denied receiving an apology.
Bills hire Fairchild to run offense (AP)
Steve Fairchild is back with the Buffalo Bills, hired as the team's offensive coordinator Wednesday and given the task of improving one of the NFL's worst offenses. Fairchild, who spent the past three seasons as the St. Louis Rams' offensive coordinator, broke into the NFL as the Bills' running backs coach in 2001-02.
49ers may hire team president (AP)
Although the San Francisco 49ers still haven't decided whether they will hire a team president before next season, coach Mike Nolan has spoken with at least two veteran NFL executives about the job. Nolan discussed the potential opening with Seattle Seahawks vice president Mike Reinfeldt and Atlanta Falcons executive vice president Ray Anderson in recent weeks, the coach said Wednesday in a phone...
Another royal pain?
The Kings don't have to worry about losing Peja Stojakovic to free agency. But now they must deal with Ron Artest.
Artest sent to Kings for Stojakovic (AP)
Ron Artest needed a place to play. The Indiana Pacers needed to unload their biggest problem. And the rebuilding Sacramento Kings were willing to gamble on the league's most unpredictable All-Star. The elements came together Wednesday, and this time they stuck: The Kings sent sharpshooter Peja Stojakovic to the Pacers for Artest in an on-again, off-again deal that's been talked about for months.
Isiah Thomas reacts angrily to lawsuit (AP)
Isiah Thomas reacted with indignation Wednesday over a former team executive's federal sexual harassment lawsuit, which accuses the New York Knicks president of unwanted advances, discrimination and "demeaning and repulsive behavior." Thomas said he never harassed Anucha Browne Sanders, the Knicks' former senior vice president of marketing and business operations, nor did he discriminate against...
Kings acquire Artest, beat Knicks in OT (AP)
Though Ron Artest should make the Sacramento Kings better, there was nothing he could do to help them Wednesday. Mike Bibby and Brad Miller did plenty. Bibby scored eight of his 35 points in overtime and added 10 assists, and Miller had 25 points and 15 rebounds to lead the short-handed Kings over the New York Knicks 106-102 on Wednesday night.
Billups helps Pistons win ninth straight (AP)
The Detroit Pistons think Chauncey Billups should be an All-Star because of his versatility. Wednesday night, he took that to an extreme. After not taking a single shot while dishing out eight first-half assists, Billups scored 23 points after the intermission, including 11 in overtime, to help the Pistons beat Milwaukee 106-102.
Scott wants Hornets in Oklahoma City (AP)
Hornets coach Byron Scott said Wednesday he would rather have the team return to Oklahoma City than go back to New Orleans next season. "I would love to play here," Scott said after the Hornets' 84-68 loss to San Antonio at Oklahoma City's Ford Center. "I would love to stay here and play in Oklahoma City next year.
Duncan, Spurs easily beat Hornets 84-68 (AP)
A solid defensive performance by the San Antonio Spurs earned Tim Duncan some extra rest for his sore foot. Duncan scored 17 points and the Spurs handed New Orleans its worst defeat in Oklahoma City with a 84-68 win over the Hornets on Wednesday night. The Hornets' sputtering offense set a season low in scoring for the second straight game and gave the standing-room only crowd of 19,289 little to...
James leads Cavs to third straight win (AP)
LeBron James didn't appreciate a fan's attempt to disrupt his concentration with a laser pointer. So he took out his frustration on the bumbling Atlanta Hawks. "Those things can damage your eyes something bad," James said. "I was standing at the foul line in the fourth quarter when the ref noticed a red dot near my forehead.
Mavericks stay perfect on road trip (AP)
Avery Johnson cited his Dallas Mavericks' defense and rebounding as the reasons for the victory that sent their coach to the All-Star game. He also knew the Golden State Warriors helped out just as much with a phenomenally inept fourth quarter. Jerry Stackhouse scored a season-high 23 points, Dirk Nowitzki added 18 and the Mavericks roared past the Warriors in the final minutes for their sixth...
Anthony, Nuggers rally to 97-94 victory (AP)
It took nearly a half before the Denver Nuggets decided to play with any sort of urgency. Trailing nearly the entire game, the Nuggets finally pulled together in the fourth quarter to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 97-94 on Wednesday night. Carmelo Anthony had 26 points and nine rebounds, while Andre Miller added 21 points -- 17 in the fourth quarter alone -- for Denver's seventh straight victory.
Power rankings
Without a change atop the rankings, Yahoo! Sports' Matt Romig weighs in on the goal-of-the-year race.
Bulis scores four goals, Habs top Flyers (AP)
Jan Bulis was more useful on the ice instead of wearing a suit and watching from the press box. Bulis scored a career-best four goals and the Montreal Canadiens snapped a seven-game road losing streak with a 5-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday night. Bulis was a late addition to the lineup after coach Bob Gainey told him in the morning he'd be a healthy scratch.
Pens rout Caps 8-1, end 10-game skid (AP)
When Mario Lemieux retired Tuesday, he remarked how the NHL was in good shape with so many talented young players -- particularly on his team, one that is stacked with rookies. But the Pittsburgh Penguins' remaining veterans aren't ready to pass the torch just yet. On a night billed as a showdown between top rookies Sidney Crosby and Alexander Ovechkin, 37-year-old Mark Recchi and 36-year-old John...
Third-period goal spurs 'Canes to SO win (AP)
Erik Cole is hoping people won't talk too much about his signature move on penalty shots. That's not likely to happen. Cole beat Florida goalie Roberto Luongo with a nifty move in the shootout, leading the streaking Carolina Hurricanes to a 4-3 victory over the Panthers on Wednesday night. Cole scored with the same move he used to beat Washington goalie Olaf Kolzig on a penalty shot Saturday night.
Stars stay perfect in SOs, top Blues 4-3 (AP)
The Dallas Stars are unbeaten in six shootouts this season, and they can thank rookie Jussi Jokinen for much of that success. Sergei Zubov and Jokinen converted in the shootout and the Stars beat the St. Louis Blues 4-3 on Wednesday night to remain perfect in the NHL's new tiebreaker. "I'm totally confident in the shootout," said Jokinen, who converted his sixth shootout attempt in as many tries in...
Third-period goals lift Oilers by Ducks (AP)
Despite all that heavy goaltender equipment, the Edmonton Oilers got under the skin of Anaheim's Jean-Sebastien Giguere. The Oilers capitalized on 16 minutes in penalties against the frustrated Giguere to beat the Ducks 5-3 Wednesday night, as Chris Pronger broke open a tie game with a pair of power-play goals 47 seconds apart in the third period.
Penguins' Lemieux retires a second time (AP)
Mario Lemieux made a career out of comebacks -- from cancer and a heart problem, agonizing back pain, a rare bone infection, a self-imposed one-season layoff and, five years ago, from the boredom of retirement. Finally, he found something that prevented him from returning to the Pittsburgh Penguins yet one more time: A heart that still loves to play the game, but is not physically well enough to...
Sabres accuse Kasparaitis of cheap shot (AP)
Buffalo Sabres center Tim Connolly will miss at least six weeks with a left knee injury that occurred after a hit by Rangers defenseman Darius Kasparaitis. Sabres coach Lindy Ruff said the hit in Tuesday night's game was a cheap shot on Connolly, who was tied for the team lead with 38 points. "I thought it was cheap, I thought he went low at the knees," Ruff said Wednesday.
Kariya lifts Preds into tie with Wings (AP)
Tomas Vokoun frustrated the Detroit Red Wings for the second straight night and Paul Kariya and Steve Sullivan capitalized on their chances. Kariya's breakaway goal 35 seconds into overtime gave the Nashville Predators a 2-1 win over Detroit on Tuesday night. It was the second consecutive win in two days by Nashville over Detroit at Joe Louis Arena.
Sakic reaches milestone, Avs top Flames (AP)
After 17 seasons, Joe Sakic knows how to put milestones and losing streaks in their proper perspectives. Sakic scored a pair of goals to give him 561 and pass Guy Lafleur for 18th place on the all-time NHL goal scoring list. Sakic also helped Colorado end a two-game losing streak and stun the Northwest Division-leading Calgary Flames 7-4 on Tuesday night.
Offseason capsules: Jarrett, Harvick, Sadler
Yahoo! Sports breaks down the '06 Cup field as the season-opening Daytona 500 approaches.
Wallace to move into broadcasting booth (AP)
Retirement didn't last very long for Rusty Wallace, who only needed about two months to land a job in a new profession.
Toyota names first three Cup teams: Daytona winner, old Cup hand, and an energy drink (AP)
Michael Waltrip has twice won the Great American Race. Now he'll be a pioneer in NASCAR's great Japanese experiment.
Toyota announces NASCAR Nextel Cup teams for 2007 (SportsTicker)
By Bruce Martin SportsTicker Contributing Editor
Lowe's repaving troubled track surface (AP)
After a whopping 37 cautions during the two premiere events at Lowe's Motor Speedway, officials knew they had to act quickly to fix the troubled track surface before it became too treacherous for racing.
Marlin starting over at 48 (AP)
At 48 years old, Sterling Marlin is ready for a rebirth.
Racing champ Stewart becoming a regular in the Oval Office (AP)
NASCAR Cup champion Tony Stewart has had such a successful racing career that he's becoming a regular at the White House. Stewart said President Bush recalled his two previous visits to the Oval Office -- one for his first Cup championship and another with other top drivers -- when he came in for a third Tuesday.
Toyota moving up in NASCAR (AP)
Not everyone is pleased that Japanese automaker Toyota is preparing to join the ranks of America's most celebrated Good Ol' Boys.
Pyne becomes president of IMG (AP)
NEW YORK – Former NASCAR official George Pyne is the new president of IMG's sports and entertainment...
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