Marian Hossa is set to join Slovakia at the world championship after the early exit of defending Stanley Cup champion Blackhawks from the playoffs, according to an Associated Press report. Hossa, who had 25 goals and 32 assists this season, will boost Slovakia’s chances of adding to its lone world title in 2002. The Slovak team announced on Saturday that Hossa will be available for Sunday’s game against Germany in Group A in Bratislava.

Islanders defenseman Radek Martinek is in the hospital with an injury to his spine and a concussion following a hit to the head during the Czech Republic's 4-2 win at the world hockey championship, according to an ESPN.com report on Saturday.

David Krejci and Brad Marchand each scored two goals, and the Bruins took out their frustration from one of the great collapses in postseason history with a 7-3 win over the Flyers on Saturday in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, according to an ESPN.com report.

An 11-year NHL linesman and veteran of the Stanley Cup playoffs has been temporarily removed from working playoff games. The decision comes as the league contends with fallout from questions about the missing puck from last year's 2010 Stanley Cup final won by the Blackhawks. Steve Miller, 38, is not included among the officials who will work the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs, according to the list made public by the NHL on Friday.

Chris Kreider started the scoring and the United States cruised to a 5-1 victory over Austria in its opening game at the world ice hockey championship Saturday.

Benn Ferriero scored 7:03 into overtime of his playoff debut on a deflected goal that gave the Sharks a 2-1 win over the Red Wings on Friday night in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series, according to an ESPN.com report. Ferriero's shot hit off Detroit defenseman Brad Stuart's stick and got past Jimmy Howard for the game-winner just seconds after the Red Wings had killed off a four-minute penalty.

Canada defeated Belarus 4-1 Friday behind Jordan Eberle's two goals in an opening game at hockey's world championship, according to an ESPN.com report. Eberle put Canada ahead with a backhand 1:52 into the opening period, and Andrei Stepanov tied it with 34 seconds left in the period after a defensive blunder by Luke Schenn.

Sean Bergenheim scored early, Steve Downie had a goal and an assist, and Steven Stamkos netted the go-ahead goal on a power play, helping the Lightning beat the top-seeded Capitals 4-2 on Friday night in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals series, as reported by ESPN.com.

Rangers President and GM Glen Sather announced today that Dan Girardi underwent successful surgery yesterday to repair his inguinal hernia. In addition, Brandon Prust underwent successful surgery today to repair a labral tear. Both are expected to be ready for the start of training camp.

Sidney Crosby acknowledged Friday that he recently had a setback and experienced symptoms during his recovery from a concussion, but said he isn't worried that he won't be ready for the start of next season, according to the ESPN.com report. Crosby addressed reporters for the first time in weeks, on the day the Penguins packed up and dispersed after being eliminated from the playoffs. He admitted the reason he hasn't been on the ice for drills or practices for the past two weeks was because he had experienced headaches and other symptoms.