In the Crease

For the fourth consecutive year, the Toronto Maple Leafs are the NHL's most valuable team, according to Forbes magazine's annual survey.

The Leafs are worth $470 million, an increase of 5 percent over last year. The next franchise, the New York Rangers, is worth $416 million.

The original six franchises are in the top seven, with only the Flyers at No. 5 breaking that monopoly. Montreal is third ($339 million), followed by Detroit ($337 million), the Flyers ($273 million), Boston ($271 million), and Chicago ($258 million).

The Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins rank 11th at $222 million.

Fourteen teams - nearly half the league - went down in value, ranging from Colorado decreasing by 11 percent to the Flyers falling 1 percent.

Ward out

The Carolina Hurricanes placed goalie Cam Ward on injured reserve yesterday because of an injured left leg.

Ward was hurt Saturday night when his leg was cut by a skate during Carolina's 3-2 loss - the Hurricanes' club-record 12th straight.

Carolina called up defenseman Bryan Rodney from Albany to fill Ward's roster spot.

Miller a Red Wing

The Detroit Red Wings claimed forward Drew Miller off waivers from Tampa Bay.

Miller played three seasons at Michigan State, and was named the team's most valuable player for the 2005-06 season.

- Associated Press