News » fter a 3-pointer by Mirza Teletovic. O

Moving swiftly to give Alex Ovechkin help at the defensive end while raiding a rival, new Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan signed Pittsburgh Penguins free agents Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik on Tuesday to deals totalling more than $65 million. The 27-year-old Niskanen, the more offensive-minded of the pair of defencemen joining the Capitals, got a $40.25 million, seven-year contract. "Its a very big commitment from Washington. Thats no small thing. Youre talking a seven-year commitment for a very substantial amount of money," said Niskanen, who got married Saturday. "Im excited for that challenge." The 33-year-old Orpik, more of a stay-at-home blueliner who had spent his entire career with the Penguins, was given a $27.5 million, five-year package. "Ive got to be honest: Up until this year, I never really envisioned myself leaving Pittsburgh. As everyone knows, theres been a lot of changes there. It really was a perfect time," Orpik said. "The past year, there was such strong expectations for the team, both internally and externally, and I think we had a really tough time handling those expectations." The Capitals got off to a fast start on the first day of NHL free agency, also adding Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Justin Peters on a $1.9 million, two-year deal, while re-signing centre Michael Latta to a $1.15 million, two-year contract. Last season, three-time NHL MVP Ovechkin and the Capitals missed the playoffs for the first time in seven years, leading ownership to make changes. George McPhees contract was not renewed after he spent 17 seasons as the teams GM, while Adam Oates was fired with a year left on his three-season deal. MacLellan was promoted from assistant general manager to replace McPhee, while Barry Trotz was hired as the new coach. Washington also has added assistant coach Todd Reirden, who was hired by the Capitals after the Penguins fired him last week. "Hes been huge," Niskanen said. "Todd helps young defencemen get better." And in one more Penguins-to-Capitals transaction Tuesday, Washington signed right wing Chris Conner to a one-year, two-way contract. He has 22 goals and 28 assists in 178 NHL games, including 19 with Pittsburgh last season. As for all those people moving from Pittsburgh — which also recently changed its GM and coach — to Washington, Niskanen said: "It would seem odd, wouldnt it? But its professional sports. ... If the Caps call, youve got to listen." Speaking about the Capitals, Orpik said: "Ive played against that group enough to know what the potential of that group can be. ... I think they needed some direction, and I think Barry will provide that." Niskanen, 27, led NHL defencemen with a plus-33 rating last season, when he set career highs with 10 goals and 36 assists. The 6-foot, 209-pound defenceman has 35 goals, 132 assists and 266 penalty minutes in 491 career NHL games for Pittsburgh and Dallas. The 6-foot-2, 219-pound Orpik has 13 goals, 119 assists and 734 penalty minutes in 703 career games. He is a two-time U.S. Olympian and was an alternate captain for the Penguins since 2008. The 27-year-old Peters went 7-9-4 with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage for the Carolina Hurricanes last season. "When the head coach on the team looks you in the eye and tell you he wants you to be there, that goes a long way," Peters said. He said that he wasnt told how hell be used with the Capitals — strictly as a No. 2 behind Braden Holtby, or splitting time in the top goalie spot — but added that he thinks it will "work itself out." ___ AP Sports Writer Joseph White contributed to this report. Sammy Watkins Chiefs Jersey . While the pair of Spain internationals return, midfielder Xavi Hernandez will not be included in the squad after failing to recover from a muscle strain to his left leg. Chad Henne Chiefs Jersey . -- Phil Hughes ended a personal losing streak that dated to last July, pitching into the seventh inning Sunday and helping the Twins top the Kansas City Royals 8-3 to avoid a three-game sweep. http://www.chiefsstoreauthentic.com/auth...hiefs-jersey/.Y. - Rob Manfred was promoted Monday to Major League Baseballs chief operating officer, which may make him a candidate to succeed Bud Selig as commissioner. Breeland Speaks Jersey . Last year, Islanders forward Colin Mcdonald released a "Do It For Colin" campaign to promote his teammate and friend John Tavares for the EA sports honour:The most popular sports voting video ever has to go to Chris Bosh who showcased his comedic abilities in his effort to get fans to vote him into the 2008 All Star Game:You can vote for TJ and other star players for the NHL 15 cover vote here. Demarcus Robinson Chiefs Jersey . Appearing on TSN 690 Monday afternoon, Mike Babcock said he had conversations with both P.K. Subban and Carey Price about those on-ice traits during Hockey Canadas summer orientation camp. Mike Babcock: McGill experience, P.OKLAHOMA CITY -- Joe Johnson hit a high-arching jumper as time expired to give the Brooklyn Nets a 95-93 comeback victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. Johnsons game-winning shot capped an improbable rally from a 16-point second-half deficit for the Nets (11-21), led by a season-high 29 points from point guard Deron Williams. Brooklyn trailed 77-61 late in the third quarter, but Williams scored 18 in the second half and helped set the stage for Johnsons last-second shot. Paul Pierce added 18 points for the Nets. Kevin Durant led the Thunder (25-7) with 24 points. Oklahoma City was playing its fourth straight game without injured All-Star guard Russell Westbrook, who had surgery on his right knee Dec. 27. The loss was the second straight for the Thunder, only the second time theyve lost two in a row this season. Brooklyn appeared finished at various points during the first half and even near the end of the third quarter when the Thunder went up 77-61 after a 3-pointer by Jeremy Lamb. The Nets, however, had other plans -- going on a 14-0 run in the closing minutes to take a 93-89 lead. Pierce scored five points during the run, while Williams gave Brooklyn its first lead since the first half with a 3-pointer to go up 91-89. Serge Ibaka, who finished with 10 points, tied the game at 93 for Oklahoma City with a basket with 5.dddddddddddd8 seconds remaining. Johnson then took a pass from Kevin Garnett on the other end, stepped back and connected on the game-winning shot from the top of the key. Brooklyn had lost two in a row and six of seven coming into the game. The loss was the third in four games at home for the Thunder, who opened the season 13-0 at home. Brooklyn, despite its struggles this season, was up 29-26 after the first quarter -- led by eight points from Williams. The Nets stayed close into the second quarter, trailing 38-37 after a 3-pointer by Mirza Teletovic. Oklahoma City, now 14-3 at home this season, took control after that with a 14-1 run to go up 52-38. Ibaka had two fast-break baskets during the spurt and Durant added a pull-up 3 on the break. Thabo Sefolosha capped the run with a jumper for the Thunder, who shot 52.5 per cent (21 of 40) in the first half. The guard also gave Oklahoma City its biggest lead of the half with a free throw to go up 59-43 late in the second quarter. NOTES: Westbrook, out until after the All-Star break, was courtside during the game and was walking without crutches. ... Brooklyn scored five points in 0.9 seconds to end the third quarter, with Pierce hitting a jumper and Williams connecting on a 3 at the buzzer following a steal. 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