Sports in brief

NHL

Pacioretty doesn't want Chara prosecuted

Montreal police started a criminal investigation Thursdayinto the on-ice hit by Boston's Zdeno Chara on Tuesday that left the Canadiens' Max Pacioretty with a severe concussion and cracked vertebra.

Police said they are acting on a request by Quebec's director of criminal and penal prosecutions, Louis Dionne.

But Pacioretty said he doesn't want Chara prosecuted.

"I sincerely appreciate all of the support that I have received since my injury," he said in a statement. "I was disappointed that the NHL did not suspend Zdeno Chara. However, I have no desire for him to be prosecuted legally. I feel that the incident, as ugly as it was, was part of a hockey game.''

Chara did not speak at length on the investigation but did acknowledge it.

"I got some media information on that this morning," he said. "But like I said, right now, I'm focusing on playing my game and playing hockey."

Sabres win in OT, tie

Rangers for seventh

Brad Boyes scored 3:44 into overtime to give the visiting Sabres a 4-3 victory over the Bruins. Buffalo (74 points) moved into a tie with the Rangers for seventh place in the Eastern Conference.

GOLF

Mahan birdie machine

at wind-swept Doral

Hunter Mahan was 7 under through 11 holes in the Cadillac Championship on the Blue Monster in Doral, Fla., before the storm-delayed opening round -- which had wind gusts of 50 mph -- was suspended by darkness.

Phil Mickelson was 2 under after 15 holes and playing partners Tiger Woods and Graeme McDowell were 1 under.

Martin Kaymer and Luke Donald were at 5 under through 10 holes.

-- AP