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SAN FRANCISCO - Matt Cain was one of the first Giants to receive his World Series championship ring during a pregame ceremony near home plate. San Francisco's ace wasn't on the field much longer.

BUFFALO, N.Y. - With each win, there is a growing sense in Buffalo that the Sabres just might be capable of mounting a late-season playoff push. It is a much different mood for Martin Brodeur and the slumping New Jersey Devils.

WASHINGTON - Just like the old days. The Washington Capitals are in first place, and Alex Ovechkin is tied for the NHL's goal-scoring lead. Nicklas Backstrom poured cold water on that kind of thinking in a hurry.

CHICAGO - It is no surprise the Chicago Blackhawks are in the playoffs for the fifth straight year. After all, the NHL leaders started the lockout-shortened season with points in their first 24 games — a league record.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The Los Angeles Kings are interested in hosting an outdoor game next season, and the Anaheim Ducks would love to be their opponent.

DENVER - Edinson Volquez's recovery from a rough first inning came too late to make a difference in the latest loss for the San Diego Padres. It just might make a difference down the road, though.

LOS ANGELES, Calif. - The Pittsburgh Pirates finally hit their first home run of the season — the last team in the majors to do so.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Jason Pominville got a surprise shortly before taking the ice for his new team, the Minnesota Wild, on Sunday night. His wife, kids and father-in-law drove down from Buffalo, N.Y.

HOUSTON - The losses and the strikeouts keep piling up for the Houston Astros. Brett Anderson struck out 10 more Houston batters and the Oakland Athletics backed him with three home runs for a 9-3 win Sunday and a three-game sweep of the Astros.

MILWAUKEE - The Milwaukee Brewers put together one last rally Sunday, and manager Ron Roenicke sent ailing slugger Ryan Braun to the on-deck circle with Rickie Weeks at the plate.