ICE HOCKEY

John Lawless, the Cardiff Devils coach, has confirmed that he is to leave the club and take up a similar role with the newly-formed Manchester Metros. One reason for his departure is believed to be the 17,000-seat capacity at the new Manchester rink. Cardiff's home seats 2,550.

NHL: NY Rangers 2 Philadelphia 0; Boston 5 Pittsburgh 2; Chicago 4 Detroit 0; Washington 2 Florida 2; St Louis 4 San Jose 3; Los Angeles 2 Anaheim 1; New Jersey 4 Quebec 2; Vancouver 6 Calgary 4.

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP (Sweden) Group A (Gavle): Italy 5 France 2. Final standings: 1 Russia pl 5, pts 10; 2 Italy (5-7); 3 France (5 6); 4 Canada (5-5); 5 Germany (5-2); 6 Switzerland (5-0). Group B (Stockholm): Norway 5 Austria 3. Final standings: 1 USA (5-8); 2 Finland (5-7); 3 Sweden (5- 7); 4 Czech Republic (5-6); 5 Norway (5-2); 6 Austria (5-0). Quarter-finals: Today: Sweden v Italy; Finland v France. Tomorrow: Russia v Cz Rep; USA v Canada.