NHL-National Hockey League roundup

Dec 15 (The Sports Xchange) - Veteran goaltender Michael Leighton was recalled by the Carolina Hurricanes Thursday from the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League.

Leighton is 2-1-0 with a 3.53 goals-against average this season for Carolina. He has served as the backup for Cam Ward while Eddie Lack remains sidelined with concussion sustained in practice in Nov. 21.

On Nov. 29 Leighton picked up his first NHL victory for his first win in six years. On Tuesday, he relieved Ward and picked up the win in Carolina's 8-6 victory over the Vancouver Canucks.

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Detroit Red Wings left winger Darren Helm, who has been out a month with a dislocated shoulder, returned to practice and skated with the team for the first time since getting injured.

Helm will miss his 14th game when the Red Wings face the Los Angeles Kings Thursday night but said at the team's optional morning skate he hopes to return around Christmas or New Year's Day in Detroit's outdoor game at Toronto.

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The Boston Bruins recalled left wing Anton Blidh from Providence of the American Hockey League and assigned center Danton Heinen to Providence.

Blidh appeared in four games with the Bruins from Dec. 3-8 and recorded his first career point with an assist Dec. 7 at Washington.

Heinen, 21, has appeared in eight games for the Bruins this season and has totaled seven goals and assists in games with Providence. (Editing by Andrew Both)