Friday's NHL roundup: Flames coach Bill Peters resigns over alleged racism

Bill Peters resigned as coach of the Calgary Flames after it was disclosed he directed racist slurs at a Nigerian-born player in the minors a decade ago and kicked and punched players behind the bench during his recent time with Carolina.

General Manager Brad Treliving said he received a resignation letter from Peters on Friday that wraps up a weeklong investigation.

"We consider the matter closed," Treliving said at a news conference in Calgary. "It's been a difficult time. But we are going to move forward."

Peters, in the second season of a three-year contract, did not immediately respond to a text. Assistant Geoff Ward takes over as interim coach of the Flames, 12-12-4 and in ninth place in the Western Conference.

Peters has not been on the ice or behind the bench with his team since former player Akim Aliu leveled the accusations of racist slurs Monday night on Twitter. The league said Friday it is scheduled to meet with Aliu and others in the coming days.

Also this week, Hurricanes coach Rod Brind'Amour confirmed Peters physically abused players behind the bench during his four years in Carolina. Brind'Amour, a member of Peters' staff, said "for sure that happened."

Colorado 5, Chicago 2: Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and three assists, helping the Avalanche beat the host Blackhawks after scoring on three of its first seven shots against Corey Crawford. Chicago lost defenseman Duncan Keith to a groin injury in the second period.

St. Louis 3, Dallas 1: Ryan O'Reilly broke a tie 18 seconds after Dallas pulled even, and the Blues topped the host Stars and extended their points streak to nine games.

Winnipeg 3, Anaheim 0: Connor Hellebuyck made 24 saves for his second shutout as the Jets improved to 10-2-1 this month. Blake Wheeler had two assists.

Boston 3, N.Y. Rangers 2 (OT): David Pastrnak scored his NHL-leading 24th goal and set up David Krejci's winner 1:40 into overtime as the host Bruins won their sixth in a row.

Washington 4, Tampa Bay 3 (OT): Dmitry Orlov scored 3:03 into overtime, after Alex Ovechkin's goal midway through the third period tied it for the host Capitals vs. the Lightning.

Columbus 5, Pittsburgh 2: Gustav Nyquist had a hat trick and Nick Foligno scored twice for the Blue Jackets, who won for the fifth time in seven games. Jake Guentzel had a goal and an assist for the Penguins.

Nashville 3, Carolina 0: Pekka Rinne made 31 saves for his third shutout of the season and the 58th of his career as the Predators won in Raleigh, N.C., ending a six-game losing streak vs. the Hurricanes.