The New York Rangers scored four goals in a frantic third period to rally for a 5-4 victory over crosstown rivals the New York Islanders on Monday.
Change was the operative word for Dallas Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips on Monday as he reflected on a campaign that came to a shuddering halt at the weekend.
The pre-season favorites did not make it and rookie-led teams did, leaving the NFL playoffs with an unexpected and fascinating line-up featuring plenty of fresh faces.
The Detroit Pistons ended the Orlando Magic's seven-game winning streak and won their fourth successive game with an 88-82 victory on Monday.
Blake Wheeler scored two goals to spark the surging Boston Bruins to a 4-2 win over the Carolina Hurricanes and their seventh consecutive victory on Saturday.
Cleveland's LeBron James outplayed high-scoring Miami rival Dwyane Wade to help the Cavaliers beat the Heat 93-86 on Sunday for their 16th consecutive home victory.
The Houston Rockets recovered from blowing a 16-point lead in the second half to beat the Utah Jazz in double overtime in the NBA on Saturday.
Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United celebrated the festive season with victories on Friday while Arsenal, the other member of the 'big four', squandered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at Aston Villa.
Carmelo Anthony scored 32 points after missing three games with a bruised right elbow to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 117-110 victory over the defenseless New York Knicks on Sunday.
The Miami Dolphins continued their Cinderella season to join the Minnesota Vikings and Carolina Panthers in grabbing division titles on the final day of the NFL regular season on Sunday.
The Los Angeles Lakers displayed the toughness they lacked last season to beat the Boston Celtics 92-83 and end the NBA champions' franchise-best 19-game winning streak on Thursday.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Farmar is expected to be sidelined for two months after having knee surgery, the NBA team said in a statement.
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