Sports Minute: Here is the latest New England sports news from The Associated Press

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BOSTON (AP) - Chicago Blackhawks Marian Hossa's surprise scratch from Game 3 against the Boston Bruins and the one-word explanation - "upper" - for the part of his body that was injured is part of NHL strategy. The theory goes that information about injuries could become a competitive disadvantage. Hossa is expected to play in Game 4 tonight.

BOSTON (AP) - 1 of the most lopsided stats in the Stanley Cup finals so far has been Boston's domination of faceoffs. That includes Patrice Bergeron's 24-4 edge in the Bruins' 2-0 victory in Game 3. In all, Boston has won 57% of the faceoffs while opening a 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 NHL championship series.

BOSTON (AP) - Daniel Paille is thriving on the third line with two game-winning goals for the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup finals. His next chance will come tonight when the Boston Bruins try to improve on their 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 series against the Chicago Blackhawks.

BOSTON (AP) - Dougie Hamilton spent his 20th birthday watching the Stanley Cup finals.He'd rather be playing in them. The Bruins rookie defensemen was in street clothes when Boston defeated the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Monday to take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-7 series.

BOSTON (AP) - Jeremy Hellickson (4-3, 5.67) takes the mound for the Tampa Bay Rays (36-35) tonight, as they continue a series against the Boston Red Sox (44-29) at Fenway Park. Ryan Dempster (4-7, 4.21) counters for the home team. Gametime is set for 7:10 p.m.

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) - Police returned to the home of New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez this morning, but no one answered the door. A body was found about a mile away. Sports Illustrated reports Hernandez is not believed to be a suspect in the possible homicide. Authorities are not commenting.

TODAY'S NEW ENGLAND SPORTS SCHEDULE:

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL:

Tampa Bay (Hellickson 4-3) at Boston (Dempster 4-7), 7:10 p.m.

STANLEY CUP FINALS:

Chicago at Boston, 8 p.m.