Breeders Cup & NHL

Pittsburgh Penguins centre Sidney Crosby has been named the NHL's rookie for the month for October after the 18-year-old had two goals and 12 assists in 11 games to start the season.

Crosby was chosen ahead of Washington Capitals forward Alexander Ovechkin, who had eight goals and five assists in 11 games, Los Angeles Kings goaltender Jason Labarbera, who posted a 6-1-0 record and a 1.70 goals-against average and New York Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who had a record of 5-2-0 and a GAA of 1.76.

Crosby, from Cole Harbour, N.S., had points in each of his first six games. He scored his first NHL goal and added two assists in a 7-6 overtime loss to Boston on Oct. 8.

The Penguins chose Crosby first overall in this year's NHL entry draft. Ovechkin, 20, was the first pick in the 2004 draft.