FOOTBALL

JETS’ FABINI OUT FOR SEASON WITH TORN PECTORAL MUSCLE

Starting right tackle Jason Fabini is the latest member of the Jets to suffer a season-ending injury, tearing a left pectoral muscle in Sunday’s loss at Carolina. Coach Herman Edwards confirmed yesterday that Fabini has been placed on IR, where he joins quarterback Chad Pennington, center Kevin Mawae, wide receiver Wayne Chrebet, tight end Chris Baker, and linebacker Eric Barton.Fabini,31,is in the fourth year of a five-year, $17 million contract. A 1998 fourth-round pick, the 6-foot-7-inch, 304-pound Fabini has started 114 regular-season games and seven postseason contests for the Jets.

HOCKEY

ISLANDERS EDGE PENGUINS IN OT

Jason Blake, the Islanders’ ninth shooter in the NHL’s longest shootout so far, nearly lost the puck but recovered to steer a shot past Jocelyn Thibault and give New York a 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins last night. As Blake came down the slot, the puck seemed to slide off his stick momentarily, but he got it back and beat Thibault by faking a backhander only to slide the puck inside the near post. Islanders goalie Rick DiPietro stopped the Penguins’ final six shooters to give New York its second shootout victory in two attempts.

BASEBALL

DEVIL RAYS HIRE MADDON AS MANAGER

The Tampa Bay Devil Rays hired Los Angeles Angels bench coach Joe Maddon as manager, adding another important piece to what they hope is a winning formula for the future. Maddon finalized a contract yesterday for his first full-time managing job in the major leagues. He replaces Lou Piniella and inherits a solid nucleus of young talent that ownership expects to blossom in the next few years. Maddon was 33-26 in three stints as Angels interim manager in 1996, 1998, and 1999.

– Associated Press