Quebec Nordiques

It didn't take Washington Capitals general manager David Poile long to understand what had happened to his team, then to look to the future with anticipation and optimism."

VS. QUEBEC NORDIQUES* WHEN: Tonight, 7:35.* WHERE: Capital Centre.* RADIO: WCAO-AM 600.* OUTLOOK: The Capitals (31-33-6) failed to take advantage of a chance to move within a point of second-place Philadelphia (31-31-9) by losing to Hartford Tuesday night. Since then, New Jersey (29-30-12) has defeated Toronto, pushing the Caps back into fifth place in the crammed Patrick Division race. Tonight the Caps draw the worst team in the NHL in Quebec (14-45-12), which appears to have a lock on the Eric Lindros stakes.

BASEBALLAmerican League* Orioles -- Agreed to terms with Dave Johnson (pitcher) on a one-year contract.* Cleveland Indians -- Agreed to terms with Carlos Martinez (first baseman-outfielder) on a minor league contract.* Milwaukee Brewers -- Agreed to terms with Gary Sheffield (third baseman), Jaime Navarro and Julio Machado (pitchers) on one-year contracts.* New York Yankees -- Agreed to terms with Steve Adkins (pitcher) on a one-year contract. Named Ron Hansen major league scout.HOCKEY (NHL)

BASEBALLAmerican League * California Angels -- Released Johnny Ray (second baseman).* Chicago White Sox -- Signed Charlie Hough (pitcher) to a one-year contract.* Detroit Tigers -- Announced they will not offer a contract to Lance McCullers (pitcher).* Milwaukee Brewers -- Acquired Darren Holmes (pitcher) from the Los Angeles Dodgers for Bert Heffernan (catcher). Announced they will not offer a contract to Tom Edens (pitcher).* Toronto Blue Jays -- Announced they will not offer a contract to John Cerutti (pitcher)