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CINCINNATI - Reds right fielder Jay�Bruce had surgery Monday to repair torn cartilage in his left knee and will be sidelined for about a month. Roger Clemens Jersey . Bruce was scratched from the starting lineup Sunday because of a sore knee but pinch hit and struck out during a 4-3, 10-inning win over Milwaukee. He had tests Sunday night that detected the tear. The Reds have been hit hard by injuries since spring training. Theyre currently missing starters Mat�Latos and Tony�Cingrani, catcher Devin�Mesoraco, closer Aroldis�Chapman and now their cleanup hitter. Also, centerfielder Billy�Hamilton missed the last three games with a sprained left hand, hurt while he made a diving catch. Hes expected back for a series that starts Tuesday in Boston. Bruce has been in a slump, going 3 for 17 in the last six games. Hes batting .216 with three homers and 14 RBIs in 30 games. Cincinnati opened the season with eight players on the disabled list, the most in the majors. The Reds have started to get many of them back, only to have others get hurt. The Reds took three of four from first-place Milwaukee over the weekend, leaving them 5 1/2 games out in the NL Central. Jonathan�Broxton returned from the disabled list in mid-April, completing his comeback from forearm surgery, and taking over as closer. Utility player Skip�Schumaker dislocated his left shoulder during spring training but returned over the weekend. Chapman got hit in the forehead by a line drive on March 19 and had surgery to install a plate above his eye. Hes on an injury rehabilitation assignment in the minors and is expected back later this week. Latos had surgery to repair torn cartilage in his left knee on Feb. 14 and later developed a sore forearm, leaving his return indefinite. Cingrani went on the disabled list last week with a sore shoulder. Mesoraco pulled a muscle in his side and opened the season on the disabled list. He was activated the second week of the season and was Cincinnatis top hitter when he pulled his left hamstring and went back on the disabled list. Roberto Alomar Blue Jays Jersey . United will finish the season without a major trophy if it fails to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Olympiakos in the last 16 of the Champions League on Wednesday. Jose Bautista Authentic Jersey .J. -- New York Giants running back David�Wilson has not been cleared for contact work and probably wont be before training camp begins in late July.PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Trail Blazers made their first seven 3-pointers against Charlotte and from there it almost seemed too easy. "Making shots is contagious," said Wesley�Matthews, who had 25 points, including five of Portlands 21 3-pointers, in a 134-104 rout of the Bobcats on Thursday night. The 21 3-pointers matched a franchise high, set in a 139-105 victory at the Philadelphia 76ers on Dec. 14, and made Portland the first NBA team to have two games in one season with at least 20 3-pointers. Damian�Lillard 24 points, making all six of his 3-point tries, and the Blazers finished by making 63.6 per cent of their 33 attempts. The NBA record for 3-pointers in a single game is 23. "It was a lot of fun," said Lillard, who has made at least four 3-pointers in four straight games. "Shots were falling." With the win, Portland upped its record to 26-7 and moved back into the top spot in the Western Conference. It was the season-high fifth-straight loss for the Bobcats, who were coming off a 112-85 loss to the Clippers the night before. Charlotte has lost six straight in Portland. Chris�Douglas-Roberts came off the bench to lead the Bobcats with a season-high 20 points. Al�Jefferson added 19. The 21 3s were the most the Bobcats had ever allowed in franchise history. "Our team is thinking too much about offence, we have individual guys who need to build their games around their defence and theyre worried about theyre offence," Bobcats first-year coach Steve Clifford said. "Were not built that way. Were not going to be outscoring people. If were not going to commit to defence and rebounding, then were limited in how good we can be." The Blazers were coming off a 98-94 come-from-behind victory at Oklahoma City on New Years Eve. The win snapped a two-game losing streak, the first back-to-back losses for Portland this season. Charlotte has been known this season for its defence. The Bobcats have held opponents to under 100 points 24 times this season, and they went into the game ranked third in the league for points allowed with an average of 93.8. But they couldnt sttop Portland, which led by as many as 32 points. Paul Molitor Authentic Jersey. The Blazers went ahead 23-9 early after a 14-0 run that included four straight 3-pointers. Mo�Williams 3 pushed Portlands lead to 33-13. Meyers�Leonards dunk off a dish from Williams upped the lead to 49-29 and the Blazers were ahead 70-49 at the half. Matthews led all scorers with 17 points, while Jefferson had 11 for Charlotte. Matthews said hes just taking the shots that are there. "Im trying to focus on everything but shooting and it seems to be paying off for me," he said. Lillard hit a 3-pointer that gave the Blazers an 89-64 lead midway through the third, and Charlotte was essentially out of it. Portland led 100-77 going into the fourth quarter. "These are the games you love playing," said Williams, who had 15 points and 10 assists. LaMarcus�Aldridge had 10 points and 15 rebounds for his team-leading 19th double-double of the season. Blazers coach Terry Stotts sat his starters early in the fourth quarter. "I knew about our record, I knew about the NBA record. But I didnt want to get caught up in that," Stotts said. "If we fell into it, then thats great, but I thought the guys who played in the fourth quarter played the game the right way. They were aggressive, they moved the ball. Defensively, they played hard. I think its bad karma to go out and try to do that." Clifford also rested most of his starters late in the game. "I dont feel we were ready to play," Douglas-Roberts said. "Theyre too good not to come out and give a 100 per cent effort. We kind of have to do some soul-searching and turn this thing around." NOTES: The Blazers have assigned guard C.J.�McCollum to the Idaho Stampede, the Trail Blazers NBA D-League affiliate. McCollum, the 10th overall pick in last years NBA draft out of Lehigh, has been sidelined since fracturing his foot in training camp. ... Portlands 39 points in the first quarter matched their season high for this season. ... The Blazers have made at least eight 3-pointers in eight consecutive games for the first time in franchise history. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

DETROIT -- Holding onto leads late in games has been an issue for the New York Islanders this season. Zane Beadles Jersey . However, it wasnt a problem on Monday night. Evgeni�Nabokov made 23 saves for his 56th career shutout in the New York Islanders 3-0 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Monday night. The Islanders scored all of their goals in the first period. "We just wanted to stick with it and keep playing and not think about the things that could happen," said captain John�Tavares, who had an assist. Kyle�Okposo, Michael�Grabner, Casey�Cizikas scored for New York. The Islanders have only won three of their past 17 (3-10-4) and it was Nabokovs first shutout of the season. "I thought we had an extra gear tonight. They might have come out flat, but we did a good job to get on em," Okposo said. Petr�Mrazek stopped 16 shots for Detroit. "I thought our intensity in the first period wasnt good enough. They scored on their shots and I dont think we did much. They didnt do much either, but they scored," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "The bottom line is we played catch-up all night long. I thought we made it easy on their team. We never got in on their D, we werent physical like we have been, or heavy in the offensive zone." Okposo opened the scoring with 9:03 left in the first when he put a cross-crease pass into the empty-side of the net off the rush for his 12th goal. Grabner got his fifth goal, with 4:53 remaining in the opening period, when his shot from the left circle deflected off the stick of Detroit defenceman Brendan�Smith. Cizikas made it 3-0, with 3:05 left in the first period, when he put in a one-time shot from in front of the net. It was Cizikas fourth goal. "I thought our guys started on time. We got the three goals, but we did some good things out there," Islanders coach Jack Capuano said. "We battled ... In the end, its the will to compete and I thought we did." Tavares hit the post less than 30 seconds into the second period. Patrick�Eaves hit the crossbar and Gustav�Nyquist hit the post for Detroit early in the third period. NOTES: Red Wings defenceman Jonathan�Ericsson went to the dressing room during the second period with an upper-body injury and did not return. Babcock said Ericsson had been taken to the hospital and his condition will be updated Tuesday or Wednesday. ... Petr�Mrazek started in goal for Detroit after Jonas�Gustavsson came up with a tender groin and sat out as a precaution. ... The Islanders hadnt played in Detroit in nearly three years. Their last game at Joe Louis Arena was Dec. 31, 2010. ... Red Wings RW Gustav�Nyquist returned after missing three games with a groin injury. ... New York LW Matt�Martin is from Windsor, Ontario, which is across the Detroit River from Detroit. ... Detroit C Stephen�Weiss had sports hernia surgery in Philadelphia on Monday morning. He is expected to miss 6-to-8 weeks and the Red Wings are aiming for him to be back after the Olympic break, which is Feb. 9-25. ... A power outage in downtown Detroit forced the Red Wings to have their pre-game skate on Monday morning in a partially-lighted Joe Louis Arena. Andre Branch Jersey . Phillip McDonald scored 26 points and Drew Gordon posted 15 points and 16 rebounds, as the Lobos knocked off the third-ranked Cougars for the second time this season in authoritative fashion, 82-64, at the Marriott Center.Allen Robinson Jersey . -- The Royals expect to place left-hander Bruce�Chen on the disabled list with a swollen disc in his back that has already caused the club to juggle its starting rotation.PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. -- Leon Draisaitl had two goals and two assists as the Prince Albert Raiders downed the Calgary Hitmen 5-2 on Friday in Western Hockey League action. Collin Valcourt, Josh Morrissey and Mackenzie Stewart also scored for the Raiders (32-30-5), who moved within two points of Brandon for the eighth playoff seed in the Eastern Conference, and Sawyer Lange chipped in with two assists. Jake Virtanen scored both goals for the Hitmen (44-17-7), who have dropped back-to-back games. Nick McBride made 32 saves for Prince Albert while Calgarys Chris Driedger stopped 23-of-27 shots in defeat. --- WARRIORS 6 BLADES 1 SASKATOON -- Dallas Valentine had a pair of goals as Moose Jaw handed the Blades their seventh straight defeat. Scott Cooke, Brayden Point, Tanner Eberle and Bryson Gore also scored for the Warriors (19-40-6) while Gore tacked on two assists for a three-point night. Moose Jaws Zach Sawchenko made 25 saves for the win. Ryan Graham scored the lone goal for Saskatoon (16-46-5). Troy Trombley allowed four goals on 22 shots before giving way to Brandon Kegler, who stopped 11-of-13 shots in one period of relief. --- OIL KINGS 6 WHEAT KINGS 3 BRANDON -- Curtis Lazar and Mads Eller each scored twice and Tristan Jarry made 26 saves as Edmonton doubled up the Wheat Kings. Brandon Ralph and Reid Petryk also scored for the Oil Kings (47-17-3) and Brett Pollock had two assists. Brandon (31-28-9) got goals from Ryley Lindgren, John Quenneville and Rihards Bukarts. Curtis Honey gave up three goals on eight shots for the Wheat Kings and was pulled after seven minutes of play. Jordan Papirny stopped 28-of-31 shots in relief. --- ICE 5 TIGERS 2 CRANBROOK, B.C. -- Jaedon Descheneau had two goals and an assist as Kootenay beat Medicine Hat for its first win in three games. Zach Franko, Tyler King and Jagger Dirk also scored for the Ice (38-25-4). Tommy Vanelli and Curtis Valk supplied the scoring for the Tigers (41-23-4). Mackenzie Skapski made 30 saves for Kootenay. Marek Langhamer allowed five goals on 27 shots in 41 minutes of action before Nick Schneider took over for the rest of the game. Schneider made three saves in relief. --- PATS 5 HURRICANES 2 LETHBRIDGE, Alta. -- Dawson MacAuley made 30 saves and Dyson Stevenson had a goal and two assists as Regina toppled the Hurricanes. Colby Williams, Logan McVeigh, Boston Leier and Braden Christoffer also scored for the Pats (38-24-6). Josh Derko scored both goals for Lethbridge (12-51-5), which has dropped 10 games in a row. Teagan Sacher turned aside 39-of-44 shoots for the Hurricanes.Allen Robinson Jaguars Jersey. --- REBELS 4 BRONCOS 1 RED DEER, Alta. -- Wyatt Johnson and Aspen Sterzer each had a goal and an assist as the Rebels beat Swift Current. Conner Bleackely and Adam Musil also scored for Red Deer (33-30-5) and Patrik Bartosak made 33 saves for the win. Graham Black scored for the Broncos (34-25-9), who lost in regulation for the first time in seven outings. Eetu Laurikainen stopped 20-of-24 shots for Swift Current. --- WINTERHAWKS 7 THUNDERBIRDS 3 PORTLAND, Ore. -- Brendan Leipsic had two goals and two assists as the Winterhawks toppled Seattle. Matthew Dumba also scored twice for Portland (49-13-5), Oliver Bjorkstrand had a goal and two assists and Chase De Leo and Anton Cederholm added the others. Ryan Gropp, Shea Theodore and Russell Maxwell had a goal apiece for the Thunderbirds (39-21-6) and Mathew Barzal had two assists. Adin Hill made 11 saves for the victory after replacing starter Corbin Boes, who gave up three goals on 16 shots in 27 minutes for the Winterhawks. Seattles Taran Kozun stopped 33-of-40 shots in defeat. --- CHIEFS 4 COUGARS 2 PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. -- Mike Aviani scored twice as Spokane came from behind to defeat the Cougars. Keanu Yamamoto and Adam Helewka also scored for the Chiefs (37-24-6), who trailed 2-0 after 40 minutes of play, while Reid Gow tacked on three assists. Todd Fiddler extended his point streak to 19 games with a goal and Troy Bourke also scored for Prince George (26-35-8), which dropped its fourth game in a row. Garret Hughson made 34 saves for Spokane as Ty Edmonds turned away 25-of-29 shots in defeat. --- SILVERTIPS 4 AMERICANS 2 KENNEWICK, Wash. -- Austin Lotz turned away 32 shots as Everett downed Tri-City for its seventh win in its last eight games. Ivan Nikolishin, Logan Aasman, Matt Fonteyne and Brayden Low scored for the Silvertips (35-23-9). Lucas Nickles and Justin Gutierrez responded for the Americans (28-31-8), who hold down the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Tri-Citys Eric Comrie made 34 saves in a losing cause. --- ROYALS 5 BLAZERS 1 VICTORIA -- Ben Walker set up four of his clubs goals as the Royals downed Kamloops for their fourth win in a row. Travis Brown, Jack Walker, Brandon Magee, Axel Blomqvist and Brett Cote scored for Victoria (46-17-4) and Patrik Polivka made 17 saves for the win. The Blazers (13-50-5) got their lone goal from Ryan Rehill. Bolton Pouliot turned away 35-of-40 shots for Kamloops, which is just the second team to hit the 50-loss mark this season along with Lethbridge. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. Nike Air Max 1 Sale . -- Your turn, Josh�Freeman. Freeman was named the latest starting quarterback for the scuffling Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday. Freemans second week with the team will culminate on Monday night with him leading the offence against the New York Giants. "It really hasnt been that difficult. Any time you step into a situation where youre the new guy, theres always kind of an awkward getting-to-know-you phase," Freeman said. "But I think that goes back to the character of this organization just from top to bottom: a lot of quality people that are dedicated to winning first and foremost but also being quality human beings off the field. So its been a smooth adjustment." Coach Leslie Frazier also said that Christian�Ponder will be the backup, not Matt�Cassel, assuming Freeman makes it through the week without problems. "I like the things hes done in his career, along with what hes done since he arrived here with our football team, the time he put in, how well hes adapted to our system," Frazier said. "Hes done enough for us to say we want to give him this opportunity, which is something we had in mind when we acquired him. I think now is the time." Freeman will be the third starter in the last four games for the Vikings (1-4) and the 11th since Daunte�Culpeppers season-ending knee injury in 2005. Freeman was cut by Tampa Bay on Oct. 3 and signed by Minnesota to a one-year contract five days later. "Were just going to make plays for whoevers in there and just make it as easy as possible," wide receiver Jerome�Simpson said. Freeman started 59 games over four-plus seasons with the Buccaneers. The 25-year-old former first-round draft pick threw for 25 touchdowns and just six interceptions in 2010, his first full season as a starter, but has been up and down since. The Vikings were on the wrong end of one of his best games last year, a 36-17 victory at Minnesota when he passed for 262 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. "The underlying questions Ive been getting from a lot of people: Do I have a chip on my shoulder? Im sure I do," Freeman said. "But I think its more deeply rooted than just the past six months, 12 months." Frazier said he was impressed by Freemans first practice with the team. "From the moment he stepped in the building, he wanted to learn. And the way he handled himself in that practice, it changed my mindset about the possibilities," Frazier said. "We had a timeframe in mind originally but watching what he did from the day he arrived, that cemented it for me that sooner was a possibility." Frazier said he hasnt considered a scenario in which Ponder wouldnt still be on the roster for the rest of the season. Ponder said he wasnt sure about his future here. The trade deadline is Oct. 29. Hes under contract with the Vikings through at least 2014. "I have to figure out whats best for me and everything and for this team. I dont know if thats staying here and going somewhere else," Ponder said. Ponder started the first three games until he broke a rib. Cassel took over and led the Vikings to their only victory. Frazier said he preferred to keep the factors in his decision to put Ponder ahead of Cassel on the depth chart private. The coach also said he had full authority to make Freeman the starter. He acknowledged, though, that owners Zygi Wilf and Mark Wilf and general manager Rick Spielman were consulted. "When youre talking about the quarterback position, which affects your entire franchise, this is not a decision you make alone," Frazier said. Running back Adrian�Peterson was missing from practice because of a personal matter. Frazier said he expected him back on Thursday. The coach declined to specify whether his absence was related to the situation in South Dakota regarding his 2-year-old son, who died last week by alleged abuse. A man is in custody in South Dakota. Safety Harrison�Smith was also not present for the beginning of practice reporters were allowed to watch. With the game on Monday this week, the Vikings arent required to produce an injury report until Thursday. Smith suffered a turf toe injury to his left foot on Sunday. Frazier said hed provide an update on Thursday. Nike Air Max 90 Hyperfuse . Watch the Ducks vs. Kings live on TSN tonight at 9:30pm et/6:30pm pt. The Kings, of course, were down 3-0 in the opening round against San Jose before becoming only the fourth team in NHL history to win a best-of-seven series after losing the first three meetings. Nike Air Max 90 Goedkoop . Wrights first stint with Milwaukee was on a 10-day contract from March 14-23. He played in two games, averaging six points and two rebounds in 16. Denver, CO (Sports Network) - Kevin Durant scored 26 points, Russell Westbrook had 23 and the Oklahoma City Thunder held on for a 97-94 victory over Denver to take a commanding 3-0 lead in the first-round playoff series. J.R. Smith hit back-to-back three-pointers in the final 23.3 seconds to pull the Nuggets within a point after they were down 10, but he airballed another long try at the buzzer with James Harden guarding him close. The Nuggets were hoping a change of scenery to their home court would sway momentum in their favor. Instead, they will be faced with an historically daunting task beginning with Mondays Game 4 in Denver. No team has ever come back from a 3-0 deficit to win an NBA playoff series, and few have even been able to force a Game 7. Serge Ibaka had 22 points and 16 rebounds for the Thunder, who nearly squandered their 10-point lead in the final minute after a Denver surge that was sparked by Smith. He scored 15 points in under 15 minutes off the bench, none bigger than his two late 3s. The second one came after he inbounded the ball, rushed to the left corner and buried a shot over Ibaka and Thabo Sefolosha to get the Nuggets within 95-94 with 14.6 seconds left. The Thunder responded with a quick basket -- Durant threw downcourt for a wide-open Ibaka, who dunked for a 97-94 lead -- and then held on at the other end as Denver looked again to its hot hand. Smith got the ball near the top of the arc and wiggled for room against Harden, who stood with his arms in the air and surrendered no ground. Smiths shot barely made it halfway to the basket as time ran out. I thought our guys did a good job of switching, Thunder coach Scott Brooks said of the final play. James made him take a very difficult shot. He was an unlikely target as Denvers go-to shooter after being benched by head coach George Karl in Game 2. Nike Air Max 1 Dames. Smith was unhappy to play just six minutes and even hinted there was a strong possibility he would leave the Nuggets as a free agent. Arron Afflalo, who missed the first two games of the series with a left hamstring injury, scored 13 points and talked about squandered opportunities. The mental focus, I cant put enough emphasis on that from the makeup of our team, Afflalo said. Every time we miss a free throw, every time we turn the ball over, every time we dont take advantage of a break opportunity we should capitalize on, those are the things that catch up with you. Kenyon Martin and Nene matched Smith with 15 points apiece for Denver, while Nene pulled down 10 rebounds. Chris Anderson -- also benched by Karl in Game 2 -- scored 13 points in under 17 minutes. Denver led 73-71 after three quarters and neither team scored in the first 2:19 of the fourth until Andersons free throw made it 74-71. Oklahoma City took the lead for good with about eight minutes left and slowly built a cushion. Westbrook, who scored 13 in the fourth, hit a long jumper to make it 88-80 with 3:13 remaining. Durant was playing with five fouls, but was still enough of a presence that Raymond Felton missed a fast-break layup with the NBAs leading scorer on his tail. Soon after, Durant made a pair of free throws for the Thunders 10-point lead -- 94-84 with 49.3 seconds left. Denver ended the game on a 10-3 run, but couldnt get the final points it needed. The Nuggets held a 31-26 lead after the first quarter, but the Thunder ripped off a 30-18 second quarter to carry a 56-49 lead into halftime. GAME NOTES:Oklahoma City is seeded fourth in the Western Conference playoffs, while Denver is the No. 5 seed...The Nuggets finished in second place, five games behind Oklahoma City in the Northwest Division, during the regular season. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

NEWARK, N. Jerseys Wholesale .J. -- Kyle�Palmieri thrilled his personal rooting section with an overtime winner that sent the Anaheim Ducks to their seventh straight win. Palmieri, from Montvale, N.J., scored at 2:37 of overtime on Friday to give the Ducks a 3-2 win over the New Jersey Devils. The goal delighted the group of about 100 family members and friends who saw the hometown boy make good in his return. "You try not to think too much about it but you know theyre there," Palmieri said. "I grew up watching the Devils play, so its pretty hard to ignore the fact that youre from here and theres people watching." With the win, the Pacific Division-leading Ducks captured a seventh straight game for the second time this season, tying the franchise record set from Oct. 5-20, and in the 1999 season. Anaheim has collected at least a point in 10 straight games (8-0-2). Unbeaten in regulation at home with a 13-0-2 mark, the Ducks have won four in a row on the road. Palmieri sealed the latest deal with a pretty goal. He swung around Devils defenceman Eric�Gelinas and circled behind the New Jersey goal. He then tucked the wraparound behind goaltender Cory�Schneider. "I just took a chance," Palmieri said. "I think it might have banked in off a couple of things. Sometimes you get those bounces and sometimes you dont." Schneider stretched as far as he could, to no avail. "I dont really know what happened, to be honest," Schneider said. "He carried around the net and I stretched and I tried to get my pad to the post. I dont know if it hit a stick or popped up or what. Its a bit of a bad break, but sometimes you create your own luck. Ive just got to keep working hard and hope for the bounces to start going my way." Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau had a hunch playing in New Jersey would energize Palmieri, who had gone 18 games without a goal. "I was really happy for him," Boudreau said. "I had been a while for him. You could tell early on he was more involved, and getting shots off. I really thought he might pop one tonight." Mathieu�Perreault and Cam�Fowler also scored for the Ducks and Jonas�Hiller made 19 saves. Andy�Greene and Michael�Ryder scored for the Devils, who have earned five points in the last three games (2-0-1). "Its nice to at least get a point against a good team like that," Schneider said. "It hurts to not get the two points. Its another tough loss for and Ive got to find a way to make that last save." Schneider, 4-7-5, got the start after Martin�Brodeur backstopped the Devils to home wins over Tampa Bay and Ottawa. Perreault, who assisted on Palmieris score, gave the Ducks a 2-1 lead at 10:47 of the third. He converted a centring feed from Palmieri that bounced off Gelinas skate and landed on his stick in the slot for his sixth goal. New Jersey tied it with 5:02 to go in regulation. Greenes power-play goal was set up by Jaromir�Jagr, who hit the defenceman in the left circle with a backhand pass. Ryder and Fowler scored in the second period. Ryder put New Jersey in front with his 10th goal at 4:15. He got a backhand pass from Adam�Henrique and lifted a shot over Hillers left shoulder. Fowler made it 1-1 at 14:06 with a blast from the left point, using Palmieri as a screen against Schneider. NOTES: This was the second contest of a four-game road trip for the Ducks. ... Anaheim had time to adjust to the Prudential Center. The Ducks practiced here on Wednesday and Thursday. ... Ryan�Getzlaf was in the lineup for Anaheim. He left the previous game against Detroit in the first period with a facial injury. ... The Devils concluded a three-game homestand. They play in Washington on Saturday night. ... Devils RW Steve�Bernier played in his 500th game; Hiller made his 300th appearance. ... Devils RW Damien�Brunner was helped off the ice late in the first period following a knee-on-knee hit along the boards by Ducks D Mark�Fistric. Brunner did not return. Wholesale Jerseys . Not all, but the vast majority. Wholesale Jerseys China . The All-Star point guard will miss at least two weeks with a strained biceps tendon, but hes hopeful his season is not over. Irving said following shootaround Tuesday at the Cleveland Clinic Courts, "If you could take a positive from the situation, obviously that would be one, that at this point, I dont have to get surgery, which is tremendous.TORONTO -- The C on Eric�Staals sweater stands for captain. But it could just as easily be a symbol that represents character. A trying season ended up bringing out the best in the Carolina Hurricanes centre, who rebounded from a dreadful start to lead his team on a spirited charge in the second half. It was an experience Staal would just as soon have avoided in his eighth NHL season. However, it came with some important lessons. "I learned I dont like to roll over," Staal said this week in an interview. "It was an extremely difficult start -- pretty easy for someone to say You know what, its just not going to be my year. "Its one of those times that you go through and I think for me I kind of regrouped and refreshed and started playing the kind of hockey that got me to this level and gotten me to this point and gotten me the numbers Ive had in the past." Staal emerged from the first month of the season with a minus-13 rating, the worst of any player in the NHL. By the new year, hed slipped to an ugly minus-22 and sported unusually low offensive totals with nine goals and 25 points in 41 games. Many speculated that the poor play stemmed from his brother Marcs lengthy recovery from a concussion -- the result of a hit from Eric the previous season -- although that has been downplayed by those around the Hurricanes organization. Coincidence or not, Eric�Staals turnaround can be traced to directly after Marc returned to the New York Rangers lineup for the Winter Classic. Since Jan. 6, hes climbed up the NHL scoring charts with 14 goals and 43 points in 36 games, among the best totals of any player in that time. An added bonus has come in the form off an improved faceoff percentage of 52. Wholesale Jerseys From China. .2 per cent -- easily the best of his career. "His competitive level has been great," said Hurricanes coach Kirk�Muller. "Theres no question hes in the top three or four forwards in the NHL from Christmas on. Hes doing everything for us. ... "I think his pride has kicked in, his intensity level is high and hes having fun playing." That has been on display during a number of recent games, including one in Winnipeg last week where Staal scored twice and set up the late winner during a 4-3 victory over the Jets. It was a dominant performance. Reflecting back, the 27-year-old admits that his early-season struggles took a toll. "Ive never doubted myself, never doubted my ability and knowing what I can do in this league," said Staal. "But you definitely battle confidence. I think every player does, I dont care who you are. "I think theres times where the net seems bigger and when it doesnt. For me, it didnt seem very big early in the year." Teammates came away impressed with his steady demeanour and work ethic, particularly when the questions start mounting about the rough start. Behind closed doors, Staal continued to exude the confidence that comes with being one of 25 players ever to win a Stanley Cup, Olympic gold and IIHF World Hockey Championship gold. "It didnt really show that much and thats what you like to see," said sophomore forward Jeff�Skinner. "Youre going to go through those ups and downs every year and its how you handle them that sort of shows who you are." Its also a reminder why Staal sports the captains C in Carolina. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. Nike Air Max 90 Mens Sale . - Miles Thompson scored four goals and assisted on two more as the Iroquois nationals edged Scotland 10-8 in quarter-final action at the world field lacrosse championships on Wednesday. The Iroquois will play Canada in Thursdays semifinal. Randy Staats had two goals and two assists, Roger Vyse had two goals and one assist, and Craig Point and Thomas Montour had a goal apiece for the Iroquois. Cody Jamieson contributed with three assists. Jimmy McBride led Scotland with two goals and three assists. Dan Heighway and Jesse Fehr scored two goals apiece, and Matthew Carey added a goal and an assist. Warren Hill made 12 saves for the Iroquois, while Dean Stewart turned aside 12 shots in the loss. Other Wednesday results included: Italy 11, Turkey 3; Ireland 13, Switzerland 6; Belgium 8, Russia 4; Sweden 8, Finland 4; Latvia 19, Hong Kong 9; Japan 17, New Zealand 8; Austria 10, Thailand 7; England 15, Germany 3 and Australia 9, Israel 8. Nike Roshe Run Mens Sale . They did take one chance on a free agent-to-be however, and it didnt pay off. Rory Kohlert, selected by the Redblacks in the expansion draft from Winnipeg, has signed as a free agent with the Blue Bombers. Nike Air Max Sale Uk . The Desert Foxes took part in the 2010 World Cup and failed to advance past the group stage, and the African side figures to have a tough time reaching the last 16 this time around as well. Belgiums last appearance on the big stage was the 2002 tournament when the team reached the second round before bowing out to eventual champions Brazil.MOSCOW -- Canadian Olympic medallist Mark de Jonge set a world record en route to capturing gold in the mens K1 200-metre race at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships on Sunday. De Jonge, from Halifax, finished first in 33.961 seconds to beat the 1992 mark of 33.980 set by Frances Olivier Lasak. "I was so happy today crossing the finish line and realizing I had won gold," said de Jonge, who also won bronze at the 2012 London Games. "My entire year has been geared toward the world championships and a lot of thought, hard work and focus on the finest details went into my preparation. It was really rewardingg to have everything pay off. Nike Air Max 90 Womens Sale. Ive thought about this day for years and the joy and satisfaction of winning is as good as I could have ever imagined." Elsehwere, Laurence Vincent-Lapointe of Trois-Rivieres, Que., won gold in the womens C1 200 to make her an eight-time world champion. Vincent-Lapointe and Sarah-Jane Caumartin of Otterburn, Que., finished just off the podium in the C2 500 in fourth place. Ben Russell of Dartmouth, N.S., and Gabriel Beauchesne-Sevigny of Trois-Rivieres finished fourth in the mens C2 1,000, while Adam van Koeverden of Oakville, Ont., was fifth in the mens K1 500. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. Nike Air Max 90 Mens Sale . - Miles Thompson scored four goals and assisted on two more as the Iroquois nationals edged Scotland 10-8 in quarter-final action at the world field lacrosse championships on Wednesday. The Iroquois will play Canada in Thursdays semifinal. Randy Staats had two goals and two assists, Roger Vyse had two goals and one assist, and Craig Point and Thomas Montour had a goal apiece for the Iroquois. Cody Jamieson contributed with three assists. Jimmy McBride led Scotland with two goals and three assists. Dan Heighway and Jesse Fehr scored two goals apiece, and Matthew Carey added a goal and an assist. Warren Hill made 12 saves for the Iroquois, while Dean Stewart turned aside 12 shots in the loss. Other Wednesday results included: Italy 11, Turkey 3; Ireland 13, Switzerland 6; Belgium 8, Russia 4; Sweden 8, Finland 4; Latvia 19, Hong Kong 9; Japan 17, New Zealand 8; Austria 10, Thailand 7; England 15, Germany 3 and Australia 9, Israel 8. Nike Roshe Run Mens Sale . They did take one chance on a free agent-to-be however, and it didnt pay off. Rory Kohlert, selected by the Redblacks in the expansion draft from Winnipeg, has signed as a free agent with the Blue Bombers. Nike Air Max Sale Uk . The Desert Foxes took part in the 2010 World Cup and failed to advance past the group stage, and the African side figures to have a tough time reaching the last 16 this time around as well. Belgiums last appearance on the big stage was the 2002 tournament when the team reached the second round before bowing out to eventual champions Brazil.MOSCOW -- Canadian Olympic medallist Mark de Jonge set a world record en route to capturing gold in the mens K1 200-metre race at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships on Sunday. De Jonge, from Halifax, finished first in 33.961 seconds to beat the 1992 mark of 33.980 set by Frances Olivier Lasak. "I was so happy today crossing the finish line and realizing I had won gold," said de Jonge, who also won bronze at the 2012 London Games. "My entire year has been geared toward the world championships and a lot of thought, hard work and focus on the finest details went into my preparation. It was really rewardingg to have everything pay off. Nike Air Max 90 Womens Sale. Ive thought about this day for years and the joy and satisfaction of winning is as good as I could have ever imagined." Elsehwere, Laurence Vincent-Lapointe of Trois-Rivieres, Que., won gold in the womens C1 200 to make her an eight-time world champion. Vincent-Lapointe and Sarah-Jane Caumartin of Otterburn, Que., finished just off the podium in the C2 500 in fourth place. Ben Russell of Dartmouth, N.S., and Gabriel Beauchesne-Sevigny of Trois-Rivieres finished fourth in the mens C2 1,000, while Adam van Koeverden of Oakville, Ont., was fifth in the mens K1 500. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

BARCELONA, Spain -- Neymar scored twice to help Barcelona beat Villarreal 2-1 and take advantage of Real Madrids slip as it opened up a five-point lead over its fierce rival at the top of the Spanish league on Saturday. Ryan Zimmerman Jersey . Third-place Madrid fell behind and settled for a 2-2 draw earlier at Osasuna in a match both sides finished with 10 men, and Barcelona didnt let the chance escape. Barcelona, still without the injured Lionel Messi, again turned to Neymar after his hat trick against Celtic in the Champions League on Wednesday to convert a penalty on the half-hour mark and restore the lead in the 68th after Villarreal levelled. Barcelonas eighth win in as many league games at Camp Nou this season provisionally lifted it three points clear of Atletico Madrid before it hosts Valencia on Sunday. "We played well and knew how to pull out of the game," Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said. Other than Alex Songs shot off the upright from a corner kick six minutes in, the first half was a rather monotonous display of "tiki-taka" passing by Barcelona. But all of Villarreals discipline in defence was undone when right back Mario Perez used his arm to block Jordi Albas pass, letting Neymar step up and stroke in the spot kick. Villarreal didnt muster a shot on goal until defender Mateo Musacchio outmanoeuvred Marc Bartra to thump in a corner kick three minutes after halftime to unexpectedly even the score. The pace picked up with Giovani Dos Santos going close for the visitors before Neymar put Barcelona back in charge when he tapped in Alexis Sanchezs short pass following his control of Cesc Fabregas lobbed throughball. Besides missing Messi as his hamstring heals, Barcelona will be without Neymar for next Sundays game at Getafe after he received his fifth yellow card of the season, meaning he must serve a one-game suspension. Osasunas Oriol Riera headed in goals in the 16th and 39th before Madrids woes deepened when Sergio Ramos received his second yellow card in the 44th. With Cristiano Ronaldo unable to extend his eight-game scoring run for club and country, midfielder Isco Alarcon pulled one back before halftime and passed for Pepe to head home the 80th-minute equalizer seconds after Osasunas Francisco Silva also earned his second booking. "The team demonstrated it has a good attitude, but a draw is like a loss for us," Madrid defender Marcelo said. "We knew that the result wasnt good enough but we reacted too late." Madrids five-game winning run in the league ended at Reyno de Navarra Stadium, where it has only one victory in its last six visits. Osasuna, which sits just two points above the relegation zone, has held both Barcelona and Madrid to draws there this season. After Ronaldo missed two chances, Osasuna struck first when right back Marc Bertran dribbled by his marker and swung a cross to the far post where Riera was left unmarked to redirect the ball into the net. Madrid momentarily lost both its verve in attack and composure in defence, and both centre backs Pepe and Sergio Ramos got yellow cards. Riera was left free to finish off the rebound of Damia Abellas header from a corner kick that goalkeeper Diego Lopez sprung to palm off his line. And Ramos soon saw his second yellow card on a questionable decision when Osasunas Roberto Torres fell after colliding with his arm. "Our first 20 minutes were very good. Its unbelievable that we were then down 0-2 and playing with 10 men," Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "Its difficult to explain." Just when Madrid was at its lowest, Ronaldo dribbled into the Osasuna defence and laid off for Isco to place a right-footed strike just inside the upright and pull one back before the break. Osasuna still appeared set for victory after a placid second half until Silva earned himself two yellow cards in a four-minute span. Isco found the hole left in the defence which Pepe exploited to score Madrids second and salvage a point. Elsewhere, Granada moved into the upper half of the standings by prevailing 2-0 at 10-man Rayo Vallecano in an error-plagued match, which included Granadas Youssef El Arabi wasting a golden chance, Rayo letting Fran Ricos harmless cross bounce into its net, and Rayo defender Ignacio Martinez drawing a second yellow for diving in the box. Malaga edged Getafe 1-0 at home to get a much-needed win and take some pressure off first-year coach Bernd Schuster. Striker Roque Santa Cruz went on in the 74th and a minute later headed in the winner. Anthony Rendon Nationals Jersey . - The Abbotsford Heat hope a last-minute goal keeps their season alive for more than one extra game. Gio Gonzalez Jersey . JOHNS, N. WINNIPEG -- Carter�Hutton couldnt have asked for a better place to pick up his first NHL win. The 27-year-old Thunder Bay, Ont., native made 38 saves in front of a sold-out MTS Centre crowd that included his parents and several of his closest friends to backstop the Nashville Predators to a 3-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets Sunday night. "They gave me the puck," said the undrafted journeyman who was making just his second NHL start after spending four seasons in the AHL. "But I think the biggest thing we got was the two points." Nashville coach Barry Trotz chose to rest starter Pekka�Rinne after the teams Saturday night win in Montreal, giving Hutton the chance to play in the NHL building thats closest to his hometown. "Playing behind Pekka, hes a world-class goalie, so when I do get a chance to play I need to find ways to win hockey games. Thats what they brought me in for," Hutton said, adding that waiting as long as he did for his first NHL victory made it extra special. Patric�Hornqvist scored the game-winner for the Predators (5-3-1), while Eric�Nystrom and Matt�Cullen added goals. Evander�Kane had the lone Winnipeg goal. Trotz didnt think his team showed as much energy as it did the night before in Montreal, but gladly took a road win against a division opponent. "We got good goaltending. We feel we can play good team defence most nights and bend but not break," Trotz said. "Hopefully we can develop the offensive part of our game." The Predators recorded only seven shots in the second period, but made three of them count as they took control of the game. The win extended Nashvilles point streak to five games. The Jets (4-5-0) failed for the third time this season to beat a team that arrived in Winnipeg in the wee hours after playing the night before. Head coach Claude Noel didnt think his teams 39 shots provided nearly enough difficulty for Nashvilles inexperienced netminder. "I think thee shots would be an illusion. Stephen Strasburg Jersey. We needed to get secondary shots," Noel said. "I didnt think we created a whole lot." Nystrom opened the scoring 20 seconds into the second period with a shorthanded effort. The left-winger blocked a Dustin�Byfuglien point shot, picked up the puck in the neutral zone and went the length of the ice before beating Jets goalie Ondrej�Pavelec with a wrist shot for his second goal of the season. "A shorthanded goal sucks the life out of your team a bit," said Kane, who thought the Jets were playing a solid game until that point. Hornqvists third of the year made it 2-0 when he intercepted a Pavelec clearing attempt in the corner, sent the puck toward the crease, and banked it into the empty net off the skate of Jets defenceman Zach�Bogosian. Cullen added to the lead with a high shot from the left faceoff circle at 14:57. "Were playing pretty well right now," Cullen said. "Were getting some good goaltending and playing some good hockey. Were wearing teams down and have four lines that can skate." Pavelec stopped 23 of the 26 shots he faced. The Jets ruined Huttons shutout bid at 9:13 of the third period when Kane jammed in a loose puck for his fifth goal of the season. Cullen had the best chance in a scoreless first period when he came out of the penalty box and scooped the puck up for a breakaway, only to be stopped by Pavelec. The shots were 15-12 Jets after one period. The Jets wrap up their season-long six-game homestand on Tuesday against Washington. The Predators visit Minnesota on Tuesday before heading home for a rematch against Winnipeg on Thursday. Notes: Rookie defenceman Seth�Jones logged 26 minutes and 23 seconds of ice time for the Predators. a Forward Devin�Setoguchi was back in the Winnipeg lineup after being a healthy scratch against St. Louis on Friday. a The game marked the first meeting between the franchises as Central Division rivals. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

Melbourne, Australia (SportsNetwork. Shane Lechler Jersey .com) - Top seed and five-time titlist Serena Williams and last years runner-up Li Na both notched straight-set victories Wednesday in second-round action at the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam event of the year. Serena dropped just three games for the second straight match, earning a 6-1, 6-2 win over Serb Vesna Dolonc at Rod Laver Arena to improve to 60-8 at Melbourne Park, equaling Margaret Courts record for match wins at the tournament in the Open Era. Wednesday was another scorching hot day in Melbourne. "I just try to hit a bunch of aces and a bunch of winners -- thats all you can do because its too hot to get into long rallies," Serena said. The reigning U.S. and French Open champion will square off with Daniela Hantuchova in the third round after the 31st-seeded Slovak outlasted Czech Karolina Pliskova 6-3, 3-6, 12-10. The fourth-seeded Li, who lost to two-time reigning champion Victoria Azarenka in last years Aussie finale, bageled Belinda Bencic in a 22-minute first set, but faced much more resistance in the second as the 16-year-old Swiss wild card forced a tiebreak. The Chinese star, however, was able to gut out a 6-0, 7-6 (7-5) victory. "Its warm, but its OK," Li said after the match. Lucie Safarova awaits the two-time Aussie Open runner-up and former French Open champion Li in the third round after the 26th-seeded Czech claimed a 6-7 (4-7), 6-3, 6-0 victory over countrymate Lucie Hradecka. Last weeks Sydney runner-up, ninth-seeded German Angelique Kerber, cruised to a 6-4, 6-2 win over Russian Alla Kudryavtseva and will take on American Alison Riske in the third round after Riske whipped Belgian Yanina Wickmayer 6-1, 6-1. Aussie crowd favorite Sam Stosur, the No. 17 seed, secured her spot in the round of 32 with a 6-2, 6-0 victory over Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova, who was fresh off her first-ever WTA title in Sydney last week. Stosur will next face 14th-seeded Ana Ivanovic after the former world No. 1 from Serbia drilled Annika Beck of Germany 6-1, 6-2. Ivanovic was an Aussie Open finalist in 2008. No. 15 seed Sabine Lisicki and 18th-seeded Kirsten Flipkens each suffered surprising setbacks on Day 3. Romanian Monica Niculescu sent last years Wimbledon runner-up Lisicki to an early exit, 2-6, 6-2, 6-2, while Aussie wild card Casey Dellacqua downed the Belgian Flipkens 6-3, 6-0. Next up for Niculescu will be Russian Ekaterina Makarova, who advanced with a 6-2, 7-5 triumph over American Irina Falconi. The 22nd-seeded Makarova dismissed seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams in Mondays opening-round action. No. 28 seed Flavia Pennetta of Italy posted a 6-3, 6-4 decision against Puerto Rican Monica Puig to set up a third-round matchup with German Mona Barthel, who overcame Thailands Luksika Kumkhum 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Kumkhum was coming off an upset win over sixth-seeded Petra Kvitova in round one. Also on Wednesday, 30th-seeded Canadian Eugenie Bouchard registered a hard- fought 6-2, 7-6 (12-10) victory over Frances Virginie Razzano, Chinese Zheng Jie moved on with a 7-6 (7-5), 1-6, 7-5 win over American Madison Keys and American Lauren Davis outlasted German Julia Goerges 7-5, 2-6, 6-4. The second round will conclude on Thursday, including matches for the second- seeded Azarenka and her third-seeded fellow former world No. 1 Maria Sharapova. Azarenka will face Czech Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, while Sharapova will take on Italian Karin Knapp. Azarenka hasnt lost in Melbourne since 2011, having bested Li in last years Aussie final and defeating Sharapova in the 2012 finale. Sharapova titled here in 2008. In other action involving top-10 seeds, No. 5 former Wimbledon runner-up Agnieszka Radwanska will battle Belarusian Olga Govortsova, No. 8 former world No. 1 and former U.S. Open runner-up Jelena Jankovic will trade shots with Japans Ayumi Morita and No. 10 former top-ranked star and former U.S. Open finalist Caroline Wozniacki will be opposed by American Christina McHale. Also seeing action on Thursday will be 11th-seeded Simona Halep and 13th- seeded American Sloane Stephens, who stunned Serena in a quarterfinal here a year ago. Jared Crick Youth Jersey . Neureuther beat Fritz Dopfer for a German 1-2 finish, and overtook Marcel Hirscher on top of the slalom standings by five points with one race remaining. On his way to Munich airport for his flight to Sochi on Feb. Duane Brown Jersey . Brandon Triche added 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals for the Orange (17-0, 4-0 Big East), who started 18-0 last season before dropping their first game. C.J. Fair donated 13 points and eight boards for Syracuse, which got 12 points and seven assists from Dion Waiters. HOUSTON -- In at least one category, Dallas�Keuchel is Clayton�Kershaws equal. For at least one three-game series, Houston was better than Oakland. Keuchel pitched a four-hitter and Robbie�Grossman homered to cap a six-run first inning that sent the Astros past the Athletics 8-1 Wednesday. Keuchel (10-7) pitched his fourth complete game of the season, tying Dodgers ace Clayton�Kershaw for the major league lead. And the Astros, 20 games under .500, won the series from the AL West-leading Athletics. "(The As) do a lot of things well," Keuchel said. "To get a complete game and get a win is something special in its own right." Marc�Krauss beat out Oaklands try for a double play in the first, and the Astros went on to match a season high for runs in an inning. Keuchel struck out five and walked three. Manager Bo�Porter lauded Keuchels "plus-command" and willingness to use his secondary pitches. As he mixed his pitches up, Kuechel kept he As guessing and forcing the type of contact that can make for a good day. Josh�Donaldson hit his 23rd homer for Oaklands only run. Jason�Hammel (0-4) remained winless in four starts since the As acquired him with pitcher Jeff�Samardzija from the Cubs earlier this month. Hammel was 8-5 before the trade. Krauss hustled for an RBI grounder that kept the first inning going. After Jonathan�Singleton walked, Matt�Dominguez singled home a run, and another scored when centre fielder Billy Burns bobbled the ball. "Ill tell you, I think the biggest play of the game was Jason�Castro going hard into second base and Marc�Krauss absolutely giving the effort in which he gave getting down the line," PPorter said. Justin Tuggle Youth Jersey. "Thats the way the game is supposed to be played. To both of those guys credit, they did a tremendous job in that situation." Carlos�Corporan added an RBI single and Grossman, a late addition for the ill Chris�Carter, homered into the right-field seats. Hammels day ended in the fifth when Singleton hit his eighth home run. "He had trouble getting the ball down again and in the next couple of innings when he got the ball down he was effective," As manager Bob Melvin said. "Thats where the movement takes over, the downhill plane and everything that makes him successful. And he had a tough time finishing guys off when he was ahead." TRAINERS ROOM Athletics: Outfielder Coco�Crisp missed his fourth game in a row with a neck strain. Melvin said the club will know more about his condition when it returns home, but said Crisp wouldnt play Friday. Astros: Reliever Josh�Zeid is scheduled to have surgeries on both feet in the next six weeks that will end his 2014 season. Carter was out with a stomach illness. ALTUVE EXTENDS STREAK, CESPEDES ENDS With his line drive single in the sixth inning Jose�Altuve ran his hitting streak to 12 games tying his season high. Yoenis�Cespedes was unable to continue his streak of games with an RBI, going 0 for 4 and ending his run six. DONALDSON PUNISHES ASTROS Donaldsons second inning home run was his fifth against the Astros this season. . ON DECK Athletics: Following an off-day Thursday, the As will start Sonny�Gray at home against Kansas City. He will go for his 13th win and build on his 2.65 ERA Astros: Jarred�Cosart (9-7, 4.41) will start Friday night at home against Toronto. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

And oh how the enigmatic goaltender shines in the spotlight, much to the chagrin of the league. Branden Oliver Blue Jersey . Bryzgalov is just what the NHL hates: unique, outspoken, not from Red Deer. The embattled and well-traveled goaltender is the antithesis of the typical NHLer. His idiosyncrasies, strange even for a goalie, rankle the entire NHL establishment, from players to management to media to that guy who lives in the apartment below yours with his mother who has a "prominent Predators blog." And as Bryz adds some animation to the typically lifeless NHL discourse in his return to centre scrum, its interesting to consider why hockey hates him so. [Getty Images] For much of his career, Bryzgalov and his delightfully absurd aloofness was left to the bliss of the uncovered hinterland of the NHL. He was allowed to ply his trade in Anaheim and Phoenix with relatively little attention paid. But, in league circles, his oddities were well known, and even celebrated when the media required moments of levity. But upon his arrival in hockey hotbed, and noted goalie-killer Philadelphia, the affection the league had for Bryzgalov turned quickly to venom. His play certainly didnt help, but many an average NHLer with a slight sense of humour has been left to his own devices. But Bryzgalovs appalling strangeness in the eyes of the hockey establishment, a sinister outfit run by old white men housed in a secret lair below the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto, made him a pariah, and nearly led to the end of his career. And by "end of career" I mean playing in Edmonton. Perhaps no player has incurred the wrath of the NHL like the man the Wild acquired as insurance, and who is now their last hope to extend the season. But why? Unfortunately, hockey lacks Bryzgalovs. Of the four major sports leagues, it by far eschews personality and flavour more than all others. Hell, out of any sport it certainly boasts the most boring membership. No interview is less interesting than conversations with hockey players. Vanilla mocks the rabid blandness of NHLers. And those in NHL circles who do have personalities, like Sean Avery, Ted Nolan, or P.K. Subban, find themselves ostracized from the community, or like Subban unfairly labeled as troublesome on and off the ice. One would think a league that has struggled to find a market against its more successful sports brethren would embrace personality, but thats not the hockey way. Bryzgalov is more than a goalie, more than a hockey player. Hes a genuinely interesting and interested person. He has big questions. Like, "Im very into the universe, you know like how was created, you know, like, what is it, you know? Solar system is so humongous big, right? But if you see like our solar system and our galaxy on the side, you know, like, were so small you can never see it. Our galaxy is like huge, but if you see the big picture our galaxy (is) like a small tiny-like dot in the universe." Bryz is the opposite of boring. [HBO] But hockey is a factory of boring. The sport grabs youngsters at an early age, sends them to cosmopolitan metropoli like Chicoutimi, Lethbridge, and North Bay, and where representatives of the old boys club teach them to lack in colour and dissenting opinion. There must be courses in stock answers and clich� given to aspiring NHLers, lest they find some horrific off-ice personality. One can imagine a factory churning out 62 defencemen and gritty fourth line centres somewhere outside of Medicine Hat whose only answers are limited to: ������� Gotta play all three periods and go hard into the boards. ������� Its the coachs decision. ������� I enjoy CBCs Heartland. Unfortunately, this formulaic tendency has corrupted on-ice play as well. In the past quarter century weve seen the game become more systems-based, removing individuality and scoring from the game. (Lets call this Lou Lamoriellos fault.)Hockey enjoys being the definition of innocuous. What it finds funny, or interesting, is in the Jeremy Roenicks of its world, a sort of low brow, low risk comedy that makes Canadian sitcoms look like the bastard children of Louis CK and Sarah Silverman. And that affection for the benign has lowered scoring, homogenized the product, and made beat reporters quest for an interesting quote an exercise in futility. Bryzgalov is the kind of guy you like to keep in your pocket and take out at parties. He was the star of HBOs24/7, an ambitious show that tries to find intrigue in NHL locker rooms.His personality is as endearing as it playful. Hes intelligent, well read, and happy to speak on any subject. And the NHL hates him for it. This is a man who when asked if he feared the powerhouse Pittsburgh Penguins before a playoff matchup with his Flyers responded, "Im not afraid of anything � except bear. But bear in the forest." Whats not to love? The pundits cited his personality as one of the reasons he failed in Philly, despite the fact that the Flyers organization is a wasteland for goalies whose failures have been the result of a flawed organizational concept as opposed to a Russian who enjoys tea and literature. �Whats most painfully difficult to entertain in this NHL with a hatred of the entertaining is the notion that there arent more personalities like Bryzgalov. The difference with Bryz is that he shares his self with the world. I cant even describe the weird that my peers tend towards in the privacy of dark corners of Montreal bars, so one cant be na�ve enough to believe that similarly intriguing oddity doesnt exist in NHL locker rooms. NHLers are only permitted to show their game face, or as Bryz puts it, "You know, I have many faces � masks. In home, I have one face. Public, I have other face. Uh � ahhhh, on ice I have different face. Day off I have four face. With you [media] I have fifth face." The tradition of the league has implemented a gag order upon its membership, which limits both its on- and off-ice products.��The marketing of contemporary sport is about personality. Its what makes the moments between on-field greatness interesting. Chad Johnson, Dennis Rodman, or Steve Lyons would never be allowed to exist in the NHL. From a young age, their personalities would never be given the chance to blossom into anything other than milquetoast. Bryzgalov once said, "OK, they fire the puck from the blue line. Chief usually yelling block the shot at the defensemen. They doesnt have the goalie gear, but they have to block the shot. So who is more crazy, me or the defencemen? Who is more weird?" No one, Bryz. No one. And thats a shame. For both the sport and its fans. This is likely his last few weeks as an NHL goaltender. And then exit Bryzgalov, pursued by bear. Dan Fouts Blue Jersey . The 11-year NBA veteran scored 18 of his 28 points in the third quarter and the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Phoenix Suns 104-96 Tuesday to match their season best of five victories in a row.Doug Flutie Womens Jersey . All that matters to the son of a high school coaching legend is that hes the one they selected. "Its been my life-long dream to be an NFL head coach," Pettine said Thursday, "and however that opportunity presents itself, its fine with me.CLEVELAND -- Indians manager Terry Francona gave his team a pep talk Saturday after they lost for the seventh time in nine games. Cleveland responded Sunday, rewarding Francona with a 6-4 win over the Toronto Blue Jays. David�Murphy hit a three-run double in the sixth inning and John�Axford worked out of bases-loaded jam in the ninth as the Indians avoided a series sweep and broke a three-game losing streak. The Indians won 92 games and made the playoffs as wild-card team last season by getting contributions from as many areas as possible. That formula, which had been missing for much of the early season, was a key element against the Blue Jays. "Thats probably the best way we are as a team," Francona said. "Thats the way were built, get it across the board." Francona didnt want his players dwelling on their 7-10 start going into Sunday. "Nobody likes coming to the ballpark and look at your record when its not what you want it to be," he said. "Thats plain and simple. Saying that, I dont want them dragging in here, because its a new day. During a baseball season theres a lot of grinding that needs to be done. Sometimes the games easier than it is (at other times). Thats simple fact. So when its not going perfect, you grind the best you can." "Hopefully, this is exactly what we need to get on a roll," Murphy said. "We havent been playing terrible, but we havent been playing characteristic of ourselves." Cleveland entered the sixth trailing 4-2, but reliever Aaron�Loup (1-1) walked the bases loaded before Murphy delivered a line drive past third base that kicked off the stands and caromed into shallow left field, allowing all three runners to score. Axford, the fourth Cleveland reliever, loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth before retiring Edwin�Encarnacion on a groundout. Josh�Outman (3-0) recorded the final out of the sixth and Clevelands bullpen pitched 3 1-3 innings of scoreless relief. Michael�Brantley hit a solo homer in the second and added an RBI double in the fourth. Toronto scored threee times on four hits in the fourth. Ladarius Green Womens Jersey. Jose�Bautista and Juan�Francisco had RBI singles while Brett Lawrire added a run-scoring groundout. Brandon�Morrow allowed three runs and was pulled after Nick�Swishers leadoff single in the sixth. Loup got Jason�Kipnis on a fielders choice. After Kipnis was caught stealing, Loup walked Carlos�Santana, Brantley and Asdrubal�Cabrera to fill the bases. Murphys liner past third bounced off the stands a few feet beyond the tarp and rolled into shallow left. By the time Melky�Cabrera tracked it down, the runners had raced home and Cleveland had the lead. "Thats about as tough a lefty that Im going to face," Murphy said. "Fortunately, he gave me a good pitch to hit." "Walks hurt you," Toronto manager John Gibbons said. "These guys laid off it pretty good. And of course Murphy ends up getting the big hit there. We made a run at it late, it just didnt happen." Carlos�Carrasco retired the first nine hitters, but Jose�Reyes led off the fourth with a double. Melky�Cabreras single sent Reyes to third before Bautistas single to right tied it. Franciscos single scored Cabrera and Lawries groundout made it 3-1. Reyes added an RBI single in the fifth. Carrasco hasnt recorded a victory in his last 16 starts. The right-handers last win as a starter came on June 29, 2011, against Arizona. His last victory came in a relief appearance on Aug. 20, 2011, against the Los Angeles Angels. Carrasco, who missed the 2012 season because of elbow surgery, is 0-11 with an 8.28 ERA since his last win as a starter. NOTES: Bautista has reached safely in all 19 games. ... The Blue Jays are off Monday and begin a three-game series at home Tuesday against Baltimore. .... The Indians are expected to activate DH Jason�Giambi (broken rib) from the 15-day DL Monday. He was hit by a pitch in a spring training game. ... Cleveland opens a four-game series against Kansas City at Progressive Field on Monday. RHP Zach�McAllister (2-2) faces RHP Jeremy�Guthrie (2-0). cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

The Montreal Impact appear to have looked to their own pitch to make a change on the sidelines. Wholesale Jerseys From China . According to an online Sports Illustrated report, the Impact are set to name defender Alessandro Nesta as their next head coach. The club is yet to make a formal announcement on the fate of current head coach Marco Schallibaum, but his days at Stade Saputo appear to be numbered after a scrappy 3-0 loss to the Houston Dynamo in Thursdays MLS Cup Knockout Round match-up. The Impact saw three players sent off during the match, including a pair � Marco di Vaio and Andres Romero � as a result of an altercation in the 89th minute of an already out-of-reach match. Major League Soccer fined the Impact $25,000 and Schallibaum $2,500 on Friday for their parts in the melee. The punishment prompted the following response by MLS insider Ives Galarcep: �Wonder if Schallibaum pays fine if hes no longer Montreals coach[?]� Galarcep, who is the editor in chief of soccer site soccerbyives.net tweeted on Friday night. �Getting sense he wont be around to pay it. Maybe Alessandro Nesta can.� Galarcep followed that tweet very shortly with another, more informative statement. �By the way, when I mentioned Nesta before, it wasnt to say hell be playing. Hearing growing rumblings Nesta could wind up Montreals coach.� Both di Vaio and Romero have been suspended for the first three games of the 2014 season for Thursday nights actions. Should the change occur it would mark the third full-time coach the Impact have employed since entering MLS in 2012. The club made its debut in the league under Jesse Marsch, who parted ways with the club after leading the Impact to a respectable 12-16-6 mark. Schallibaum would take over from Marsch in January of 2013 and would enjoy early success, guiding the Impact to the top of the MLS Eastern Conference for much of the first half of the 2013 season. However, the Impact would register just one win over their last eight matches and fall all the way to fifth, forcing a do-or-die, one-game playoff on the road in Houston. Nesta, 37, appeared in 31 games with the Impact over the past two seasons after being acquired in July of 2012. The former Serie A standout has been capped 78 times for the Italian national team including appearances in the 2000 and 2004 European Championships as well as the 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cups. He was a member of Italys World Championship 2006 squad, although injuries forced him out of the knock-out matches matches at that tournament, forcing him to celebrate his countrys first Jules Rimet Trophy in 24 years from the sidelines. Jerseys Wholesale . Amid lusty boos from a modest crowd on a rainy, 46-degree night, Cano began his first game in the Bronx since joining Seattle this winter for $240 million with a wink -- at Yankees starter CC�Sabathia (3-3). Wholesale Jerseys China . The World Group first round series will now continue Monday with Spain leading 1-0. Earlier Sunday, Czech Klara Zakopalova led the second singles match against Maria Torro-Flor 6-3, 2-0.QUITO, Ecuador -- Ecuador coach Reinaldo Rueda named three young Europe-based players in his 30-man preliminary squad for the World Cup on Wednesday. Midfielders Carlos Gruezo and Renato Ibarra, and defender Christian Ramirez have all made the initial cut. Gruezo plays for Stuttgart, Ramirez is with Fortuna Duesseldorf and Ibarra is with Dutch club Vitesse. "We are living a dream," Ramirez said. Ecuador, which is training in the Netherlands ahead of a friendly against the Dutch side on Saturday, is expected to name its final 23-man squad on May 23. The South American team will be playing in its third World Cup. That achievement was overshadowed by the death of striker Christian Benitez midway through qualifying, and filling the void he left will be the teams biggest challenge in Brazil. The 27-year-old Benitez died of heart failure in Qatar on July 29, only three weeks after joining local team El Jaish. He was Ecuadors star forward with 24 goals in 58 appearances. Benitez was a contender for the "best young player" award at the World Cup in 2006 when Ecuador reached the round of 16, its best-ever World Cup performance. Without him, Ecuador willl rely on Pachuca forward Enner Valencia. Wholesale Jerseys. Ecuador will face Switzerland, France and Honduras in Group E. The team opens against Switzerland on June 15 in Brasilia and is a clear contender in the wide-open group. ------ Squad: Goalkeepers: Alexander Dominguez (Liga de Quito), Maximo Banguera (Barcelona, Ecuador), Adrian Bone (El Nacional) Defenders: Jorge Guagua (Emelec), Gabriel Achilier (Emelec), Oscar Bagui (Emelec), Juan Carlos Paredes (Barcelona, Ecuador), Frickson Erazo (Flamengo), Walter Ayovi (Pachuca), Christian Ramirez (Fortuna), John Narvaez (Emelec) Midfielders: Pedro Quinonez (Emelec), Luis Fernando Saritama (Barcelona, Ecuador), Carlos Gruezo (Stuttgart), Antonio Valencia (Manchester United), Segundo Castillo (Al-Hilal), Christian Noboa (Dynamo Moscow), Renato Ibarra (Vitesse), Edison Mendez (Santa Fe), Oswaldo Minda (Barcelona, Ecuador), Michael Arroyo (Atlante), Fidel Martinez (Tijuana) Forwards: Armando Wila (Universidad Catolica), Jefferson Montero (Morelia), Jaime Ayovi (Tijuana), Enner Valencia (Pachuca), Joao Rojas (Cruz Azul), Felipe Caicedo (Al-Jazira), Cristian Penilla (Barcelona, Ecuador), Angel Mena (Emelec) cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans have signed free agent safety Kendrick�Lewis. Allen Robinson Jaguars Jersey . Lewis played in every game last season for the Kansas City Chiefs with 15 starts. He had 56 tackles, including three for losses, and an interception. The 25-year-old Lewis has spent his entire four-year NFL career with the Chiefs after being drafted in the fifth round in 2010. Lewis has started 50 games, including all 16 in 2011 when he tied a career high with three interceptions. The move comes at the end of a busy 24 hours for the Texans. who signed quarterback Ryan�Fitzpatrick on Thursday night before trading quarterback Matt�Schaub to the Oakland Raiders on Friday for a sixth-round pick in this years draft. Clay Harbor Black Jersey .Howard played just over eight minutes of the first quarter and had five points and three rebounds before leaving the court and walking back to the locker room. Andre Branch Jersey . Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. Corey�Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks (5) �Crawford does not get enough credit for what he does for the Blackhawks.OTTAWA -- The Canadian Olympian who cycled around Canada to raise mental health awareness ended her ride on Tuesday with a triumphant Canada Day finish on Parliament Hill. Clara Hughes was greeted with cheers as she cycled onto the stage that was constructed in front of the Peace Tower for this years Canada Day festivities, still in her biking gear after almost four months on the road. Hughes, an Olympic cyclist and speed skater, has cycled more than 11,000 kilometres, passing through all 10 provinces and three territories since she kicked off her ride in March. Throughout the journey, she has discussed her own battles with depression. "Thank you Canada, for being so beautiful, for being so amazing," Hughes told the crowd of about 25,000 people, singling out the countrys aboriginal communities in particular for sharing with her their mental illness struggles. "This ride has been like no other in my lifetime, it has been the ride of a lifetime, because it has meant a connnection through struggle, not just joy. Ziggy Hood Black Jersey. " The 41-year-old Hughes has won six Olympic medals in both cycling and speed skating, tying her with speed skater Cindy Klassen as the Canadian with the biggest haul. Following her appearance on Parliament Hill, Hughes and her entourage were shuttled to 24 Sussex Drive for a visit with the prime minister. She then travelled to Rideau Hall, where she had lunch with Gov. Gen. David Johnston the day after he awarded her a meritorious service cross for her efforts to raise mental health awareness. "I am relieved and happy and proud all at once, and exhausted," she told a news conference on the grounds of Rideau Hall. She added she hopes her ride helps to remove the stigma attached to mental illness. "On this ride, as many times as I was inspired is as many times as my heart was broken into a million pieces because I met someone who has or is struggling in silence, I met someone who lost someone." cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

LA Galaxy midfielder Michael Stephens and forward Mike Magee have been suspended one game and fined for actions during a match against Houston. Dan Fouts Womens Jersey . The MLS also issued a one-game suspension and fine Friday to Philadelphia Union forward Lionard Pajoy for his play against Toronto FC. Stephens had a challenge that endangered the safety of Dynamo midfielder Adam Moffat in the 46th minute of the game last Saturday. Magee was disciplined for aggravated dissent against the referee, including throwing a ball in the referees direction in the 92nd minute in that game. Pajoy had a reckless challenge that endangered Toronto FC forward Joao Plata in the 29th minute last Saturday. Ladarius Green Womens Jersey . According to the Edmonton Sun, Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterbacks coach Khari Jones is the favourite to be hired for the position after the Grey Cup. The Blue Bombers must wait until after Sundays game to ask permission to speak to Jones but that may not be their only phone call. Doug Flutie Womens Jersey . A week after collecting the Professional Footballers Association trophy, the Uruguay international won the 2014 vote by the Football Writers Association on Monday.TORONTO - For his new radio job, Dean Blundell will have to leave his old character behind.Gone is the shock-jock style that he relied on in his rock radio days. Blundells flirtations with the boundaries of good taste are over too.When he makes his debut as morning show co-host on Sportsnet 590 The Fan in early March, the controversial host will be expected to deliver a more mature broadcast for the Toronto all-sports radio stations listeners, according to Sportsnet president Scott Moore.Hes a bold move, a risky move one might say, Moore told The Canadian Press on Tuesday. I spent a great deal of time with him when we were looking at whether or not to make this decision and Im convinced hes going to be a terrific fit.Blundell spent almost 13 years with Toronto rock radio station 102.1 The Edge before his departure last January. The on-air banter on The Dean Blundell Show frequently drew the ire of the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council.The Edges parent company, Corus Entertainment, suspended the show in December 2013 following a segment where several gay men involved in a Toronto criminal trial were ridiculed on the air. A show producer and on-air personality had served as the foreman on the jury.Earlier that year, the CBSC found that comments made on a January 2013 segment about wrestling and homosexuality were discriminatory, stereotyping and degrading under the Canadian Association of Broadcasters code of ethics and equitable portrayal code.Blundell kept busy over the last year with a regular podcast on his personal website. He also had a brief trial run with the Fan and Moore was impressed.We found him to be a great team guy, Moore said. We saw an uptick in interest. Our audio streaming numbers were like triple or quadruple what they had been. He does bring an audience and thats what were in the business of. He brings an audience, he allso interestingly brings some advertisers that are interested in him. Kellen Winslow Blue Jersey. es a personality and as long as you have some parameters around the personality and the personality understands what the brand is, those are the things you look for in building a radio station or a brand.Blundell will work with co-host Andrew Walker, while current co-host Greg Brady will move to early afternoons starting March 30. Brady will take over the current timeslot occupied by Tim Micallef and Sid Seixeiro, who will move to an early evening television show slot starting July 1.The morning show, dubbed Dean Blundell & Co., begins March 2. A third co-host is expected to be added in the near future.Theyre going to hear a different Dean Blundell, Moore said. Theyll hear a very talented Dean Blundell � a very knowledgeable sports guy. But theyre not going to hear the edgy quote shock jock that they have been familiar with in the past.Reaction to the hiring was mixed on social media. Some Twitter users welcomed his return while others strongly disapproved.I dont think anyones career should be defined by one or two ill-chosen words, Moore said. Im convinced that hes a standup guy, hes a great team guy and I think he very much wants to prove that.Moore is so confident in Blundells ability to perform in his new role, hes not going to bother with a tape delay before the show is broadcast.People deserve a chance in life, Moore said. And most people deserve a second chance in life. He didnt do anything thats illegal. He may have offended a few people, for which he has apologized. Im a fan, I think hes an excellent broadcaster and I think hell fill the role really well.There will be some people that will choose not to listen to him at first. But I think for those who do choose to listen to him, theyll be impressed.---Follow @GregoryStrongCP on Twitter. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

BUFFALO, N. Jayson Werth Authentic Jersey .Y. -- Given the number of Buffalo Sabres players being mentioned in trade talks, interim coach Ted Nolan has established a running joke with captain Steve�Ott. "You dont want to make light of it, but every day when I walk in, I say, Steve, youre still here," Nolan said, with a chuckle after the teams pre-game skate Friday. The question remains, for how long? And the buzz leading up to the NHLs trade deadline Wednesday hasnt been limited to Ott, who is in the final year of his contract and eligible to become a free agent this summer. Goalie Ryan�Miller, forward Matt�Moulson and veteran defenceman Henrik�Tallinder are also being shopped because their contracts are coming up, too. And add defenceman Christian�Ehrhoff to the group after confirming he recently complied with the Sabres request to submit a list of eight teams that would make up the no-trade clause of his contract. Though the submission of the list doesnt guarantee Ehrhoff will be dealt, it suggests the 10-year veteran has been the subject of trade conversations. Ehrhoff was not caught by surprise. "No, not really because obviously, we are in 30th place and they have to be prepared," said Ehrhoff, who declined to reveal what teams were on his list. "Its just part of the business. Ill keep focusing on hockey." The Sabres (17-34-8), who host San Jose on Friday, are bracing for a shakeup under newly hired general manager Tim Murray, who continues to drop major hints that hes eager to make big splashes in a bid to rebuild the NHLs worst team through youth. On Tuesday, Murray confirmed hes shopping Miller, adding hes fielded calls from more than two but fewer than 10 teams. On Friday, during an interview with Torontos FAN 590, Murray narrowed the number of teams interested in Miller to about five, while adding that much of his entire roster is available. "Theres no untouchables," said Murray, who took over in early January. "Its a rebuild." The Sabres are in the midst of an overhaul that began under Murrays predecessor, Darcy Regier, who was fired in November. Buffalo will likely miss the playoffs for a third straight season and hasnt won a playoff round since 2007, when the team reached the Eastern Conference finals before losing to Ottawa. The roster purge began last season, when the Sabres traded numerous high-priced veterans, including captain Jason�Pominville. And it continued into October, when Thomas�Vanek was traded to the New York Islanders for Moulson and a first-round draft pick. The Sabres, as a result, have stockpiled draft picks. They could have as many as two first-round and three second-round selections in this years draft. Buffalo also has a solid group of prospects in its farm system, including defencemen Rasmus�Ristolainen and Nikita�Zadorov, who were both drafted in the first round in June. Murrays objective is to add more draft picks or young prospects. Ehrhoff has value because hes a dependable two-way defenceman who leads the team averaging 24:02 of ice time per game, and leads Sabres blue liners with 28 points (six goals, 22 assists). Hes in his third season with Buffalo after signing a 10-year, $40 million contract on June 30, 2011. Miller, who is set to start against San Jose, has already spent much of this week reminiscing about his 11 seasons in Buffalo, and making sure to thank fans for their support. "Its a great place to play hockey. You feel part of something. You feel appreciated," said Miller, who holds franchise records with 284 wins and 540 games played. "With the uncertainty, you dont want to miss an opportunity to say, Thank you." Miller recalled with a laugh the time a fan approached him at a local grocery store to provide pointers on how to hold his stick. And then there were the times when "sweet old ladies" would come up and hug him and suggest he needs to eat more. "I always got a kick out of the people who wanted to get me more to eat because they thought I was a little thin," said Miller, who is 6-foot-2 and 168 pounds. "Its good that people care." Anthony Rendon Jersey . I kind of got a taste of being able to pick a suit with the draft lottery, I went with the bow tie. Jordan Zimmermann Nationals Jersey . The Basque club improved to four points better than fifth-place Villarreal in the duel for the last Champions League qualifying place. Celta should have come away with more from the high tempo game.Former Dolphins offensive lineman Lydon�Murtha gave an insiders look at some of the issues surrounding the alleged bullying scandal involving teammates Richie�Incognito and Jonathan�Martin in Miami. Murtha, now retired after playing for the Dolphins from 2009 through the 2012 preseason, wrote a piece for the Monday Morning Quarterback website and said there were misconceptions about some of the details being reported. After first identifying himself as a teammate of Incognitos at Nebraska and saying he was friends with both men, Murtha said Martin, a rookie in the preseason of 2012, "did not seem to want to be one of the group," adding that he "came off as standoffish and shy to the rest of the offensive linemen." Murtha, though, said Incognito took Martin under his wing since they were both set to play the left side of the line. "They were close friends by all appearances," Murtha wrote. "Martin had a tendency to tank when things would get difficult in practice, and Incognito would lift him up. Hed say, theres always tomorrow. Richie has been more kind to Martin than any other player." However, Murtha added that Incognito would sometimes get on Martin if he wasnt showing effort. But he would do the same with any player who appeared to slack off. Murtha said he doesnt believe that Incognito bullied Martin, adding that the nine-year veteran joked with everybody on the team, including coaches. The voicemail that included the racial slur, however, is the reason Murtha believes that Incognito was suspended, although hhe heard Incognito call Martin the same thing to his face and Martin just laughed. Ryan Zimmerman Nationals Jersey. As far as the coaches not knowing about the so-called hazing, Murtha said that was untrue. "Thats the most outlandish lie of this whole thing," Murtha wrote. "The coaches know everything. The coaches know whos getting picked on and in many cases call for that player to be singled out. Any type of denial on that side is ridiculous." Murtha said coaches did, indeed, ask team leaders to "bring (Martin) out of his shell. Figure him out a little bit." There was a report in the South Florida Sun Sentinel newspaper on Tuesday that said Incognito was instructed by coaches to "toughen up" his fellow lineman after Martin missed a voluntary workout in the spring, but that Incognito may have taken the orders too far. Murtha said that might have been a problem for Incognito because he might not have been able to tell that Martin wouldnt be able to handle the derision. A number of current teammates on Wednesday indicated they were surprised by the recent developments between Incognito and Martin. Quarterback Ryan�Tannehill described the two as brothers, saying Martin was "like Richies little brother. He gave him a hard time, he messed with him, but he was the first guy to have his back." The NFL is set to begin an investigation into the workplace conduct in the Dolphins organization and head coach Joe Philbin on Wednesday wouldnt comment beyond saying the team will take measures to fix any problems the NFL may find. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

LONDON -- Total prize money for this years Wimbledon tournament will reach 25 million pounds ($42 million), an increase of 10. Scott Kazmir Athletics Jersey .8 per cent that will mostly favour the early-round losers. The All England Club said Tuesday that the mens and womens singles champions will each receive 1.76 million pounds ($2.9 million), a 10 per cent increase on last years top prize won by Andy Murray and Marion Bartoli. By comparison, this years French Open champions will receive 1.65 million euros ($2.3 million) while Stanislas Wawrinka and Li Na earned $2.65 million for their wins at the Australian Open in January. U.S. Open organizers have yet to announce the prize money for this years tournament. The main increases at Wimbledon are for the early losers, with players who fail to get past the third round receiving prize money worth 12.5 per cent more than in 2013. "Weve placed emphasis on the large group of players who need our help the most, those players who lose in qualifying and in the early rounds of the championships," Wimbledon chairman Philip Brook said. "We also had an eye to being competitive internationally, and we do keep our watch on what is going on in other tennis events and in particular the other Grand Slams." The grass-court Grand Slam will be played from June 23-July 6. In keeping with player demands for a larger slice of Grand Slam revenues, all four majors have greatly increased their prize money in the past two years, with Wimbledon offering the biggest amount following a record 40 per cent increase last year. The French Open now offers more than 25 million euros ($34.5 million) while the U.S. Open increased its purse to $34.3 million and the Australian Open went up to AU$33 million ($31 million). The Wimbledon prize money for the majority of singles players who lose in the first three rounds of the grass-court tournament has been increased by more than 100 per cent over a three-year period. The main increase this year is for first-round losers, with each receiving 27,000 pounds ($45,450), 14.9 per cent more than last year. "This year weve got a very generous increase once again," Brook said. "We wanted to build on the focus from 2012 and 2013." There will also be an increase of 8.7 per cent in prize money for doubles and a 6.1 per cent increase for mixed doubles. In all, an extra 2.4 million pounds ($4 million) is up for grabs compared to last year. Brook said plans to build a retractable roof on Court No. 1 are still on track pending planning approval, with an application to be submitted later this year. The roof, similar to the one on Centre Court, should be completed in 2019, and court capacity will be increased by 900 seats to 12,400. Brook also confirmed the tournament will start a week later in 2015 to create a three-week gap between the French Open and Wimbledon, with the mens final on July 12. "Hopefully with the extra week more players will be encouraged to compete on grass," Brook said. Seedings for this years tournament will be announced on June 18. Brook said defending champion Murray, who has slipped to eighth in the rankings, will stay among the top seeds thanks to his strong record on grass over the past two years. Wimbledons seeding order is determined using the ATP rankings and points are added for achievements in grass-court tournaments in the past 12 months. "And we add to that 75 per cent of the best-performing tournament in the previous year," Brook said. "For Andy Murray, as the winner of Queens last year and the winner here last year, and a finalist here in 2012, there will be a significant impact on him." Brooks said the seedings will also have "significant impact" on seven-time champion Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, Brook said. Brook did not comment on speculation of a possible return to competition by Bartoli ahead of Wimbledon. The 29-year-old Frenchwoman retired suddenly after a loss at Cincinnati last August, explaining that her body could no longer take the strain after 14 years as a pro. When asked if her entourage had been in touch recently and if Bartoli would be granted a wild card if she asked for one, Brook said: "The rumours in France have not reached London yet, so well wait and see." Coco Crisp Authentic Jersey . Methot is dealing with a back issue that will force him to miss the tournament. Philadelphia Flyers defenceman Braydon�Coburn will replace Methot on the Canadian roster. Dennis Eckersley Jersey . -- Jordan Jeffersons LSU teammates heard the boos when the embattled quarterback stepped out on the field for the first time since his suspension was lifted this past week.OBERSTDORF, Germany -- Vancouvers Jeremy Ten and ice dancers Alexandra Paul and Mitchell Islam of Barrie, Ont., won bronze medals on Saturday at the Nebelhorn Trophy senior figure skating competition. In mens competition, Nobunari Oda of Japan took the gold with 262.98 points, Jason Brown of the United States was second at 228.43 and Ten followed at 205.56. He ranked third in the short program Friday and fifth in the long. "This is quite exciting," said the 24-year-old Ten. "Ive worked really hard over the summer and its great to finally see it pay off this early in the season. Today I wasnt at my best so I know theres a lot of room to grow. In the whole program there was a lot tweaking involved to get all the combos in. I didnt let anything go and fought through the mistakes at the beginning." Ten was coming off a tough 2012-13 campaign which included an eighth place finish at the national championships. He is now a contender for one of those three available Olympic spots after achieving the qualifying score Saturday. "This off-season, I just needed to have a reset and re-evaluate where I was in my career," he said. "I chaanged my training venue for a month this summer and that really set me up for the year. Jed Lowrie Authentic Jersey. I remembered the reasons I was skating and fell back in love with the sport." In ice dancing, Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue of the U.S. were the winners at 147.11, Ksenia Monko and Kirill Khaliavin of Russia were second at 142.14 and Paul and Islam, the leaders after Fridays short program, followed at 141.99. "It was a tough ending to a really great competition for us," said Islam, who joined forces with Paul in 2009. "There were some technical issues today that hurt us. Still, its a building block for the rest of the season and we have lots of positives to take forward." The couple were anxious to unveil their new programs to the international skating world. "This year weve been really working on our performance," said Paul. "We also got all new lifts which are more impressive and should bring us better technical scores. Today we gained a lot of confidence knowing that with a few mistakes we can still pull through." In the team standings, Russia ranked first, the U.S. second and Canada third.cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

SALT LAKE CITY -- Deron�Williams had a big red lump on his right cheek. Josh Reddick Jersey . It didnt keep him from leaving Utah with a big smile for the first time since being traded by the Jazz in 2011. Williams had 19 points, including a couple of jumpers in Brooklyns game-clinching run, and Brooklyn beat the Utah Jazz 105-99 Wednesday night for the Nets first win in Utah since 2008. "Maybe in a couple of years I will get all cheers here, you never know," said a laughing Williams, who was once regarded as the future of the Jazz. He drew a few boos as he turned villain when his fourth-quarter jump shots quelled the Utahs last-ditch comeback attempts. Williams had plenty of help with big games from Joe�Johnson, who scored 27 points, and Andray�Blatche, who tied a season-high with 25. "They were huge. The way Joe played tonight was great. He and Dray pulled us back in the game when we were down. They are a big reason we got the win tonight," Williams said. Johnson made 4 of 7 from beyond the arc and 10 of 16 overall, while handing out six assists. "The break was good for me," said Johnson, who hadnt scored more than 16 points since Jan. 20 against the New York Knicks. "Its feeling a lot better. I dont have the pain I had when I bend down to go into my shot or make a move." Williams caught an elbow from Alec�Burks in a scramble for a loose ball with 3:28 to play and stayed on the court for more than a minute before getting his bearing during a timeout. "I thought I broke my jaw. It hurts," Williams said before adding how good the win feels. His 3-pointer with 2:11 remaining gave the Nets their largest lead of the game. It was a memorable night for Williams, who struggled in his first two post-trade games in Salt Lake City. Brooklyn snapped a three-game road losing skid and the surging Nets have won five of their last seven contests. Burks led the Jazz with 23 points and Enes�Kanter, starting in place of Derrick Favours (hip), had 18 points and 10 rebounds, but the Jazz wasted a 13-point third-quarter lead and a chance to extend their winning streak to a season-best four games. The Nets completed their first season sweep of Utah since 2006-07, but it may prove costly just two games into their seven-stop road trip. Paul�Pierce, who had seven points in 27 minutes and didnt play in crunch time, was limping after the first sequence of the second half and called a time out so he could leave the court. "I have arthritis and turf toe but itll be all right," Pierce said. The Nets acquired guard Marcus�Thornton from the Sacramento Kings for Jason�Terry and Reggie�Evans on Wednesday, but Thornton hadnt joined the team by game time so the team was short-handed. "This is the toughest time of the year because its always possible to lose a family member. Were around each other more than we are our families. So to lose a brother, it hurts, man. I hate to see Jason and Reggie go," Johnson said. But just when the Nets looked buried, they found a spark and they rallied together. The Jazz led 68-55 after Gordon�Hayward and Richard�Jefferson made back-to-back 3-pointers. Johnson had seven points in a 20-4 run that culminated in Blatches jumper that gave the Nets a 75-72 lead just before the end of the third quarter. "The big thing is we were giving up a lot of 3s . that was something we talked about taking away. The guys responded and did that," said Brooklyn coach Jason�Kidd, whose team forced the Jazz to miss their final seven attempts from beyond the arc. In the final period, the Jazz battled back within 89-88, but Williams started the game-deciding run with a jumper and capped it with his big 3-pointer and the Jazz couldnt get within four points the rest of the way. "They went on that run and we never really recovered. Its a learning process for us," said Trey�Burke, who had 14 points and 10 assists. Favours has been bothered by a sprained right hip he hurt against Detroit on Jan. 17. Though the Jazz outrebounded the Nets 46-33 without Favours, the Nets shots 50 per cent and outscored Utah in the paint 48-40. Utah dropped to 0-6 without Favours and just 1-22 when Kanter starts. NOTES: The Jazz made their first 15 free throws. . The Nets had dropped the last four meetings in Utah by an average of 16.3 points. . Andrei�Kirilenko, who played his first 10 seasons in Utah, received warm applause when he checked in. . Jeremy�Evans had a career-high 13 rebounds for Utah in just 20 minutes of play. Dave Henderson Jersey . Toronto shared the American League East lead with Baltimore just over a week ago and held a six-game lead as recently as June 6. But while the Orioles have continued stringing together wins, the Blue Jays have lost six of their last seven. Walt Weiss Jersey . The big first baseman just wanted to make sure it was fair before he got started on one enjoyable trip around the bases. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Justin�Blackmon has been suspended indefinitely without pay for another violation of the NFLs substance-abuse policy. Blackmon was previously suspended the first four games of this season for violating the policy. So this is at least his third violation in about 18 months. And the Jaguars are acknowledging he has a problem. "All of us who are a part of the Jaguars family care very deeply about Justin and his well-being," general manager Dave Caldwell said in a statement. "That said, he must be held accountable and accept the consequences announced today by the NFL. "His suspension will provide him the opportunity to receive the attention and professional treatment necessary to overcome his challenges, and we will support him during this time. The Jacksonville Jaguars will evaluate Justins status once he has successfully met the criteria to be considered for reinstatement to the league." Blackmons suspension begins immediately. Unlike his four-game suspension, he wont be allowed in the building during this one. He will be eligible to apply for reinstatement prior to the start of the 2014 season. "I want to sincerely apologize to Mr. (Shad) Khan, my teammates, my coaches and to the Jaguars fans for not utilizing the resources that I was provided to overcome my challenges," Blackmon said in a statement released by his agent. "I am determined to overcome the issues that have resulted in this situation, and I truly appreciate the support that the Jaguars and my agent have shown me. "I will address these matters with the type of intensity I usually direct toward my on-field play so that I can be ready to be a productive member of the team and community next season. Again, I am truly sorry to Mr. Khan, my teammates and coaches and to the Jaguars fans for the impact of my situation on the team as well as to my family and friends annd those that have been there for me during these challenging times. Sean Doolittle Athletics Jersey. Nobody is more disappointed with all of this than me." Since the winless Jaguars (0-8) arent on the hook for the rest of Blackmons salary this season -- they also might try to void what remains on his rookie contract -- they could keep him on the roster in hopes he turns his life around. After all, the troubled receiver has proven to be talented in two seasons. Blackmon has 29 receptions for 415 yards and a touchdown this year. He has 93 catches for 1,280 yards and six scores in 20 games -- all since Jacksonville traded up to select the former Oklahoma State star with the fifth overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft. Blackmon credited his four-game suspension for his success this season, saying he used the time away to get in better shape. He also acknowledged last month that his reputation was still a work in progress. "I just dont really care about people on the outside," Blackmon said. "I dont care what they got to say. I dont really care how they view me because they dont try to know me. They wont ever know me, so thats not important to me. They can feel however they want to feel. I dont really care about that. "All I can do is control what I can control, and thats showing up here, trying to get better every day and carrying that out there on the field." Blackmon has been involved in three substance-related incidents in three years. He was arrested on a misdemeanour DUI charge in Texas in 2010 after officers caught him speeding on a suburban Dallas highway. The charge was later reduced to an underage alcohol possession charge. A little more than a month after the Jaguars drafted him, he was arrested during a traffic stop in Stillwater, Okla., after a breath test allegedly showed his blood alcohol content to be three times the legal limit. A subsequent violation landed him the four-game suspension. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

Ricky Foley cant wait for the start of the CFL playoffs to begin but not at the expense of looking past the Edmonton Eskimos. Wholesale Jerseys From China . Foley and the Saskatchewan Roughriders conclude their regular season Saturday hosting Edmonton. Win or lose, the Riders (11-6) have already clinched second in the West Division -- and will host B.C. in the conference semifinal Nov. 17 -- while the Eskimos (3-14) are destined to finish last. But the contest has meaning for both teams. Saskatchewan is coming off a bitter 29-25 road loss to Calgary (14-3), which cemented first in the West for the Stampeders. Heading into the post-season having dropped two straight games would be hardly ideal for the Riders. While theres no playoff date for Edmonton, for many of its players this will be the final opportunity to make a favourable impression, either with the Eskimos or other CFL teams, for next year. "We cant look past Edmonton," Foley said. "If you look past Edmonton and start gameplanning for and worrying about B.C. youre going to get your head kicked in by Edmonton. "Those guys are playing for jobs and those coaches are gameplanning for jobs. Theyre going to come in here hungry. We also dont want to be on a two-game losing streak going into the playoffs, that wouldnt be very good." Despite its struggles, Edmonton boasts some solid offensive threats. Quarterback Mike Reilly, in his first season as a CFL starter, has throw for 4,157 yards and 24 TDs while running for 649 yards -- tops among quarterbacks -- and is averaging 8.4 yards per rush. The Eskimos also boast the CFLs top receiver in slotback Fred Stamps, who has 68 catches for a league-best 1,259 yards and 11 TDs. "Offensively theyve got some playmakers," Foley said. "Obviously Fred Stamps is special but the quarterback, man, hes just a football player. "Ive got so much respect for Mike Reilly. Hes a guy Ive hit a lot this year but he gets up, he doesnt complain to his O-line and being a vet Ive got a lot of respect for that kind of player. Hes going to be a good player in this league." The six-foot-two, 258-pound Foley joined the Riders as a free agent last off-season after helping the Toronto Argonauts win the 100th Grey Cup game in November at Rogers Centre. With this years CFL title game being played at Mosaic Stadium, Saskatchewan is attempting to become the third straight team to win the Grey Cup on home soil -- B.C. also did it in 2011. Foley, 31, of Courtice, Ont., has flourished in Regina with eight sacks after registered nine over three seasons in Toronto. The eight-year veteran is enjoying his best CFL campaign since a career-best 12 sacks in 09 with B.C. that earned him the leagues top Canadian award that year. But its been a season of streaks for Saskatchewan, which opened the 2013 campaign with five straight wins before a 42-27 road loss to Calgary on Aug. 9. After reeling off three consecutive victories the Riders lost 25-13 to Winnipeg. That was the start of four straight losses before a 31-17 road victory in Vancouver that began a three-game losing streak. Then came last weekends heart-breaking loss to the Stampeders at McMahon Stadium. "I thought we had a pretty good effort in Calgary," Foley said. "Theyre the best team in the league record-wise but I think we had the opportunity to beat them and shouldve beat them and you can take a little bit of positive from that. "Obviously guys are disappointed about not being able to win first place but we have to get this one this week and when B.C. comes in here be on a roll." The Riders-Stampeders rivalry this season has been intense, on and off the field. Saskatchewans Kory Sheets helped pour gasoline on the fire recently by publicly stating he was a better running back than Calgarys Jon Cornish, the CFL rushing leader. Sheets topped the rushing race midway through the season before suffering a knee injury that forced him to miss three games. Cornish, who was second overall behind Sheets at the time, stormed into the lead and hasnt looked back since. But Foley said in an eight-team league where clubs play one another often, animosity is bound to build up. "When you play a team that much and its the two top dogs in the division its going to be intense," he said. "Its like a playoff series in hockey when you see a team that much and that frequently in such a short period of time theres going to be a lot of built-up anger towards those guys. "But that makes it fun. Its good for the league, its good for the fans and its fun for us players." Once the playoffs begin, Foley said discipline will be key for the Riders. "I think thats going to be the biggest thing," he said. "There also has to be good leadership going into the playoffs. "Without question, weve got the talent to do what we want to do but the leadership has to be there, the discipline has to be there and we cant beat ourselves. We do that I think well be fine." Jerseys Wholesale . Blake�Griffin had 27 points and eight rebounds, Chris�Paul added 19 points -- including a go-ahead layup in the final minute -- and the Clippers beat the Hawks 109-108 on Saturday night for their season-high seventh straight win. "In the locker room, I almost felt like we lost the game, because we expect a lot from themselves," Paul said. Wholesale Jerseys China .C. United to a 4-1 victory over short-handed FC Dallas on Saturday night.DETROIT -- For the first time in more than three months, the Red Wings have a winning streak at home. Henrik�Zetterberg, Nicklas Kronwall and Gustav�Nyquist each had a goal and an assist to lead Detroit past the Montreal Canadiens 4-1 on Friday night for its second consecutive victory at Joe Louis Arena. The last time the Red Wings won two in a row at home was Oct. 12-15. They beat the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks 5-4 in a shootout Wednesday night. "Obviously, real important. Its like anything, some years you win lots of games at home and some years you dont," Detroit coach Mike Babcock said. "Some years youre good on the road and some years youre not and you never really figure out why. But we have an opportunity here on Sunday to keep things going and wed like to." Detroit is 3-1 on a five-game homestand that ends Sunday against Florida. "Try to get a template that we can hang our hat on and play every night. Its hard because we were playing pretty solid and we lose those back-to-back games 1-0," defenceman Kyle�Quincey said. "Its hard to tell the boys to keep going and itll come, but then you play Chicago and we end up scoring (four) goals and winning and now youre saying, Keep playing like that. Again we scored four goals tonight and I think we believe if we keep playing like that well be OK." Riley�Sheahan also scored for Detroit, and Jonas�Gustavsson made 30 saves. Brendan�Gallagher had the goal for Montreal, and Carey�Price stopped 22 shots. "Just little, unfortunate breakdowns that we know better. Just little things cost us," Gallagher said. Kronwall gave the Red Wings a 3-1 lead with 3:31 left in the second period. He scored his sixth goal of the season on a one-timer from the slot after Nyquists pass went off Gallagghers stick. Wholesale Jerseys. "I read the play, I was where I wanted to be. I was ready but I got ahead of myself," Gallagher said. Nyquist added his eighth goal with 1:19 remaining in the game. Gallagher put the Canadiens on the board with a power-play goal with 7:24 left in the second period. He jammed one past Gustavsson after carrying the puck from the side of the net to the crease for his 13th goal. Sheahan made it 2-0 Detroit with 8:12 remaining in the second. He beat Price with a snap shot from the top of the left circle for his second goal. Gustavsson made a nice save on Louis�Leblancs backhand from the bottom of the left circle with 3:07 remaining in the first. Zetterberg opened the scoring with 7:33 left in the first period. With the Red Wings on a 5-on-3 power play, he put in a one-time slap shot from the high slot for his 16th goal. Gustavsson stopped the Tomas�Plekanec on a short-handed breakaway with about 8:50 left in the opening period. NOTES: Detroit RW Daniel�Alfredsson returned after missing six games with back spasms. ... The teams last met two years ago, when Montreal won 7-2 at the Bell Centre. The Canadiens last visit to Detroit was Dec. 10, 2010, and the Red Wings won 4-2. ... Detroit was without C Pavel�Datsyuk (lower body), G Jimmy�Howard (knee), RW Johan�Franzen (post-concussion syndrome), C Joakim�Andersson (lower body), C Steven Weiss (groin) and C Cory�Emmerton (finger). ... Montreal LW Max�Pacioretty played college hockey at Michigan. ... Canadiens assistant coach Gerard Gallant played nine of his 11 NHL seasons with Detroit. ... Montreal defenceman Alexei�Emelin was helped off the ice with 7:08 left in the third period after taking Kronwalls shot off his knee. Canadiens coach Michel Therrien said Emelin was fine after the game. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

TORONTO -- The Toronto Maple Leafs have waited nearly four months for Dave�Bolland to return to their lineup. John Smoltz Braves Jersey . It seems theyll have to wait a little longer. The veteran forward practised Wednesday but was wearing a maroon jersey, meaning he wasnt allowed to participate in full contact and making it unlikely hell will be in the lineup Thursday night when Toronto visits the New York Islanders in the first game for both teams following the Olympic break. Bolland, who suffered a severed ankle tendon in a game Nov. 2, had resumed practising with the Leafs earlier this month. But he stumbled late during Tuesdays session, grimacing in pain. "Its one where we felt that he took a step back (Tuesday) so we felt it would be best suited he didnt participate on a line (Wednesday) as far as practising with a group," Leafs coach Randy Carlyle said. "To say that its a bad sign, well, its not a positive. "But its not a huge negative. I dont want you to read into it that its something we cant deal with." Bolland maintained Wednesday his situation remains day-to-day. And while he did say he had a misstep Tuesday, Bolland didnt reveal any further details. "Sometimes in situations on the ice youre going to get those things," he said. "I just had a little bit of a fall there but thats whats going to happen in a game. "Thats what you have to get ready for." Carlyle said Bolland will accompany the Leafs on their two-game road trip versus the Islanders and Montreal on Saturday night. Bolland plans to participate in Thursdays pre-game skate before deciding whether hell play. Bolland added hell return to the lineup when hes convinced hes healthy enough to deal with the rigours of game conditions. "Id rather be ready for the long road than being in and out of the lineup and not going," Bolland said. "Youve got to be 100 per cent getting back in the lineup, you dont want to be a liability out there. "Its never fun watching the guys play sitting at home on the couch seeing whats going on. You want to be out there right now. I want to be out there. I wish I couldve been out there a month ahead but its about getting it stronger and making sure its ready." Toronto (32-22-6, 70 points) has fared well despite Bollands injury, entering the Olympic break on an 11-2-1 run. "Im ready (to return)," Bolland said. "With watching and seeing whats going on with the guys and seeing them win and keeping it rolling, thats the big thing. "For myself, my confidence is going to be high when I get out there. I want to contribute as much as I can to this team and to help it keep going." Meantime, leading scorer Phil�Kessel (31 goals, 34 assists) was back on the ice Wednesday for the first time since suiting up with teammate James�van�Riemsdyk (24 goals, 23 assists) for the U.S. at the Sochi Winter Games. Van Riemsdyk didnt skate but did work out with his teammates Tuesday. Carlyle said Kessel, who didnt speak to reporters after practice, had the same option, but opted to take Tuesday off instead. Theres been persistent talk van Riemsdyk suffered a hand injury in Sochi, but Carlyle said both players have been cleared medically by Leafs doctors. Carlyle was asked how Kessel looked in practice. "I would say Phils not an energetic individual to the start of practice," Carlyle said, drawing chuckles from the assembled media. "I dont know how else to put it." The reporter then followed up by saying Kessel looked more energetic near the end of the session. "That seems to be how Phil approaches practice," Carlyle added with a grin. Kenley Jansen Dodgers Jersey . Thea Culley, Brienne Stairs and Stephanie Jameson scored for the Canadians (1-1-3), who were already out of contention for a London Olympic berth in the six-country tournament. Alex Avila Tigers Jersey . 10 San Diego State to a 73-64 win over UNLV on Wednesday night.DENVER -- The Colorado Rockies have completed minor league contracts with 31-year-old right-handed relievers Manny�Corpas and Nick�Masset. Corpas went 1-2 with a 4.54 ERA with 16 walks and 30 strikeouts for the Rockies last season after going to Colorados big league spring training camp under a similar deal and beginning the season at Triple-A Colorado Spriings. Wei-Yin Chen Orioles Jersey. Corpas was the closer on Colorados 2007 World Series team before he was beset by right elbow injuries. He missed all of 2011 before joining the Cubs in 2012. Masset missed the last two seasons after right shoulder surgery. He is 16-14 with a 3.78 ERA in 308 major league appearances from 2006-11 with the Rangers, White Sox and Reds. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

A pinball game in Dallas, with Tony�Romo and Peyton�Manning putting on an aerial show, Grahams greatness, Charles in charge, Vick to the sidelines and more in Scott Cullens 50 Points on NFL Week Five. Dan Fouts Blue Jersey . 1. While he threw an interception -- a spectacular diving effort by Broncos LB Danny�Trevathan, incidentally -- that ultimately led to the Broncos game-winning field goal, Cowboys QB Tony�Romo (25-for-36, 506 YDS, 5 TD, 1 INT) had an unbelievable game, engineering four touchdown drives longer than 75 yards. Though coming up short in that spotlight feels all too familiar for Romo, that performance was not one that should have been denigrated in any way. 2. Broncos QB Peyton�Manning (33-for-42, 414 YDS, 4 TD, 1 INT) had another crazy game, but may have been the second-best quarterback on the field at Dallas. 3. Broncos RB Knowshon�Moreno (150 YDS, 1 TD 24 touches) again asserted his position at the top of the Broncos running back depth chart, ahead of Ronnie�Hillman (59 YDS, 11 touches) and Montee�Ball (1 YD, 1 carry). 4. Starting in place of an injured Miles�Austin, Cowboys WR Terrance�Williams (4 REC, 151 YDS, 1 TD, 4 targets) got deep, while WR Dez�Bryant (6 REC, 141 YDS, 2 TD, 10 targets, 1 fumble) and TE Jason�Witten (7 REC, 121, 1 TD, 10 targets) also had huge production. 5. Broncos TE Julius�Thomas (9 REC, 122 YDS, 2 TD) is tied for second in the league with six touchdowns and ranks fourth among tight ends with 359 yards receiving. 6. Saints QB Drew�Brees (29-for-35, 288 YDS, 2 TD) was efficient against the Bears, hooking up with TE Jimmy�Graham (10 REC, 135 YDS, 11 targets) again. Graham leads the league with 593 receiving yards, averaging 31.0 yards per game more than Antonio�Gates, the tight end with the second highest per-game yardage (87.6). Grahams dominance in the Saints passing game, has left WR Marques�Colston (2 REC, 15 YDS, 2 targets) on the outside looking in, to some degree. His 62.6 yards per game ranking as a career low for a receiver that has gone over 1,000 yards in six of his seven previous NFL seasons. 7. Chiefs RB Jamaal�Charles (145 YDS, 1 TD, 1 fumble, 27 touches) continues to rack up yards. He ranks second in yards from scrimmage with 647, behind only LeSean�McCoy (700). 8. Eagles QB Michael�Vick (6-for-14, 105 YDS) suffered a hamstring injury that will keep him out of action in Week Six. The goods for the Eagles is that Nick�Foles (16-for-25, 197 YDS, 2 TD) was instrumental in Philadelphias win over the Giants on Sunday and Foles should be prepared to run the offence smoothly, possibly on a more even keel than Vick, who varies from higher highs to lower lows. 9. Raiders QB Terrelle�Pryor (18-for-23, 221 YDS, 2 TD; 31 YDS, 11 carries) was very effective against San Diego. The Chargers dont have a good defence, ranking 29th in yardage allowed, but Pryor continues to give the Raiders reason for hope. 10. Packers RB Eddie�Lacy (99 YDS, 23 carries) returned to action and carried the load, exactly the kind of game that the Packers expected from the physical back when they drafted him in the second round. 11. Ravens WR Torrey�Smith (6 REC, 121 YDS, 9 targets) leads all wide receivers with 556 yards this season. (Atlantas Julio�Jones plays Monday night and has 481 yards.) Eagles WR DeSean�Jackson (7 REC, 132 YDS, 1 TD, 13 targets) now ranks second among wide receivers with 525 receiving yards. 12. Jaguars WR Justin�Blackmon (5 REC, 136 YDS, 1 TD, 6 targets) and Cecil�Shorts (5 REC, 74 YDS, 1 TD, 10 targets) had productive game against St. Louis, though both would be better with a higher-calibre quarterback. 13. Rams WR Austin�Pettis (4 REC, 49 YDS, 2 TD, 5 targets) is emerging as a bit of playmaker, with four touchdowns on the season. Hes been targeted 36 times in five games, more than Steve�Smith, T.Y.�Hilton and Denarius�Moore. 14. It came in a losing effort, but Chargers QB Philip�Rivers (36-for-49, 411 YDS, 2 TD, 3 INT) had another big game against the Raiders and now ranks third in yardage (1,610) and second in touchdown passes (13) this season. 15. Dolphins WR Mike�Wallace (7 REC, 105 YDS, 16 targets) was targeted a lot against Baltimore, and while he went over 100 yards, he caught fewer than half of the balls sent his way. Among 33 players with at least 40 targets through five games, Wallace has the fourth-worst receiving percentage (50.0%), ahead of Kenbrell�Thompkins, Vincent�Jackson and Robert�Woods. 16. Giants wide receivers Hakeem�Nicks (9 REC, 142 YDS, 12 targets) and Rueben�Randle (6 REC, 96 YDS, 2 TD, 13 targets) had big games agains the Eagles, while Victor�Cruz (5 REC, 48 YDS, 12 targets) was largely kept under wraps. 17. Bears WR Alshon�Jeffery (10 REC, 218 YDS, 1 TD, 13 targets) had a monster game against the Saints as the preferred target of QB Jay�Cutler (24-for-33, 358 YDS, 2 TD). WR Brandon�Marshall (4 REC, 30 YDS, 1 TD, 5 targets) wasnt used as much, but had missed practice time during the week with a foot injury, so its not altogether surprising that Jeffery took on a bigger role. 18. Saints RB Pierre�Thomas (91 YDS, 2 TD, 28 touches) had a productive, if not terribly efficient, day in Chicago. With Mark�Ingram sidelined, there are more carries available for Thomas. 19. With RB Stevan�Ridley hurt, LeGarrette�Blount (51 YDS, 1 fumble, 12 carries) had the chance to carry the mail, but a lost fumble worked for him the same way it did for Ridley early in the year. Brandon�Bolden (64 YDS, 11 touches) continued to be productive with limited touches. 20. Against his former team, Bengals RB BenJarvus�Green-Ellis (67 YDS, 1 TD, 19 carries) took on a bigger role with the Bengals than he had in previous weeks. Giovani�Bernard (69 YDS, 1 fumble, 15 touches) also lost a fumble, so perhaps that running back competition is a little closer than it looked heading into Week Five. 21. Chargers RB Ryan�Mathews (8 YDS, 3 carries) suffered a concussion against Oakland so, once again, Danny�Woodhead (71 YDS, 1 TD, 18 touches) was the productive one in the San Diego backfield. 22. Rams RB Zak Stacy (78 YDS, 14 carries) had most of the backfield action against Jacksonville, with more touches than Daryl�Richardson (48 YDS, 13 carries). 23. Ravens RB Ray�Rice (102 YDS, 2 TD, 1 fumble, 33 touches) had the yards and scores, but took a lot of touches to get there against Miami. 24. With WR Calvin�Johnson out for the Lions, RB Reggie�Bush ended up with 69 yards on 17 touches. WR Kris�Durham (3 REC, 30 YDS, 1 TD, 8 targets) was the most targeted Lions wide receiver and Ryan�Broyles (2 REC, 27 YDS, 2 targets) may as well have been an afterthought. With Johnson and Nate�Burleson sidelined, QB Matthew�Stafford (25-for-40, 262 YDS, 1 TD) was missing his top two receivers. Lions tight ends Brandon�Pettigrew (4 REC, 59 YDS, 5 targets) and Tony�Scheffler (4 REC, 55 YDS, 7 targets) led the Lions receiving corps with Calvin�Johnson out. 25. The San Diego passing game has thrived despite season-ending injuries to Danario�Alexander and Malcom�Floyd. Vincent�Brown (8 REC, 117 YDS, 9 targets) and rookie Keenan�Allen (6 REC, 115 YDS, 1 TD, 9 targets) played big parts against the Raiders, while Eddie�Royal has seen his role decline. 26. Since scoring five touchdowns in the first two games, Royal has eight catches for 102 yards and no scores in three games. 27. Colts WR T.Y.�Hilton (5 REC, 140 YDS, 2 TD, 6 targets) had a big game against Seattles top-flight secondary. Darrius�Heyward-Bey had nothing on six targets, making Hilton the clear No. 2 among Indy wide receivers behind Reggie�Wayne. 28. Packers WR James�Jones (4 REC, 127 YDS, 1 TD, 6 targets) was tops among Green Bay receivers and has pulled just ahead of Randall�Cobb in yardage (339 to 325) for the season. 29. In Kansas City, WR Donnie�Avery (3 REC, 91 YDS, 4 targets) is emerging as a more productive option than big-money WR Dwayne�Bowe (4 REC, 35 YDS, 6 targets). For the season, Avery has 304 yards and one touchdown, while Bowe has 183 yards and two scores. While this can be considered a credit to Avery, its also an indictment of Bowe, who is barely a factor in the Chiefs offence. 30. Seahawks QB Russell�Wilson had another tough day passing (15-for-31, 210 YDS, 2 TD, 1 INT), but made a difference on the ground (102 YDS, 13 carries) against Indianapolis. WR Golden�Tate (5 REC, 61 YDS, 1 TD, 11 targets) and WR Doug�Baldwin (5 REC, 80 YDS, 9 targets) got most of the looks from Wilson. 31. Panthers QB Cam�Newton (21-for-39, 308 YDS, 3 INT, 1 fumble) had a dud of a game against Arizona. Hes still ranked seventh in fantasy points per game (18.7) on TSN, but consistency remains a problem. 32. Bills QB E.J. Manuel (11-for-20, 129 YDS) suffered a knee injury in the Thursday nighter, and was replaced by Jeff�Tuel (8-for-20, 80 YDS, 1 INT) with predictable results. 33. With Manuel out for 4-8 weeks, Thad�Lewis has been named as the Bills new starter, which seems like bad news for Bills recievers Robert�Woods (5 REC, 64 YDS, 13 targets) and Stevie�Johnson (2 REC, 19 YDS, 3 targets; also hurt Thursday). 34. Browns QB Brian�Hoyer (2-for-4, 25 YDS) suffered a season-ending ACL injury, opening the door for Brandon�Weedens (13-for-24, 197 YDS, 1 TD) return. Weeden at least has some weapons, with TE Jordan�Cameron and WR Josh�Gordon giving him a chance to be productive, but Weeden hasnt distinguished himself in 18 career games, throwing 16 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. 35. Bills RB C.J.�Spiller (66 YDS, 1 TD, 8 carries) was productive thanks to a 54-yard touchdown run and Fred�Jackson (93 YDS, 2 TD, 21 touches) carried the bulk of the workload against Cleveland. With limited appeal to their passing game, expect Spiller and Jackson to get plenty of touches going forward. The issue, for those who thought Spiller could be an elite fantasy runner, is that Jackson has 82 touches to Spillers 83. Tough to be a top producer with such an even split. 36. Good thing Titans RB Chris�Johnson had a 49-yard touchdown catch and run, because his rushing numbers (17 YDS, 10 carries) were abysmal again. Johnsons 58.8 rushing yards per game is a career low. 37. Jaguars QB Blaine�Gabbert (9-for-19, 181 YDS, 1 TD, 2 INT) suffered a hamstring injury against the Rams, which brought Chad�Henne (7-for-13, 89 YDS, 1 TD) in off the bench. 38. With Ravens receivers Marlon�Brown and Jacoby�Jones out, Tandon�Doss (3 REC, 58 YDS, 5 targets) stepped into a bigger role. 39. Eagles RB LeSean�McCoy (92 YDS, 1 TD, 26 touches) didnt get loose against the Giants like he did against other opponents, but he still leads the league in yards from scrimmage. 40. Giants RB David�Wilson (16 YDS, 1 TD, 6 carries) suffered a neck injury against Philadelphia, leading to Brandon�Jacobs (37 YDS, 1 fumble, 11 carries) stepping in. Its hard to count on Wilson who is averaging a paltry 29.2 rushing yards per game, even if he is a starting running back. 41. Patriots QB Tom�Brady (18-for-38, 197 YDS, 1 INT), struggled in the rain at Cincinnati, ending his 52-game touchdown streak, WR Danny�Amendola (4 REC, 55 YDS, 9 targets) returned and was targeted most by Brady, but his overall production -- like all Patriots receivers -- wasnt great. 42. Panthers RB DeAngelo�Williams (69 YDS, 14 touches) ranks 15th in yards from scrimmage (371), but hasnt scored a touchdown yet, which limits his fantasy appeal. 43. Making the most of his few opportunities, Panthers WR Ted�Ginn Jr. (4 REC, 78 YDS, 5 targets) leads Carolina wideouts with 221 receiving yards on 18 targets. His emergence is at least costing Brandon�LaFell, if not Steve�Smith, looks in the Carolina offence. 44. Cardinals RB Andre�Ellington (83 YDS, 11 touches) had more yardage than starter Rashard�Mendenhall (50 YDS, 1 TD, 19 touches). 45. Texans QB Matt�Schaub (19-for-35, 178 YDS, 3 INT) appears to be melting down. Hes thrown an interception returned for a touchdown in four consecutive games, an NFL record. Schaub remains the Texans starter, but that leash is getting shorter and T.J.�Yates will be next in line if Schaub is benched. 46. 49ers QB Colin�Kaepernick (6-for-15, 113 YDS, 1 TD) didnt do much of anything, yet his team still won 34-3. Kaepernick passed for 411 yards in the season opener and has passed for 557 yards (144.3 per game) in the four games since. 47. Raiders RB Rashad�Jennings (41 YDS, 10 carries) was supposed to get most of the work in Darren�McFaddens absence, but Jennings suffered a hamstring injury Sunday night, so Marcel Reese (57 YDS, 10 touches) got some touches too. 48. The highest-scoring players that are owned in fewer than half of TSN fantasy leagues, by position (min. 3 GP): QB - Matt�Schaub (16.3, 35.1%), RB - James�Starks (9.0, 25.8%), WR - Ted�Ginn (9.0, 7.3%) and TE - Charles�Clay (8.8, 28.2%). The least-productive players owned in more than 80% of TSN fantasy leagues, by position (min. 3 GP): QB - Eli�Manning (12.0, 91.9%), RB - David�Wilson (1.5, 91.5%) WR - Kenny�Britt (0.8, 81.3%) and TE - Kyle�Rudolph (3.5, 90.2%) 49. Cardinals ILB Daryl�Washington (9 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT, 1 TFL) was a beast in his first game back from suspension. 50. Other defenders with productive days: Bears OLB Lance�Briggs (14 tackles, 1 sack, 2 TFL), Patriots ILB Brandon�Spikes (12 tackles, 1 INT, 2 TFL), Lions MLB DeAndre�Levy (14 tackles, 3 TFL), Colts ILB Jerrell�Freeman (13 tackles, 1 TFL), Jaguars S Jonathan Cyprien (13 solo tackles), Eagles OLB Mychal�Kendricks (4 tackles, 1 INT, 1 FR), Eagles CB Bradley�Fletcher (9 tackles, 5 PD), Giants S Ryan�Mundy (15 tackles, 2 TFL), Panthers MLB Luke�Kuechly (9 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL), Cardinals OLB Karlos�Dansby (8 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 INT), 49ers ILB Michael�Wilhoite (13 tackles, 3 TFL), 49ers ILB Navorro�Bowman (13 tackles); Raiders OLB Kevin�Burnett (14 tackles, 1 sack), Cowboys ILB Sean�Lee (16 tackles, 1 TFL). Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca�and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. LaDainian Tomlinson Blue Jersey .C. -- Cameron Gaunce scored in overtime to lift the Texas Stars to a 4-3 win over the Abbotsford Heat in American Hockey League action Wednesday. Lance Alworth Chargers Jersey . Maxime Presseaults goal at 13:59 of the second period broke a 2-2 deadlock for the Foreurs, who trailed the series 3-2 before winning back-to-back games, and Guillaume Gelinas and Pierre-Maxime Poudrier also scored.MELBOURNE, Australia -- All Blacks flyhalf Tom Taylor kicked six penalties and hooker Ben Funnell scored the only try for the Crusaders as the New Zealand side laboured past the Melbourne Rebels 25-19 in Super Rugby on Friday. The seven-time champion Crusaders led 12-9 at halftime, all penalties, and the Rebels scored their only try with two minutes remaining through flanker Scott Fuglistaller, giving them a bonus point for losing by fewer than seven points. After starting with two losses, the Crusaders have won two straight heading into a bye next weekend. Taylor, playing outside recalled flyhalf Colin Slade, kicked the Crusaders to their halftime lead while fullback Jason Woodward provided all of the Rebels points. The first try of the match came in the 56th minute with the Rebels, with one win and two losses on the season, trying to hold out waves of attack before they were caught short when Kieran Read gave Funnell a free run into the right corner. The conversion and another penalty from Taylor pushed the lead to 13 points. Fuglistaller crossed late after the forwards mauled the ball. Bryce Hegarty added the conversion to ensure the bonus point. The Rebels, beaten 32-7 by the Western Force in the previous round, reinstated the lineup which easily defeated the Cheetahs in their season-opener and weree stronger defensively as they tried for a fifth consecutive win at home. Branden Oliver Womens Jersey. But persistent infringing, particularly at the scrum, enabled the Crusaders to take the lead from Taylors boot. Melbourne skipper Scott Higginbotham was frustrated with the penalty count. "We pride ourselves on our defence and how tough we are at the breakdown, and it was disappointing to give away that many penalties," Higginbotham said. Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder described the match as "ugly." "Off the back of not having a potent attack tonight, we defended with our hearts and it probably made the difference in the end," Blackadder said. "We can go into the bye in pretty good nick and we need to put a lot of work into our attack. There are a few things we can do which will certainly improve our game." Rebels coach Tony McGahan said the Crusaders experience proved to be the difference. "They were just a bit cuter than us in certain aspects and they controlled things really well," McGahan said. "We kept coming back and they kept slipping away." ------ Scores: Crusaders 25 (Ben Funnell try; Tom Taylor conversion, 6 penalties), Melbourne 19 (Scott Fuglistaller try; Bryce Hegarty conversion penalty, Jason Woodward 3 penalties). HT: 12-9. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

If Jonathan�Bernier is forced to miss a sixth straight game on Tuesday night with a groin strain, the Maple Leafs will be forced to decide between starting James�Reimer or Drew�MacIntyre in net. Los Angeles Dodgers Jersey . Reimer has started five straight games since relieving an injured Bernier against the Kings on Mar. 13. However, after a strong performance against Los Angeles, Reimer has struggled mightily. Through his five games started, Reimer has allowed 12 goals on 75 shots (.840 save percentage) with his team losing every time out. Starting back-to-back nights for the second time in less than week, Reimer allowed three goals to the New Jersey Devils on 10 shots Sunday night. MacIntrye entered in relief of Reimer early in the second period and stopped all 12 shots he faced. Still, the Leafs fell 3-2. Unless Bernier proves ready for action, the Leafs will be forced to decide whether to turn back to Reimer or to give MacIntyre the first start of his NHL career against the best team in the Western Conference, the St. Louis Blues. Leafs head coach Randy Carlyle said on Monday that hes not certain when Bernier will be ready to return, but said that hes making progress. With their playoff hopes slipping, who should the Leafs turn to Tuesday night, Reimer or MacIntyre? As always, its Your! Call. Orlando Cepeda Cardinals Jersey . Bautista led off the 10th inning with his second homer of the game, lifting the Toronto Blue Jays to a 5-4 win over the Cleveland Indians on Saturday night. Max Scherzer Tigers Jersey . The result was a game-winning, power-play goal. Chiasson snapped a third-period tie and lifted the Dallas Stars to a 3-2 victory on Monday night.COPENHAGEN � Just minutes into Wednesdays practice, an irritated Brent Sutter stopped the proceedings and called the 25 players over for a stern talking-to. The message was simple. "We needed to be better," the head coach of the Canadian junior hockey team explained. "We need to make sure we form an identity, make sure we have an element to our hockey team that we have to have and thats to be a hard-working team, thats to be a team thats going to play in a way that needs to be played. "Everyone knows that its a skilled group, everybody knows that its a group thats elite in its age group in Canada, but theres intangibles and things that we need to continue to get better at: competing, working, playing hard, winning battles, making sure were responsible defensively, making sure that, in the offensive zone, we got guys going to the net, all the things you need to do to be a successful team. "Practice didnt start off the way I liked and I just addressed it." And if the words werent enough, Sutter put his charges through more than 30 minutes of battle drills, including one called "The Gauntlet." That drill saw all the players line the side boards and then, one-by-one, each would skate down the line on the inside getting body checked every few strides. WATCH: Canadian players go through The Gauntlet: http://bit.ly/19TkOeR "Thats probably the old school coming out of me a little bit," said the 51-year-old Sutter, who is the owner, general manager and head coach of the Western Hockey Leagues Red Deer Rebels. "Its about getting the guys involved. You got to get in the trenches to win hockey games. Youre going to have to give hits and take hits, especially along the boards. The ice surface over here is obviously a little bit bigger, but the board-work and the trench-work is still a big part of the game. "Its just something to get the guys engaged. And you saw it here today, after we did a couple of those types of drills, the guys were more in sync and more in tune with their emotional level, their intensity level picked up." Sutter has employed this drill in the past, notably ahead of the 2007 Canada-Russia Super Series, which saw his team post a dominant 7-0-1 record. But most of the players on the ice in the Danish capital on Wednesday hadnt gone through "The Gauntlet" in quite some time, if at all.�� "That was a first for me," admitted Derrick Pouliot, a Portland Winterhawks defenceman drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins eighth overall in 2012. "Thats definitely old school. I wasnt sure what was going on and then he said to go through everybody and I was like, Ooooookay." "My dad used to do it with our teams in minor hockey," said centre Scott Laughton, a Flyers prospect, who captains the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League. "I think some of the boys were wondering what was going on, but I knew what was up. It was pretty cool to see." "I used to do that when I was a little younger in minor hockey when I first started hitting," said London Knights forward Bo Horvat, who was picked ninthh overall by the Canucks in June. Brooks Robinson Orioles Jersey. "It was good to get the boys going, a little team bonding and I think the boys really enjoyed that."�But "The Gauntlet" was far from the only battle drill employed by Sutter, who has a well-earned reputation for demanding discipline, including asking that players shave facial hair and cut any long hair before coming to camp. On Wednesday, he also had the team gather around the centre-ice circle and watch as two guys battled for the puck.� "You definitely put more effort into it when you see the whole team there," said Laughton. "I think it brings the guys together when you battle together and you battle with each other. I think it really sends a message." "Everybodys watching," added Horvart, "and you dont want to look stupid out there or anything like that." The battle drills and Sutters speech were designed to set the template for the teams identity. Canada hasnt won a gold medal at the world junior championship in four years and last year missed the podium altogether, snapping a 14-year medal streak. Sutter, who has an unblemished record behind the world junior bench, leading Canada to titles in 2005 and 2006, was brought in to right the ship. "Canadas never won anything when they thought they could win it strictly on skill," Sutter said. "Youve got to have those other things and it doesnt matter at what level. Its stuff that we have to continue to dig in with these guys and get them to understand. And theyre a pretty receptive group, very coachable group and theyre sponges and it showed today." "Weve got to take it day-by-day," said Laughton, a top contender to be Canadas captain when the tournament opens on Boxing Day. "Thats the most important thing and just be a hard-nosed team to play against. Play Canadian hockey: good on the forecheck and good on the cycle. We got a bunch of big guys that can move pretty well so I think thats going to be the identity." "We want to be a hard team to play against," said Horvat. "We want to play hard every game, take it day-by-day, and that message definitely got across at practice." Sutter wants his team to remain humble and hungry so he wasnt thrilled to learn the oddsmakers at Bodog have installed Canada as 7/4 favourites to win the gold medal. The defending champion Americans, host Swedes and Russians, who beat Canada in the bronze medal game a year ago, were all 3/1. "Last I saw, another team won the gold medal last year and we finished fourth so people can say what they need to say on the outside, but we have a lot of work ahead of us," said Sutter. "Youre always favoured. Canada is always favoured, because its our game, you know, its Canada and thats all perception on the outside. But the ones inside, weve got to get busy, get to work, theres a lot of work involved and we got to dig in. "We havent won here in a while so weve got to get back to playing the way we need to play and if we want to have a chance in this tournament, its not going to be strictly based on skill." cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

OTTAWA -- The head of the Canadian Olympic Committee says the death of two Canadian skiers in the last three months is a reminder of the element of risk inherent in competitive sport. Nike Free Run Billig . Nik Zoricic died from head injuries after flying off the course and crashing in a World Cup skicross event in Grindelwald, Switzerland, on Saturday. In January, Canadian freestyle skier Sarah Burke died following a training accident in Utah. The COCs Marcel Aubut says both were taken too soon. But Aubut says its also too soon to be talking about whether the push to include extreme sports like skicross in the Olympics is creating risky conditions for athletes. "We dont know exactly what happened in those cases," Aubut said. "Were not prepared to comment until we know the facts." Skicross debuted at the 2010 Olympics, joining snowboard cross in the latest attempt by the International Olympic Committee to bring a more exciting, youthful feel to the Games. Its known as "NASCAR on skis" and sees four racers tackle a course filled with banks, rolls and ridges. Burkes sport of ski halfpipe is set to make its debut at the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia. Appearing in Ottawa for a funding announcement on Tuesday, Aubut asked the crowd to pause for 30 seconds of silence to honour both athletes. "Our thoughts and prayers are with these two dynamic individuals who in pursuing excellence in sports push themselves to reach for the pinnacle of success," he said. "In doing so, they have made themselves, their family and their country very proud." Looking ahead to the 2014 Games in Sochi, Aubut said he remains confident that NHL players will be given the green light to play in those Olympics. And he said he also believes that Canadians will be able to watch those Games on local television. In January, the IOC rejected a joint offer from Bell and CBC to broadcast the next Winter Games and the 2016 Summer Games. Aubut said the offer was rejected because it wasnt high enough but he says he thinks a deal will come together. "Can you imagine that Canadians will look at NBC to hear what is going on with their own athletes?" he said. "Its not possible." Nike Air Max 90 Dame . -- Chris Wondolowski scored his 10th goal of the season and the San Jose Earthquakes made it stand for a 1-0 victory against the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday. Nike Air Max 90 Tilbud Herre . The delighted Vancouver Whitecaps coach was "lost for words" after his club scored three goals in the first 20 minutes en route to a 3-2 win over the San Jose Earthquakes.Sochi, Russia (SportsNetwork.com) - The queen is still on top, but her reign has some worthy challengers. South Koreas Kim Yuna began her quest for a second straight Olympic gold medal by posting the top score on Wednesday in the womens short program at the Sochi Olympics. But Kims advantage is slim. She scored a 74.92 as the 17th performer and her lead held solid until Italys Carolina Kostner put together a routine that netted her a score of 74.12. Russias Adelina Sotnikova then sent the home crowd into a frenzy with a routine that scored at 74.64, putting her a mere .28 behind Kim, known in her home country as Queen Yuna. Canadas Kaetlyn Osmond damaged her short program with a heavy stumble en route to a score of 56.18. She is currently 13th. Kims score on Wednesday was good enough to put her first going into Thursdays free skate, with medals awarded following that event. Kim, a two- time world champion, is aiming to become the first repeat gold medalist in the ladies singles since Katarina Witt in 1984 and 88. The 23-year-old used a score of 78.. Nike Free Run 2 Dame Tilbud. .50 in the short program en route to gold four years ago in Vancouver and was solid in Sochi despite a foot injury suffered in September that held her out of action until December. Japans Mao Asada, who won a silver four years ago, fell during her routine and was 16th with a score of 55.51. The U.S. saw its three skaters finish in the top seven, led by Gracie Golds score of 68.63 that landed her in fourth. Ashley Wagner was sixth following a score of 65.21, putting her behind 15- year-old Russian fan-favorite Yulia Lipnitskaya. She earned a score of 65.23 despite a fall during her routine on a triple flip. Another 15-year-old had a solid showing in American Polina Edmunds, who set a new season-best with a score of 61.04 to put her in seventh place. The American woman have something to prove after failing to win an Olympic medal for the first time since 1964 four years ago in Vancouver. In fact, theres only been one U.S. medalist in the ladies singles in the past two Olympics and that was a silver by Sasha Cohen in 2006. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '