NEWARK, N. Fake Flames Jerseys .J. -- The Boston Bruins are not only threatening to run away with the Eastern Conference, they are challenging St. Louis for the NHLs best regular-season record. The Bruins rolled to their 10th straight victory Tuesday night, getting goals from Brad Marchand and Jarome Iginla in a 59-second span early in the second period in beating the slumping New Jersey Devils 4-2. The winning streak ties Anaheim for the NHLs longest this season and it has moved the Bruins (99 points) just two behind the idle Blues in the race for the Presidents Trophy. St. Louis has a game in hand. "Its been good," Bruins coach Claude Julien said after the team posted its third 10-game winning streak since he took over as coach in 2007-08. "Our guys just keep believing and doing the right things," he added. "Thats given us the opportunity to win." The right thing for the Bruins was their response after Patrik Elias scored for New Jersey with a two-man advantage just 29 seconds into the second period. Not only did it tie the game at 1, it happened so fast that the Devils had 1:28 left on the second power play. Instead of sagging while playing their second game in as many nights, the Bruins responded. Marchand scored his league-leading fifth short-handed goal and the red-hot Iginla pushed the lead to two goals less than a minute late. "Its always nice when you are able to get a goal right after they score one, and getting it short-handed is always nice," Marchand said. The winning streak is the Bruins longest since a 10-game run in November 2011. Its also four shy of the franchise record set in 1929-30. "Were not thinking about anything," Marchand said of the record and the run at the Presidents Trophy. "Weve cleared that out of our minds and are trying to take it game by game and day by day. Weve played too many games in too short of a time to think like that. Its just a struggle getting up every day and looking at the next game. Its been a pretty tiring month. "Were staying focused, and if we do that, well continue our run." Patrice Bergeron and Chris Kelly also scored for Boston. Chad Johnson made 20 saves as the Eastern Conference leaders hurt the Devils post-season hopes by sending them to their third straight loss. Bergeron also had the primary assist on Marchands goal while Zdeno Chara, who was celebrating his 37th birthday, made the breakout pass out of the zone. The goal had not been announced when Iginla broke into the Devils zone after taking a long pass and beat Martin Brodeur between the pads with a shot from the right circle. It was his 26th goal of the season and his fifth in the last three games. Elias and Travis Zajac scored for the Devils, who have 13 games left to either turn things around or they will miss the playoffs for the second straight year and third time in four. Brodeur made 27 saves. "Our effort is just not at the right point for the urgency that we need to make that push toward the playoffs," Brodeur said. The fans at the Prudential Center noted that by booing New Jersey as it left the ice down 3-1 after two periods. "We deserved to get booed," said Elias, whose goal was his 16th. Kelly stretched the lead to 4-1 a little more than seven minutes into the third period, beating Brodeur in close after taking a pass from Carl Soderberg. Zajac snapped a shot over Johnson (15-3-1) a little more than two minutes later. It was his 13th of the season. The Bruins, who were playing on consecutive nights, dominated the first period, taking the first nine shots. Bergeron put them ahead with 5:27 left in the period when he was sent in alone by Reilly Smith and beat Brodeur with a backhander that seemed to slip off his stick. NOTES: Bruins D Johnny Boychuk missed his second straight game with a leg injury. ... Devils F Ryan Carter missed his second straight with an upper-body injury. New Jersey recalled Tim Sestito from Albany (AHL) to take his place on the fourth line. ... The Bruins had killed off 20 straight penalties before Elias scored with 6 seconds left in the two-man advantage. ... Iginlas goal was the 556th of his career, tying him with Bruins great John Bucyk for 25th place in NHL history. ... Devils F Jaromir Jagr picked up an assist on Zajacs goal, the 1,044th of his career, five behind Gordie Howe for eighth in league history. Flames Jerseys China . The Toronto Maple Leafs forward and Nashville Predators goaltender highlighted Mondays waiver transactions, with Calgarys Chuck Kobasew and Edmontons Philip Larsen also being placed on waivers. Custom Calgary Flames Jerseys . There is no argument that the line of Pacioretty, David Desharnais and Thomas Vanek was one of the hottest in the NHL leading into the post-season, and they did combine for three goals and seven points, but it was the depth of all four lines that helped propel Montreal. https://www.cheapflames.com/ . Lisicki beat South African Chanelle Scheepers by a 7-5, 7-6 (7-1) margin. Next up for the Wimbledon runner-up will be Slovenian Polona Hercog, who outlasted Czech Petra Cetkovska 6-4, 5-7, 6-1.TORONTO -- R.A. Dickey, his knuckleball moving like the noggin on his bobblehead giveaway, gave the Toronto Blue Jays a sorely needed quality start Sunday. And the rest of the team also stepped up, with Brett Lawrie and Edwin Encarnacion combining to drive in four runs in a 7-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox. Toronto (12-13) leaves for an eight-game road trip, which starts Tuesday in Kansas City, having washed away the taste of a sour four-game losing streak at home. The Jays, who had given up 36 runs on 47 hits and 22 walks during the four-game slide, badly needed a change of direction. Dickey said a talk by manager John Gibbons after Saturdays 7-6 loss, when a Jays comeback fell just short, had done the trick. "He was just so encouraging," said Dickey, who got the win on his first major-league bobblehead giveaway day. "I think everybody left the clubhouse feeling at ease about who we are as a team. So we just needed to come out today and be ourselves. And we were able to do that. "We fought hard. Guys were getting dirty, diving for balls, taking the extra base. I was able to throw strikes and we had a great team win today." Said Gibbons: "It was a much-needed win, I will definitely say." On a weekend where racism in sports made headlines thanks to Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling, the Jays made Major League Baseball history with a record six Dominicans in the starting lineup: Encarnacion, Jose Reyes, Melky Cabrera, Jose Bautista, Juan Francisco and Moises Sierra. The Dominicans signed the lineup card, which Bautista said was going to be sent to the Dominican Museum of Baseball. "It was an honour to be part of that today," said Reyes. An announced sellout of 45,260 at the Rogers Centre saw Dickey outduel Jon Lester with Lawrie providing the early offence before the Jays put the game away with two runs in the seventh and three in the eighth. Lawrie, who entered the game hitting .165 but leading the team in RBIs, drove in two runs with a homer and double to increase his RBI total to 20. Dickey (2-3) scattered five hits over 6 1/3 innings, giving up one run and striking out six. Walks have been a thorn in the Jays side. Toronto pitchers had issued 108 free passes going into play Sunday -- second-worst in the majors -- with Dickey tied for the MLB lead with 18. But Dickey was in control Sunday. He threw 95 pitches, including 62 strikes, and didnt issue a walk for the first time since October 2012. "When I have one to zero to two walks, its usually going to be a pretty good day," he said. "And thats what I have to get back to and today was a step in that direction." Relievers Stevve Delabar and Esmil Rogers closed out the game for Toronto, which outhit Boston 9-6. Stitched Flames Jerseys. Lester (2-4) deserved better from his seven innings. He gave up four runs on five hits, striking out seven and walking none. He threw 120 pitches, 80 for strikes, as Boston (12-14) was denied its first sweep of Toronto since June 10-12, 2011. The Boston left-hander came into the game with a 15-7 career mark against Toronto, having held the Jays to a .199 batting average. It was the first win for Dickey since April 5 and came after three starts in which he went 0-2 with 13 walks in 13 1/3 innings. He used his fastball more than usual, knowing that Boston led the league in pitches seen. "So I knew they were probably going to be patient. And nothings worse than seeing a fastball down the middle from a knuckleball pitcher and letting it go," he added. Some observers thought Dickey seemed irked at being pulled in the seventh inning. The pitcher, who has faded in some previous starts, said hes just "passionate" about what he does. He acknowledged he had told both Gibbons and pitching coach Pete Walker to keep a close eye on him in case he did falter. After the Jays went ahead 2-1 in the third, Dickey and Lester took turns mowing down the opposition. It took some time but Toronto bats finally came alive, welcome news for Dickey who had only got five runs in support before leaving in his five previous starts. Toronto increased its lead to 4-1 in the seventh on back-to-back doubles by Encarnacion and Lawrie and an RBI groundout by Sierra. Lester had retired 10 straight prior to the inning. Reyes scored on an RBI single by Bautista -- who extended his on-base streak to 25 games -- in the eighth before Encarnacion drove in two more with another double. Dickey retired his first five hitters before giving up a run on three straight singles with the RBI going to Jackie Bradley Jr. Lawrie tied it up with one swing of the bat in the bottom of the second, depositing a 3-2 Lester delivery into left-centre for his sixth homer. Lawrie has just 17 hits this season but seven have been for extra-base hits. Toronto went ahead 2-1 in the third on Cabreras two-out RBI double, sending Josh Thole home. Thole, Dickeys personal catcher, singled down the left-field line and then advanced on Jonathan Diazs sacrifice bunt. Cabrera, who came into the game leading the majors in hits, now has 39 including 13 of the extra-base variety. Dickey was slated to head home after the game, with a couple of bobbleheads under his arm for his kids. "Theyre not going to be collectors at my house," he said. "The heads are going to be popped off by the end of the day." ' ' '
SAN DIEGO -- Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd says hes been cleared for contact after missing most of last season following a scary neck injury. Cheap Avalanche Jerseys . Floyd participated in the first day of the Chargers organized team activities Tuesday. In his words, "Its good to be back out there. Im cleaned for contact. Im cleared for everything." While many Chargers attended the workout, Antonio Gates, Ryan Mathews and Dwight Freeney were among those who did not. Linebacker Manti Teo worked on a side field as he continues to recover from off-season foot surgery. Fake Avalanche Jerseys .Y. - OK, it is done. Wholesale Avalanche Jerseys . -- The Denver Broncos locked up a shutdown cornerback, only his name wasnt Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. https://www.cheapavalanche.com/ . Gaborik was acquired in a trade with Columbus on Wednesday and skated on the top line with centre Anze Kopitar and right-winger Justin Williams. "We created some things," said Gaborik, who logged 16:38 of ice time. RENTON, Wash. -- The Seattle Seahawks have called a news conference for Friday morning amid a report they have reached a contract extension with coach Pete Carroll. NFL Network reported Thursday night, citing a "source," that Carroll and the Seahawks had reached agreement on a contract extension. Carrolls original five-year deal with Seattle was set to expire after the 2014 season. The Seahawks announcement did not specify the nature of the news conference and team officials would not confirm the report of an extension for Carroll. Carroll reached the top of the NFL last season, leading the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl title. Lured away from USC in 2010 with the chance at complete control over the football operations, Carroll tore down then rebuilt the Seahawks roster into one of the best in the NFL. Hes 38-26 in four regular seasons with Seattle and 5-2 in the playoffs. Carroll has made competition the benchmark of his time in Seattle. Its why quarterback Russell Wilson and cornerback Richard Sherman have become stars -- because they were given opportunities in Carrolls system. Carroll, 62, is the second oldest coach in the NFL, but rarely appears his age. He came to Seattle because of the chance he didnt have in his two previous stops as an NFL head coach: control. Seattle gave him the reins to the franchise, and hired him before adding general manager John Schneider to the mix, a relationship that has been marked by stability and success. Carroll lacked control in his previous positions with New England and the New York Jets. But after a decade of winnning with the Trojans and having that control, it was something Carroll demanded if he was going to get back into the professional ranks and the Seahawks were willing. Colorado Avalanche Gear. Seattle also let Carroll imprint his attitude on the locker room. He wanted a fun atmosphere filled with accountability. Competition was at the crux of everything Carroll did from the day he inherited a 5-11 team. Carroll took Seattle to the playoffs in his first season despite a 7-9 regular season record. The Seahawks plateaued in 2011 going 7-9 again but took a jump in 2012 after drafting Wilson. The Seahawks went 11-5 in the regular season and reached the divisional round of the playoffs. The roster turnover had been completed and there were massive expectations going into 2013. Seattle matched and surpassed those expectations. Carroll guided Seattle to 13 wins in the regular season, the NFC West title and home-field advantage in the playoffs. Seattle knocked off New Orleans in the divisional round, then edged San Francisco in the NFC title game to reach its second Super Bowl. At the Super Bowl, Carroll got to celebrate the way he did watching USCs run of dominance in the mid-2000s. Seattles defence stifled the highest scoring offence in NFL history, humbling Denver in a 43-8 beating to give Seattle its first title. After the season Carroll sounded as if he was locked in to a long future with the Seahawks. "Were trying to do something really good for a really long time and we want to see how far we can go and someday, we look back and see what we accomplished," Carroll said. ' ' '
MILWAUKEE -- Struggling through one of the worst seasons in franchise history, Brandon Knight and the Milwaukee Bucks wish they could play the Los Angeles Lakers every night. John David Crow Jersey . Knight scored 30 points and Ramon Sessions added 22 to lead the Bucks to a 108-105 victory over the Lakers on Thursday to break an eight-game losing streak. The Bucks swept the season series for the first time since 2006-07, as Milwaukee beat Los Angeles 94-79 on Dec. 31. Knight scored a career-high 37 points in the first meeting. "Im not sure what it was, but I was able to have two good games against them," Knight said. "Some teams you just match up well against and we did this year against the Lakers." Knight also hit the key shot, a 17-foot jumper with 16 seconds remaining to give the Bucks a 105-99 lead. "They did a good job of cutting off a drive to the basket, but I was able to step back and get a good jumper that went down," he said. "It really felt nice to win a game like that." Khris Middleton added 14 points for the Milwaukee, which won for only the 14th time this season. The Bucks hit 55.7 per cent from the field, just the eighth time this season the Bucks have shot better than 50 per cent. "We feel very fortunate that we were able to play well both times that we faced them, but I dont really sense pride in beating them twice to be honest," Bucks coach Larry Drew said. Drew said Knight and Sessions really opened the floor for Milwaukee. "We probably ran more pick-and-roll than any other game we played. But we really were just focused on trying to open up the floor and both guys were getting to the basket and making shots," he said. "They seemed to play well off one another tonight. I played them both heavy minutes but they responded very well." Bucks rookie Giannis Antetokounmpo was injured midway through the fourth quarter when he stepped on Nick Youngs foot while driving to the basket and hurt his left ankle. He was helped to the locker room and did not return. Drew said the team would know more about Antetokounmpos injury on Friday. The Lakers had won two straight, including a 127-96 win over the New York Knicks on Tuesday when they scored 51 points in the third quarter. Jordan Hill had 28 points and 16 rebounds for the Lakers, while Young added 17 points. Young said the Lakers cant overlook any team, no matter its record. "This is the NBA where anyone can win on any night," he said. "You have to give them credit. They were more aggressive than we were at the end and really took it to the basket hard." Young hit a 3-pointer and Hill made a jumper to trim the lead to 103-99 with 1:43 remaining. Knights 17-foot jumper then gave the Bucks a six-point lead. Young countered by hitting a 3-pointer with 16 seconds remaining, but the Lakers were unable to foul and Zaza Pachulia layup made it 107-102. Kent Bazemore hit a desperation 3-pointer for the Lakers with 2 seconds remaining, but Sessions was fouled and hit one of two free throws to make the score 108-105 with 0.6 seconds remaining. Young was unable to get off a final shot. "I felt like we could get it done, but it didnt happen," Young said. The Lakers played without Pau Gasol, who was out with vertigo for the second straight game, and Steve Nash, who has missed 18 of the teams last 19 games with nerve irritation. Notes: The Bucks announced Thursday that forward Ersan Ilyasova would be sidelined for the remainder of the season with a right ankle and foot injury. ... O.J. Mayo also missed the game for the Bucks as he sprained his ankle in the teams loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. . Lakers centre Chris Kaman arrived at the arena just 30 minutes before the game, but still started and scored 13 points. Richard Seymour Jersey . Pospisil, whose season-ending goal is to improve his ATP Tour ranking enough to qualify for one of the 32 seedings at Januarys Australian Open, dominated Karlovic in 59 minutes. The world No. 40 never faced a break point and limited the big mans threatening ace count to a mere eight, while striking five key aces of his own. Garrison Hearst Jersey . - Jerome Verrier scored the winner 8:24 into overtime and Louis-Phillip Guindon stopped 46 shots as the Drummondville Voltigeurs edged the host Val-dOr Foreurs 4-3 on Friday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoff action. http://www.custompatriotsjersey.com/custom-bob-dee-jersey-large-341f.html . Henderson (20-3) received winning scores of 48-47 and 49-46, and the other judge scored it 48-47 for Thomson (20-6). The announcement drew boos from the United Center crowd. "Train this hard for this long, its such a long camp and I see my title shot disappear," said Thomson, who fought most of the fight with a broken right hand. SAN DIEGO -- It was a classic win by the punchless San Diego Padres. Everth Cabreras bunt single in the first inning was the only hit Wednesday by the Padres, who still beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-2 thanks to Francisco Lirianos wildness. "Thats Padres baseball right there," Cabrera said with a big grin. The Padres hit only two balls out of the infield: one that was caught by an outfielder and the other was a sacrifice fly that was caught by second baseman Josh Harrison in short right. "There are lot of ways to win a baseball game and that was one of them," said manager Bud Black, who has presided over two of the three victories in franchise history in which the Padres had only one hit. San Diego won 1-0 at San Francisco on April 20, 2010, when Jonathan Sanchez and Sergio Romo combined on a one-hitter. San Diego beat the Chicago Cubs 2-1 on July 19, 1975, when Steve Stone and Tom Dettore had a combined one-hitter. "You never know whats going to happen in a big league game," Black said. "Anytime you win its great, but when you win a game like that where you only get one knock, its a pretty good one. Feel good about it." The Padres played ultimate small-ball, scoring on a sacrifice fly, an error and a bases-loaded walk to avoid a three-game sweep. Rene Riveras fly to Andrew McCutcheon to end the eighth was the only ball fielded by a Pirates outfielder. "Nobody can beat us when we go 23 outs before the first one goes to the outfield," Black cracked. Carlos Quentin hit a sacrifice fly in the first, but it was caught in short right by Harrison. Ian Kennedy (5-6) won his third straight start, striking out seven and allowing two runs on five hits in six innings. He walked one. Huston Street pitched the ninth for his 18th save in as many chances. Three Pirates pitchers issued nine walks, two intentional, and hit one batter. The Padres struck out 10 times. San Diego has only 12 hits in its last four games. "I dont think I have ever been a part of that situation where you lose a close game on one hit, albeit a bunt," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "Although, they did have a bunch of baserunners." Liriano (1-6) walked six and struck out seven in five innings. Lamar McHan Jersey. He walked the bases loaded in the fourth inning and then walked Chris Denorfia to give the Padres a 3-1 lead. San Diego took a 2-0 lead in the first. Denorfia drew a leadoff walk, stole second and took third when Cabrera beat out a push bunt for a single. Quentin hit the sacrifice fly caught by Harrison. His throw home was well up the third-base line. After Chase Headley was hit by a pitch, Cabrera scored on Harrisons throwing error on Tommy Medicas grounder. "We had a runner on second base. We dont hit it that much," Cabrera said. "I had Carlos Quentin behind me and I was thinking, Put the ball in play. Push bunt and thats it. "The most important thing is that we won the game," Cabrera said. "It doesnt matter how." Said Liriano: "It just got a little confusing. He put it in the right spot, it was a good bunt. I wasnt expecting a bunt on a 3-2 count." Pittsburgh pulled to 2-1 on Andrew McCutcheons homer to left leading off the fourth, his sixth. The Pirates added another run in the fifth when Harrison doubled in Jordy Mercer, who was aboard on a leadoff single. NOTES: Padres RHP Andrew Cashner threw a bullpen session and could start Saturday night against Washington if he doesnt have a setback. Hes been on the disabled list with soreness in his right elbow since May 15. ... The Padres recalled INF Jace Peterson from Triple-A El Paso and optioned RHP Jesse Hahn to Double-A San Antonio. Peterson, in his second stint with the Padres, started at second base in place of Jedd Gyorko, whos hitting only .162. ... Peterson hit .174 in 10 games, including seven starts, in his first stint with the Padres. ... Hahn lasted 2 2-3 innings in his major league debut in a 4-1 loss to Pittsburgh on Tuesday night. ... San Diego is off Thursday and will open a three-game series against Washington on Friday, when the scheduled starters are Tanner Roark (3-4, 3.25) for the Nationals and Tyson Ross (6-4, 2.85) for the Padres. ... Pittsburgh also is off Thursday and returns home to open a series against Milwaukee on Friday, when the scheduled starters are Kyle Lohse (7-1, 2.60) for the Brewers and Brandon Cumpton (0-2, 6.85) for the Pirates. ' ' '
Got a question on rule clarification, comments on rule enforcements or some memorable NHL stories? Kerry wants to answer your emails at cmonref@tsn. Oren Burks Super Bowl Jersey .ca. Hi Kerry, I think theres a significant flaw in the NHLs instant replay process - or perhaps you have an explanation Im not aware of? During the Leafs/Kings game Monday night, L.A. scored an early goal. It wasnt clear that the puck crossed the line, so the play continued on. At the next stoppage, they went upstairs, and it was quickly called a good goal because it clearly crossed the line. However, if you watch the replay of the goal, Marian Gaborik circles into Berniers crease and obstructs Berniers ability to slide left and stop the Anze Kopitar shot. He was standing in the middle of the crease well before the puck crossed the line. At the point in time the puck crossed the line, the ref wasnt aware it crossed the line and the play continued. Therefore, there was no need to wave the goal off due to goalie interference. When the play went for review, all the boys in the War Room looked for was the puck crossing the line. In actuality, the puck did cross the line, but the goal should have been disallowed due to goalie interference. And because the War Room cant look at goalie interference, the wrong call had to be made. Another conspiracy call against the Leafs in L.A. or am I just missing something? Craig Dalziel Craig: You havent missed a thing as evidenced by your excellent observation and well prepared question. The correct decision made within the allowable criteria and capability of the video review process to determine a good goal on this play reinforces my ongoing publicly stated position that the referees must be allowed to personally review potential goals where there is any suspicion that a violation of goalkeeper interference had occurred. Even though play continued for approximately 45 seconds after Anze Kopitar fired an undetected rocket under the crossbar for a potential goal, one or all of the officials on the ice could have determined, (perhaps through reflective hindsight) that Marian Gaborik had maintained a significant presence and initiated contact with Leafs goalie Jonathan Bernier prior to the shot. They might have even determined that Bernier was unable to move freely about his crease as a result of Gaboriks intrusion and contact inside the blue paint. The time lapse that resulted could have contributed to a foggy recollection of the play by the officials. Perhaps the fact that it all happened very quickly in real time just might have caused them to miss the potential goalie interference. The fact remains, if they had detected the incidental contact on what they thought was of no consequence at the time of an undetected goal, nothing prevented the referee(s) from disallowing that goal as a result of goalkeeper interference once video review informed them that the puck had in fact entered the net. For whatever reason the call was missed on the ice in the moment, if the referee(s) had the opportunity to review a play of this nature my best guess is they just might have disallowed the potential goal. As we know, goalie interference is the on-ice officials call to make. Most often, they could surely use the benefit of video replay to make this very difficult call correctly. Lets not be too quick to cast blame on the referees however. They want the authority and ability to review goalie interference. It just hasnt been granted to them at this point. As we more closely examine this play Craig, Bernier set himself at the right side post in a butterfly position and then chose to flop as he moved across the crease prior to the contact initiated by Gaborik. Some might suggest that Bernier put himself in a position where he would not have been able to make the save on Kopitars shot regardless of any interference created by Gaborik. While we could debate that distinct possibility, rule 69.3 clearly states that if an attacking player initiates contact with a goalkeeper, incidental or otherwise, while the goalkeeper is in his goal crease, and a goal is scored, the goal will be disallowed. 69.1 also provides that goals should be disallowed only if an attacking player, either by his positioning or by contact, impairs the goalkeepers ability to move freely within his crease and defend his goal. Gaborik entered the crease willingly and not through contact with Leafs Captain Dion Phaneuf. By his positioning (significant presence inside the crease) and contact, Gaborik impaired Berniers ability to move freely within his crease and defend his goal. I have to believe that, upon further review, most referees would determine that a violation of rule 69 had resulted and the good goal would be overturned with a call at ice level. Jason Spriggs Super Bowl Jersey .com) - Rakeem Christmas scored 21 points, B. Corey Linsley Super Bowl Jersey . As a follow-up, TSN.ca offers you the opportunity to chime in on all the big issues with our insiders. Read up on all the questions and answers, and put in your own two cents on our popular Your Call feature. https://www.packersrookiestore.com/Packers-Bryan-Bulaga-Jersey/ . Notes on Bergeron, Marchand, Gorges, Vanek, Gaborik, Doughty, Hiller and more. BRUINS STORM BACK TO TAKE GAME TWO The Boston Bruins rallied from a 3-1 deficit, scoring four unanswered goals, to win Game Two, 5-3 over the Montreal Canadiens.MANCHESTER, England -- Manchester United named Wayne Rooney as its new captain on Tuesday shortly after the team beat Valencia 2-1 in manager Louis van Gaals first home game in charge of the English Premier League club. Rooney will wear the armband in Uniteds season opener against Swansea City with Darren Fletcher named the vice-captain. The striker takes over the captaincy from Nemanja Vidic who joined Italian club Inter Milan in the off-season. Substitute Marouane Fellaini scored in second-half stoppage time in Uniteds final warm-up game ahead of the start of the new season. Van Gaal, who signed a three-year contract to succeed David Moyes at Old Trafford, had enjoyed a strong pre-season winning all five of the clubs matches on their tour of the United States. Despite the late victory, van Gaal was critical of his team ahead of the start of the season. "I think it was our worst match today. There was a lot of wrong choices, wrong passes and we didnt press so good," said the United boss. However he was quick to praise the home crowd after walking out at Old Trafford for the first time. "Fantastic. They (the fans) are shouting and screaming your name," noted the 62-year-old Wayne Rooney spurrned the chance to give the hosts a first-half lead, when his penalty was saved by goalkeeper Diego Alves in the 32nd minute. Marquez Valdes-Scantling Super Bowl Jersey. . Rooney had seconds earlier been felled in the penalty area by defender Antonio Barragan. United broke the deadlock shortly after the restart when Darren Fletcher slotted home from the edge of the area. Ashley Youngs 49th minute corner eventually fell into his path and the Scottish international netted albeit with the aid of a deflection. Valencia almost equalized in the 65th minute when Rodrigos goalbound header was flicked off the line by Javier Hernandez. The visitors were undeterred, and continued to press forward in search of a goal. They were deservedly rewarded in the 71st when Rodrigo blazed a first-time volley into the roof of the net following a free-kick. Moments later, substitute Pablo Piatti poked a shot wide from close range. After being picked out by Jose Gaya on the left wing, he slid his attempt past David De Geas right-hand post and the La Liga side were left to rue that miss when Fellaini struck late on. "At the end we are the winner because we are fighting to the last minute and that is also a good signal I believe," added van Gaal. ' ' '
OKLAHOMA CITY - Russell Westbrook has taken his game up a notch since Kevin Durants latest injury. Sonny Jackson Jersey .In six games since Durants latest setback, Westbrook has averaged 30.2 points, 8.1 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 3.2 steals for Oklahoma City. The three-time All-Stars overall scoring average of 28 points would lead the league if he had played in enough games to qualify, but he missed 14 games early in the season with a broken bone in his right (non-shooting) hand. A player must compete in 70 per cent of his teams contests to officially top a category.Westbrook always has been a highlight waiting to happen, but this year, a greater mastery of the games nuances has complemented his freakish explosiveness. He is looking for his teammates more often, taking fewer three pointers, using his athleticism to get to the free throw line more frequently and playing steady defence consistently.Thunder coach Scott Brooks announced that Durant will return Wednesday night against Phoenix, but Westbrook already has left his impression.Its always a tough matchup when you see a top point guard, especially him, Portland point guard Damian Lillard said after both scored 40 points in their matchup last week. I respect him right up there at the top with any player in the league. Not just point guards — with any player in the league, because of how tough it is to play against him on both ends of the floor.With Durant out with a broken bone in his right foot, Westbrook opened the season with 38 points against Portland before getting hurt in the second game against the Los Angeles Clippers. In his first game back, Westbrook scored 32 points in 24 minutes in a win over the New York Knicks. With Durant sidelined, Westbrook had 34 points, 11 assists and five steals in a Christmas Day win at defending champion San Antonio. He recently had a stretch of games in which he scored at least 26 points snapped at 11.He has increased his defensive focus, too. His 2.3 steals per game would be ahead of the league leader if he had played enough games.Hes been locked in for longer stretches, Thunder forward Nick Collison said. Just his basic defence, starting with pressuring the ball and staying in front of his man and being in the right spots — hes been a lot more consistent with that, and I think thats part of maturing for him and realizing how important it is for him to play both ends.As an offensive player, Westbrooks greatest improvement has been in shot selection. He attempted 4.7 3-pointers per game last season, but that average is down to 3.1. Instead, hes driving to the hoop, drawing fouls and shooting 9.5 free throws per game.Its (the 3-pointer) not always a great shot for myself or for my team, so Ive got to do a better job of taking those out, Westbrook said. My advantage is attacking, regardless of whos in front of me, and Ive got to use my advantage to help my team and myself.Westbrook still has his moments. Hes shooting about 40 per cent in the fourth quarter this season, and his assists drop significantly late in games. He still sometimes forces things, especially when Durant isnt playing. But his immense talent and overall play makes those moments more tolerable.Hes had a great month of shooting the ball, Brooks said. Hes had a couple of off shooting nights, which every player will go through. His shot selection for the month of December, since hes been back, has been good, he said. All in all, hes played great basketball for us, and put us in position to win a lot of games.Westbrooks increased maturity has extended beyond the court. When things dont go well, he has accepted responsibility. After he got a technical foul late in regulation in the loss to Portland that helped fuel the Trail Blazers comeback, he took the hit.That was my fault, he said. I think that was the turning point in the game, for us and our energy. I didnt think I deserved it (the technical), but Ive got to do a better job of controlling my emotions, especially when the game is on the line like that. I take the blame for that. It turned the whole game around for them and it gave them a chance to win the game.More often than not, Westbrooks play has led to wins. The Thunder are 15-17 overall, but 11-7 with Westbrook in the lineup.The game is continuing to slow down for him, like it does for all players, Brooks said. I like what hes doing. Hes been able to lead us game after game after game. Hes a better player all the way around.___Follow Cliff Brunt on Twitter: www.twitter.com/CliffBruntAP . Patrick Weigel Jersey . Lexie Lou earned a commanding 4 1/2-length win Sunday in the $500,000 Woodbine Oaks. Dansby Swanson Jersey . After two months of mediocrity, perhaps the Washington Nationals have turned the page. Strasburg struck out 11 in seven innings Wednesday night and the Nationals kept the Philadelphia Phillies bats quiet yet again in an 8-4, rain-interrupted win. http://www.custombravesjersey.com/custom-mark-wohlers-jersey-large-487z.html . -- Officials have approved a deal to build a new $672 million stadium for the Atlanta Braves away from the downtown Atlanta area that has traditionally been its home.HONG KONG -- Canada moved up two places to seventh in the IRB Sevens World Series standings after finishing tied for seventh Sunday at the Hong Kong Rugby Sevens. New Zealand brushed aside England 26-7 to win the event and reclaim top spot in the overall standings. The All Blacks, the defending World Series champions, won their third tournament this season in style, running four tries past England to claim their 11th Cup championship in Hong Kong and first since 2011. Canada finished runner-up to England in Pool C with a 2-1-0 record to reach the quarter-finals of the elite Cup competition for the fourth event in a row. And it led Australia twice in Sundays quarter-final -- 5-0 and 12-7 on tries by Harry Jones and Ciaran Hearn -- before giving up a converted try in the final minute. Canada then lost 31-14 to Wales in the consolation Plate semifinal. Wales led 19-0 before Canada got on the board. Jones and Sean Duke scored tries for Canada. The Canadians were without captain Nathan Hirayama, ruled out by injury. Canada finished 12th in last years series standings. In Sundays final, first-half tries from Ben Lam and Tim Mikkelson gave New Zealand a 12-0 lead but England hit back just before the break when Tom Powell burst through to touch down from a quickly taken tap penalty to reduce the deficit to just five points. But evergreen captain DJ Forbes, who had a huge impact on the final day with his bustling play at the breakdown, quickly put New Zealand back in command, stretching the lead after receiving a hugge cut-out pass from Sherwin Stowers to score uncontested. Braves Jerseys China. "We were given a lesson by England last week (in Tokyo) but here we are on the podium. It feels good to win in Hong Kong again," said an elated Forbes. Despite a second try by Lam being overturned, and the winger being penalized for an off-the-ball offence, the men in black had too much firepower and sub Sam Dickson sealed victory with his sides fourth try. The victory allowed New Zealand to regain the lead from South Africa who had entered the Hong Kong Sevens holding a two-point lead. With two more legs remaining in Scotland and England in May, New Zealand top the standings with 136 points, seven points ahead of South Africa who stumbled badly after losing in the Cup quarter-finals to England, 14-7. Fiji are third on 112 while England fourth on 105. England had booked its berth in the Cup final with a 17-7 victory over Fiji in the semifinal. Fiji had looked impressive in the run-up and seemed on course for back-to-back titles after winning in Tokyo last week but came undone against a disciplined English side. New Zealands path to the final was a 28-5 win over Wales in the quarter-finals followed by a 19-7 victory over trans-Tasman rivals Australia. Japan became the first Asian team to win a core team spot on the World Series when it won the qualifying tournament defeating Italy 26-5. Japan will play in the remaining two legs this season in Scotland and England, and all nine legs in the World Series next season. ' ' '
AUBURN HILLS, Mich. Gino Cappelletti Jersey . -- Chauncey Billups squared up, and the roar began before the shot even left his hand, finally reaching a crescendo when the ball dropped through the net. "Its not like that everywhere," Billups said. Billups enjoyed a delightful homecoming Wednesday night, scoring 16 points in his first game back with the Pistons and helping Detroit to a 113-102 victory over the Washington Wizards. Greg Monroe had 24 points and 16 rebounds, and Josh Smith added 19 points for the new-look Pistons, who won their first game under new coach Maurice Cheeks. Detroit signed Smith and acquired Brandon Jennings in a trade this off-season, but it was Billups who fans seemed most excited about. He was in the starting lineup and drew a huge cheer when he was the last player introduced in the pregame ceremony. Billups was the MVP of the 2004 NBA Finals with the Pistons, but he was traded four years later in a deal Detroit fans still look back on with regret. The Pistons signed him back this off-season. Detroit trailed 7-3 when Billups connected on that 3-pointer from the right wing -- when the crowd started cheering in anticipation well before the shot went in. Billups added a couple more big shots in the fourth quarter, and by the time the game was over, fans were chanting "MVP!" for him. "It felt good, but that was a little crazy," the 37-year-old Billups said. Andre Drummond added 12 points and eight rebounds for Detroit, which is hoping to snap a streak of four straight seasons without reaching the playoffs. Trevor Ariza scored 28 points for the Wizards, who were outscored 56-28 in the paint. Washingtons John Wall had 20 points and 11 assists, but went 8 of 21 from the field. "We got beat everywhere tonight," Wizards coach Randy Wittman said. "Everyone in this league knows that you cant let Chauncey Billups shoot 3-pointers. You have to make him put the ball on the floor and beat you that way. So what did we do? We stood there and watched him shoot open 3s." Detroit led 89-85 in the fourth when Kyle Singler pushed the lead to seven with a driving three-point play. Billups later made back-to-back 3-pointers to make it 100-87. "We just didnt do anything defensively all night. We were just watching them," Wall said. "You dont want to get behind in the other teams home opener, because everyone is excited and you just let the crowd get all ramped up. We got close a couple times, but Chauncey or Josh would hit a shot and the crowd would go crazy again. Thats on us." Washington is hoping to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2008, but it may be awhile before the Wizards or Pistons really have a sense of how improved they are. Washington was without first-round draft pick Otto Porter, who has been out with a right hip flexor problem. Center Marcin Gortat, acquired from Phoenix in a trade last week, did not start and played only 17 minutes. Jennings was out for Detroit with an impacted wisdom tooth and a hairline fracture on the mandible at the base of the tooth. Guard Rodney Stuckey also is injured. He broke his right thumb after catching it in a car door and needed surgery. Smith, Detroits prized free agent signing, had a quiet first half, scoring five points and taking three of his four shots from beyond the arc. Drummond, however, was a force inside. His highlights included two emphatic putback dunks, the second of which gave the Pistons a 45-33 lead. It was 55-43 at halftime. Smith went right to work in the second half with a dunk, and after the Wizards cut the lead to six, Smiths 3-pointer made it 68-59. Smith also was active around the basket on defence, blocking what looked like a dunk attempt by Gortat late in the third quarter. "It was picture perfect for me," Smith said. "Just being able to get out there and see the fans cheering the basketball team on, staying engaged for the whole game." Although there were pockets of empty seats in the upper level, there was more energy at the Palace than on almost any night last season. Pistons owner Tom Gores was seated courtside, and for one game at least, his revamped team gave fans reason for optimism. "It feels like old times," Billups said. "The energy in this building sounded familiar. I hadnt seen that in a while around here. It felt really good." John David Crow Jersey . Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone dismissed Tuesdays massive anti-government protest in Manama as "a lot of kids having a go at the police." "I dont think its anything serious at all," Ecclestone was quoted as saying in The Guardian newspaper on Wednesday. Gordy Soltau Jersey .J. -- All those records, all for naught. http://www.custompatriotsjersey.com/custom-kevan-barlow-jersey-large-1181f.html .5 million, two-year contract with the San Francisco Giants on Thursday, a deal that covers his final two arbitration seasons.When the Hamilton Tiger-Cats defeated Montreal on the weekend to secure first place in the CFL’s East Division, it brought the curtain down on one of the quietest Toronto Argonauts seasons ever. It ended in a manner similar to how this Toronto season existed all season, with little fanfare, being snuffed out on a day they weren’t even playing. That’s what happens when you go into the final weekend of the season without controlling your destiny. But controlling destiny is in fact a very important issue as the Argos head into an uncertain off-season. Right now the team is owned by David Braley, who wants to sell it and has for a while. It’s football staff is frustrated, its players demoralized by a difficult season in which they spent the first half of the year without a regular practice facility, and its front office has vacancies that are tough to fill when everyone knows the team is for sale. And then there’s the fact that the Argos only have three seasons left at the Rogers Centre, which would be a good thing if they had a guarantee of somewhere else to play. But they don’t. Which is why this off-season is so critical as talks continue to strike a deal that would see the Argos pllay at BMO Field, home of Toronto FC, which is owned and managed by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. Ricky Watters Jersey. Securing a lease at BMO Field would perhaps inspire someone to buy the franchise from Braley and give it the love, attention and cash flow it so dearly needs. The Argos will never matter in this town as they once did, but a decent live experience would be a big step towards a little more relevance. And it would also give this franchise a story to tell, a nice little narrative about moving back to the teams roots near the site of old Exhibition Stadium on the Lakeshore. In my lifetime, the Argonauts have never been more off-the-radar of the Toronto sports scene than they are today, less than two years removed from winning the 100th Grey Cup before an adoring crowd at the Rogers Centre. And the scary thing is that we are at a stage where many people in Canadas biggest city have no memory or connection to when the Argos used to really matter. The NFL threat, it turns out, was the least of the Argos worries. But it’s hard to sell a vision of a bright future when no one is sure what that future will be. Or can say with certainty if there will be one at all. ' ' '
SAN FRANCISCO -- Billy Hamilton and Jay Bruce drove in two runs apiece to lead the Cincinnati Reds to a 6-2 win over the San Francisco Giants on Friday night. George Connor Jersey . Johnny Cueto (8-5) pitched a three-hitter over 8 1-3 innings and the Reds won their third straight and sixth of seven overall. Cueto walked two and struck out three, allowing both runs and raising his majors-leading ERA from 1.86 to 1.88. Aroldis Chapman got the final two outs for his 16th save in 17 chances. The NL West-leading Giants lost for the 13th time in 17 games. Their once commanding 9 1/2 game lead has dwindled to two after losing for the 10th time in 12 home games. Pinch hitter Tyler Colvin tripled to drive in the Giants first run in the sixth and later scored on Pences groundout. Cueto faced the minimum over the first four innings. Pablo Sandoval reached on second baseman Brandon Phillips first error in 70 games and was erased on a double play in the second. Madison Bumgarner (9-5) gave up a season-high five runs on nine hits, matching his season high. He walked one and struck out three. Bumgarner needed just 53 pitches to get through four scoreless innings and then threw 26 in the fifth, allowing all five of his runs as the Reds sent 10 men to the plate. Devin Mesoraco led off with a double, Brayan Pena grounded out to Bumgarner, holding Mesoraco at second. Chris Heisey singled and Zack Cozart singled to score a run. Cueto followed with a bunt, fielded cleanly by catcher Buster Posey. He threw late to third, loading the bases and opening the floodgates. Hamilton, who had three hits, drove in two with a single, Todd Frazier, who had three hits, singled home a run and after Phillips hit into a fielders choice, Bruce singled in another run. Bruce added an RBI single in the seventh against Yusmeiro Petit. NOTES: Frazier extended his hitting streak against the Giants to 14 games. . The Reds scored first for the 14th time in their last 16 games. . The Reds released OF Roger Bernadina, who refused an assignment to Triple-A Louisville after being designated for assignment. . RHP Alfredo Simon (10-3, 2.92) starts for the Reds on Saturday night. Hes 7-1 in nine starts on the road. . RHP Matt Cain (1-6, 4.82) is scheduled to start for the Giants on Saturday night. Hes 2-3 in five outings against the Reds at home. . Bumgarner became the first Giants pitcher to record two pickoffs in the same inning since Bud Black did it in May of 1992. . Giants 1B Brandon Belt was hit by a pitch and hit a home run in his second rehab game in San Jose. Devante Bond Jersey . Icardi is living with the ex-wife of former teammate Maxi Lopez, and the Sampdoria forward refused to shake Icardis hand before kickoff. Walter Samuel and Rodrigo Palacio also scored for Inter while Lopez had a penalty saved. J.P. Holtz Jersey .com) - After Tom Brady added to an already illustrious legacy, Malcolm Butler established his by leaving the Seattle Seahawks, well, deflated. http://www.custombearsjersey.com/custom-eddie-jackson-jersey-large-3126t.html . Only it wasnt the extended right pad of his old teammate Jonathan Bernier early in the final frame, it was James Reimer, who stole a night that was supposed to belong to the former King. OTTAWA -- The Ottawa Senators said they needed four points this weekend to make a serious playoff push. After an overtime loss Saturday in Montreal and a 3-1 defeat on home ice to the Colorado Avalanche, the Senators walked away from their weekend games with just one point. "It was a big weekend for us and we lose both games," said Senators captain Jason Spezza. "We played good but its a different way to lose every night and results are the only thing that matter right now. "We didnt turn the puck over much, we created a lot but again. It just wasnt enough to win the game and its unacceptable." Andre Benoit, Nick Holden and John Mitchell scored for the Avalanche (44-19-5) while Matt Duchene had two assists as Colorado picked its third win in four games, and seventh in its past nine. Semyon Varlamov made 38 saves. The Colorado goalie was just six seconds away from his second shutout of the season and 13th in his career until Mika Zibanejad scored at 19:54. Robin Lehner made 19 saves in his second straight start for the Senators (28-26-13) since Craig Anderson was injured last week in a loss to the Nashville Predators. "Response to the game (Saturday) was positive," said Senators coach Paul MacLean. "A lot of the statistical things were positive, but at the end of the day its the score that matters and we gave up three goals and only scored one. "We created opportunities to score but I dont think we got to their net as hard as we could have and we missed the net a number of times." Nursing a 1-0 lead heading into the third period, the Avalanche were awarded their first and only power play of the game when Ottawa forward Chris Neil closed his hand on the puck and was called for delay of game. Duchene took a shot during the man advantage that Lehner stopped but the rebound went right to Holden, who was alone at the side of the net and scored at 3:10. "The power play was sharp again, we had only one opportunity but scored aa very important goal for us," Avalanche coach Patrick Roy said before praising the play of his goaltender. Mark Anderson Jersey. "He was very solid and he made some very key saves. I thought we had too many turnovers in that second period. Our goalie was without a doubt the first star of the game." The Senators pressed throughout the period, but the game was virtually over when Mitchell beat Lehner from in tight with less than three minutes to go in the game. Fo SAN FRANCISCO -- Billy Hamilton and Jay Bruce drove in two runs apiece to lead the Cincinnati Reds to a 6-2 win over the San Francisco Giants on Friday night. George Connor Jersey . Johnny Cueto (8-5) pitched a three-hitter over 8 1-3 innings and the Reds won their third straight and sixth of seven overall. Cueto walked two and struck out three, allowing both runs and raising his majors-leading ERA from 1.86 to 1.88. Aroldis Chapman got the final two outs for his 16th save in 17 chances. The NL West-leading Giants lost for the 13th time in 17 games. Their once commanding 9 1/2 game lead has dwindled to two after losing for the 10th time in 12 home games. Pinch hitter Tyler Colvin tripled to drive in the Giants first run in the sixth and later scored on Pences groundout. Cueto faced the minimum over the first four innings. Pablo Sandoval reached on second baseman Brandon Phillips first error in 70 games and was erased on a double play in the second. Madison Bumgarner (9-5) gave up a season-high five runs on nine hits, matching his season high. He walked one and struck out three. Bumgarner needed just 53 pitches to get through four scoreless innings and then threw 26 in the fifth, allowing all five of his runs as the Reds sent 10 men to the plate. Devin Mesoraco led off with a double, Brayan Pena grounded out to Bumgarner, holding Mesoraco at second. Chris Heisey singled and Zack Cozart singled to score a run. Cueto followed with a bunt, fielded cleanly by catcher Buster Posey. He threw late to third, loading the bases and opening the floodgates. Hamilton, who had three hits, drove in two with a single, Todd Frazier, who had three hits, singled home a run and after Phillips hit into a fielders choice, Bruce singled in another run. Bruce added an RBI single in the seventh against Yusmeiro Petit. NOTES: Frazier extended his hitting streak against the Giants to 14 games. . The Reds scored first for the 14th time in their last 16 games. . The Reds released OF Roger Bernadina, who refused an assignment to Triple-A Louisville after being designated for assignment. . RHP Alfredo Simon (10-3, 2.92) starts for the Reds on Saturday night. Hes 7-1 in nine starts on the road. . RHP Matt Cain (1-6, 4.82) is scheduled to start for the Giants on Saturday night. Hes 2-3 in five outings against the Reds at home. . Bumgarner became the first Giants pitcher to record two pickoffs in the same inning since Bud Black did it in May of 1992. . Giants 1B Brandon Belt was hit by a pitch and hit a home run in his second rehab game in San Jose. Devante Bond Jersey . Icardi is living with the ex-wife of former teammate Maxi Lopez, and the Sampdoria forward refused to shake Icardis hand before kickoff. Walter Samuel and Rodrigo Palacio also scored for Inter while Lopez had a penalty saved. J.P. Holtz Jersey .com) - After Tom Brady added to an already illustrious legacy, Malcolm Butler established his by leaving the Seattle Seahawks, well, deflated. http://www.custombearsjersey.com/custom-eddie-jackson-jersey-large-3126t.html . Only it wasnt the extended right pad of his old teammate Jonathan Bernier early in the final frame, it was James Reimer, who stole a night that was supposed to belong to the former King. OTTAWA -- The Ottawa Senators said they needed four points this weekend to make a serious playoff push. After an overtime loss Saturday in Montreal and a 3-1 defeat on home ice to the Colorado Avalanche, the Senators walked away from their weekend games with just one point. "It was a big weekend for us and we lose both games," said Senators captain Jason Spezza. "We played good but its a different way to lose every night and results are the only thing that matter right now. "We didnt turn the puck over much, we created a lot but again. It just wasnt enough to win the game and its unacceptable." Andre Benoit, Nick Holden and John Mitchell scored for the Avalanche (44-19-5) while Matt Duchene had two assists as Colorado picked its third win in four games, and seventh in its past nine. Semyon Varlamov made 38 saves. The Colorado goalie was just six seconds away from his second shutout of the season and 13th in his career until Mika Zibanejad scored at 19:54. Robin Lehner made 19 saves in his second straight start for the Senators (28-26-13) since Craig Anderson was injured last week in a loss to the Nashville Predators. "Response to the game (Saturday) was positive," said Senators coach Paul MacLean. "A lot of the statistical things were positive, but at the end of the day its the score that matters and we gave up three goals and only scored one. "We created opportunities to score but I dont think we got to their net as hard as we could have and we missed the net a number of times." Nursing a 1-0 lead heading into the third period, the Avalanche were awarded their first and only power play of the game when Ottawa forward Chris Neil closed his hand on the puck and was called for delay of game. Duchene took a shot during the man advantage that Lehner stopped but the rebound went right to Holden, who was alone at the side of the net and scored at 3:10. "The power play was sharp again, we had only one opportunity but scored aa very important goal for us," Avalanche coach Patrick Roy said before praising the play of his goaltender. Mark Anderson Jersey. "He was very solid and he made some very key saves. I thought we had too many turnovers in that second period. Our goalie was without a doubt the first star of the game." The Senators pressed throughout the period, but the game was virtually over when Mitchell beat Lehner from in tight with less than three minutes to go in the game. Following a scoreless opening period, Ottawa held a heavy edge in play over the second 20 minutes. Ottawa outshot the Avalanche 20-8 in the second period but it was former Senator Andre Benoit that scored the periods only goal and gave Colorado a 1-0 lead in the process. The Avalanche broke out three-on-one late in the period and after receiving a drop pass from Patrick Bordeleau, Benoit moved into the slot and put a shot over the shoulder of Lehner. "Its always fun to score against an old team and I had lots of family and friends here. Hopefully they keep going in," said Benoit, who is from St. Albert, about 30 minutes from Ottawa. "It was a big game and we were able to get a win. We have to keep this going now." Benoit was a fan favourite in Ottawa despite playing just 41 games for the Senators over two seasons. He has played in 66 of Colorados 68 games this season and has nine goals in 107 career games. Four of those have come in his last nine games. Notes: Matt Kassian, Patrick Wiercioch and Craig Anderson were scratches Sunday for the Senators. Scratches for the Avalanche were P.A. Parenteau, Paul Stastny, Paul Carey, Ryan Wilson and Reto BerraaSenators defenceman Erik Karlsson played his 300th NHL game on Sunday. Forward Kyle Turris played in his 300th game Saturday in the Senators loss to MontrealaThe last time the Avalanche recorded 44 wins in a season was back in 2007-08aThe Avalanche are the only team in the NHL to sore at least one goal in every game this season. ' ' ' llowing a scoreless opening period, Ottawa held a heavy edge in play over the second 20 minutes. Ottawa outshot the Avalanche 20-8 in the second period but it was former Senator Andre Benoit that scored the periods only goal and gave Colorado a 1-0 lead in the process. The Avalanche broke out three-on-one late in the period and after receiving a drop pass from Patrick Bordeleau, Benoit moved into the slot and put a shot over the shoulder of Lehner. "Its always fun to score against an old team and I had lots of family and friends here. Hopefully they keep going in," said Benoit, who is from St. Albert, about 30 minutes from Ottawa. "It was a big game and we were able to get a win. We have to keep this going now." Benoit was a fan favourite in Ottawa despite playing just 41 games for the Senators over two seasons. He has played in 66 of Colorados 68 games this season and has nine goals in 107 career games. Four of those have come in his last nine games. Notes: Matt Kassian, Patrick Wiercioch and Craig Anderson were scratches Sunday for the Senators. Scratches for the Avalanche were P.A. Parenteau, Paul Stastny, Paul Carey, Ryan Wilson and Reto BerraaSenators defenceman Erik Karlsson played his 300th NHL game on Sunday. Forward Kyle Turris played in his 300th game Saturday in the Senators loss to MontrealaThe last time the Avalanche recorded 44 wins in a season was back in 2007-08aThe Avalanche are the only team in the NHL to sore at least one goal in every game this season. ' ' '
Its a double dose of Thursday night hoops as the battle of New York continues, and the defending champs head to the windy city to renew a rivalry. Nolan Ryan Jersey . Watch the Knicks at Nets (TSN2) Tonight at 7pm et/4pm pt and Heat at Bulls (TSN2) Tonight at 9:30pm et/6:30pm pt Thursdays showdown between the Knicks and Nets at Barclays Center was an anticipated matchup when the schedule came out and now seems like an ordinary game. The Knicks have lost nine a row and are just 3-13, while Brooklyn has dropped eight of 10 games for a 5-13 record. Both the Knicks and Nets are battling to stay out of the basement in the Atlantic Division. Actually, the Knicks are three games off the division lead and Brooklyn sits two back. "I just want to win, man," Knicks star Carmelo Anthony said. "I dont care about me having a big night. I want to win. I think that should be the mindset for everybody. Is it an important game for us? Yeah. Lets be quite frank about that. We are playing Brooklyn in their arena, one of our rivals, and we want to win." Anthony then said he wants to have a big game and that the team as a whole should have the same mentality. Anthony, the NBAs reigning leading scorer, is second in the league with 26.3 points per game and will see a familiar face on the opposing side in Nets head coach Jason Kidd. Kidd and Anthony were teammates last season in New York. "We have to get used to it," Anthony said of seeing Kidd. "Im still getting used to it because just a couple of months ago he had a uniform on with us. To see him in a suit now coaching ... trying to get used to that." A reporter told Anthony that Kidd was asked about Thursdays battle between the Knicks and Nets and responded, "we both stink right now." "We do. He wasnt lying about that. I mean we do," Anthony said with a smile. "For us we have to figure it out and try to turn it around ASAP. We have to play with some more energy, some more effort." Anthony, who has led the Knicks in scoring in all 16 games, also said, "we are the laughing stock of the league right now." New York suffered its ninth straight loss in Sundays 103-99 decision versus the New Orleans Pelicans and Anthony netted 23 points on 9-of-21 shooting. Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 21 points off the bench and Andrea Bargnani chipped in 17 and seven rebounds for the Knicks, who are on the longest losing streak since dropping 10 in a row from Jan. 28 - Feb. 13, 2006. "Until we are able to take pride in guarding the ball, there are going to be nights like this," Knicks coach Mike Woodson said. "We needed some stops and we couldnt get them." J.R. Smith and Raymond Felton scored 12 points apiece for the Knicks, who havent won since Nov. 13 at Atlanta. Smith is probable Thursday because of a sore left knee and is averaging 11.7 points per game. The Knicks hope to stop a five-game road losing streak and are just 2-6 away from Madison Square Garden this season. Brooklyn is coming off Tuesdays 111-87 loss to the Denver Nuggets and is still without guards Deron Williams (ankle) and Jason Terry (knee), and forwards Paul Pierce (hand) and Andrei Kirilenko (back). Through 18 games this season, the Nets have lost a total of 41 games due to injury. Joe Johnson and Andray Blatche scored 22 and 15 points, respectively, for the Nets, while Brook Lopez and Tyshawn Taylor each finished with 12. "We sometimes cant put the ball in the basket and we stop playing on the other end," Kidd said after Brooklyns fifth straight loss at home. The Nets are 2-5 at Barclays Center this season. Johnson has scored 20 or more points in four of his last six games, averaging 21.0 ppg in that time, and is four assists shy of 4,000 in his career. Kidd, meanwhile, made some news when he reassigned assistant coach Lawrence Frank to a lesser role. Kidd cited "different philosophies" for the switch. Brooklyn and New York will play the first of four matchups this season and split four games in 2012-13. The Knicks are 11-5 in the last 16 meetings with the Nets and have won four of five as the guest in this series. Anthony averaged 35.0 ppg in four games against Brooklyn last season. Williams, who is doubtful for Thursday, posted an average of 16.0 points and 11.5 assists in last seasons series (4 games). --- The Miami Heat will exit the comfy confines of home when they embark on a four-game road trip, starting with Thursdays matchup against the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. Miami had its season-high 10-game winning streak come to an end with Tuesdays 107-97 loss to the Detroit Pistons and played without guard Dwyane Wade because of sore knees. LeBron James once again led the Heat with 23 points to go along with six assists and five rebounds. James has scored in double figures in 513 consecutive games. Moses Malone is next on the list at 526 games from Oct. 4, 1978 - March 4, 1985. Michael Beasley added 23 points off the bench and Chris Bosh registered 14 for the Heat, who were down 28-18 after the first quarter and trailed by as many as 17 in the fourth quarter. The Heat trimmed the Pistons lead to 91-88, but would get no closer the rest of the way. Detroit scored 29 points off 19 Miami turnovers and held the Heat to 43.9 percent shooting. The Heat will try to extend their road winning streak to six games Thursday and are 5-2 as the guest. Miami will also make stops in Minnesota, Detroit and Indiana. Meanwhile, Wade is probable against the Bulls and is averaging 18.5 points, 5.4 assists and 4.6 rebounds this season. Wade has scored 20-plus points in four of his previous five games. Chicago opened its four-game homestand with Mondays 131-128 triple-overtime loss to the New Orleans Pelicans after going 1-5 on its previous road trip. The Bulls were outscored, 9-6, in the third extra period and suffered their first home loss of the season (5-1). Luol Deng did all he could to propel the Bulls to victory with 37 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Deng has tallied five straight games with 20 or more points, averaging 27.4 points per game in that stretch. Taj Gibson posted a career-best 26 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, while Mike Dunleavy netted 23 points. Chicago was coming off a late loss at Cleveland and is just 1-6 in the past seven games overall. "We are just one play away the last two games, but the games are there for us," Gibson told NBA.com. Joakim Noah ended with 19 points and 10 rebounds versus the Pelicans and Kirk Hinrich chipped in 13 points, 11 assists and six rebounds for his first double-double of the season. Hinrich, of course, is seeing more action with star guard Derrick Rose expected to miss the rest of the season after undergoing another knee surgery. Rose is scheduled to address the media for the first time since his season- ending surgery to repair a torn medial meniscus in his right knee after Thursdays shootaround. The Bulls, who are allowing just 94.6 ppg, still have Detroit and Milwaukee slated to visit the United Center, and suffered a 107-95 loss at Miami on Oct. 29. James had 17 points to lead seven players in double figures and Carlos Boozer scored a game-high 31 points to pace the Bulls, who have dropped four of six games against Miami. Miami has lost 10 of 13 trips to the Windy City. The New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets had high expectations for this season, but so far both squads have disappointed. Aledmys Diaz Jersey . Head of clinic Josef Obrist tells the Austria Press Agency on Thursday that Morgenstern "is doing surprisingly well. ... He still has a memory gap but thats nothing unusual." Morgenstern has moved to a rehabilitation clinic in Klagenfurt for further recovery. Billy Wagner Jersey . For the first time all night, as the Raptors were on the clock to make the 20th overall selection, no one had the slightest idea what was about to happen. No leaks, no whispers, nothing. http://www.customastrosjersey.com/custom-abraham-toro-jersey-large-1456y.html . Which is to say, the top of this years draft class is not as dynamic or exciting as the 2013 class of Nate MacKinnon, Sasha Barkov, Jonathan Drouin and Seth Jones and its not as strikingly promising as the highly-anticipated 2015 slate of Connor McDavid, Jack Eichel and Noah Hanifin. RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- Second-seeded David Ferrer overcame a tough first set to advance to the Rio Open quarterfinals with a 7-6 (2), 6-1 win over Argentinas Federico Delbonis on Wednesday. Ferrer joins fellow-Spaniard Tommy Robredo in the final eight after the No. 4 seed downed Dusan Lajovic of Serbia 6-2, 6-1 in the outdoor clay tournament. Eleven of Robredos 12 ATP titles have been won on clay. Ferrer next faces Brazils Thomaz Bellucci, who came back to claim an upset 4-6, 6-3, 6-3 win over No. 7 seed Juan Monaco (7), Argentina. Robredo will play another Spaniard, Pablo Andujar who advanced when Maartin Klizan of Slovakia withdrew with an injury. Jose Cruz Jersey. In womens matches at the joint WTA-ATP event, top-seeded Klara Zakopalova of the Czech Republic beat Spains Silvia Soler-Espinosa 6-4, 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals. Third-seeded Paula Ormaechea of Argentina defeated Dutchwoman Kiki Bertens 7-5, 7-5 to also land in the quarterfinals. No. 5 Kurumi Nara of Japan beat Taiwans Hsieh Su-wei 6-3, 6-2 to reach the second round. Anna-Lena Friedsam of Germany is also into the second round, while Polands Katarzyna Piter and Nastassja Burnett of Italy won to advance to the quarterfinals. ' ' '
SAO PAULO - Brazilian great Pele says he is not seriously ill, easing fears Thursday that his health deteriorated even though a hospital said he was in intensive care and undergoing renal support treatment. Cheap Jerseys .The 74-year-old Pele used his official Twitter account to deny widespread reports that said his condition worsened and that he was put in intensive care to treat a urinary tract infection.I want to take this opportunity to let you know that I am doing fine, he said. I was not put into intensive care today, I was simply relocated to a special room within the hospital for privacy purposes only.Pele had an operation to remove kidney stones on Nov. 13, but he was readmitted to the hospital on Monday after being diagnosed with the infection. The three-time World Cup winner has remained in the hospital since.I am blessed to receive your love and support, and thank God this is nothing serious, he said. I am looking forward to spending the upcoming holidays with my family, and will start the new year with renewed health, with many international trips already planned! Thank you!Peles manager had already said that the former player was expected to make a quick and full recovery from the minor infection.Paul Kemsley said in a statement sent to The Associated Press that reports about the deterioration of Peles condition and about him going into intensive care were greatly exaggerated.He was relocated to a special area of the hospital for privacy purposes only, due to having an overwhelming number of visitors which prevented him from getting the necessary care and treatment, Kemsley said.The Albert Einstein hospital released a statement earlier in the day saying Pele was transferred to a special care unit after his condition became unstable. The statement created a scare in Brazil, with local media widely reporting that Peles condition had deteriorated.Jose Fornos Rodrigues, Peles spokesman and personal aide, told the AP that Pele is fine, also saying that the move within the hospital was because he was receiving too many visitors and that wasnt helping, so they transferred him to a calmer area.He should be out of the hospital in a few days, he said.The hospital later released another statement saying that Peles condition improved, but for the first time mentioned that he was in an intensive care unit and temporarily undergoing renal support treatment. The hospitals press office did not confirm whether the treatment meant dialysis.The hospitals press office had previously denied that Pele was in intensive care. Peles tweets and Kemsleys statement about Peles condition came after the hospitals latest report.Pele plans to spend the upcoming holidays with his family, and in the new year, he will recommence his busy worldwide schedule, Kemsley said. Trips to Australia, China, Nigeria and Azerbaijan are already confirmed for the early part of 2015.Pele has enjoyed good health in recent years despite needing to undergo surgeries for a hip replacement and a detached retina.Widely known as the greatest footballer of all time, Pele is a national hero in Brazil. He remains a worldwide ambassador to football and is active with his many businesses across the globe. He still participates in many advertising campaigns and is present at most major football tournaments.He won the World Cup with Brazil in 1958, 62 and 1970 and is known as the games most prolific scorer, credited with 1,281 goals in 1,363 career matches.___Follow Tales Azzoni on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tazzoniNike China Jerseys . Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports reports that the Raptors have traded forward Steve Novak along with a second-round pick to the Utah Jazz in exchange for guard Diante Garrett - who will then be waived. Stitched China Jerseys . Lineup news, Fantasy tips and more in Scott Cullen’s Statistically Speaking. HEROES Blake Comeau – The Penguins winger had a hat trick in a 4-3 overtime win against Toronto. https://www.chinasjerseys.com/ . He was with the New York Jets in 2011 when the NFL locked out their players after they failed to agree on a new contract. Willy went undrafted but was given a look by four NFL teams before heading north.CINCINNATI - Cam Newton re-emerged as dual-threat danger. Andy Dalton missed on only one pass in overtime a€” a sack-saving throwaway, no less. Back and forth they went, rallying their teams through a pulsating finish.Mike Nugents miss left it tied, unsatisfying and confusing. And perfectly appropriate.Nugent missed a 36-yard field goal attempt on the final play of overtime Sunday, leaving the Bengals and Panthers in a 37-37 tie a€” the NFLs first this season. A game full of big plays and big comebacks was basically a wash.Its a weird feeling, Dalton said. Ive never been part of a tie. You didnt lose, but you didnt win. We had our chances and when you dont win, its tough.It doesnt happen very often a€” at least, not outside of Cincinnati.The Bengals and Eagles played to a 13-13 tie at Paul Brown Stadium in 2008, when Cincinnatis Shayne Graham missed a 47-yard try with 7 seconds left in overtime. Four years later, San Francisco and St. Louis played to a 24-all tie.The NFL changed the overtime rules to avoid having games end on a field goal by the receiving team. Minnesota and Green Bay finished 26-all last season under the new format.The crowd of 57,053 at Paul Brown Stadium was standing and ready to celebrate when Nugent set up for the final kick with only 2 seconds left on the clock. It was a good snap and hold. Nugent rushed his approach and sliced it wide right.That was the worst ball Ive ever hit in my career, Nugent said. My plant foot was way too far forward. I think there was a little excitement. I was a little too quick.The crowd stood stunned. The players walked onto the field to shake hands, trying to figure out what it all meant.Im treating it as if it was loss, said Panthers running back Fozzy Whittaker, who had a 4-yard touchdown run. We had many opportunities to win it. But it doesnt hurt as bad (as a loss), I guess.A matchup of division leaders and impressive quarterbacks came down to the kickers.Nugent made a 42-yard field goal that put Cincinnati (3-1-1) up after the opening drive of overtime. Carolina (3-2-1) tied it on Graham Ganos 36-yarder with 2:19 left.That was enough time for Dalton to manoeuvr the Bengals into positioon to win it. China Jerseys 2020. He was 8 for 9 for 87 yards with one throwaway in overtime. A roughing-the-passer penalty on Panthers end Charles Johnson helped the Bengals get in position for Nugents final kick.On that last drive, I thought wed go down there and put ourselves in a position to win it, said Dalton, who was 33 of 43 overall for 323 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. We did that. We were close.The game marked Newtons return as a running threat. He had been mostly limited to throwing the ball because of off-season ankle surgery and cracked ribs from the preseason.With their backfield depleted by injuries, the Panthers turned Newton loose on Sunday. He ran a team-high 17 times for 107 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown in the second half. He also completed 29 of 46 for 284 yards and two touchdowns, including a 13-yarder that put Carolina up 31-24 with 4:50 left.The drama was just starting.Adam Pacman Jones ran the kickoff back 97 yards to set up a tying touchdown, and the kickers traded field goals in the closing minutes. Ganos 44-yarder sent it to overtime.There were other big plays, too. Giovani Bernard had an 89-yard touchdown run a€” the second-longest in Bengals history a€” to help Cincinnati to a 17-10 halftime lead. Bernard carried 18 times for a career-high 137 yards, missing part of the second half with an injured right shoulder.All of that aside, it came down to a kicker missing one thats usually routine.You want to come away with a victory there, Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. Thats a shame.NOTES: The 74 combined points were the third-most in an NFL tie, according to STATS. The Patriots and Raiders tied 43-all in 1964. The Broncos and Bills tied 38-all in 1960. ... The Panthers have given up the two longest runs in the NFL this season a€” Bernards TD and LeVeon Bells 81-yarder. ... Bengals WR A.J. Green was inactive because of an injured big right toe that has bothered him all season, only the second time in his career he was inactive. ... Corey Dillon had the longest TD run in Bengals history, 96 yards in Detroit in 2001.___Online:AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '
ROME - Four people have been arrested, including a Napoli fan who remains in serious condition, following a shooting that preceded the Italian Cup final. Stitched Avalanche Jerseys . Police say a Roma fan named Daniele De Santis fired the four shots and was arrested for investigation of alleged attempted murder. The fan in serious condition, Ciro Esposito, was conscious at a Rome hospital awaiting surgery. The start of the match was delayed for 40 minutes as officials attempted to calm fans down in the stadium, where a firefighter was injured by a flare thrown from the stands. Napoli beat Fiorentina 3-1 for the trophy Saturday. Police say De Santis acted alone and that he is also being investigated for fighting and a firearms violation. The three fans who were shot were being investigated for fighting. Colorado Avalanche Shirts . Left back Armero opened the scoring in the fifth minute when his deflected shot rolled past Greece goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis. Striker Teofilo Gutierrez poked in Colombias second goal from a deflected corner in the 58th and James Rodriguez capped it off with a low shot in stoppage time after a slick backheel flick from Juan Cuadrado. Wholesale Avalanche Jerseys . The 31-year-old, a two-time CFL lineman of the year, was among the most coveted free agents on the market. The Windsor, Ont., native will be especially important to a team that has lost veteran quarterback Anthony Calvillo to retirement and is expected to go with the less experienced Troy Smith and Tanner Marsh this season. https://www.cheapavalanche.com/ ." One game is checked off, 15 remain and the next one to get crossed out could come Tuesday night when the defending champion Heat host the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference playoff series.Johnny Manziel, a bizarre Indianapolis Colts play, and a handful of face-mask tackles made up some of 2015s funniest moments. In the weird and wonderful world of NFL, hilarity is only ever around the corner and we expect plenty of the same when we resume for the 2016 campaign.Until then, remember last seasons silly moments with the video above! Also See: NFL Video Rookies guide NFL on Sky Sports Pundits ' ' '
CHICAGO - The Chicago Cubs have declined their option for next season on reliever Kyuji Fujikawa, making him eligible for free agency. Kentavius Street Super Bowl Jersey .The option was for $5.5 million with a $500,000 buyout.A longtime closer in Japan, the right-hander signed with the Cubs before the 2013 season but never delivered the way the organization hoped. He tore a ligament in his pitching elbow in his first year with the Cubs and underwent Tommy John surgery.Fujikawa returned in August. He was 1-1 with a 5.04 ERA and two saves in 27 appearances over two seasons with the Cubs.The team announced the move on Thursday. Deebo Samuel Super Bowl Jersey . In their first meeting for six years, the Frenchmen dropped serve twice in the first set, but Giquel broke Simon two more times in the second. Gicquel moves on to face sixth-seeded Jarkko Nieminen of Finland, who advanced with a 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) win against wild card Pierre-Hugues Herbert, despite the Frenchmans 23 aces. Mike Person Super Bowl Jersey . Steve has built a solid reputation throughout the years - first as a hockey player, then as an NHL general manager and now as a scout. http://www.authenticsf49erspro.com/Kendrick-bourne-49ers-jersey/ . Los Angeles announced its new deal for Kupchak late in the fourth quarter of a 145-130 loss to the Houston Rockets. Kupchak had one year left on his current contract.Seattle, WA (SportsNetwork.com) - Russell Wilson was overcome with emotion while leading the postgame prayer following an improbable Seattle Seahawks rally in the NFC Championship Game. Wilson had just played one of the worst games of his brief career. He also made the throw of his life. Wilson tossed a game-winning 35-yard TD pass to Jermaine Kearse 3:19 into overtime and the Seahawks rallied past the Green Bay Packers 28-22 on Sunday to become the first defending champion to reach the Super Bowl in 10 years. The Seahawks miraculously overcame five turnovers, four of them Wilson interceptions, and a 12-point hole in the waning minutes of regulation. The stunning turn of events kept their dream of becoming the first team to win consecutive Super Bowls since the 2004 New England Patriots alive. Seattle will play the winner of the AFC title game between the Patriots and Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIX on Feb. 1 in Glendale, Arizona. Wilson kept it himself and scored from a yard out on a zone-read keeper to pull the Seahawks within 19-14 with 2:09 left in the fourth quarter and Seattle recovered the ensuing onside kick. Steven Hauschkas attempt went through the hands and off the helmet of Green Bays Brandon Bostick before Chris Matthews pounced on the football at midfield. Marshawn Lynch then dashed through the left side of the line and ran for a go- ahead 24-yard touchdown with 1:25 on the clock. Luke Willson hauled in the two-point conversion after an incredible scramble from Wilson. Wilson threw up a prayer across his body from the right side of the field at around the 20 and Willson was able to come down with the catch in the front left part of the end zone. Aaron Rodgers, though, responded and got the Packers into field goal range. He fired consecutive 15-yard completions to Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb to move Green Bay across midfield before limping for 12 yards on a scramble. Mason Crosby then split the uprights from 48 yards out to tie the game with 14 ticks on the clock. Rodgers never got the ball again. Seattle won the overtime coin toss and Wilson hit Doug Baldwin along the right sideline on a 3rd-and-7 for 35 yards to get it to the Green Bay 35. Wilson then lofted a perfectly thrown pass over the middle and past the outstretched arms of cornerback Tramon Williams before landing into the waiting hands of Kearse for the game-winner, his only catch and the target for all four of Wilsons interceptions. Wilson, who was 8-of-8 for 199 yards and three touchdowns on third down last week against the Carolina Panthers, threw three third-down interceptions on Sunday. He finished 14-of-29 after going just 2-of-9 in the first half and totaled 209 yards for the Seahawks, who have won nine consecutive postseason home games. Jon Ryan tossed a 19-yard touchdown pass to Garry Gilliam on a fake field goal, Lynch carried the ball 25 times for 157 yards, and Baldwin caught six passes for 106 yards in the triumph. Rodgers was 19-of-34 for 178 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions for Green Bay, which scored the first 16 points of the game. Eddie Lacy gained 73 yards rushing on 21 totes, Cobb had seven receptions for 62 yards and a score and Nelson hauled in five balls for 71 yards. Robbie Gould Super Bowl Jersey. Ha Ha Clinton Dix intercepted two passes and Morgan Burnett picked off a pass and posted two of Green Bays five sacks. The Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys 26-21 in the NFC Divisional playoff to reach the NFC title game. Richard Sherman, who wasnt thrown at in the first meeting between the teams in Week 1, showed why Rodgers stayed away from him in that initial encounter with an early interception. Faced with a 3rd-and-10 at the 29, Rodgers lofted a pass in the back right corner of the end zone intended for Davante Adams. Sherman, though, positioned himself in front of Adams and hauled in the pick for a touchback, halting a promising 9-play opening drive. It didnt take Packers long to get back into Seattle territory. A slant toss intended for Kearse on a 3rd-and-7 was tipped into the air and Clinton-Dix brought in the easy interception at the 30 and returned it to the four. John Kuhn appeared to plunge in from a yard out on 2nd-and-goal, but the call was overturned following a review. Lacy was stuffed for no gain on third down and Green Bay settled for an 18-yard Crosby field goal for the games first points at the 8:07 mark of the first quarter. The Packers settled for another short Crosby field goal, this one from 19 yards out, after Baldwin fumbled the ensuing kickoff. Green Bay then forced a Seattle three-and-out and Rodgers finished off a brisk 7-play sequence when he stepped up in the pocket and found Cobb in the back of the end zone for a 13-yard score on the final play of the opening frame. After the Seahawks were unable to move the chains, Micah Hyde returned a punt 29 yards and Crosby booted a 40-yard field goal to make it 16-0 with 9:37 to go in the second. Seattle didnt pick up its initial first down until there was less than seven minutes to go in the first half when Lynch rumbled for 14 yards on a 3rd- and-2. Wilson, who began 0-of-6, tossed his first completion with under four minutes in the second when he hit Ricardo Lockette for 14 yards on a 3rd- and-7. But the march was fruitless because Sam Shields intercepted Wilson on a 3rd- and-8 from the Green Bay 18. The Seahawks finally got on the board at the 4:44 mark of the third. They had a 2nd-and-30 after Clay Matthews sacked Wilson for a loss of 15 on first down, but Lynch broke off an 11-yard run and Wilson hit a wide open Baldwin along the right sideline for a gain of 29 to the Green Bay 19 on 3rd-and-19. Seattle lined up for a field goal on fourth down, but Ryan kept the ball and rolled left before hitting an open Gilliam for a 19-yard score. Crosby nailed a 48-yard field goal in the early stages of the fourth for the Packers 19-7 cushion. Game Notes Wilson became the second quarterback to throw four interceptions and win a conference championship game. George Blanda tossed five interceptions in the Houston Oilers 10-3 win in the 1961 AFL title game over the San Diego Chargers ... The Seahawks improved to 26-2, including the playoffs, at CenturyLink Field since 2012 ... Kearse has caught touchdown passes in four consecutive postseason games. ' ' '
BUFFALO, N. Jerry Royster Jersey .Y. -- The Buffalo Sabres have told forward Nathan Gerbe he has been placed on waivers for the purpose of having the final year of his contract bought out, the players agent says. Jordan Neumann says he was informed by email of the Sabres plans on Wednesday, and added the team told Gerbe by phone. The move caught Neumann by surprise after general manager Darcy Regier indicated several times he had no plans to buy out any contracts. Gerbe was set to make $1.85 million next season. He had 72 points (29 goals, 43 assists) in 188 career games. Buffalo also re-signed journeyman forward Matt Ellis to a two-year contract. If Ellis doesnt play with the Sabres, the team is counting on him to serve as captain at AHL Rochester. Bobby Cox Jersey . The future hall of famers stole the show at the Bell Centre on Tuesday night, with Jagr moving into seventh place in all-time goal scoring and Brodeur stopping 29 shots as the Devils downed the Montreal Canadiens 4-1. Mike Lum Jersey . In five games last month, Billings led all scorers with 11 goals, 27 assists and 38 points as the Rock posted a 2-3 record. http://www.custombravesjersey.com/custom-tyler-flowers-jersey-large-1427z.html . 1 status and was unable to prevent a late season collapse, James Reimer said he wants to put the past behind him and is looking forward to spending the next two years in a Maple Leaf uniform.After winning eight of 10 games to begin the New Year, the red-hot Raptors have quickly turned ice cold, dropping three contests in six days, all to losing teams missing their best player. TSN 1050s Josh Lewenberg and Duane Watson aim to get to the bottom of the teams troublesome stretch in this weeks edition of the Raptors Report podcast. Whats behind the regression of starters Jonas Valanciunas, Amir Johnson and Terrence Ross and is it too early for coach Dwane Casey to consider making a lineup change? With Vince Carter and the Dallas Mavericks coming to town Wednesday - a game you can catch live on TSN 1050 - we also ask, is it time to forgive the Raptors former franchise player? Click here for Raptors Report: A week worth forgetting ' ' '
Arlington, TX (SportsNetwork. Bart Starr Super Bowl Jersey .com) - The Texas Rangers and pitcher Ross Detwiler have agreed to a one-year contract, avoiding salary arbitration. Financial terms were not disclosed. The Rangers acquired Detwiler from Washington in a December trade, sending a pair of minor leaguers to the Nationals. After missing most of the 2013 season because of back issues, Detwiler went 2-3 with a 4.00 ERA in 47 relief appearances for the Nationals last season. He had been used as both a starter and reliever over the course of his seven-year career, but last season pitched exclusively out of the bullpen. Texas is expected to give him an opportunity to start, but he could also be used in a setup role. The 28-year-old left-hander has compiled a 20-32 record with a 3.82 ERA in 132 career games, including 69 starts. His most productive campaign came in 2012 when he went 10-8 with a 3.40 ERA in 33 games (27 starts). JK Scott Super Bowl Jersey . -- Even as Chris Paul remained evasive about his future, he did what team leaders are expected to do. ZaDarius Smith Super Bowl Jersey . Tokarski, a somewhat controversial choice -- with his 10 games of NHL experience and all -- to replace an injured Carey Price in Game Two had a night to remember, turning back a Rangers team that was dominating play from the get-go, outshooting the Canadiens 14-4 in the first period and 37-25 overall. http://www.officialgreenbaypackerspro.com/Tramon-williams-packers-jersey/ . Even if he is shooting 38 per cent from the field overall this season, the Utah Jazz rookie always feels like his final shot is going in.Toronto FC striker Jermain Defoe was named MLS Player of the Week on Monday. The England international had both goals in TFCs season-opening 2-1 win over the Seattle Sounders on Saturday. The 31-year-old continues a remarkable run that has seen him score in his debut with every club hes played for in West Ham, Bournemouth, Tottenham, Portsmouth and the English national side. DDefoe was also named in the MLS Team of the Week, alongside fellow Toronto designated player, midfielder Michael Bradley. Mason Crosby Super Bowl Jersey. TFCs Jonathan Osorio was named to the teams bench and Ryan Nelsen was named its coach. Vancouver Whitecaps winger Kekuta Manneh, who scored the lone Vancouver goal in the teams 1-1 draw with Chivas USA, was also named to the bench. ' ' '
LONDON -- After all the talk of terror threats, corruption, overspending and anti-gay legislation, the head of the Sochi Olympics is determined to show the world the games will be a huge success. Adrian Amos Super Bowl Jersey . Nine days before the opening ceremony, organizing committee chief Dmitry Chernyshenko said Wednesday that Sochi is "fully ready" and will deliver safe, friendly and well-run games that defy the grim reports that have overshadowed preparations. "History will be made," he said of Russias first Winter Games. With Sochi facing threats of terrorist attacks from insurgents from the North Caucasus, Chernyshenko said the city is the "most secure venue at the moment on the planet" and promised that tight security measures will not detract from the atmosphere of the games. "I can assure you that Sochi will be among the most security-friendly games and all the procedures will be very gentle and smooth," he said in a conference call with reporters. Russia is deploying more than 50,000 police and soldiers to guard the Olympics. A Muslim militant group claimed responsibility for back-to-back suicide bombings that killed 34 people in Volgograd in late December and threatened attacks on the games. "You will see thousands of (security) people around but its important to understand that the Olympics is a global event and the security is also a global multi-national event and state authorities are doing (their) utmost to deliver Sochi as safest for everyone," Chernyshenko said. Referring to the Russian law banning gay "propaganda" among minors, he repeated assurances that Russia will not discriminate against anyone at the Olympics on the basis of sexual orientation. However, Chernyshenko appeared to contradict IOC President Thomas Bach, who said Monday that athletes -- prohibited by the Olympic Charter from political demonstrations or gestures on the medal stand and other venues -- would be free to express their personal political views at news conferences. "I dont think they are allowed by charter to express those views that (are) not related to the sport at the press conference room," Chernyshenko said, adding that organizers had set up a protest zone -- or "Speakers Corner" -- in the city. The uproar over the gay law, as well as criticism of Russias human rights record and Vladimir Putins policies, has led a number of Western political leaders to shun the Feb. 7 opening ceremony and the games. Chernyshenko, however, said the number of world leaders attending the ceremony would be "the highest in the history of the Winter Games." He declined to give the number. The Sochi organizing committee said later in an email that heads of state or government from 52 countries would be attending. Russia is spending a record $51 billion on the games, including the long-term infrastructure investment in roads, tunnels, railways and hotels to turn Sochi into a year-round resort. Critics allege that billions of dollars have disappeared in kickbacks and other corrupt deals. Chernyshenko dismissed suggestions that claims of misspending had tainted the games. "If you come and look around, this is the most state-of-the-art sports facilities in the world," he said. "Everything will be the cutting edge. This would not have been possible if these allegations of so-called corruption were true. The stadiums, the roads, the new hotel rooms -- this infrastructure speaks for itself." Ticket sales have also been an issue, with many foreign fans staying away, raising concerns over the prospect of empty seats. Chernyshenko said more than 70 per cent of the tickets have been sold, with 20 per cent set aside for fans to buy on site at box offices. "Its high demand, long queues," he said. "Im quite confident that the stands will be full." Chernyshenko, who comes from Sochi and has worked on the Olympic project for a decade, said he had no regrets despite all the criticism that has been levelled at the games. "Its a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and now Sochi has really become brilliant and a showcase of new Russia," he said, calling it "the role model, the blue print for the rest of the country to follow." Meantime, Chernyshenko said, Sochi has plenty of snow and the three Olympic Villages will open to the athletes on Thursday. "Were fully ready," he said. "Were in a great shape. Everything is in place. The only thing remaining is for the athletes to come and shine at the venues. Everything so far is perfect." Jamaal Williams Super Bowl Jersey . TSN Hockey Insider Bob McKenzie tweeted that its believed the Flames are working towards a new contract with the defenceman. Custom Packers Super Bowl Jerseys . -- Howie Kendrick had a two-run single in his first game batting leadoff this season, Chris Iannetta hit a pair of RBI singles and the Los Angeles Angels beat Cleveland 6-4 Tuesday night, sending the Indians to their fifth straight defeat. http://www.shoptheofficialpackers.com/Elite-Billy-Turner-Packers-Jersey/ . He still wanted out. "It just seemed like the direction they were going didnt fit what I thought my career was going to be," Kesler said. "At the end of the day I want to win a championship and I want to win it now, and four years is a little too long for me.TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Rays couldnt resist adding Grant Balfour to solidify the back end of their bullpen, giving the closer a $12 million, two-year contract Thursday about a month after his $15 million agreement with Baltimore fell through. The Orioles said they had concerns with his physical. Balfour proclaimed hes healthy and looking forward to helping Tampa Bay get back to the playoffs. "Im 100 per cent healthy," Balfour said, adding he had more lucrative offers from other teams but was eager to play for a perennial contender and return to the Tampa Bay area, where he still resides after spending time with the Rays from 2007-10. "Ive had an eventful off-season to say the least," he said. "Its always been a place on my radar. Ill be honest, I never wanted to leave here." Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg made the announcement at a news conference held following a team sponsorship event at the Tampa Museum of Art. He called it a significant move for the budget-minded Rays, who have made the playoffs four times in the past six seasons despite one of the lowest payrolls in baseball. Sternberg noted the team did not enter the off-season expecting to be in a position to pursue the 36-year-old, who was 62 for 67 in save opportunities the past two seasons with the Oakland Athletics. &quuot;Weve have had some exceptional teams," Sternberg said, explaining the decision to spend above the teams projected payroll. Brett Favre Super Bowl Jersey. "We want to give this organization the best chance to win, and we know its going to cost us more than we can afford to pay." In his first stint with the Rays, Balfour was part of an improbable run to the 2008 World Series, where Tampa Bay lost to Philadelphia in six games. Sternberg called him a "known quantity" for the Rays. Manager Joe Maddon added the signing will make an already impressive bullpen even more formidable. "He wants to go back to the World Series," Maddon said. "So do we, so do I." Balfour was a first-time All-Star in 2013, when he had a 1.63 ERA while going 25 for 25 in save opportunities the first half of the season. The right-handers 383 appearances, 380 1-3 innings and 410 strikeouts over the past six years are the second-most among AL relievers. Hes first Australian-born pitcher to make an All-Star team and has been a part of five teams that made the playoffs, including two with Tampa Bay. "I want to win a World Series," he said. "We got really close here in 2008, and Im really hoping here in the next two years, or whatever it is I get to play here, that I can win one it would be awesome." ' ' '
Chris Kreider and the New York Rangers avoided arbitration on Wednesday, agreeing to two-year deal, reportedly worth $4. Jamaal Williams Super Bowl Jersey .95 million, according to the New York Posts Larry Brooks. Kreider scored 17 goals and added 20 assists in 66 games with the Rangers in 2013-14. He scored five goals and 13 points in 15 playoff games. The 23-year-old just completed the final year of his three-year entry-level contract worth an average annual value of $1.325 million including performance bonuses. Kreider was drafted by the Rangers in the first round (19th overall) of the 2009 NHL Draft. In 89 career games, Kreider has scored 19 goals and 40 points. JK Scott Super Bowl Jersey . Mike Ribeiro had a goal and an assist as Phoenix held on to snap a two-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Friday. Josh Jackson Super Bowl Jersey . -- C.J. Cron hit an RBI single on the first pitch he saw in the major leagues, doubled his second time up and hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the sixth inning to lead the Los Angeles Angels to a 5-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on Saturday night. https://www.packersrookiestore.com/Packers-Preston-Smith-Jersey/ . -- Oakland Athletics starting pitchers Jarrod Parker and A.SEATTLE -- If you need to know what motivates Hector Noesi, check the front of his cap. After going 7 1-3 strong innings in the Chicago White Soxs 10-inning 2-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night, Noesi put on a cap that read in front: Revenge NOE. The Mariners were the object of his attention. "When you dont believe in somebody, you need to show them," said Noesi, who was designated for assignment and eventually traded by Seattle to Texas this spring. The White Sox claimed him April 25 when the Rangers waived him. The White Sox ended their four-game losing streak on Conor Gillaspies RBI single with two outs in the 10th inning. With Jordan Danks on second base, Gordon Beckham reached when Seattle shortstop Chris Taylor booted his grounder. Danks advanced to third and scored when Gillaspie, who entered as a pinch-hitter in the eighth, hit a hard single to right off Fernando Rodney (1-5). "Its one of those tough ones where you dont really know if you should play through it," Taylor said, "or try to break down and get rid of it quick. I decided to play through and it ended up getting an in-between hop. I should have made the play." Noesi worked into the eighth to give the Sox the shot at a win. He allowed an unearned run and five hits with four strikeouts and a walk. "This is as good as hes pitched for us," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "He was throwing strikes, getting ahead early. He pitched great. He got us into the eighth." Noesi said when he arrived in Chicago, pitching coach Don Cooper "told me I can do it. Thats why Im getting better." It was Cooper who helped put his hat together. "I wear every time I face my former teams," he said. In four appearaances against Seattle, he had gone 18 1-3 innings, not allowed a run and opponents were hitting . Mason Crosby Super Bowl Jersey. 212 against him. In two seasons with Seattle, he was 2-14 with a 6.13 ERA in 36 appearances. "It was a good game. He pitched good. You have to give him credit," Mariners second baseman Robinson Cano said. "Really nothing else you can do in that situation. Hes one of those guys that pitches good against us and is good against any team." The loss ended the Mariners four-game winning streak. Eric Surkamp (1-0) got the last two outs of the ninth for the win and Jake Petricka worked the 10th to pick up his eighth save. James Paxton started for Seattle, his second outing since spending nearly four months on the disabled list with a strained left lat. He went 6 1-3 innings, allowing one run and six hits, striking out four. SWEET LOU ENSHIRNED Before the game, former manager Lou Piniella became the eighth member of the Mariners Hall of Fame. He managed from 1993 to 2002 and guided the club to its only four post-season appearances. Four players in the clubs HOF -- Alvin Davis, Edgar Martinez, Jay Buhner and Dan Wilson -- were on hand. Piniella gave an emotional 21-minute speech, breaking down to tears twice, once when talking about late broadcaster Dave Niehaus and at the end when thanking the fans for their years of support. "I thank you, salute you," he closed, "and will never forget you." TRAINERS ROOM Mariners: Utility player Willie Bloomquist had micro-fracture right knee surgery Friday and will not return this season. He will be on crutches for the next four to six weeks. White Sox: Outfielder Adam Eaton has a strained right oblique that necessitated a trip to the disabled list. ' ' '
BERLIN -- Promoted Eintracht Braunschweig earned a 0-0 draw at bitter rival Hannover in the Bundesligas first Lower Saxony derby for 37 years on Friday. Miguel Andujar Jersey . The home side created most of the chances but struggled to break down Braunschweigs resilient defence, resulting in the Bundesligas 1,000th scoreless draw. Senegalese striker Mame Biram Diouf was back from suspension for Hannover but lacked the precision to make more of two good chances in the first half. Then Braunschweig keeper Daniel Davari almost cost his side the lead before the break when Edgar Prib intercepted his attempted clearance, only for the Hannover midfielder to graze the outside of the post from a difficult angle. The visitors improved in the second half but lacked the punch to score without the sidelined Karim Bellarabi. Jeers rang out from disappointed Hannover supporters at the full-time whistle as their sides winless run stretched to six games. "Were incredibly disappointed," Hannover general manager Dirk Dufner said. "We expected a lot more. Our fans were looking forward to this game so much we wanted to reward them. Unfortunately we couldnt manage it." Braunschweig, which is back in the Bundesliga after 28 years, moved provisionally off the bottom ahead of the rest of the weekends games. "Im not fully satisfied because we didnt play our best football," said Braunschweig coach Torsten Lieberknecht, whose side was in the third-division four seasons ago. "But for my young players the whole build-up was a completely new dimension. Im happy the game is over." There was some trouble involving fans before the derby and a heavy police presence to prevent any more afterward. A flare also landed on the pitch during the game. Hannover had asked for the match to be moved forward from Sunday, the fourth anniversary of Germany goalkeeper Robert Enkes suicide. Yogi Berra Jersey . It will then be back to business once the puck drops as the two clubs battle for key points in their respective playoff races. Watch the game live on TSN Canadiens and listen on TSN Radio 690 starting at 7:30pm et. Austin Romine Jersey . -- Officials have approved a deal to build a new $672 million stadium for the Atlanta Braves away from the downtown Atlanta area that has traditionally been its home. http://www.customyankeesjersey.com/custom-whitey-ford-jersey-large-1224i.html . Berkman almost left the game last off-season before signing with the Texas Rangers. He then had another injury-plagued season and was limited to 73 games. NEW YORK -- Henrik Lundqvist is playing so well lately, the New York Rangers dont have to generate a whole lot of offence to win. With speed throughout the lineup and a power play that is clicking on a nightly basis, it is no wonder why the Rangers are on quite a roll. Rick Nash scored two of New Yorks three first-period goals, and Lundqvist won for the fifth time in six outings as the surging Rangers beat the sliding Washington Capitals 4-1 on Sunday night. "Starts are important," Lundqvist said. "If you can jump out and start the right way and then get the momentum, then I think you set the tone for the rest of the game and you gain confidence right away." The Rangers offence broke out for the second straight day, after winning 1-0 over Detroit on Thursday. They recorded four goals for the third time in five games. Lundqvist, who got the day off when New York won 4-1 at Ottawa on Saturday, was sharp in making 24 saves. He has allowed fewer than three goals in six consecutive starts. New York, 11-3-1 in its last 15 games, improved to 12-11-3 at home. "It was a tough back-to-back for us," Nash said of the Rangers weekend sweep. "Travelling (Saturday) and coming home to a team that is right on our heels ... its a huge four points." Washington dropped its fifth straight (0-3-2) and completed a winless three-game trip against Metropolitan Division foes. The second-place Rangers lead the fifth-place Capitals, who have played two fewer games, by five points. "Were in a slump right now, thats for sure," Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom said. "Its tough, but weve got to find a way to get through it. Weve got to start playing way better than were doing right now." Nash scored 1:10 in and added a power-play tally later in the first, giving him seven goals in eight games. Derek Stepan also scored in the first to chase goalie Philipp Grubauer. Ryan Callahan added a short-handed goal in the second. Alex Ovechkin netted the only goal for Washington, which committed four penalties in the second to thwart hopes of a comeback. "All the experienced guys, weve got to really stick together here and battle through," Backstrom said. "Its tough, but I think were going to turn this around, and were going to do it next game. Were going to be much stronger after that." Despite recording only nine shots in the first, New York carried a 3-0 lead into the intermission. Nash got the offence churning when he intercepted a clearing attempt by defenceman Dmitry Orlov at the left point and steamed into the Washington zone. James Paxton Jersey. He cruised through the left circle, came in alone on Grubauer, shifted to his backhand and lifted in a shot. After New York killed off Washingtons first power play, the Rangers went on a 5-on-3 advantage with 4:13 remaining after Martin Erat and Karl Alzner took hooking penalties 23 seconds apart. Nash made the most of that and squeezed a shot from the right circle through Grubauer for his team-leading 14th goal at 16:06. Stepan pushed the lead to three just 2 seconds after Alzners penalty expired. After breaking a 13-game goal drought Saturday, Stepan netted his second in two days when he snapped in a wrist shot from above the circles. That ended Grubauers short night as he was replaced by Braden Holtby. Grubauer was pulled in the first period for the second straight game. He yielded three goals on 14 shots Friday in a loss to Columbus. "Its not the way I wanted it to go," Grubauer said. "Its my job to stop the puck, and I didnt stop it today." Washington produced a brief spark when slashing calls against Chris Kreider, in the final minute of the first, and Carl Hagelin in the opening minute of the second, gave the Capitals a two-man advantage and generated a goal. Ovechkin took a pass from Mike Green in the left circle and one-timed a hard shot that beat Lundqvist at 59 seconds for his NHL-leading 35th goal and fourth in six games. Washington put more pressure on during the second half of the power play, but the Rangers netted the next goal. Dominic Moore and Callahan raced out on a short-handed 2-on-1 rush, and Moore fired a shot that Holtby deflected back into the slot. The hard-charging Callahan beat Orlov to the puck and slammed a shot in before barrelling into the net. "Youre not going out on the PK and thinking, I want to score a goal by any means," Callahan said. "I feel like with the guys we have killing, and the speed we have on our killers, if the opportunity presents itself, we are going to go for it." Green had a goal waved off by a Capitals penalty in the second. NOTES: Rangers D Ryan McDonagh had two assists. ... The Capitals had failed on 14 straight power plays over six games before Ovechkins goal. ... Erat was called for three penalties, including one for slashing when he jammed his stick between the legs of a seated Brian Boyle. ' ' '
SAN FRANCISCO - Miami Marlins manager Mike Redmond has no explanation for why his club has played so well at home and struggled so much on the road this season. Detroit Red Wings Pro Shop . Wins like Friday night will help erase those questions. Casey McGehee singled home the winning run with one out in the ninth inning to atone for a costly error and help the Marlins earn a rare road win, 7-5 over the San Francisco Giants. "I think were still trying to figure it out," Redmond said. "If I had an answer to why were so much better at home to on the road, wed fix it, right? But these guys keep battling. They keep fighting. You saw that tonight. We dont quit. We keep grinding. We might make a few mistakes, but we keep going." The Marlins made plenty of mistakes. They also made some big plays, too. Derek Dietrich and Christian Yelich homered, and Jarrod Saltalamacchia snapped an 0-for-26 skid by tying his career high with four singles to stop Miamis slide. The Marlins entered the game losers of six of their past seven games and a majors-worst 4-16 record away from home. They also are a league-best 17-5 at home. "Weve seen those games go the other way sometimes, especially on the road right now. It was huge for us to be able to stick in there and get that one," McGehee said. Santiago Casilla (1-1) got out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth, but couldnt escape trouble in the ninth. The right-hander allowed two baserunners before McGehees tiebreaking grounder to right field. "It just had eyes and got through the infield," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. "Thats the way the game goes." Garrett Jones added an RBI single off lefty Javier Lopez and made a leaping catch in the netting of the photographers pit in foul territory in the bottom of the ninth. Mike Dunn (4-3) pitched a scoreless eighth, and Steve Cishek converted his eighth save for Miami. Neither starter pitched well but did just enough to give his team a chance in the final innings. Henderson Alvarez allowed five runs — four earned — and 10 hits in six innings for the Marlins. He struck out four and walked none. Giants right-hander Yusmeiro Petit, filling in while Tim Hudson rested his nagging hip, gave up five runs — four earned — on seven hits in five innings. He struck out five and walked none. "I lost a little bit of my command in the first inning. I tried to stay close in the game," Petit said. After wasting a 4-1 lead in a loss Thursday night to San Francisco, Miami moved ahead 4-1 again but rallied back late this time. The Giants had three RBI hits with two outs, including pinch-hitter Gregor Blancos bloop single in the sixth that tied it at 5-all. Blancos hit came after McGehee couldnt corral a grounder at third. "I still feel terrible. Alvarez battled through and it wouldve been nice to get him the win," McGehee said. Defence — or a lack thereof — proved pivotal in the late innings. Redmond successfully challenged a transfer rule call in the fifth. After a replay review, umpires ruled Marlins right fielder Giancarlo Stanton caught Hunter Pences fly in the web of his glove and dropped the ball trying to transfer it to his hand for a throw. Buster Poseys flyout to right later scored Angel Pagan, who had advanced to third on Stantons botched transfer. Stanton made up for the play with an outstretched catch of Michael Morses fly near the wall in the eighth. Pagan also made a spectacular over-the-head catch on Dietrichs deep fly for the first out of the seventh and held on after running into the padded wall in left-centre. And Casilla got pinch-hitter Ed Lucas to ground into a double play with the bases loaded to end the eighth. NOTES: It was the fifth time Saltalamacchia had four hits in a game. ... Stantons career-high 17-game hitting streak ended after going 0 for 5. ... San Francisco hosted "Metallica Night," which included members of the heavy metal band playing the national anthem, drummer Lars Ulrich throwing out the ceremonial first pitch and singer James Hetfield announcing San Franciscos starting lineup. ... RHP Tim Lincecum (3-2 4.78 ERA) starts for the Giants opposite Miamis RHP Tom Koehler (3-3, 2.57) on Saturday. Stitched Red Wings Jerseys . Monta Ellis had 30 points and nine assists, Nowitzki was another of seven Dallas players in double figures with 11 points and the Mavericks beat the Los Angeles Lakers 123-104 Tuesday night. Fake Red Wings Jerseys . Jeff Carter had two goals and an assist as the Kings stretched their streak to seven wins in a row with a 4-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Sunday. https://www.cheapredwings.com/ . The Brazil defender was substituted 13 minutes into Wednesdays 2-1 Copa del Rey win at Athletic Bilbao because of a right hamstring problem. Scans revealed a second grade tear which could keep him out for a reported four to six weeks.New Orleans, LA (SportsNetwork.com) - The second game of the inaugural College Football Playoff pits the fifth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes against the top- ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2015 Sugar Bowl on New Years night. The winner will advance to the National Championship Game in Arlington, Texas on Jan. 12 to face either Florida State or Oregon. Both teams come in sporting identical 12-1 records, with Ohio State the Big Ten Conference champion, and Alabama winning the SEC. Ohio State easily disposed of Wisconsin in the Big Ten title tilt, 59-0, running its current winning streak to 11 in a row. The only blemish on an otherwise spotless record for coach Urban Meyers club was a perplexing 35-21 home loss to Virginia Tech back on Sept. 6. The Buckeyes are appearing in their 45th bowl game, and they have a record of 20-24 in previous postseason ventures. OSU is hoping to stop a two-game slide in bowl games, with its most recent being a 40-35 defeat suffered at the hands of the Clemson Tigers in the 2014 Orange Bowl. Ohio State has played in the Sugar Bowl four times previously, the last time being in 2011 when it beat Arkansas in a 31-26 final. Its great to be here and its great to be representing the Big Ten Conference, the Ohio State University and a football team that is excited to be here. Meyer said. Its been made very clear that this is history ... the College Football Playoff. And what a great place to have the game - New Orleans, and the Sugar Bowl - and we are honored to be here. Alabama is arguably the most successful team in the FBS over the last several years, the program winning three BCS national titles (2009, 2011, 2012). The Crimson Tide suffered a 23-17 at Ole Miss back on Oct. 4, but have reeled off eight straight wins since, with a 42-13 dismantling of Missouri in the SEC Championship Game being the latest. Alabama is 35-23-3 all-time in bowl games, and this is the second straight Sugar Bowl appearance for the Tide. Nick Sabans squad lost to Oklahoma last year, 45-31, dropping its record in the Sugar Bowl over the years to 8-6. These two storied programs have met just three times previously, with Alabama winning each bout. The last meeting took place in the 1995 Florida Citrus Bowl, with the Tide slipping by in a 24-17 final. Meyer is 36-3 in his three seasons at Ohio State and he is 140-26 in his 13th season as a head coach. Saban is 86-16 in eight seasons at Alabama, and he is 177-58-1 overall in 19 seasons as a head coach. This is the fourth meeting between their respective teams, with Sabans Crimson Tide topping Meyers Florida Gators twice. The coaches split a pair of meetings against each other in the SEC Championship Game (2008-09). Down to their third-string quarterback, the Buckeyes put a serious hurting on what was thought to be a very good Wisconsin team in the Big Ten title tilt, proving just what kind of master recruiter and coach Meyer truly is. The season began under a dark cloud as Heisman hopeful Braxton Miller was lost for the year in training camp. Freshman J.T. Barrett was entrusted with running the offense, and he didnt disappoint in completing 64.6 percent of his passes for 2,834 yards, 34 TDs and 10 INTs, while adding 938 yards and 11 scores on the ground. Unfortunately, he too got hurt, suffering a fractured ankle in OSUs late win over bitter rival Michigan. That left sophomore Cardale Jones to assume the mantle, and he was superb in his first career start against the Badgers, going 12-of-17 for 257 yards, three TDs and no picks in being named the games MVP. For the Buckeyes to knock off Alabama, Jones will need to be an efficient game manager once again, and rely on his teammates to assume some of the pressure. In that regard, expect to see a heavy dose of RB Ezekiel Elliott, who rumbled his way to 1,402 yards and 12 TDs this season. Red Wings Jerseys China. The teams receiving corps features the talents of guys like Michael Thomas (43 rec., 680 yards, eight TDs), Devin Smith (30 rec., 799 yards, 11 TDs) and Jalin Marshall (28 rec., 392 yards, six TDs), with Smith being one of the top big-play performers in the country as evidenced by his 26.6 yards per reception average. Ohio State moved the chains on 52 percent of its third-down conversion attempts and averaged 45.2 ppg to rank first in the conference and fifth in the nation, while the teams defensive effort yielded only 21.2 ppg to rank fourth in the Big Ten and 21st nationally. The defense limited Wisconsins Melvin Gordon, the nations leading rusher, to just 76 yards -- his second-worst game of the season. Ohio State handed the Badgers their first shutout loss since August of 1997, and their worst setback since a 59-0 rout, also to the Buckeyes, back in 1979. Joshua Perry proved to be one of the more active defensive players in the Big Ten this season, finishing seventh in the league with 113 tackles. Joey Bosa was named the conferences Defensive Player of the Year after logging 13.5 sacks and 20 TFL. Vonn Bell, who finished second on the team with 78 tackles, and Doran Grant were credited with five INTs each, the Buckeyes coming up with 21 picks and a Big Ten-best 40 sacks. Alabama enjoyed plenty of success on both sides of the ball as well this season, the team putting up 37.1 ppg while permitting only 16.6 ppg. The latter figure ranking the team second in the SEC and fourth in the nation. The UA offense is led by senior QB Blake Sims, and he put forth a stellar campaign in hitting the mark on 64.8 percent of his passes for 3,250 yards 26 TDs and only seven INTs. Sims has the good fortune of throwing to star WR Amari Cooper, who hauled in 115 balls for 1,656 yards and 14 TDs in winning the 2014 Biletnikoff Award. Both his reception and yardage totals ranked second in the FBS this season. The Crimson Tide also have a potent rushing attack, as the highly-productive duo of T.J. Yeldon (184 carries, 932 yards, 10 TDs) and Derrick Henry (159 carries, 895 yards, 10 TDs) keep opposing defenses honest. The offensive line allowed only 13 sacks all season, and helped the team convert 54 percent of its third-down attempts. We could not be more excited to be going to New Orleans to play in the first College Football Playoff, said Sims. We have made a couple of trips to the Sugar Bowl and it has always been a great experience. That being said, we are going there to win a football game and that has to be our mindset. I know we are looking forward to the challenge. The Bama defense takes great pride in stopping opposing ball carriers at the point of attack, the unit ranking first in the FBS with only 88.7 ypg and a paltry three TDs allowed on the ground. The Tide give up 223.8 ypg and have allowed 17 TDs through the air, but thats mainly due to foes needing to throw the ball in an attempt to get back into contention. Landon Collins has recorded a club-best 91 tackles, and he has three of the teams 10 INTs. Reggie Ragland is next with 88 stops, and he has been credited with three fumble recoveries and the second-most TFL of any player on the roster with 8.5. Xavier Dickson leads in that department with 10.5, which includes his team-high eight sacks. In terms of a coaching matchup, it doesnt get any better than Meyer vs. Saban. It will be interesting to see if Jones is able to keep his composure in the face of the unprecedented pressure the Crimson Tide are going to bring. Conversely, expect the Buckeyes to stand their ground as best they can when their backs are to goal line. ' ' '
MANCHESTER, England -- Liverpool underlined its new-found superiority over Manchester United with a humbling 3-0 victory over its great rival on Sunday, virtually ending the beleaguered champions chances of qualifying for the Champions League. Cheap Flames Jerseys . On the darkest day of David Moyes tumultuous first season at Old Trafford, United was outclassed as Steven Gerrard converted two penalties -- and missed a third -- and Luis Suarez completed the crushing win with his 25th goal of the campaign. Liverpool moved up to second and within four points of leader Chelsea with a game in hand, and can realistically aim to win a first league title since 1990. "To come here and dominate from start to finish, were still going away slightly disappointed that we didnt score more goals," said Gerrard, whose penalties came in the 34th and 46th minutes. "Weve showed today that we are genuine contenders and we are going to fight to the end for this." While Liverpool capitalized on Chelseas 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa on Saturday with another effervescent attacking display, United couldnt be at a lower ebb after being humiliated in arguably the biggest match in English football, which was watched by Argentina great Diego Maradona. Their defending was shambolic and reckless -- there could have been more than three penalties awarded -- and Nemanja Vidic was sent off for his second booking in the lead-up to the third spot kick that Gerrard struck against the post in the 78th. Moyes has a massive job to pick his team up in time for Wednesday, when United tries to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Olympiakos in the Champions Leagues last 16. That is their final shot at silverware. "Its a nightmare," United striker Wayne Rooney said after the teams fifth home defeat in the league, which left it 12 points off fourth-place Manchester City having played two more games. "Its one of the worst days Ive ever had in football." Liverpool had lost on its previous six visits to Old Trafford and seemingly had an inferiority complex whenever it came to the home of its biggest foe. No more. Brendan Rodgers men were brighter and more courageous on the ball, played at a quicker tempo and were more incisive going forward. For the first time in a generation, they were widely seen as favourites for a match at United, even in the opinion of Moyes. It could have been 6-0 or 7-0 by the end as Liverpool ran amok. In the closing stages, with United down to 10 men and having virtually given up, it evoked memories of the 6-1 home loss to Manchester City two seasons ago. Liverpool has gone from finishing 28 points behind United, the champions last season, to being 14 points ahead of them this season. "The biggest thing of where we have come in the last year is belief," Rodgers said. "I was probably surprised before the game when we were supposedly coming to Old Trafford at favourites. I would never say that at Liverpool, even if we were bottom. Anfield is Anfield and we expect to win. We have a mentality that I have been developing that we expect to win." United hadnt had a chance of note by the time Liverpool deservedly went ahead, at the culmination of a disastrous 90 seconds for Rafael da Silva. Soon after earning a yellow card for a reckless lunge at Gerrard, the Brazilian right back was caught out of position from a deep cross from Liverpools right, allowing Suarez to bring the ball down and past Rafael in one touch. Rafael flicked out a hand and gave away a penalty that Gerrard dispatched into the corner with some aplomb. Fans were still filtering back to their seats after halftime when Phil Jones barged into Joe Allen in the area, 23 seconds after the restart. There were no complaints when the referee awarded a penalty and Gerrard found the right corner again, this time low down, for his seventh successful spot kick in 2014. By the middle of the second half, Liverpool was stringing passes together to a soundtrack of "Oles" from the Liverpool visitors. The superiority of the visitors was marked and United was just way off the pace. "Its difficult to explain," Moyes said. It got even worse for Moyes beleaguered side when Vidic was given a second yellow card for bringing down Sturridge in the box in the 77th. Gerrard struck a low effort against the post but Liverpool wasnt to be denied a third, Sturridge slipping a pass through for Suarez to collect and shoot home. Stitched Flames Jerseys . A larger-than-life personality known for his intimidating style in the 18-yard box, Schmeichels career spanned some 20 years -- including a memorable tenure at Manchester United. Custom Calgary Flames Jerseys . Appearing on TSN 1050 on Tuesday, Sean McAdam of Comcast SportsNet New England reported that the Blue Jays, along with a number of other playoff contenders were in the mix for the Boston ace. https://www.cheapflames.com/ . The game had many controversial incidents that, upon closer inspection, were not as controversial as many believed. The Formations Toronto FC lined up in its usual 4-4-2 formation, with Nick Hagglund slotting in at right fullback and Bradley Orr at centreback in place of the injured Mark Bloom and Steven Caldwell, respectively.LOS ANGELES -- The Clippers and the Kings were both mad about the 20-point difference in their game. The Clippers were angry about blowing a big lead; the Kings didnt like being in that kind of hole and nearly digging themselves out only to lose. Chris Paul scored 22 points, hitting a go-ahead free throw with 2.5 seconds left, to help Los Angeles win 103-102 Saturday. "Weve got to put teams away and not keep being in all these dogfights," Paul said. "It was kind of fitting we won with a defensive stop because weve been trying to improve our defence. Hopefully it gives us some confidence." Paul got fouled and made the first, putting the Clippers ahead 103-102, but missed the second. After a timeout, DeAndre Jordan appeared to alter DeMarcus Cousins jumper to preserve the win. "The only thing they could get was a jump shot," Jordan said. "I was just praying they didnt call a foul. They gave me a block? Thats awesome, Ill take it." Actually, although a block was immediately posted in the statistics, officials took it away in the final box score, leaving Jordan with two blocks for the game. Jordan had 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Blake Griffin finished with 16 points and 10 boards for the Clippers, who have won 11 of their last 13 against the Kings. J.J. Redick added 15 points. Pauls NBA-record streak of 13 straight games with at least 10 points and 10 assists to start a season ended when he finished with nine assists. Cousins had 23 points and 19 rebounds for the Kings, who had won two in a row. Isaiah Thomas added 22 points, making 11 of 13 free throws, and Patrick Patterson scored 21 points off the bench, combining to outscore the Clippers reserves. Afterward, Cousins tried to pull Thomas away from Jamal Crawford as they went to shake hands. "Thats just DeMarcus," Thomas said, laughing. "He gets upset. He doesnt like anybody on the other team, and thats how he is. Im all for it, but I just had to shake my guy Jamals hand." Jared Dudley didnt think much of Cousins move. "Its bad sportsmanship," he said. "Hes better than that. Someone will talk to him." Thomas and Patterson carried the Kings in the fourth, when Cousins was limited to four points and picked up two fouls on the same play. "Im tired of being a part of going down 20 and then trying to come back later in the game," Cousins said. "The way we played the last stretch of that game, weve got to staart games off the same way so that we wont be in those situations and wed have a better chance. Fake Flames Jerseys. " Dudleys 3-pointer pulled the Clippers to 96-95 and then Pauls 3 tied it at 98-all with 1:29 to play. Cousins missed a pair of free throws before Pauls driving layup put the Clippers, who led by nine earlier in the fourth, back in front 100-98. Thomas made two free throws for another tie at 100-all. Griffins driving dunk gave the Clippers back the lead 102-100 with 44 seconds left. Paul fouled Thomas, who made both for a 102-all tie with 24 seconds left. Thompson and Patterson combined on a 10-point run to open the fourth and give Sacramento a 79-78 lead. Travis Outlaw got called for a flagrant-2 foul for pulling down Redick on a fast break and was ejected. "I dont think Outlaw is a dirty player despite his last name," Clippers coach Doc Rivers said. "But it was just that he was trying to stop the play and he got (Redick) around the neck. You have to throw the guy out." Thomas disagreed. "I didnt think it was a flagrant-2," he said. "Travis is a guy whos never even looking to do anything like that, and the first thing they think of is throwing him out of the game. We tried to play through it, but we just couldnt get the win." Redick made just one of two free throws, tying the game at 79-all. The Kings chipped away in the third and twice cut their deficit to two points before Cousins scored their final four points to trail 75-69 going into the fourth. The Clippers were 7 of 18 from the floor, got outrebounded 15-10 and missed 7 of 9 free throws. The Clippers extended their lead to 40-20 in the second before the Kings outscored them 28-17 to end the half trailing 57-48. "Its a mental thing. You have to stay locked in," Griffin said about blowing the big lead. "They played well in the second half, but I felt like it was on us. We relaxed too much." The Clippers shot 62 per cent in dominating the first. They ran off 16 unanswered points, including four 3-pointers in a row, to go up 21-8. Dudley hit back-to-back 3s in front of the Clippers bench before they closed the quarter with six straight points to lead 29-13. Notes: The Clippers wont have to face Derrick Rose when they play the Bulls on Sunday in a second consecutive 12:30 p.m. PST start. He hurt his right knee on Friday night in Portland and is out indefinitely. ... The Kings have just four win streaks of three games or more since December 2009. ' ' '
DUESSELDORF, Germany - Defending champion Juan Monaco eased past Benjamin Becker 6-2, 6-1 to reach the second round of the ATP Duesseldorf Open on Tuesday. Carlos Beltran Jersey . But last years runner-up Jarkko Nieminen crashed out despite winning the first set against Denis Istomin. Istomin fired 10 aces and won 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-2 to even his career record against Nieminen at 3-3. A former top 10 player, Monaco has struggled with a right-wrist injury and has fallen to No. 54. But he easily disposed of Becker, who is not comfortable on clay. Monaco says that as defending champion in Duesseldorf he feels "comfortable here, everything is familiar." Also, Mate Delic defeated Michal Przysiezny 7-5, 7-5 and Nikolay Davydenko beat Dudi Sela 6-3, 6-1. Wholesale Custom Astros Shirts . -- Thirty years ago, the Detroit Pistons beat the Denver Nuggets 186-184 in triple overtime, a game that remains the highest scoring in NBA history. Don Wilson Jersey . 1 overall pick in the draft by the Houston Texans, is recovering from sports hernia surgery. http://www.customastrosjersey.com/custom-andy-pettitte-jersey-large-136y.html . Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone dismissed Tuesdays massive anti-government protest in Manama as "a lot of kids having a go at the police." "I dont think its anything serious at all," Ecclestone was quoted as saying in The Guardian newspaper on Wednesday.DETROIT -- David Ortiz hit a three-run homer in the ninth inning, and the Boston Red Sox rallied for a 5-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, snapping their five-game losing streak. The Red Sox left men on base all night long, including when Ortiz was retired on a deep flyball to centre in the seventh. But there was no doubt about his homer off Joba Chamberlain (1-3), which carried about halfway up the section of seats beyond the wall in right. Chamberlain was trying to protect a one-run lead instead of struggling closer Joe Nathan, who had pitched the previous two nights. John Lackey (7-4) pitched eight sharp innings for Boston, and Koji Uehara tossed a perfect ninth for his 12th save in 12 chances. Detroits Miguel Cabrera left in the sixth with left hamstring tightness. Brock Holt had four hits for Boston, including a leadoff single in the ninth with the Red Sox down 3-2. After a one-out walk by Dustin Pedroia, Ortiz connected for his 14th homer of the season. Lackey allowed two earned runs and seven hits, and it looked as if he would have to settle for a complete-game loss for the second consecutive game before Ortiz put the Red Sox ahead. Mike Napoli also homered for Boston in his first game back from a finger injury. Bostons previous seven series all ended in sweeps, with the Red Sox on the losing end of four. They avoided that fate Sunday despite leaving 10 men on base. With the score tied at 2 in the seventh, Holt hit a one-out triple, but with the infield in, Xander Bogaerts hit a grounder to third and Nicck Castellanos made a diving stop for the second out. Gerrit Cole Jersey. After a walk to Pedroia, the AL Central-leading Tigers brought in Coke, perhaps the most maligned member of Detroits beleaguered bullpen. With the count full, Ortiz hit a drive to centre that Austin Jackson tracked down about 400 feet from the plate. Ortiz is now 2 for 19 against Coke -- but he would get another chance later against Chamberlain. Detroit took the lead with an unearned run in the seventh. After Castellanos led off with a single, Jackson hit a slow roller that Bogaerts mishandled at third for an error. One out later, Eugenio Suarez singled sharply to left to put the Tigers ahead. Detroit starter Anibal Sanchez allowed two runs and six hits in six innings. He struck out seven and walked two. The Red Sox had men on first and third with one out in the fourth before Sanchez struck out Stephen Drew and Jackie Bradley Jr. Pedroia opened the scoring in the third with a sacrifice fly, but Suarez tied it in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single. Cabrera doubled in the fourth and scored on Victor Martinezs single. Napolis sixth homer tied it in the sixth. NOTES: Detroit C Alex Avila struck out three times in his first game back since he was hit in the head Friday by the follow-through of Ortizs swing. ... The Tigers play at the Chicago White Sox on Monday night. Detroit RHP Rick Porcello (8-3) faces RHP Hector Noesi (1-3). ... Boston plays at Baltimore, with Red Sox RHP Jake Peavy (1-3) taking the mound against RHP Bud Norris (4-5). ' ' '
The Ottawa Senators followed up an impressive showing 2012-2013 -- a season in which they finished with their highest points percentage since 2008 -- with something of a collapse in 2013-2014, ultimately missing the playoffs by five points, but it wasnt really that close for most of the season. Hunter Renfrow Jersey . Off-Season Game Plan examines a team facing some challenging times as GM Bryan Murray tries to put together a roster for next season. Perhaps the first challenge facing Murray is that its expected he will be moving out Jason Spezza, a premier point producer who is about to enter the final year of his contract. Its not as if the Senators shouldnt consider moving a player who, while immensely talented, also turns 31 this summer, but the return for such a deal is going to be crucial to determining just how soon the Senators are going to be competitive. Maybe they wont miss a beat; theyll find some good value on the free agent market and prospects will step into bigger roles, but no team can operate on the assumption that everything will be just fine after subtracting a point-per-game centre. The underlying concern for Murray, while building a roster, and the Senators franchise in general is that there have been increasing questions about owner Eugene Melnyks finances. Questions started when Daniel Alfredsson departed last summer and in interviews following the season, Melnyk preached a prudent fiscal approach. If this summer sees Spezza go, and unrestricted free agents Ales Hemsky and Milan Michalek also head out the door, that would leave the Sens with three over-30 players -- D Chris Phillips, RW Chris Neil and G Craig Anderson. Otherwise, the roster would largely be comprised of players either in or approaching their peak years, which could make for a relatively quick rebuilding effort, though that may be dependent on whether the budget allows the Senators to keep other veteran talent. Following the 2014-2015 season, RW Bobby Ryan, D Marc Methot and goaltender Anderson are all heading towards unrestricted free agency. If the Senators arent contending next season, and those three are still approaching UFA status, will there be an inclination to sign them to long-term deals or will they be trade chips at next years trade deadline? These are the types of questions that hover over any team in the NHL as they make roster decisions, but the decisions have less room for error on teams that are operating on an internal budget and that appears to be the world in which the Senators are now operating. The TSN.ca Rating is an efficiency rating based on per-game statistics including goals and assists -- weighted for strength (ie. power play, even, shorthanded) -- Corsi, adjusted for zone starts, quality of competition and quality of teammates, hits, blocked shots, penalty differential and faceoffs. Generally, a replacement-level player is around a 60, a top six forward and top four defenceman will be around 70, stars will be over 80 and MVP candidates could go over 90. Sidney Crosby finished at the top of the 2013-2014 regular season ratings at 87.12. Salary cap information all comes from the indispensable www.capgeek.com. CF% = Corsi percentage (ie. percentage of 5-on-5 shot attempts), via www.extraskater.com. GM/COACHBryan Murray/Paul MacLean Returning Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Cap Hit Jason Spezza 75.70 75 23 43 66 52.3% $7.0M Kyle Turris 73.77 82 26 32 58 52.8% $3.5M Clarke MacArthur 73.22 79 24 31 55 54.1% $3.25M Bobby Ryan 72.78 70 23 25 48 51.1% $5.1M Mika Zibanejad 67.53 69 16 17 33 53.8% $894K Colin Greening 60.78 76 6 11 17 50.9% $2.65M Chris Neil 60.13 76 8 6 14 50.7% $1.9M Erik Condra 59.79 76 6 10 16 53.7% $1.25M Zack Smith 57.37 82 13 9 22 50.2% $1.888M Free Agent Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Class 13-14 Cap Hit Ales Hemsky 67.84 75 13 30 43 49.6% UFA $5.5M Milan Michalek 66.03 82 17 22 39 51.9% UFA $4.333M Matt Kassian 53.73 33 1 1 2 47.3% UFA $575K Since 2005-2006 five players -- Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Alex Ovechkin, Joe Thornton and Pavel Datsyuk -- have scored more than Jason Spezzas 1.06 points per game (minimum 300 games played), so its not surprising that he will be in demand on the trade market. He turns 31 this summer and will be going into the final year of his current contract, but its just not easy to acquire a centre with Spezzas scoring pedigree. But, as a trade chip, hes valuable and if the Senators are trying to save money, getting out from under that $7-million while receiving young talent in return, then thats going to change the Senators window to win. One reason that the Senators can afford to shop Spezza is that Kyle Turris took a big step forward last season, doubling his previous career-best, scoring 58 points and he did it while generating positive possession numbers and playing hard minutes. Turris also had a career-best on-ice shooting percentage, which is likely to regress, but the 24-year-old has established that he can play in all situations and, with Spezza likely moving on, Turris will have to carry a heavy load. Playing a career-high 17:38 per game, Clarke MacArthur scored a career-high 24 goals and, as usual, delivered strong possession stats while skating on Turris wing. A three-time 20-goal scorer, MacArthur is consistently an above-average finisher (in terms of shooting percentage). Bobby Ryan was the Senators marquee acquisition last summer and while his production was okay, and he was part of a strong line with Turris and MacArthur, he did so while battling a sports hernia injury for much of the year. A four-time 30-goal scorer who just turned 27, Ryan is a rare talent and one that could be a cornerstone piece for the Sens going forward, but hes also heading into the final year of his contract, which leaves open the possibility that he could be moved out. At the very least, expect teams to inquire about Ryans availability until a decision is made on a new contract. Absurdly demoted to the AHL at the start of last season, as though he wasnt good enough to stay with the NHL team, Mika Zibanejad was quickly recalled and played well. Hes not yet entrusted with difficult minutes, but generates strong possession stats, so that could be the next step for a 21-year-old that plays both ends of the rink and offers a size/speed combination that is difficult to contain. A big-bodied forward whose production was inflated by playing with Jason Spezza a couple of years ago, Colin Greening hasnt scored so much since and has a contract extension kicking in next season that doesnt quite fit with a depth forward. If he can handle a regular spot in the top nine, that would be fine, but theres some risk that he wont be at that level for the next three years. Far and away the leader among active players in penalty minutes, Chris Neil saw his ice time drop by a couple minutes from the 2012-2013 season, yet hes still taking up too much ice time given his relative lack of production. Hes turning 35 this summer, so its not likely to get better either. A puck possession beast who cant finish a lick, Erik Condra is reliable and safe, but offers very little upside due to a lack of offensive production. While not charged with the toughest assignments, Condra still provides strong defensive work. Zack Smith is a gritty checking centre, who can chip in offensively, but he gets a lot of ice time for relatively minimal production. Smith takes some tough checking assignments, which undoubtedly increases his usage but if, for example, Zibanejad emerges in a bigger role, that might knock Smiths ice time down by a few minutes and that wouldnt be the worst scenario for this team. This summer could provide some serious change in Ottawa. If Spezza is traded, and Milan Michalek and Ales Hemsky leave via free agency, that would remove three of their top scoring options. There will be prospects battling for some of those openings and the return on a Spezza trade would have to include some young talent, but its safe to say that the Senators forward group is going to look significantly different next year. Returning Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Cap Hit Erik Karlsson 84.47 82 20 54 74 54.8% $6.5M Patrick Wiercioch 67.72 53 4 19 23 53.1% $2.0M Marc Methot 66.22 75 6 17 23 52.3% $3.0M Jared Cowen 63.42 68 6 9 15 50.9% $3.1M Chris Phillips 62.59 70 1 14 15 51.7% $2.5M Cody Ceci 61.98 49 3 6 9 51.0% $894K Free Agent Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Class 13-14 Cap Hit Joe Corvo 69.07 25 3 7 10 52.1% UFA $900K Eric Gryba 62.61 57 2 9 11 50.9% RFA $563K One of the games most electrifying players, Erik Karlsson generates offence like no other blueliner and, at a $6.5-million cap hit, is a relative bargain through 2019. He is criticized for not being a lockdown defender, in addition to being a brilliant skater and puckhandler, but Karlsson keeps the puck in the opponents end so consistently, thats it is hard to get too worked up about what hes not doing. Patrick Wiercioch entered last season with expectations that he might take over some of the minutes that left town with veteran Sergei Gonchar, and Wiercioch did play more early in the year, putting up 10 points in his first 20 games, but couldnt hold a spot in the lineup through the middle portion of the season. He played relatively soft minutes, but was effective in those minutes, so its not unreasonable to think that the 23-year-old will be able to handle more responsibility next year. Marc Methot spent most of the year paired with Karlsson, providing a defensive anchor to Karlssons freewheeling ways. He finished with a career-high 23 points last season, including the first three power play points of his career, but Methot isnt going to make waves with his puck skills. Hes big, strong and has logged nearly 22 minutes a night in two seasons for the Senators, often against quality opposition. He is also entering the final year of his contract. A 23-year-old who already has a spotty history of injuries, Jared Cowen struggled in 2013-2014, but the Senators are operating with expectations that he can be better in the future, as he gets further removed from hip surgery. That may be the case, but it would be risky to go into next season expecting Cowen to handle a top-four role if it turns out that time itself doesnt make him better. After making his presence felt as a rookie in 2012-2013, Eric Grybas role was reduced last season. He dressed in 57 games and logged nearly three minutes less per game than the year before. He doesnt do anything special, particularly offensively, but he can do a reasonable job in a depth defensive role. The first overall pick in 1996, Chris Phillips is still grinding for the Senators, and while hes still utilized in a defensive role, hes obviously declined from the days in which he was charged with shutting down the oppositions best lines on a nightly basis. He has a reasonable enough contract for the next couple seasons. Pressed into action sooner than expected as a first-year pro, Cody Ceci started well, but went through some tough times as well; nothing unusual for a 20-year-old rookie defenceman. He was sheltered in his usage, but has good size and the 15th pick in the 2012 draft has offensive upside that he didnt have a chance to display as a rookie. This unit might be okay if Cowen is as good as the Senators expect, but that is the risk going forward. If Cowen isnt up to handling top-four minutes, then thats a hole that is a situation that will need to be addressed. Its possible help could come via a Spezza trade, but the Senators could also look for value on the free agent market. Returning Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Cap Hit Craig Anderson 72.34 53 25 16 8 3.00 .911 $3.188M Free Agent Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Class 13-14 Cap Hit Robin Lehner 66.98 36 12 15 6 3.06 .913 RFA $870K After leading the league in goals against average and save percentage in 2012-2013, Craig Anderson found out how regression works, especially as it applies to goalies. Andersons .941 save percentage crashed to .911 last season which isnt terrible, but is below average. Anderson also had to finish strong to get there. His struggles in October and November opened up the possibility that Robin Lehner could take over the starting job. 22-year-old Lehner had a .938 save percentage through the first couple months of the season, picking up where he left off the year before, and seemed like a capable replacement for a struggling Anderson, but Lehner couldnt handle it, posting an .891 save percentage in 21 games from December through March. The Senators can bring this tandem back next season, hoping that they bounce back, and that Lehner will be better positioned to take over from Anderson, who will be a free agent next summer. Top Prospects Player Pos. Team/League Stats Curtis Lazar C Edmonton (WHL) 41-35-76, +41, 58 GP Mark Stone RW Binghamton (AHL) 15-26-41, +5, 37 GP Matt Puempel LW Binghamton (AHL) 30-18-48, -11, 74 GP Jean-Gabriel Pageau C Binghamton (AHL) 20-24-44, +15, 46 GP Mikael Wikstrand D Frolunda (SHL) 4-7-11, +4, 19 GP Mike Hoffman LW Binghamton (AHL) 30-37-67, +11, 51 GP Stephane Da Costa C Binghamton (AHL) 18-40-58, +19, 56 GP Ryan Dzingel C Ohio State (Big 10) 22-24-46, +17, 37 GP Mark Borowiecki D Binghamton (AHL) 2-6-8, +14, 50 GP GP Shane Prince LW Binghamton (AHL) 21-27-48, +23, 69 GP Chris Driedger G Calgary (WHL) 2.64 GAA, .918 SV%, 50 GP Fredrik Claesson D Binghamton (AHL) 3-26-29, +37, 75 GP Drafted 17th overall last summer, Curtis Lazar isnt considered a gifted offensive player, even though hes scored 79 goals in 130 WHL games over the past two seasons. He is considered a gamer, though, who continues to get better and that makes him a safe prospect who might be able to challenge for a spot as soon as next year. A sixth-round pick in 2010, Mark Stone has been knocking on the door for an NHL job and, after a productive showing in the AHL last season, he also picked up eight points and had strong possession stats, in 19 games with Ottawa. Hes ready for a full-time chance next season. There were seven 30-goal scorers in the AHL in 2013-2014 and only one was younger than Matt Puempel, the 24th pick in 2011, who has done decidedly more finishing than playmaking the past couple seasons. Jean-Gabriel Pageau had some late-season and playoff success with Ottawa in 2013, but managed two goals and no assists in 28 games last season, resulting in more AHL time. To his credit, Pageaus AHL scoring rate improved dramatically, which is promising, but hell be in a battle for a roster spot again next year. A mobile defenceman picked in the seventh round in 2011, Mikael Wikstrand may be a few years away, but hes already been productive in limited time in the Swedish Hockey League. A couple of years down the road, could be a gem. Could be. A late-bloomer who laid the AHL to waste last season, 24-year-old Mike Hoffman, played 25 games in Ottawa, contributing six points (3 G, 3 A) and didnt look out of place. Could be interesting if the speedster can carry some of that AHL production to the next level. Stephane Da Costa has been up and down from the AHL over the past couple seasons, but may have finally hit his stride last year, scoring better than a point-per-game in the AHL as well as putting up strong possession stats in a dozen games with Ottawa. Will it be enough to land a spot next season? Drafted in the seventh round in 2011, Ryan Dzingel had 84 points in 77 games over his last two seasons at Ohio State and made a smooth pro transition, scoring seven points in nine games with Binghamton at seasons end. A fifth-round pick in 2008, Mark Borowiecki is a tough, stay-at-home defenceman, and while hes made it into 21 NHL games over the past three seasons, hes effectively been passed by Gryba in that role. Drafted in the second round in 2011, Shane Prince has some skill, though hes in a depth chart battle with a bunch of other forward prospects in the organization. If Prince had a big productive season in 2013-2014, then he might be closer, but he is still just 21. Picked in the third round in 2012, Chris Driedger has been solid in two WHL seasons since, putting up a .916 save percentage in 104 games. Goaltenders are unpredictable and take time, so theres no urgency, but Driedger is worth keeping on the radar. Defenceman Fredrik Claesson plays a steady game and showed improvement in his second season in North America. He was a fifth-round pick in 2011. Senators advanced stats and player usage chart from Extra Skater DRAFTNo first-round pick FREE AGENCYAccording to www.capgeek.com, the Senators have approximately $37.1M committed to the 2014-2015 salary cap for 13 players. Check out my possible Senators lineup for next season on Cap Geek here. Needs: One top six forward, two top nine forwards, one top four defenceman.What I said the Senators needed last year: One top six forward, one top four defenceman.They added: Bobby Ryan, Clarke MacArthur. TRADE MARKETJason Spezza, Bobby Ryan, Colin Greening, Jared Cowen, Patrick Wiercioch. 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. Bo Jackson Youth Jersey . I kept my eyes focused up on the camera during each approach. I just tried to stay focused on my form, as I didnt know what the ball reaction was. I was quite emotional at the end. I did not actually see any of the shots in the game until I got home and watched the video. John Matuszak Womens Jersey . Case in point: LeBron James vs. Ben McLemore. James was driving to the rim in the first quarter and McLemore decided to try to take the charge, which was quite admirable and predictably futile. https://www.raiderssportsgoods.com/Womens-Dave-Casper-Inverted-Jersey/ . The Canucks figured to be active prior to Wednesdays trade deadline, getting a jump on things the previous day when they dealt goaltender Roberto Luongo to the Florida Panthers for netminder Jacob Markstrom and forward Shawn Matthias.MONTREAL -- Racing fans can expect the annual revving of high-speed engines at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for at least another decade, as the Formula One Group reached an agreement worth more than $200 million to bring the Canadian Grand Prix back to Montreal through 2024. The Grand Prixs future in Montreal was secured with the help of substantial governmental investment: $62 million from the federal government, $50 million from Quebec, $62 million from Tourisme Montreal and at least $32 million from the City of Montreal. Montreal mayor Denis Coderre was on hand at the racetrack on Ile Sainte-Helene for the announcement on Saturday morning, alongside ministers of infrastructure and transport from the provincial and federal governments. "This is the place to be this weekend, and this is the place to be for the next 10 years," said Coderre, who worked on the deal for several months with Formula One. "The Canadian Grand Prix is part and parcel of Montreal. It is one of the big international events that builds on Montreals outstanding reputation and ranks it among the worlds great cities." As a condition to the agreements success, the City of Montreal also agreed to renovate the track, including making improvements to the team paddocks, the control tower, and the on-site medical centre, for which it will spend $25 million to $40 million. Coderre promised work would begin this fall and would be completed in time for the 2017 Canadian Grand Prix. "The importance of this showcase to Montreal is beyond measure," said the mayor. "If Montreal wants to present itself as a metropolis, and join the ranks of other great cities around the world, we have to maintain this high level of authority. Its our signature. Its part of our DNA. It is one of the big international events that builds on Montreals outstanding reputation." The deal is big. Montreals Formula One weekend attracts visitors from around the world, and repeatedly rakes in roughly $70 million to $90 million a year. It is broadcast in 150 countries and watched by approximately 300 million viewers worldwide. And its not just great for the City of Montreal, says former-F1 champiion Jacques Villeneuve. Ronnie Lott Jersey. . Beyond the dollars and cents, Villeneuve believes the track named after his father is simply one of the most exciting in the world from a racing standpoint. "Its great for the teams and the drivers because its a fun track," he said on Friday in anticipation of the announcement. "Its a good venue. Everybody likes coming here. They come in a few days early. Its party time all week. Theres good energy." Villeneuve ranked Montreal as one of the top-four racing destinations, together with Monaco, Melbourne, and Singapore. "Its one of the few races that look different, where theres action," he said. "If you look at the modern tracks, you could be anywhere. They all look the same. And you fall asleep on your couch. Its one of those few that you need to keep on the calendar to keep Formula One special." Circuit Gilles Villeneuve -- all 4.3 kilometres of it -- is known for its sharp hairpin turn after the pit area, early safety cars, its tight Senna curves, and the kilometre-long straightaway along the Olympic basin that allows for speeds up to 300 kilometres per hour. Red Bulls Sebastian Vettel, who finished third behind Mercedes drivers Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg in Saturdays qualifying session, says Montreal is one of his favourite races of the year. "Its one of the few places in the calendar where the whole city really parties all weekend long and embraces the Grand Prix and really appreciates it," he said. "For us, thats a great feeling, to stand on the grid and have so many fans during the drivers parade and when you race. Seeing the full grandstands makes your job extra special." "Its a great track, the fans are fantastic, so enthusiastic," added Rosberg. "Im very happy and Im sure everybody else is that well be coming here more often in the future." Notes: This year marks the 35th running of the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal. The race gets underway Sunday afternoon. a In 2009, Montreal was removed from the F1 season when the provincial government refused to pay more to renew the race. The event returned the following year. ' ' '