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On the radio show today, the guys surprised them with a pair of tickets to the Leafs/Bruins game on April 3 and the chance to meet Joe Bowen. Kevin Pamphile Buccaneers Jersey . Needless to say, they went nuts and even enjoyed a bro hug on the air. (Go about 6:30 in for the ticket giveaway.) Buccaneers Clinton McDonald Elite Jersey . Akiyama (13-5 with two no contests) is coming off a February loss to Jake Shields at UFC 144 in his debut at 170 pounds. Alves (24-8) was submitted by Martin Kampmann last time out in March. Kadeem Edwards Buccaneers Jersey . The Nationals also swept the three-game series, their first sweep since June 8-10, 2010 when they beat the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-game set. Jerry Hairston Jr.PITTSBURGH -- Evgeni Malkins favourite running mate is serving a five-game NHL suspension. No matter. The Pittsburgh Penguins star can handle things by himself when he needs to. Malkin scored in his return from a lower-body injury, Sidney Crosby added his 16th goal, and the Penguins beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 2-1 on Monday night. Pittsburgh won its sixth straight home game behind 32 saves by Marc-Andre Fleury and some vintage work by Malkin. The Russian missed Pittsburghs previous two games after hurting himself in a game-day skate on Thursday. He appeared to be just fine when he bulled his way toward the Columbus net 4:16 into the second period for his eighth goal of the season. Malkin brushed off defenceman Jack Johnson and then deftly poked a shot past the outstretched stick of goalie Curtis McElhinney. Not bad for a guy who sometimes struggles when separated from linemate James Neal, who served the first game of the suspension he received for kneeing Bostons Brad Marchand in the head during a loss on Saturday. "Theres no doubt theyre good together," Crosby said. "Theyre both really good players. When they dont have each other, theyre capable of making plays, too." Crosby pushed his point total to an NHL-best 43 when a centring pass from Pascal Dupuis deflected off Crosbys leg and into the net 8:52 into the third. "It looked like that was the only way I was going to score tonight the way it was going," Crosby said. "I had some really pretty chances that didnt go in ... that second one ended up being important for us." Matt Calvert scored with less than a minute left for Columbus, spoiling Fleurys shutout bid. McElhinney made 28 saves but the Blue Jackets struggled again in Pittsburgh. The Penguins have won all three meetings this season by a combined score of 9-3. "You never want to go 0-3 against a division rival," Calvert said. "Theyre four-point games, and you lose a lot of points in the race." Fleury was sharp when tested, though the Penguins did an excellent job of keeping the Blue Jackets from spending too much time in his face.Buccaneers Michael Johnson Elite Jersey. There were few close calls by the Blue Jackets after the opening 10 minutes. Fleurys only mistake came when he narrowly missed scoring a goal into an empty net with a minute to play, inadvertently sparking a sequence that led to Calvert getting loose for his second goal of the season with 56 seconds remaining. Pittsburgh, which allowed two goals to Boston in the final minute on Saturday, didnt collapse this time. "The main thing is we got the win, got the two points," Fleury said. "Thats what matters." The Blue Jackets are hoping to take a step forward this season after moving over to the Eastern Conference following 13 mostly dismal seasons in the West. Injuries, however, have slowed their development. Columbus is missing forwards Marion Gaborik and Nathan Horton, defenceman James Wisniewski, and reigning Vezina Trophy winner Sergei Bobrovsky. Gaborik and Bobrovsky are out until after the new year. Horton is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury. The Blue Jackets had won three of four, including consecutive shutouts over Tampa Bay and Minnesota, to climb within three games of .500. They controlled play at the outset, controlling the puck for long stretches but had trouble generating solid scoring chances. "We didnt have clean shooting lanes," Columbus coach Todd Richards said. "They created a lot of second chances, it seems like they created rebounds off Macs pads, and it seems like our shots were caught or hit (Fleury) in the chest." In addition to Neal, the Penguins also played without defencemen Paul Martin, Brooks Orpik and Rob Scuderi. Orpik is sidelined indefinitely after being knocked out by Bostons Shawn Thornton on Saturday. Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said Monday that Orpik is "doing quite well" but issued no timetable for his return. NOTES: The Blue Jackets scratched Wisniewski, D Tim Erixon and forward Jack Skille. ... Pittsburgh also scratched forward Harry Zolnierczyk and D Brian Dumoulin. ... The Penguins are 8-1 when they have been outshot. ' ' '
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. http://www.panthersstore.us.com/Black-13-Kelvin-Benjamin-Womens-Jersey/ . -- Frank Klopas was happy with his players effort Saturday night. The officiating, on the other hand, left the Montreal Impact coach frustrated and angry. Dillon Powers scored on an early penalty kick to give the Colorado Rapids a 1-0 lead, and three goals in the second half helped them cruise to a 4-1 win over Montreal. Klopas expressed his dissatisfaction with referee Chris Penso, who made the call that awarded Colorado the penalty kick, after the game. "We were controlling the game and its unfortunate," Klopas said. "When the referee is a protagonist in the game its never good. So its a shame. He did a very, very poor job. For me, he had a very bad game." Powers, Kamani Hill and Shane ONeill scored in the second half as Colorado (5-4-3) snapped a two-game losing streak. Powers penalty-kick goal came in the fifth minute of the match, on what the Impact considered a borderline call on midfielder Sanna Nyassi. "Whatever the call was they still had a point-blank shot that was saved," midfielder Justin Mapp said. "Looks like a pretty good advantage to me. Not sure what the call is there." For a team that has struggled to find some footing away from home it was a tough night. The Impact (1-6-4) kept it close until the second half, but Colorado scored two goals in a span of five minutes to put it away. Anders Romero scored the lone goal for Montreal, which is now 0-4-2 on the road. "For us, we have to regroup fast," Klopas said. "We have the Canadian final coming up." The Impact had some chances right after Powers penalty kick but couldnt cash in. Mapp got through the defence on the left side and put a shot on Colorado goalie Clint Irwin, who made the save in the eighth minute. Mapp had another chance in the 16th minute but couldnt convert, and he hit a post in the 50th minute with his team down just a goal. He also was taken down in the box but no call was made, which didnt sit well with the Impact. "I thought so but I might be a little biased," Mapp said when asked if the takedown should have resulted in a penalty kick. An offside call that negated a goal by Issey Nakajima-Farran in the 66th minute added to the frustration. "I know the game is fast and people make mistakes, but today when we can talk mainly about the decisions of the referee its never good," Klopas said. The Rapids had several chances early but some good defence and key saves kept the Impact close. Deshorn Brown got a step on midfielder Patrice Bernier and then deked goaltender Troy Perkins in the 14th minute, but as Brown got a low shot off, Bernier slid behind Perkins to kick away the shot. "Once he dribbled I saw he didnt really see me coming from behind," Brenier said. "I dove, made a play and kept us at 1-0. Cant give up." Later, Brown leaped over midfielder Wandrille Lefevre but hit the post. Those near misses didnt cost the Rapids, however. Goals by Hill in the 54th minute and ONeill in the 59th gave the Rapids a 3-0 lead. Hills goal, his first since October 2012, came at the top of the box and faded over Perkins outstretch arm. ONeill dropped his shot over Perkins and just under the crossbar to make it 3-0. Powers finished the rout when he spun at the top of the box and sent a low shot past Perkins in the 84th minute for his second of the game. Romero scored his second goal of the season with a strong individual effort. He took the ball from the sideline, dribbled past three defenders and beat Irwin with a shot to the far post in the 88th minute. "It was a great goal. It just seems for us we have to score a goal for the Oscars," Klopas said. "We had some good chances. It is what it is. My players, they gave everything. Theres nothing I can complain about." http://www.panthersstore.us.com/Customized/ . The win keeps the Jets in the race for top spot in the Southeast, although the Panthers do have three games in hand. The teams conclude the season series April 3rd in Florid, and they still lead the season series 3-1-1. For now though, Winnipegs 20th home win of the year, puts the Jets back into the top eight in the East. http://www.panthersstore.us.com/Black-34-Deangelo-Williams-Womens-Jersey/ . -- For the final tournament at Sherwood Country Club, Tiger Woods seems intent on leaving a lasting impression. MONTREAL -- Sarah Koltuns Yukon rink may be paving the way for a new generation of northern curlers. The team representing the Territories lost twice at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts on Monday -- both by a score of 9-3 after eight ends -- to Team Canadas Rachel Homan in the afternoon and Quebecs Allison Ross in the evening. But theres promise in the Yukons (1-4) play. Theyre the youngest team at this years Scotties. Skip Sarah Koltun, lead Andrea Sinclair and second Patty Wallingham are all 20 years old, while third Chelsea Duncan is 21. The young women from Whitehorse have put their studies on hold for the year in order to stay in the Yukon and train for the season. "Its just something we decided was worth it in order to become more successful," said Koltun. "In the sport in general, teams are becoming more successful at a young age." They raise money year-round and receive funding from the Yukon government to offset the cost of travel expenses to tournaments. After skipping seven consecutive years at the Canadian junior championship, Koltun is now the youngest skip ever to play in this, her first Scotties. "Its been really good so far," she said. "And to have the crowd on our side is really cool. Weve been enjoying it a lot. The teams here are a lot stronger." In their evening match, Quebec Ross (1-4) broke a deadlock in the seventh end, putting up a four-spot with her last stone. "It wasnt my first instinct," Ross said of the tough shot that ultimately gave her the victory. "I was just going to draw for two. And my lead (Pamela Nugent) said, Is the double there? We went and looked. We figured it was, and that we might as well try it out." Quebec stole another two in the eighth to record their first victory of the Scotties to the delight of the hometown fans. "We made some shots that made it worth the crowd cheering for us," said Ross. "It feels really good -- finally. We played as well as we played in the other games, but it actually went our way this time. Nice change." The evening draw saw tight finishes across all other sheets. Newfoundlands Heather Strong (4-1) and P.E.I.s Kim Dolan (2-3) took a 4-4 tie into the 10th end, where Strong scored a deuce for the 6-4 victory. Nova Scotias Heather Smith (1-4) was involved in a seesaw battle with British Columbias Kesa Van Osch (2-3). Van Osch made her final rock count in the 10th end to win 9-8 after giving up the two-point leaad in the ninth. Trai Turner Panthers Jersey. Nova Scotia has given up leads in each of its four Scotties losses. "Weve had chances to win all four," said Smith. "An end or a shot, here or there, are the difference in our games so far. We just cant find a way to win. "In a week like this one, you just have to hope to get more wins than losses on those close ones." Albertas Val Sweeting (4-1) needed extra ends to beat New Brunswicks Andrea Crawford (2-3) by a score of 9-8 in the 11th. Sweeting put two points on the board in the eighth, and another two in the ninth, before Crawford tied the game with the hammer in the 10th. In afternoon matches Monday, Dolan edged Ontarios Allison Flaxey (1-3) by a count of 7-5. Flaxey scored one in the seventh end, and another in the eighth, but couldnt complete the comeback. Manitobas Chelsea Carey (3-1) scored four in the ninth against Nova Scotia, which conceded right after. The afternoon draw also saw a Saskatchewan team that could do no wrong, beating New Brunswick 9-3 after eight ends. Saskatchewan skip Stefanie Lawton (3-1) stole four in the third and another three in the fifth to seal the victory. "Theres always room for improvement," said Lawton, who called the four-point steal in the third end a game changer. "It definitely gave us an advantage and we were able to capitalize on that throughout the game. We played strong and put the pressure on." Homan scored three to take the lead over the Yukon in the third end, and never looked back. With the score 4-1 in the fourth, Koltun had a chance to reduce the deficit, but overthrew her final rock. "Unfortunately we didnt play our best, but we just need to learn from it," said Koltun. Still-unbeaten Canada (4-0) added another four in the seventh for an impressive victory. "Were playing well," said Homan. "We have to fine-tune a few things here and there. We got an early head start, and it was tough (for the Yukon) to catch up. "Were feeling good. We just need to keep rolling." Homan said she recognized a slightly younger version of herself in the Yukons skip, and suggested their styles of play were similar. Koltun couldnt agree more. "We try to play and train similarly, putting in the effort, the time, thats necessary to be successful," said Koltun, whos admired Homan since seeing her play at the 2007 Winter Canada Games in Whitehorse. "That hard work will eventually pay off." ' ' '
DETROIT -- Desperation fueled the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday night. http://www.panthersstore.us.com/Customized/ . David Legwand had a goal and an assist, and Detroit held off the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 to move into seventh place in the Eastern Conference. The Red Wings are trying to stretch their playoff streak to 23 seasons, the longest such active streak in North American professional sports. "We got to find to find a way to win some games here to get in. Weve got Washington breathing down our necks and Columbus is right with us here, and Torontos in the mix too," said Gustav Nyquist, who extended his point streak to nine games with his 27th goal. "... Everyones going to be playing for their playoff lives here. Its a good thing we have it in our own hands at least." Jonas Gustavsson stopped 26 shots and Joakim Andersson also scored for Detroit, which won 4-2 in Toronto on Saturday night. "Its huge obviously to get four points on a back-to-back weekend is big," Legwand said. "Especially the race is so tight and if we can start gaining some ground here and getting some traction well be all right." It was Mike Babcocks 411th win as the Red Wings coach. He passed Scotty Bowman and moved into second place in franchise history behind Jack Adams (413). "Scottys the greatest coach of all time in our business. The way the business was then and the way it is now, to have the amount of wins Scotty has is impossible and youre not going to get to coach so many Stanley Cup champions," Babcock said. "Youre not able to keep teams together like they used to. Scotty should be in a class by himself." Valtteri Filppula and Sami Salo scored for Tampa Bay and Ben Bishop made 27 saves. "We played a pretty good game. ... Got a solid 60 minutes, but didnt get the result we wanted," Lightning centre Steven Stamkos said. "Theyre a good team and they played desperate game." Salo scored his fourth goal to pull Tampa Bay within 3-2 with 4:29 left in the third. Legwand made it 3-1 with a power-play goal with 3:24 left in the second period, tipping in Johan Franzens shot for his 13th goal. Nyquist gave the Red Wings a 2-1 lead with 4:36 remaining in the opening period with his spectacular goal. He was being bothered by Lightning defenceman Matthew Carle on a breakaway and after Carle thwarted the initial attempt, Nyquist slid in a shot from along the goal line. Legwand got the assist. "Leggy (Legwand) made a real nice play up the middle and I just tried to get good body position on the D-man there to get an opportunity to score," Nyquist said. "Made that last move to my backhand and noticed that the goalie was out of the net. I lost the puck a little bit and it went behind the goal line there. I was hoping the goalie was still out of the net on the other side so I just tried to spin and get it on net as fast as possible. Nice to see it go in." Nyquist has 11 goals and two assists during his streak, and 22 goals in his last 27 games. Andersson tied the game at 1 with 8:52 left in the first period when he put in a rebound for his eighth goal. It was his first goal in 20 games. Filppula gave Tampa Bay a 1-0 lead 8:40 into the game on the Lightnings second shot. He beat Gustavsson from the high slot on a wrist shot for his 25th goal. He stretched his point streak to 12 games (five goals and 11 assists). Tampa Bay didnt get its first shot until 8:17 into the game. NOTES: The crowd chanted "You got Kronwalled" after Detroit D Niklas Kronwalls hit on Tampa Bay RW Ryan Callahan late in the first period. . Detroit LW Justin Abdelkader returned after missing seven games with a leg laceration. . Tampa Bay vice-president and general manager Steve Yzerman spent his entire Hall of Fame playing career with Detroit. . Red Wings RW Todd Bertuzzi was a healthy scratch. . Filppula spent eight seasons with the Red Wings before signing a free agent contract with Tampa Bay last July. . Detroit LW Drew Miller played 14 games with the Lightning in 2009-10, before being put on waivers and picked up by the Red Wings. . Tampa Bay assistant general manager Pat Verbeek and assistant coach Steve Thomas both played with Detroit during their careers. Panthers Luke Kuechly Womens Jersey . -- Brandon Browner is not a typical NFL cornerback. http://www.panthersstore.us.com/Black-65-Garry-Williams-Womens-Jersey/ . At Thursdays morning skate, Cooke was slotted on the wing with Erik Haula at centre and Justin Fontaine on right wing.WASHINGTON -- D.C. United is parting ways with Canadian international Dwayne De Rosario after declining to pick up its option on the 2011 Major League Soccer player of the year. The team is in rebuilding mode after finishing the 2013 season with a league-worst 3-24-7 record. De Rosario made US$645,333 this season, the highest salary on the teams payroll. "So humbled by all the support & appreciate your words of encouragement," De Rosario posted on his Twitter account after Uniteds decision was made official. "A new chapter is soon to begin. Stay tuned & have a Happy Halloween." De Rosario is now eligible for the MLS re-entry draft, where teams can select players who are out of contract or have had their options declined by their current clubs. "We want to thank Dwayne for his contributions to our team over the past three seasons," said D.C. United general manager Dave Kasper. "He was instrumental in helping the club reach the 2013 Eastern Conference Championship Series, as well as winning this years U.S. Open Cup. "This was a difficult decision to make, but it was one that we felt was best for our team to move forward into next season and beyond. We wish Dwayne all the best with his future." De Rosario started his MLS career in 2001 with the San Jose Earthquakes, wwhere he helped the team to two MLS championships over five seasons. Tre Boston Jersey. De Rosario, along with the rest of his Earthquakes teammates, moved to the expansion Houston Dynamo in 2006, where he won two more MLS titles. Houston traded De Rosario to his hometown team, Toronto FC, on Dec. 12, 2008. He was named captain of the team for the 2010 season after the retirement of Jim Brennan. His best MLS season came in 2011, when he played for three different clubs. He started the year in Toronto, was dealt to the New York Red Bulls and then traded again to United in mid-season. In his first 18 games with United, De Rosario recorded 13 goals and seven assists. De Rosario finished the 2011 season with 16 goals and 12 assists in 33 games with Toronto, New York and D.C. He won the leagues most valuable player award as well as the Golden Boot as top goal-scorer. He was named Uniteds captain in 2012, scoring seven goals and adding 12 assists that season. While his numbers dipped to three goals and two assists this past season, he still helped United win its third Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, scoring five goals in the process. De Rosario is currently sixth on the all-time MLS scoring list with 103 goals. Internationally, De Rosario has 20 goals in 74 appearances for Canada, and has served as the teams captain. ' ' '
SEVILLE, Spain -- Barbora Zahlavova and Andrea Hlavackova put the Czech Republic into the Fed Cup semifinals after winning the final doubles point against Spain on Monday. David Johnson Chargers Jersey . The Czechs rallied from a 2-1 deficit to play Italy in the last four for the second consecutive year following a 7-6 (7), 6-3 victory over Carla Suarez Navarro and Silvia Soler-Espinosa. Rain wreaked havoc on the weekend schedule, forcing the first-round tie to a third day. Suarez Navarro put Spain up 2-1 on Monday following her second singles victory. Lucie Safarova returned to the court to keep Czech hopes alive with a 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 win over Soler-Espinosa. The visitors seized the momentum in the deciding rubber of the best-of-five tie by winning the first-set tiebreaker on the clay. Germany and Australia meet in the other semifinal, which will be played on April 19-20. Malcom Floyd Jersey . Lin, 23, played collegiately at Harvard and was an undrafted free agent signing of the Golden State Warriors in 2010. As a rookie, often playing in garbage time, Lin appeared in 29 games, averaging fewer than 10 minutes, scoring 2.D.J.Fluker Chargers Jersey . Frye had to settle for a season-high 30 points instead in the Suns 117-103 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night. "For me it is just constant movement and shooting shots that I know are good shots," Frye said, "and just not even thinking about it and letting them go.Dylan Armstrong aimed high when he set his goal for this season. The thrower from Kamloops, B.C., wanted to be the best in the world, and he wanted to be considerably better than anybody else. What might have seemed like wishful thinking six months ago has all but become a reality for the Canadian, who takes a No. 1 shot put ranking into the world track and field championships that begin Saturday in Daegu, South Korea. "I sat down with my coach and said, I basically want to get away from this group, I want to get into a high level where ... not that Im untouchable, but where I will be highly, highly competitive. I want to pull away," Armstrong said recently. The 30-year-old is the favourite to claim what would be Canadas first-ever world shot put title. He launched the seasons world leading throw of 22.21 metres and also tops the prestigious Diamond League standings. A victory in Daegu would be a big step toward his ultimate goal of Olympic gold next summer in London. Armstrong finished fourth three years ago at the Beijing Games, missing the podium by less than a centimetre. He sat in second in the early rounds before eventually falling out of the medals when American Christian Cantwell passed him with his sixth and final throw. "Its always motivation to be that close. Theres nothing that I could have done better, I put everything on the line. I prepared, I had a Canadian record, it just played out that I got fourth and lost by a centimetre," he said. "Im going to do whatever I can not to let it happen again." Armstrong credits this seasons rise in the ranks to a complex training program under renowned throws coach Anatoliy Bondarchuk, and the fact hes maturing in the sport. The beefy six-foot-four, 310-pound Armstrong said throwers get stronger with age. "You just need to put in your time. Its one of those events where you have to be very mature physically and youve just got to be able to handle that weight, be confident with it," said Armstrong, who switched from the hammer throw to shot put when he was 24. Athletics Canada is all but counting on Armstrong to claim one of the two medals its set as a goal from its 32-member team in Daegu. Others capable of reaching the podium are former world champion Perdita Felicien of Pickering, Ont., in the 100-metre hurdles, hepathlete Jessica Zelinka of London, Ont., who was fifth at the Beijing Olympics, and the mens 4x100-metre relay. Felicien is seeded seventh, while Zelinka and the relay team are eighth. The relay team will be chosen from Bryan Barnett of Edmonton, Jared Connaughton of New Haven, P.E.I., Saff Effah of Calgary, Gavin Smellie of Toronto, Seyi Smith of Ottawa, aand Justyn Warner of Markham, Ont. Kellen Winslow Jersey. The Canadians set up camp in Changwon, South Korea, 85 kilometres from Daegu, nearly two weeks ago to adjust to the weather and time change, and head coach Alex Gardiner said the athletes are all healthy and ready to go. Felicien had a nagging hamstring injury that forced her to pull out of a couple of meets earlier this summer, but Gardiner said she looked strong in practice in Changwon. "She had a little bit of a hamstring strain, but I dont think theres any concern at all there now," he said. Felicien, who will turn 31 on Monday, hopes to make up for her own Olympic disappointment next year in London after falling in the final in 2004 in Athens and then missing Beijing with a foot injury. "Its the one medal I really want," Felicien said at last months Toronto International Track and Field Games. "I have a lot of world championship medals, Pan American Game medals, 10 national titles, but to get an Olympic medal, I think Ive shown that, not necessarily that I deserve it because we all work hard, but that Ive always been capable of doing it but things have not gone my way. "So yes, that is my fuel to give it this one last shot and go out and make it happen." Gardiner said the world championships are an important gauge for the Canadian team less than a year out from London. "You cant fool yourself a year out. Its the final benchmark in terms of world-level competition before we go into London. Well have to hold the mirror up and have a long look in it if we fall short," Gardiner said. "And everybody else is doing the same thing we are, we just have to be more vigilant and more focused. "The formula is simple,, its having people put in a consistent season, injury-free, healthy and then be sure that coming into the major Games, like Daegu and London, that theyre in peak form." Canada won one medal two years ago in Berlin, a silver by hurdler Priscilla Lopes-Schliep, whos taking the season off to have a baby. Her daughter is due mid-September. Gardiner said hes expecting strong results in South Korea from Phylicia George of Pickering, whos seeded eighth in the 100-metre hurdles in her world championship debut, and javelin thrower Scott Russell of Windsor, Ont., who lowered his own Canadian record earlier this season, and is seeded ninth. "We set a goal at two (medals), but if we get close on three, four, five or six, that would be fine," Gardiner said. "If we have a whole collection of fours and a medal, thats OK too. But its really about closing the gap to London and performance on the day is what were always looking for." ' ' '
VANCOUVER - Justin Fontaines shootout goal gave the Minnesota Wild a 2-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks in NHL action Friday night. E. J. Manuel Bills Jersey . Fontaine, Minnesotas seventh shooter, went wide on Canucks goaltender Eddie Lack and slid the puck under him. Wild goaltender Darcy Kuemper preserved the win by denying Vancouvers final shooter, David Booth, as he attempted a spin-o-rama shot. The Wild (33-21-7) posted its fourth straight win, while the Canucks (28-24-10) suffered their eighth loss in the past nine games. The Canucks outshot the Wild 31-23 with Minnesotas goaltender recording 30 saves and Vancouvers Eddie Lack stopping 22. The Wild scored on one of three power plays while the Canucks were blanked on two, but tallied while shorthanded. Vancouvers Ryan Kesler and Minnesotas Zach Parise exchanged first-period goals. Kesler, who missed Thursdays win over St. Louis with a hand injury and has been the subject of trade speculation, opened the scoring 5:19 into the game while the Canucks were shorthanded. After Chris Higgins forced a turnover just outside the Vancouver blue-line, Kesler raced down left wing and beat Kuemper with a high shot. The goal came while Daniel Sedin was serving a hooking penalty. Minnesota had a goal by former Canucks defenceman Keith Ballard disallowed as officials ruled Mikael Granlund interfered with Lack, but no penalty was necessary. Parise evened the score just under nine minutes later as he beat a heavily screened shot from the slot. The Wild captain put the puck between Alex Edlers and Dany Heatleys jerseys as they stood in front of the net. The Canucks outshot the Wild 11-6 in a scoreless second period, but could not beat a steady Kuemper, who made his 14th consecutive start. Early in the third period, he robbed Kesler while sprawled on his belly. After Kesler picked up the puck, cut in front of the goalmouth and sent a backhand toward the net, Kuemper lifted his right leg and kicked the disk out. The Canucks controlled play for much of the third, but struggled to generate dangerous chances against Minnesotas determined defensive efforts. The Wild only recorded its second shot of the period with 2:59 left, but still managed to force overtime. The Canucks received a rare power play 1:27 into the extra session as Parise was penalized for boarding Chris Tanev. In the shootout, Vancouvers Chris Higgins had Kuemper down and out after a deke, but hit the post on his clubs final shot of the regulation portion. Notes: Vancouver defenceman Chris Tanev returned after missing seven games with a thumb injury. … Wild captain Mikko Koivu remained out with an ankle injury suffered Jan. 4, but took part in his clubs morning skate. He has missed 17 straight games. … Most of Vancouvers injured players have returned. Only winger Mike Santorelli (shoulder, out for season) and defenceman Andrew Alberts (concussion) remain in sick bay. … Minnesota left winger Jason Zucker missed his second consecutive game with a lower-body injury while Marco Scandella sat out his third contest due to a sprained knee. Goaltender Josh Harding, who is struggling to find the right medication program for his multiple sclerosis, has missed 19 games. Bruce Smith Bills Jersey . The pair will receive the award at the chapters annual dinner on Jan. 25. Tim McCarver, a former big league catcher and a Fox broadcaster who is retiring this year, was voted the William J. Slocum and Jack Lang Long and Meritorious Service award at the chapters annual meeting Wednesday. Andre Reed Womens Jersey . Brad Jacobs, skip of Canadas national champions and world silver medallists, is among the dozen men who posed for a "2014 Men of Curling Calendar," released Tuesday.BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - David Ferrer of Spain has won his third straight Copa Claro title, defeating Fabio Fognini 6-4, 6-3 Sunday on outdoor clay in the Argentine capital. It was the 21st ATP singles title for the top--seeded Ferrer. Tony Moeaki Bills Jersey. Second-seeded Fognini was playing his fifth consecutive clay-court final since the French Open. The Italian won the final a week ago in Chile for his third tour singles title. ' ' '
PARMA, Italy -- The match-fixing scandal that has rocked Italian soccer during the past year implicated the coach of Serie A champion Juventus on Monday and ensured at least one player wont be at the European Championship. Saints Jairus Byrd Limited Jersey . Police swept through the Italian national squads training camp near Florence as part of a wide-ranging investigation into fixing that resulted in 14 arrests -- including Lazio captain Stefano Mauri -- to bring the total number arrested to about 50 since last year. The Italian soccer federation later said Juventus coach Antonio Conte is under investigation for alleged wrongdoing while in charge of Siena in 2010-2011, and announced the withdrawal of defender Domenico Criscito from the Euro 2012 squad a day before the player lists have to be submitted to UEFA. "He would have experienced a pressure that no human being can deal with," Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said of Criscito playing at the June 8 to July 1 tournament. "He wouldnt have been in the right frame of mind. And he could also have been called up by the prosecutors at any time, before a match. "It was a peculiar day. My first reaction was one of fear: Oh my god, what can we do. But then you have to find something positive out of this situation, such as if it had happened four days later it would have been a lot worse." Two police cars arrived at the national teams training site at about 6:25am local time and left nearly three hours later. Criscitos house in Genoa was searched, while Contes place in Turin was also raided. Juventus president Andrea Agnelli said Conte would remain in charge and lent his support to Leonardo Bonucci, the Juve defender who is also reportedly under investigation but remains with Italys squad. Conte denied any wrongdoing. "My story speaks clearly for itself," he said. "Ive always showed moral integrity, honesty, fairness in every situation, whether as a player or a coach. I am completely innocent of any of this, as are my players. "With Siena we won the (second-division) title with three games to go, thanks to a lot of sacrifice, sweat, tears and joy, with a group of extraordinary lads." Siena president Massimo Mezzaroma is also under investigation, and Cremona prosecutor Roberto Di Martino said the club is at the centre of the investigation. "There are seven, eight games being looked at and there have been statements that make us think they were manipulated," Di Martino said. "The searches involved players, coaches and directors of the club, including Conte and Mezzaroma." Apart from those arrested Monday, three people have been placed under house arrest and two others are to present themselves to authorities. Five of the arrests were made in Hungary. Former Italy striker Christian Vieri, who retired in 2009, is also among those under investigation, while Inter Milans match against Lecce in 2001 is being examined. "Its devastating news," said former Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni, who is now in charge of Ireland. "If the authorities are acting its because theres something there." Mauri was arrested on suspicion of sporting fraud. Most of the footballers implicated now play in Serie B or lower leagues, although one, Omar Milanetto, spent five years at Genoa before joining Padova in 2011. Numerous others have had their houses searched, including Chievo Verona striker Sergio Pellissier. The investigation was started by judicial authorities in Cremona last year. It has resulted in former Atalanta captain Cristiano Doni being banned from football for three and a half years, and the arrest of former Lazio captain Giuseppe Signori. Serie A clubs Atalanta, Novara and Siena were among the 22 Italian teams notified at the beginning of this month that they are being investigated by sports authorities. Prosecutors in Cremona have detailed an extensive match-fixing ring stretching as far as Singapore and South America that was allegedly in operation for more than 10 years. "It will be impossible to go right to the end with this because my office is not equipped to do so," Di Martino said. "If people wanted, we could go on forever but there is very few personnel. "It will be impossible to go ahead with this for long." Italy has only recently recovered from the 2006 match-fixing scandal -- known as Calciopoli -- that resulted in Juventus being relegated to Serie B for a season, plus points penalties for several other Serie A teams and lengthy bans for club and refereeing officials. The Italian national team reacted in the best possible way, winning the World Cup later that year. "This time its worse than 2006. At least for me," Roma and Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi said. "Its more shocking this time, with the police coming into Coverciano (Italys training ground) and people I know being arrested. "Were going to the Euros with a stain on us." Saints Cameron Jordan Grey Jersey . The six-foot-one, 198-pound Blomstrand has played 44 games this season in Swedens second-tier Allsevenkan league. He collected eight penalty minutes in 14 games with Djurgardens and 19 points (13 goals, six assists) in 30 games with Almtuna, ranking third in goals. Saints Jimmy Graham Authentic Jersey. -- Minnesota Twins slugging prospect Miguel Sano will have Tommy John surgery on his throwing arm and miss the 2014 season.THE HAGUE, Netherlands -- Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has played down speculation that he will manage Manchester United next season, saying Wednesday that he has other options open as he seeks a job for after the World Cup. Van Gaal told Dutch media that he hasnt made a decision about his future. The 62-year-old Dutchman is stepping down as national team coach after the World Cup in Brazil and has been widely tipped to take over at Old Trafford to replace the sacked David Moyes. "There are more clubs interested. I have more options," Van Gaal said at a Netherlands training session. "It is a process were in and everybody has to wait patiently on my choice and that of the clubs." Tottenham also has been linked with Van Gaall, who is regarded as one of the top coaches in Europe after winning domestic titles in the Netherlands, Spain and Germany, the latter two as coach of Barcelona and Bayern Munich. http://www.saintsstore.us.com/80-nike-elite-jimmy-graham-mens-jersey-nfl-new-orleans-saints-2014-pro-bowl-white.html. . He also won the Champions League in 1995 with Ajax. United is ready to wait until the end of the Premier League season, which finishes on Sunday, before making an announcement on Moyes successor. "There is no deal yet," Van Gaal told respected Dutch football magazine Voetbal International. "There are papers that write I have already signed, there are even assistants named. Its a pity it goes this way. "There are more clubs interested in Louis van Gaal. We will see which choice I make and which choice the clubs make." ' ' '
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. http://www.panthersstore.us.com/Black-70-Trai-Turner-Womens-Jersey/ . -- Patrick Roy got into a screaming match with an opposing coach, pushed over a glass partition, received a game misconduct and was reprimanded by the NHL. Quite an eventful start to his coaching career with the Colorado Avalanche. His fiery temper definitely has followed him from the goal to the bench. On Wednesday, Roy lost his cool shortly after the final horn in a 6-1 win over Anaheim, yelling at Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau and then pounding on the glass partition separating the two benches with so much force that it began to tilt. The league punished Roy for his outburst with a $10,000 fine on Thursday and a reminder that this sort of behaviour wont be tolerated. "Roys actions at the conclusion of the game were irresponsible," said Colin Campbell, NHL senior executive vice-president of hockey operations. "One of the responsibilities of an NHL coach is to help diffuse volatile situations on the bench." What set the Hall of Fame goalie off was a knee-to-knee hit between rookie Nathan MacKinnon and Ducks defenceman Ben Lovejoy late in the game. Roy thought Lovejoys hit was unnecessary and couldve been avoided. "I guess I have to change a few things. I got the $10,000 fine by the league for that," Roy said after practice. "I understand it now. At the same time, I will always defend my players." And thats appreciated. "It just shows that he cares about his players a lot," said MacKinnon, the No. 1 pick in the draft over the summer. "Hes very passionate and hell stand up for what he believes in and not really think about the circumstances or the criticism." Even a day later, Roy was still a little bit worked up. Sure, the hit remained a sore subject, but so were comments Boudreau made about him after the game. Boudreau called Roys antics "bush league" and added that "(Roy is) going to be in for a long year, if hes going to yell at every player and yell at the refs at every stoppage of play. Its not the way the game is played." Roy fumed over the assertion. "I didnt talk to players until that moment. During the game, I dont talk to the players. I dont talk to the referees," Roy said. "What Boudreau said was all lies. Im not going to get too involved in this one but to be honest when you talk about classless -- when youre lying, this is classless." This could be a very entertaining season with Roy on the bench. "Hes very passionate," said forward Alex Tanguay, who played alongside Roy when the Avalanche won the 2001 Stanley Cup title. "The emotion and intensity of a first game probably got to him a little bit at the end. Hes fine." The Avs are certainly feeding off his energy this year as they try to turn around a franchise thats missed the playoffs the last three seasons. "Were a passionate group and it starts with the guy behind the bench," Jamie McGinn said. "Hes really passionate about this game. He wants to win and it carries over." Overshadowed by the melee at the end was the performance of MacKinnon. Just a shade over 18 years old, he had two assists to become the youngest NHL player to record two or more points in a game since 1944, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. "There are some things I need to do better," MacKinnon said. "A couple passes, but I mean, there are a lot of things I can work on as well." Just the attitude Roy appreciates. "This is an opportunity there for him and he needs to be himself," Roy said. "With time, hell play a larger role on our team." Thats why he came to MacKinnons defence when he was hit by Lovejoy. "I think it was what needed to be done," Roy said. "The incident with Lovejoy going after Nathan at the end of the game, I thought that was something that was inappropriate. "This is the way I dealt with this one. Will I deal with it differently next time? Maybe. Or maybe not." NOTES: Captain Gabe Landeskog missed practice Thursday with a leg injury. Roy said hes being examined by a doctor. ... On Friday, MacKinnon will face good friend Seth Jones, the fourth overall pick by Nashville in June. Jones was drawn to the game in part because of Hall of Famer Joe Sakics influence when Jones father, Popeye, once suited up for the Denver Nuggets. "Its going to be fun to play against him," MacKinnon said. http://www.panthersstore.us.com/Black-94-Kony-Ealy-Womens-Jersey/ . Catch Manchester City v. QPR live on TSN2, Sunday at 9:30am et/6:30am pt. City and United are level on points going into the final round on Sunday, though Citys superior goal difference means a home win against relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers will almost certainly clinch the title for the first time in 44 years. Trai Turner Panthers Jersey . -- It was one of the most spectacular plays of a dreary season for the Detroit Pistons: Andre Drummond knocked a pass away near midcourt, took off toward the basket and threw down an emphatic one-handed dunk while being fouled by Atlantas Elton Brand.Got a question on rule clarification, comments on rule enforcements or some memorable NHL stories? Kerry wants to answer your emails at cmonref@tsn.ca. Kerry, I appreciate your earlier comments on Torontos handling of the Vanek goal, and Im sure youve seen the Howie Rose-Kris King interview by now. Im still left with some basic questions about what the actual NHL rules are at this point, and was hoping you could provide some insight. 1. Does the situation room still need clear, incontrovertible evidence to overturn calls made on the ice? Every NHL announcer seems to think so, but Kris King clearly indicates that while that logic held in many cases there was a specific subset of calls (including kicking motion) where the situation room could take the on-ice call as purely advisory and didnt have to find incontrovertible video evidence in order to overturn. Is Kings view backed up by formal statements/rule changes? Do NHL refs uniformly understand that Toronto needs clear evidence to overturn in some cases but not in others? 2. Kings comments seemed contradictory in that he said the rules regarding kicking were defined so that neither refs or the situation room needed to make any judgment as to the players intent (i.e goals scored by kicking should be disallowed even if they could be considered unintentional or inadvertent), but also raised the point that "foot dragging" could be defined as "kicking" in this context. First of all, Rule 38.4 which you quoted in your initial comment does not mention foot dragging, and the "pendulum" motion it prohibits would seem to explicitly exclude the possibility of disallowing goals based on foot dragging. Has there been an internal memo or formal rule change that all NHL refs would be aware of that expands Rule 38.4 to include foot dragging? Secondly, outside of extraordinarily blatant cases, how could anyone disallow a goal on foot dragging grounds without judging the players intentions? Hundreds of goals go off skates where there has been no "pendulum" type kicking motion. How could anyone distinguish good from bad goals without determining whether they thought the player was trying to intentionally redirect a puck, as opposed to simply position themselves near the goal mouth where lucky bounces sometimes occur? We all understand that no set of rules can ever be perfect. The issue here is that you and most fans that saw the Vanek video believed the rule to be applied in that situation was one thing, and King may have implied (but never clearly said), no - the rule to be applied in that situation is different. If the rules are 100 per cent clear to refs and everyone in the league, it would still be useful to communicate changes more clearly so that announcers and journalists arent confusing the fans. Of course, if situation room personnel think they can establish rule interpretations that the on-ice staff isnt in sync with, that would raise a different set of issues. Hoping you can clarify what the real situation is. Hubert Horan Hubert: I truly believe that each person who staffs the Situation Room on a nightly basis in Toronto is a man of integrity and cares deeply about the game. They do not take the huge responsibility handed to them lightly and they do strive to get every call right through videoo review to the best of their ability. Kelvin Benjamin Jersey. When a play, subject to review, is taken over by the Situation Room their judgment is independent of the referees and any decision rendered through video review is final. The only exception is when video review returns an "inconclusive verdict" at which time the call reverts back to the referee on the ice. In almost every case the referees initial call will then stand. The referees make the call from their vantage point in real time based on the rules as written and with the direction and expected standard of enforcement they are handed from their superiors. The refs recognize that their decision on the ice can be overturned for any reason, whether they agree or even like it! It would appear, at least from the perception of the personnel conducting the video review, that clear and incontrovertible evidence is present for them to overturn a referees call on the ice. That perception and ultimate decision is always subject to debate and scrutiny from the hockey community. While I cant ever recall Kris King agreeing with a penalty I assessed against him during his 14 season NHL career I know him to be a very good, honest and charitable person. As a former player that was most often cheered by adoring fans, Kris and his colleagues in the Situation Room can sometimes find their decisions challenged rather vehemently by various members of the hockey community. No differently than a referee experiences throughout his career, it goes with the territory! This might explain some of Kris apparent defensiveness during the interview with Howie Rose. What Kris didnt explain, but only alluded to, were instructions provided them by the general managers how to ascertain a "distinct kicking motion" beyond the definition provided in rule 38.4 (iv). If such instructions include a skate drag or worse yet, unintended contact with a players skate resulting from physical contact by an opponent, these new criteria should be clearly communicated to the rest of the hockey world. That I believe is the question that Howie Rose and the rest of us would like a clear answer to. I would be most curious to know if Isles GM Garth Snow and Habs GM Marc Bergevin (following Brendan Gallaghers disallowed goal) among others have signed off on the instructions Kris King alluded to. A referee often factors in "player intent" when imposing his judgment on infractions and calls. To suggest otherwise is illogical. At the present time a vast majority of the hockey community, including current and former officials, current and former players, broadcasters and fans cant logically understand decisions to disallow goals like the one that went into the net off the skate of Thomas Vanek. The answer to that question has to come clearly and definitively from Colin Campbell, current Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations who holds the keys to the Kingdom. Finally, the integrity and accuracy of the video review process would be greatly enhanced if the NHL were to employ former referees to provide their specialized expertise and INDEPENDENT judgment in these matters no differently than the other major professional sports leagues have recognized is necessary. ' ' '
FLORHAM PARK, N. JMarcus Webb .J. -- Add yet another chapter to the long-running saga that is the New York Jets-New England Patriots rivalry. But, heres a new twist: Rex Ryan actually defended Bill Belichick. Wait. Say what? Well, it started Thursday when a profile on Cleveland Browns coach Mike Pettine published on Sports Illustrateds theMMQB.com site included a revelation from the former Jets defensive co-ordinator that suggested New England might have obtained a copy of New Yorks playbook a few years ago. Pettine said Ryan, his longtime buddy, once gave Alabama coach Nick Saban a playbook -- and Pettine warned that Belichick and Saban are close friends. At the wedding of then-Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker a few years ago, Tom Brady bragged to former Jets assistant Mike Smith that New England might have gotten its hands on one of its rivals playbooks. "It didnt shock me," Pettine told the site, "because Rex would give them out like candy anyway." After the Jets completed their final minicamp practice, Ryan became agitated at times when asked about the story. The Jets coach refuted the suggestion that Saban -- who is also friends with Ryan -- might have given Belichick and the Patriots a sneak peek. "One thing I know for a fact, No. 1, I think its disrespectful to New England to say, Oh, they did this," Ryan said. "I can tell you every single game weve ever had with New England has been decided on the field. Nobodys had a competitive advantage. Nobodys had anything else. And thats a fact." The Patriots have won seven of the 11 games against the Jets since Ryan became New Yorks coach in 2009. Ryan said in the Jets losses, Belichicks bunch simply "outperformed us." So, this is, of course, not quite a scandal such as Spygate. Then, came the bombshell moment. "To discredit somebody like Belichick, who is a real coach, studies his butt off," Ryan said, "is ridiculous." Ryan explained that every team frequently changes its playbooks, tailoring plans to specific opponents. Theyre also coded in ways that would be difficult for opponents to completely decipher. "To me, I think its ridiculous," Ryan said. "But I think it sounds like everybody needs to talk to Pettine, because apparently hes got all the information." Alabama associate athletic director Jeff Purinton confirmed that Saban has a copy of the playbook Ryan gave to him -- and it has remained in his office at the school. Belichick opted to not comment after the Patriots practice. "Talk to Mike Pettine," Belichick said. "I dont know." In the interview, Pettine used the anecdote to explain why he doesnt have thick playbooks -- just in case they end up in the wrong hands. Ryan acknowledged he wasnt sure if Pettine was just displaying his dry sense of humour, but was clearly irked by the whole situation. "I dont understand what hes trying to gain by it," Ryan said. "Thats up to Mike and hes certainly free to do whatever he chooses." Pettine and Ryan have been friends for years, dating to their days together in Baltimore. Pettine was Ryans defensive co-ordinator in New York before he left to take the same position in Buffalo in 2012. Cleveland hired Pettine as its head coach this off-season. Ryan was asked if a first-year head coach such as Pettine might consider staying out of the spotlight. "Yeah, he needs to learn to be quiet," said a smiling Ryan, whose mouth certainly has gotten him in trouble over the years. "Absolutely." The Jets coach then continued to lighten the mood, saying the story was being "a bit overblown" and analyzed his relationship with Pettine. "Its in a bad spot right now," a laughing Ryan said. "Like, really dude? Seriously?" Ryan later praised Pettine for his work by his side for so many years and acknowledged that he was proud of him for becoming a head coach in the NFL. So, will Ryan reach out to Pettine to smooth things over? "I dont need to," Ryan said with a grin. "Im going on vacation." Hmmm. Picture it: Ryan and Belichick having fun in the sun on Cape Cod. Now that would be some plot twist. NOTES: The Jets signed a pair of "camp legs" -- K Andrew Furney and P Jacob Schum -- and released TE Terrence Miller, putting their roster at 90 players. ... LB David Harris sat out with a hamstring issue that isnt serious. Ryan joked that Harris absence was a result of "the playbook issue." ... Ryan said hes "pretty optimistic" that RB Chris Johnson will be ready to participate in training camp next month. Johnson is coming off off-season knee surgery. Ryan suggested the Jets could use "pitch counts" for Johnson to limit his practice days. Len Dawson . It was also just enough to slip Ryan Hunter-Reay out of the top starting spot for Saturdays Grand Prix of Indianapolis. Anthony Fasano . Bryzgalov, who is rarely short of words off the ice, stopped all 24 shots his way and Charlie Coyle scored the games only goal as the Minnesota Wild blanked the Jets 1-0. BOSTON -- For a few seconds it looked like the inning was over. Then, a couple of minutes later, Jose Altuves grand slam broke the game open. Altuve hit his first slam after Boston shortstop Xander Bogaerts made a mental gaffe on a play that would have ended an inning Sunday, carrying the Houston Astros to an 8-1 victory over the Red Sox. Leading 2-0, the Astros got a break when manager Bo Porter won a challenge and they scored four runs after Bogaerts mistake. The shortstop picked up Marwin Gonzalezs grounder, ran to second for what looked like a force and fired to first. The problem was he threw the ball about a step before he tagged the bag. After Joe Kelly walked the bases full, Altuve homered into the Green Monster seats. "That theres a big play," said Porter, who said he was first told by the umpires that the play wasnt reviewable. "You look at that stage of the game and what proceeded to happen after that, Altuve with the big grand slam, one could say that was the biggest play of the game." Red Sox manager John Farrell was ejected by first-base umpire Doug Eddings after Altuves slam when he came out to argue. "My initial explanation on the field was that it was a neighbourhood play," Farrell said. "My interpretation is that neighbourhood play should not be determined by a feed throw or not, a neighbourhood play is not a reviewable play." Crew chief Jim Joyce, speaking to a pool reporter from the AP, said because he had never seen the play before that the crew decided to ask the replay centre for help. "Actually, we have not have had that play per say where the shortstop or the second baseman go right to the bag on their own," he said. "So, just to make everything clear, I explained to Bo that I was going to ask New York, the replay centre, if it was in fact reviewable because a neighbourhood play is not. New York came back to me and said, Yes, that play is reviewable and I came back to them and said, OK, Houston is challenging that play and that was the outcome." Altuve, who leads the majors in hits, weent 4 for 5, raising his hit total to 173 and majors best average to . Sean McGrath. 339 as the Astros completed a split of the four-game series. Dexter Fowler and Jon Singleton added solo homers for Houston, which earned its 52nd win to surpass last years total. Daniel Nava had an RBI double for Boston. Collin McHugh (6-9) gave up one run on seven hits in six innings for Houston. Kelly (0-1) was tagged for seven runs on seven hits, walking six over four innings in his Fenway Park debut with the Red Sox. He was acquired at the non-waiver trade deadline along with first baseman/outfielder Allen Craig for right-hander John Lackey. Fowlers homer in the third made it 7-0. WHAT A DAY Altuve became the first Astros player to collect four hits and a slam in the same game since Jeff Bagwell did it on April 9, 2004 at Milwaukee. He also matched his career high with the hits for the seventh time, last came on June 27 against Detroit. HOMER HAPPY The Astros entered the day second in the majors with 50 homers since July 1. They have 16 games this season with three or more homers and have gone 14-2. TRAINERS ROOM Astros 1B Jesus Guzman, on the DL since August 2 with back spasms and on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Oklahoma City, is eligible to come off. Red Sox 2B Dustin Pedroia was out sick and it was his 31st birthday. He had three homers in seven previous games on his birthday. UP NEXT The Astros are off Monday before opening a three-game series at Yankee Stadium Tuesday when LHP Brett Oberholtzer (4-8, 3.87 ERA) is scheduled to face New Yorks lefty Chris Capuano (1-3, 4.13). RHP Brandon Workman (1-6, 4.45 ERA) is slated to go for Boston Monday, facing C. J. Wilson (9-8, 4.71 ERA) when the Red Sox open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels. CELEBRITY SIGHTING Actor Matthew McConaughey watched the game from the second row down the left-field line just past the Astros dugout. He appeared to go fairly unnoticed until he left in the top of the ninth and many fans took pictures and shook hands as he was walking out. ' ' '
CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks are taking a more direct approach to generating offence without injured star forwards Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. Buccaneers Lavonte David Jersey . So far, its working. Rookie Jeremy Morin scored and set up Patrick Sharps go-ahead goal in the second period, and injury-depleted Chicago held on to defeat the St. Louis Blues 4-2 on Sunday afternoon for its third straight win. The Blackhawks ground out the victory despite playing without Toews powerful skating and Kanes puck-handling skills for the third game. Forward Brandon Saad was a last-minute scratch. "Weve simplified our game quite a bit," said Sharp, who scored his team-leading 33rd goal. "Were not trying to make as many plays offensively. Were battling hard. "Usually when you battle hard individually and as a team, good things happen. Weve raised our battle level lately, but were just keeping things simple. Getting pucks in, getting pucks out." And some younger players, such as Morin, are getting more ice time and showing just how deep defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago is. "Im just taking it day by day every time Im in the lineup, trying to make the most of it," Morin said. "Were comfortable out there. "Im just playing the game right now and letting things come." Marcus Kruger and Ben Smith also scored for Chicago, which is two points behind Colorado for second place in the Central Division and home ice in the first round of the playoffs. The Blackhawks have three games left. The Avalanche, who lost in a shootout to Pittsburgh on Sunday night, have four games remaining. Toews, Chicagos captain, sat out his third game with an upper-body injury suffered last Sunday when he was drilled by Pittsburgh defenceman Brooks Orpik. Kane, who has resumed skating, missed his ninth with a lower-body injury suffered against the Blues on March 19. Toews and Kane are expected to return for the start of the playoffs. Jaden Schwartz and Vladimir Sobotka connected for St. Louis, which lost its second straight and remained two points behind idle Boston for the NHLs overall point lead and race for the Presidents Trophy. Both the Blues and Bruins have four games remaining. Chicagos Corey Crawford made 21 saves and St. Louis Brian Elliott made 31. "We had moments where we did everything to ourselves and gave them opportunities really out of nothing," Elliott said. "Its a wake-up call right now and weve got to figure it out." The Blues skated without two of their top forwards, including leading goal scorer Alexander Steen who missed his third game with an upper-body injury. Vladimir Tarasenko has been sidelined since mid-March with a hand injury. The Blues, who were shut out by Colorado on Saturday, have scored two goals or fewer in eight of their past 10 games. St. Louis coach Ken Hitchcock said his team is looking a "little bit tired" and needs to "find a way to re-energize" and start skating, buzzing and shooting again in the offensive zone. "Our offensive game is based on offensive energy," Hitchcock said. "When we dont have it, we dont have near enough zone time. "We score by volume (of chances) and when we dont get the volume we dont score. The last couple of games we havent gotten the volume we normally get." Blues defenceman Kevin Shattenkirk agreed. "A lot of our offence comes when were grinding away down low," he said. "When were shooting, theres rebounds and were beating guys to pucks." Chicago dominated territorially in the chippy first period and outshot the Blues 11-3, but trailed 1-0 after 20 minutes. Schwartzs power-play goal at 1:57 of the first opened the scoring. After taking Brenden Morrows pass, Schwartz fired from the left circle, but his shot hit traffic in front of the net and bounded back to him. His second shot got through the screen and beat Crawford low. Crawford made a pad save on Patrik Berglunds short-handed breakaway attempt midway through the first. Elliott stopped several prime Chicago chances in the final minutes of the first as Chicago turned up the pressure. With 1:30 to go, he blocked a point-blank short-handed shot by Marian Hossa, who rocketed in alone past Blues defenceman Alex Pietrangelo. Morin tied it at 1 at 8:34 of the second, when he drove to the net and pushed in a rebound of Bryan Bickells shot. Bickell had picked off a pass at centre ice before cruising back into the Blues zone and firing from the left circle. Sharp put Chicago ahead 2-1 with 27 seconds left in the second when he completed a 2-on-1 break with Morin. Morin carried the puck down the right side, then passed to Sharp who fired a shot past Elliotts stick side from the left circle. Kruger made it 3-1 just 56 seconds into the third. Elliott got a piece of Joakim Nordstroms shot from the right wing, but the puck trickled to the left goal post. Kruger punched it in. Sobotka cut it to 3-2 with 2:02 left when his flipping shot from the left wing knuckled under Crawfords glove. Smith scored into an empty-net with 3.3 seconds left. NOTES: Blackhawks D Johnny Oduya sat out his third game with a lower-body injury. Healthy scratches for Chicago were D David Rundblad and forwards Teuvo Teravainen and Matt Carey. ... Blues scratches were defencemen Ian Cole and Jordan Leopold and F Dmitrij Jaskin. Buccaneers Clinton McDonald Authentic Jersey . The 31-year-old Kobayashi had come over to the Whitecaps from J-League side Shimizu S-Pulse. He scored three goals and added four assists in 32 appearances for the club last season. Buccaneers Vincent Jackson Lights Out Jersey . Braden Calverts Winnipeg rink rallied to defeat Italy 8-7. After giving up three points in the second end, Calvert came back with a single, then stole two more points in the next two ends to tie it up at the fifth-end break.Two men were charged Thursday with conspiracy to defraud as part of an investigation into a suspected Singapore-based international betting syndicate which allegedly fixed non-league football matches in England. The National Crime Agency, which is leading the investigation, said a seventh person had also been arrested following an undercover operation by Britains Daily Telegraph newspaper. He has been released on bail with the four others. ChannSankaran, a 33-year-old Singapore national, and Krishna Sanjey Ganeshan, a 43-year-old with dual British and Singapore nationality, will appear at a magistrates court in Cannock, central England, on Friday, the NCA said. They have been charged with conspiring to defraud bookmakers "by influencing the course of football matches and placing bets thereon" between Nov. 1-26. The maximum prison sentence for the offence is 10 years. "The Crown Prosecutions Organised Crime Division found sufficient evidence and was satisfied it was in the public interest toauthorize charges of conspiracy to defraud," the NCA said in a statement. The Telegraph reported that three of the original six people arrested are footballers, with another reportedly a former Premier League player who is now an agent. Games played in the fifth tier or lower of English football are the focus of the investigation, with the Premier League confirming Thursday that it has not been contacted by police in relation to the case. The Football League, which runs the three professional divisions below the Premier League, has already said it has not been involved in the investigation. The fifth-tier Football Conference said it is "aware" of the alleged match-fixing case. "The Football Conference takes all matters relating to the integrity of the game very seriously," it said in a statement, "but it cannot make any comment on todays story as it would be inappropriate to do so." The Telegraphs website published a covertly recorded video in which it says one of the fixers claimed matches could be fixed for 50,000 pounds ($81,380). He also claimed to have connections with Wilson Raj Perumal, the Singaporean who was sentenced to two years in pprison in Finland in 2011 for bribing players in the Finnish football league. http://www.buccaneersstore.us.com/Black-83-Vincent-Jackson-Womens-Jersey/. Match-fixing, fuelled by unregulated betting markets in Asia, is widely viewed by footballs authorities as one of the biggest scourges on the game. Europol, the European Union police liaison agency, said in February that it reviewed 680 suspicious recent cases of match-fixing but the organizations chief of media and PR, Soren Pedersen, said Thursday he was unable to comment on whether this latest case was linked to that investigation. "Unfortunately, this is not a problem that has disappeared," Pedersen told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. "Theres definitely enough for police still to do to look into this crime phenomenon." The last major match-rigging convictions in English football were in the 1960s. Peter Swan, David Bronco Layne and Tony Kay, who were all in or on the fringe of the England team, were jailed for four months and banned for life for corruption. In 1994, three then-Premier League players -- goalkeepers Bruce Grobbelaar and Hans Segers and striker John Fashanu -- were alleged by a newspaper to have fixed matches. The trio was acquitted following two trials after juries were unable to reach a verdict. And in 1999, four men linked to a Malaysian-based betting syndicate were jailed for three years for plotting to sabotage floodlights ahead of Charltons match against Liverpool that year as part of a match-fixing plot. "Its no surprise to see that it has hit the U.K.," Pedersen said of the latest global wave of match-fixing cases. "Its not only south-east Asia that has problems, but Greece, Albania, Turkey and Italy of course. Its in central and northern Europe. Even a country like Finland, which is not normally linked to bribery or corruption, have had several cases. Also in Hungary, there are things going on. Its practically all over Europe." One of the biggest recent alleged fixing plots was unearthed in Australia where four English players were charged in September in a criminal investigation. Before heading to Australia to play for the Melbourne club Southern Stars, the men played in Englands lower leagues. ' ' '
ANGELHOLM, SWEDEN – Team Canada head coach Brent Sutter blasted his players following an uninspired 3-0 loss to Sweden in an exhibition game Sunday night. Packers Ha Ha Clinton-Dix Grey Jersey . "Theyre a team that plays hard, they skate, they play with emotion and skill and we had guys who didnt tonight and it just shows that skills overrated unless you have a work ethic and a compete level that you have to have out there. We lost a lot of one-on-one battles. Outside of one guy, we lost a lot of face-offs ... We didnt have the puck, especially in the first period. We were just very passive and on our heels and basically we let them dictate the game and they did and we never seemed to get any momentum or control of it back," said Sutter. "I think its a good lesson for us." Bob McKenzie takes a closer look at why Canada struggled against Sweden. It was an assessment shared by his players. "Theyre a big challenge, obviously, they showed it tonight," said defenceman Derrick Pouliot, "luckily for us its still exhibition [season] so we got some time to improve and well see them down the road for sure." Canada will need to play a lot better if theyre going to beat the Swedes in the tournament, which starts on Boxing Day. The host nation is returning half of their players from last years silver-medal squad and Carolinas Elias Lindholm and Nashvilles Filip Forsberg, who were not in the lineup Sunday, will be on the ice by the time the round robin begins. Canada and Sweden are in different pools in the opening round and can only meet in the playoffs. "We didnt work, starting from myself," said left winger Jonathan Drouin, who sat out the first pre-tournament game on Friday. "I think the key guys have to produce offence and we didnt. We have to work harder against a skilled team like that." "Its not a lot of things that really went wrong," said defenceman Aaron Ekblad. "We just have to work harder as a team. That team outworked us and thats about all you can say about it." DROUIN RUSTY IN RETURN Drouin will be a key factor in whether Canada ends a four-year gold drought. Sunday marked the 18-year-olds first game since sustaining a concussion on Dec. 6 while playing with the Halifax Mooseheads in the QMJHL. Head injuries can be tough to come back from at first and rust was evident. "I thought he was average at best," Sutter stated bluntly. "He didnt play very good at all, but its his first game. It was a feel-out process for him tonight. I guess Im not surprised the way it was. He hasnt played in a while and obviously were playing a top, top team." "Obviously, a little slow start," Drouin acknowledged. "Its been three weeks so first game is going to be a little harder. It was getting better and better as the game went on." Canada wraps-up its pre-tournament schedule with a game against Switzerland on Monday. Drouin believes that one more game should be enough for him to be ready for the tournament opener on Thursday against Germany. "Im sure Ill be fine, like I said, it just took some time and as the game went on I felt better and better," said Drouin, who was picked third overall in last Junes NHL draft by Tampa Bay. "Theres one more game and Im sure Ill be better." DUMBA EJECTED; SUSPENSION LOOMING? A lack of discipline also haunted Canada on Sunday as defenceman Mathew Dumba, named an alternate captain by Sutter on Thursday, was ejected in the second period for kneeing Erik Karlsson. The Swedes scored with one second left in the major penalty. Two of Swedens three goals came on the man advantage. Its possible that Dumba, loaned to Hockey Canada by the Minnesota Wild for the world juniors, may face a suspension for the hit. Canadian defenceman Griffin Reinhart will already miss the first three games of the tournament as he serves out a suspension picked up at last years event. And Sutter made it perfectly clear that going into the championships first game with fewer than six blueliners is not acceptable. "No, its not OK to go into the tournament with five D," he said. "I think youre grasping right now, reaching, thinking its a possible suspension. I couldnt even answer that. He got ejected from the game, but whether theres a suspension label to it? I couldnt tell you." Dumba was cut by Team Canada the last two years and has spoken about how much it means to him to be on the squad this time around. Bob McKenzie breaks down the Dumba situation and how a suspension would put Sutter in a tricky situation LONE BRIGHT SPOT The one player that escaped Sutters wrath was Jake Paterson. The Saginaw goalie kept the game scoreless in the first period as Canada was outshot 16-5. Jamie McLennan takes a closer look at Patersons performance "He played great," said Sutter. "He played outstanding. From the first shot that was taken on him, he was really, really solid for us. He kept it close for us, especially in the first period, but we never responded in the way we wanted to and you have to score goals to win games. We just never generated enough offensively. He gave us chance and I thought he played extremely well." Paterson is competing with Zach Fucale for the starting job. Fucale stopped 31 of 33 shots in Fridays 4-2 win against Finland. "Obviously Im looking, hopefully, to be the starter, but I have no idea what the coaches are thinking right now so I just got to be ready if they call upon me," said Paterson, who stopped 31 of 34 shots against Sweden. Sutter hasnt announced who will start on Monday against the Swiss. http://www.packersstore.us.com/Black-53-Nick-Perry-Womens-Jersey/ . Centre Samuel Bennett of the Ontario Hockey Leagues Kingston Frontenacs leads the pack among North American skaters, with 26 goals and 66 points this season. Packers Eddie Lacy Lights Out Jersey . LOUIS -- The St.CINCINNATI, Ohio -- The Cincinnati Reds used a well-rounded effort to end their losing streak on Saturday. Jay Bruce homered and drove in three runs and the Reds snapped a three-game losing streak with a 6-5 win over the Phillies. Todd Frazier also homered and the Reds played strong defence, throwing out two runners at the plate to end innings and overcome homers by Marlon Byrd, Carlos Ruiz and Jimmy Rollins to send the Phillies to their seventh loss in eight games. "Talk about a complete game," first-year manager Bryan Price said. "Those two perfectly executed relay throws were a big deal. We had a lot of good things, defensively and offensively." Centre fielder Billy Hamilton, second baseman Brandon Phillips and catcher Devin Mesoraco teamed up to throw out Byrd at the plate to end the sixth inning and Ruiz to end the seventh. "Those are fun plays," Mesoraco said. "Those are always my most fun plays. You certainly dont want to give up the doubles to get into that position." Alfredo Simon (8-3) allowed seven hits and three runs with three strikeouts in six innings. Jonathon Broxton pitched a scoreless eighth inning and Aroldis Chapman pitched the ninth for his eighth save. The Reds wasted no time snapping their 17-inning scoreless streak, scoring in the first inning. Hamilton drew a leadoff walk, stole second on the first pitch to Skip Schumaker and hustled to third on Schumakers groundout to Rollins at shortstop, setting up Bruces sacrifice fly. "As a team, you need the small things," Bruce said. "Those are what lead to the bigger things." The Phillies answered with Byrds two-run homer in the second, his ninth of the season. Frazier led off the bottom of the second with his team-leading 13th homer of the season, giving him home runs in three of his past four games. Frazier sparked Cincinnatis fourth-inning go-ahead rally with a single to right field and stolen base. Zack Cozart drove him in with a sinking line drive to right-centre field that Ben Revere got a glove on with a diving try before the ball trickled away. Cozart went to third on Ramon Santiagos single and scored on Hamiltons sacrifice fly. The Phillies threatened in the fifth, getting runners to second and third with one out, prompting manager Ryne Sandberg to pinch-hit John Maybberry Jr. Packers Aaron Rodgers White Jersey. for starting pitcher Roberto Hernandez. Hernandez (2-4), is 0-3 in seven starts since his most recent win on May 4, allowed four hits and four runs with three walks and two strikeouts in four innings. He also hit a batter. Bruce followed Brandon Phillips fifth-inning leadoff walk with his fourth homer of the season and first since April 20 against the Cubs in Chicago. The homer was his first in Cincinnati since April 3 and the 100th of his career at Great American Ball Park. "Thats one of those things I knew was coming," Bruce said. "You just have to keep on keeping on. Ive been trying to keep the same approach. It felt good to put a good swing on a pitch I should have driven." Ruiz led off the sixth with his second homer of the season, and Rollins hit a two-run shot in the seventh, his eighth homer of the season and second in two days. Byrd was thrown out on a double on Domonic Browns double to right-centre field. He collided with Mesoraco, prompting umpire crew chief Tom Hallion to ask for a review to make sure Major League Baseballs new rules governing plays at the plate werent violated. "I cant give you an educated response because I dont know what the rule is," Byrd said. "I was waiting for a lane. I was going to slide outside and get my hand in" When the replay confirmed the initial ruling, Sandberg came out of the dugout to argue, which is automatic grounds for ejection. The umpires tried to wave him back into the dugout, and Hallion ejected Sandberg when he persisted. "My argument was the catcher blocked the plate before he had the ball," Sandberg said. "Byrd almost twisted his ankle with indecision. It has gone against us three times with different scenarios. Everyone wants to know what the rule is." Notes: Reds 1B Joey Votto will begin an injury rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Sunday. Votto hasnt played since going on the disabled list on May 21, retroactive to May 16, with a quadriceps strain in his left knee, the same knee on which he had two surgeries in 2012. ... Bruces walk in the third inning was his first in 16 games since he was walked three times by Milwaukee on May 1. ... Sandbergs ejection was the first of his managerial career. ... Rollins needs six hits to pass Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt and become Philadelphias career hits leader. ' ' '
