TSNs Jack Armstrong offers his thoughts on Raptors small forward Steve Novak, Nets shooting guard Marcus Thorntons firepower and deep range, Celtics point guard Rajon Rondos talent and the Chicago Bulls harder work on the court. 1. HUGE GAME: Im here in NYC for the Raptors at Nets game Monday night. Some games are just bigger than others and this is one of them. Four games separate them for first place in the Atlantic. Tie-breaker at stake, as well. A win by the Raps would be a major step with only 20 games to play beyond this one. Both are on a back-to-back. Its a tough challenge for Toronto versus a desperate opponent. I cant wait. 2. STEVE NOVAK (Raptors): The five three-pointers at Minnesota were major. Patrick Patterson is out and its all about digging deeper into your bench and he delivered. The sum is more important than the parts. Love how Landry Fields and Chuck Hayes have performed when needed as well. 3. MARCUS THORNTON (Nets): 27 points Sunday night versus his old Kings team. A terrific pickup for Brooklyn. He gives them firepower and deep range. Streaky scorer who can change a game quick if hes hot. He did that on Sunday night. He is the perfect complement off the bench for their team. 4. RAJON RONDO (Celtics): 11 points and 18 assists on Sunday versus the Pistons. GM Danny Ainges phone will be ringing off the hook this summer if he keeps dropping as many dimes as he did on Sunday. Hes a wonderful talent and if he gets back to being the explosive lead guard he once was, watch out! 5. CHICAGO BULLS: Watched their overtime win over the Heat on Sunday. What can you say, other than wow! No team in the NBA plays harder than them. Coach Thibodeau gets after it and Joakim Noah is that guy you want on your side. Hustle truly is a talent. Justin Anderson Jersey .com) - Tony Parker scored 17 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a comfortable 99-85 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday. Dikembe Mutombo Jersey . Less than 24 hours after the Wolves lost at home to the Mavericks, 100-98, NBA president of basketball operations Rod Thorn announced Tuesday that Kevin Love was fouled on his right arm by Shawn Marion in the closing seconds and should have been awarded two free throws. http://www.authenticbasketballshophawks....e-hawks-jersey/. Cory Batey and Brandon Vandenburg were each convicted on four charges of aggravated rape, one of attempted aggravated rape and two for aggravated sexual battery. Vandenburg was also found guilty of tampering with evidence as well as an unlawful photography charge. Trae Young Jersey . -- Michigan coach John Beilein is willing to give Nik Stauskas a little leeway when it comes to shot selection. Taurean Prince Jersey .com Tours season-opening Colombia Championship on Sunday, breaking the course record with an 8-under 63 in the completion of the third round before rain washed out play.EDMOND, Okla. -- Colin Montgomerie declared Bernhard Langer the favourite heading into the U.S. Senior Open. After 18 holes, Montgomerie may well have seized that position himself with a 6-under 65 to lead at the end of Thursday at Oak Tree National. The Scotsman started on No. 10 and birdied Nos. 14, 15 and 16 on the way to a 33 on the back nine. He birdied six, seven and eight to finish strong in oppressive heat and humidity. "That was the key to the round, the three birdies in a row on the front nine, my back nine," Montgomerie said. "To birdie six, seven, eight was good. That got me to the position I am now." Marco Dawson was second after a 66, and Mark Brooks was third after shooting 68. Langer was one of five golfers tied for fourth with a 69. Dawson, in his first Senior Open, started on the back nine and shot 2 under, then was steady on the front nine before scoring birdies on seven, eight and nine. The 50-year-old said it was one of the two best rounds hes played in his six Champions Tour events. He was pleased with the performance, especially considering the courses challenging reputation. "It just seemed to happen, you know, birdie, birdie, birdie the last three holes, so I ended up 5 under," he said. "I could have shot 2 under and still would have been a good round." Brooks birdied the 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th holes to go 4 under on his first five holes. He shot 3 under on the back nine and even on the front nine. "Ive been playing here since high school," he said. "Im comfortable here. My mother and father both are Oklahomans, so I got a lot of Oklahoma blood in me." Langer, who entered the Senior Open having already won three events this year, was in a five-way tie for fourth along with Vijay Singh, Kirk Triplett, Scott Dunlap and Gene Sauers. "They say you dont win a tournament on the first day," Langer said. "You can certainly lose it with a bad round, so, you know, Im somewhere in the top 10 or top 20 after ttoday, which is a good spot to be.dddddddddddd Still have three rounds to go." Kenny Perry, last years Senior Open winner, shot a 75. Mother Nature was a factor for various reasons. Play was delayed for 77 minutes at the start due to the threat of lightning, and play was suspended because of darkness at 8:54 p.m. CDT, with three players still on the course. Wilting 90-plus degree heat with humidity hit in the afternoon. Darrell Kestner completed 14 holes Thursday before withdrawing and being treated for a heat-related issue. Peter Jacobsen, who withdrew from last years Senior Open in Omaha after nine holes because of dehydration, made it through the opening day in Edmond. He shot a 1-under 70, then held a sports drink as he answered questions. "I learned a really good lesson," he said. "My doctor told me, Dont ever get dehydrated because its very debilitating on your body. I walk around with water and Gatorade and lot of liquid, especially here when we know its going to be humid and hot." Heavy rains Wednesday softened the course, but the heat Thursday made it hard later in the day. Changing winds added another degree of difficulty to an already long, tough course. "It is kind of difficult to judge the wind out here," Montgomerie said. "Youre always going to get breeze out here in Oklahoma. Thats part of the test out here." Weather is expected to remain a factor through the rest of the tournament, with temperatures expected to soar. Montgomerie said it will amount to a physical examination. "Its going to be grueling over the next three days," he said. "Concentration levels will be difficult to maintain for everybody out there, not just myself. I look forward to the challenge of trying to compete against the rest of the field, the golf course, which is superb, and also the weather conditions, which are very foreign to myself and most competitors, to be honest. We dont usually play in 100 degrees. Its going to be interesting over the next three days." Authentic Nike Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Tennessee Titans Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Washington Redskins Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Arizona Cardinals Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Denver Broncos Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Green Bay Packers Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Los Angeles Chargers Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike New England Patriots Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Oakland Raiders Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Seattle Seahawks Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Carolina Panthers Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Cleveland Browns Jerseys Cheap Cheap Throwback Baseball Arizona Diamondbacks Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Atlanta Braves Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Baltimore Orioles Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Boston Red Sox Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Chicago Cubs Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Chicago White Sox Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Cincinnati Reds Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Cleveland Indians Jerseys ' ' '

MINNEAPOLIS -- Vikings running back Adrian Peterson reiterated on Thursday that he hopes to remain in Minnesota until he retires, responding to a report that he spoke to Jerry Jones about one day playing for the Dallas Cowboys. Peterson and the Vikings both issued statements shortly after ESPN reported that Peterson had a phone conversation with Jones, the owner of the Cowboys, this summer about playing for the team in Petersons home state after his time with the Vikings came to a close. "This was a casual conversation between NFL colleagues in which I never indicated I wanted to leave the Vikings," Peterson said. "I have always said I understand the NFL is a business but that I would love to retire as a Viking." The business part of the NFL is starting to come into play for the 29-year-old Peterson, who is the leagues highest paid running back, a position that is increasingly occupied by younger, cheaper players. He will make $12 million in 2014 and those salaries climb in each of the final four seasons of his seven-year deal, culminating with $16 million in 2017. Because of the way his contract is structured, which allows the Vikings to release him without incurring hardly any salary cap issues after this season, Peterson is essentially on a series of one-year deals controlled by the team. If his production declines as he gets older, he could be released or asked to take a pay cut. Under NFL rules, Jones was required to notify the Vikings when he had that conversation with Peterson. But there was no indication that Jones did. "We are focused on the 2014 season, and as we have consistently communicated, Adrian is an integral part of the Vikings organization," the Vikings said in a statement. Peterson rushed for 1,266 yards and 10 touchdowns last season but has required surgery to repair an injury in each of the last three offseasons. Nevertheless, he remains as determined as ever to prove that he will not hit the wall that often accompanies a running backs 30th birthday. "It doesnt apply to me," Peterson said in June. "I have a totally different mindset and mind frame, so Ill just stay in my lane and let everybody else say what they have to say." Cheap Michigan Jerseys Authentic . The two-time Olympic halfpipe gold medallist informed ESPN on Monday he plans to compete in Apsen, Colo. Braylon Edwards College Jersey . As for regular Olympic spectators, theyre being warned that most travel insurance policies wont cover acts of terrorism or war. The Games in southern Russia, which run from Feb. 7-23, are being staged amid unprecedented security and under global warnings of danger. http://www.cheapmichiganjerseys.com/?tag...-college-jersey. TSN platforms will broadcast 75+ live games per season – tripling the networks current slate of MLB games. With the new deal TSN retains rights to ESPNs SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL and, for the first time, acquires rights to ESPNs MONDAY NIGHT BASEBALL and WEDNESDAY NIGHT BASEBALL. Khaleke Hudson College Jersey .Y. -- The Buffalo Bills will head into the regular season short on experience at quarterback after trimming the roster on Friday. Devin Gardner College Jersey . In this weeks Leaf Report podcast, James Mirtle and Jonas Siegel debate whether Toronto can continue their shootout dominance and discuss what Dave Nonis game plan should be heading into the trade deadline.Daytona Beach, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - Tony Stewart is eager to get back in the race car and has no plans for a relief driver this weekend at Daytona International Speedway. Stewart, a three-time Sprint Cup Series champion, is expected to drive his No. 14 Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet in Friday and Saturdays practice sessions, Saturday nights preseason race -- The Sprint Unlimited -- and Sundays qualifying for the Daytona 500. It will be Stewarts first time back in a race car since he suffered a broken right leg in an accident during a sprint car race last August in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He missed the final 15 races of the 2013 season. "Im excited about it," Stewart said during Thursdays Daytona 500 Media Day at Daytona International Speedway. "Its been a long time since August 5th. Normally, were talking about the offseason, and it just seems like it flies by. But this has been the slowest offseason that Ive ever had. Im ready to get going again." Stewart underwent three surgeries to repair his leg, including one where a metal rod was inserted inside his fractured tibia. Hes had months of pphysical therapy.dddddddddddd. "All of my therapy has been going really well, especially I would say in the last two weeks," he said. "I feel like weve made really huge gains. I dont know how we could be more prepared, honestly, than where we are right now. In a perfect scenario, everything would be healed 100 percent, and we wouldnt even be talking about it. My bone is about 65 percent healed right now." Last month, Mark Martin drove Stewarts No. 14 car during preseason testing at Daytona. Martin also substituted for Stewart in the car in 12 of the last 13 races this past season. Stewart is one of 18 drivers competing in The Sprint Unlimited at Daytona, which is a 75-lap, 187.5-mile race. He has won it three times. "I feel confident enough that were not going to have to worry about anything," Stewart said. "Weve planned for everything that we think might or could go wrong. And when I say, go wrong, its not going to be anything thats going to take me out of the race car. Its a matter of trying to make everything absolutely as comfortable as possible." Authentic Nike Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Tennessee Titans Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Washington Redskins Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Arizona Cardinals Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Denver Broncos Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Green Bay Packers Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Los Angeles Chargers Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike New England Patriots Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Oakland Raiders Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Seattle Seahawks Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Carolina Panthers Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Cleveland Browns Jerseys Cheap Cheap Throwback Baseball Arizona Diamondbacks Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Atlanta Braves Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Baltimore Orioles Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Boston Red Sox Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Chicago Cubs Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Chicago White Sox Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Cincinnati Reds Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Cleveland Indians Jerseys ' ' '

TORONTO -- The Maple Leafs signed goaltender Antoine Bibeau to a three-year, entry-level contract on Tuesday. Bibeau, Torontos sixth-round pick at No. 172 overall in last years draft, was named the outstanding goaltender of the 2014 MasterCard Memorial Cup. The 20-year-old netminder had a 2.76 goals-against average and .932 save percentage in London for the Val-dOr Foreurs. Before that, Bibeau was the MVP of the QMJHL playoffs, the first goalie to earn that distinction since current Leafs starter Jonathan Bernier. The Victoriaville, Que., native spent last season with Val-dOr and Charlottetown, going 21-18-6 with a 3.17 GAA and .907 save percentage. Bibeau is one of three solid goaltending prospects in the Leafs system, along with late-bloomer Christopher Gibson and 2011 seventh-rounder Garret Sparks. Cheap Jordan Shoes .One day after winning her record 63rd World Cup race, Vonn posted to her Facebook account Tuesday that she was happy Woods surprised her by coming to the race, and that she felt terrible that his tooth got knocked out. Cheap Jordans .Johnny there, who knew he had that speed? teammate Tommy Wingels said.Scott and Matt Irwin were unlikely goal-scorers Tuesday night as the previously stingy San Jose Sharks finally sprung a leak or two, blowing a pair of three-goal leads before coming away with a 6-5 shootout victory over the Washington Capitals. http://www.cheapairjordanshoes.com/. On paper, it looks a little like Andre the Giant taking on a midget wrestler. It has all the makings of a rout with the Americans adding an eighth win in nine outings of this biennial event. The Yanks have eight players in the top 15 in the world while the Internationals have just one. Authentic Air Jordan For Sale .com) - Intrastate rivals collide Saturday as the Texas State Bobcats hit the road to take on the eighth-ranked Texas Longhorns in a non-conference battle at Frank Erwin Center. Sale Jordan Shoes . The Boston Celtics hadnt played since the All-Star break. So the Suns 100-94 victory over Boston Wednesday night was an uphill affair, with Phoenix relying on balance rather than its trademark high energy.SAN JOSE, Costa Rica -- Mexico will play New Zealand for a spot in next years World Cup despite losing 2-1 at Costa Rica on Tuesday night. The Mexicans advanced to the home-and-home series when the United States rallied with two late goals to win at Panama. That kept Mexico in fourth place at the conclusion of the CONCACAF final qualifying round with only 11 points, three ahead of Panama, which would have advanced by holding off the Americans. Mexico will host the first leg on Nov. 13 or 14 and play at New Zealand on Nov. 20. The Mexicans have made every World Cup since they were disqualified from the 1990 tournament for using an overage player at a youth event, but they sure cut it close this time. Goals by Brian Ruiz in the first half and Alvaro Saborio in the second gave Costa Rica the win. The Ticos already had qualified for Brazil 2014 and wound up second to the United States in the round. Oribe Peralta scored in the 29th minute for Mexico, which won only two games in the 10-game finals. One of those victories came last Friday night against Panama in the first match for new coach Victor Manuel Vucetich, and that was the difference for El Tri. "We thought that we were out," Peralta said. Still, Mexico could be hard-pressed to beat the Kiwis and get to Brazil, especially if it cant find some offence. In 10 games, the Mexicans scored seven goals. "Weve got to reflect, and we have to do whatever it takes to make it to the World Cup," Peraltta added.dddddddddddd. "Things are not working as we wish." Ruiz put Costa Rica in front with a brilliant move, heading the ball to himself in the penalty area, then whipping his left leg around for a shot from 12 yards that goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa had no chance of stopping. But four minutes later, Mexico struck. Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez broke free and was about to put the ball into the net when diving keeper Keylor Navas barely touched it away. But the ball went directly to Peralta, who sent it into the unguarded cage. With rain coming down for most of the second half, particularly late in the match, each side pressed for another goal. Costa Rica got it, putting Mexico on the verge of elimination, when Saborio was left alone in front of the net to powerfully head home a feed from the right wing by Christian Gamboa. El Tri pressed for a tying goal, couldnt find it, but was saved, ironically, by the U.S. rally in Panama. Lineups: Mexico--Guillermo Ochoa; Hugo Ayala, Jorge Torres (Isaac Brizuela, 74th), Miguel Layun, Rafael Marquez; Oribe Peralta, Jesus Zavala, Christian Arevalo, Carlos Pena; Javier Aguino (Giovani Dos Santos, 66th), Javier Hernandez (Raul Jimenez, 60th). Costa Rica--Keylor Navas; Michael Umana, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Johnny Acosta, Bryan Oviedo, Christian Gamboa; Celso Borges, Yeltsin Tejeda (Jose Cubero, 72nd) Christian Bolanos; Joel Campbell (Michael Barrantes, 77th), Bryan Ruiz (Alvaro Saborio, 49th). Authentic Nike Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Tennessee Titans Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Washington Redskins Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Arizona Cardinals Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Denver Broncos Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Green Bay Packers Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Los Angeles Chargers Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike New England Patriots Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Oakland Raiders Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Seattle Seahawks Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Carolina Panthers Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Cleveland Browns Jerseys Cheap Cheap Throwback Baseball Arizona Diamondbacks Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Atlanta Braves Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Baltimore Orioles Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Boston Red Sox Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Chicago Cubs Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Chicago White Sox Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Cincinnati Reds Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Cleveland Indians Jerseys ' ' '

Calgary Flames prospect Sam Bennett will undergo shoulder surgery next week and is expected to miss four to six months, the club announced on Thursday. Bennett suffered the injury during the Flames pre-season, but has also battled through shoulder issues much of last season with the Ontario Hockey Leagues Kingston Frontenacs. The Flames drafted Bennett fourth overall in this years NHL draft, making him the highest selection in franchise history. The 18-year-old forward scored 36 goals and added 55 assists for 91 points in 57 games played with the Frontenacs in 2013-14. Will Sutton College Jersey . - Leon Draisaitl scored a hat trick as the Prince Albert Raiders stormed past the Swift Current Broncos 5-2 in Western Hockey League action Tuesday. Cheap Arizona State Jerseys Authentic .com) - The New York Jets have named Mike Maccagnan their new general manager. http://www.cheaparizonastatejerseys.com/. None of them was better than playing with LeBron James again. D. J. Foster College Jersey . -- Clayton Kershaw and Hyun-Jin Ryu will be the Dodgers starting pitchers in their two-game season-opening series in Australia against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Cheap Arizona State Gear .com Tours Nova Scotia Open. The 27-year-old Sloan, a former Texas-El Paso player from Calgary matched first-round leader Rodriguez at 10-under 132 on Ashburn Golf Clubs New Course.Scott Cullen has some post-Olympic notes on Martin St. Louis trade rumours, Team Canada in 2018 as well as NHL Olympic participation in Pyeongchang, South Korea (and beyond). 1. The Internet was abuzz, following the Olympics, about the possibility of the Tampa Bay Lightning dealing leading scorer Martin St. Louis to New York for Rangers captain Ryan Callahan. This was my initital reaction. That isnt to say that the Lightning might not deal St. Louis because, if hes really unhappy after the whole Olympic team selection fiasco, then that might be the impetus for movement. However, the Lightning are in third place in the Eastern Conference, which means they arent just going to give him away, and there are several issues at play with regards to St. Louis future with the team. First, since St. Louis has a no-movement clause, the Lightning are at his mercy should they decide to trade him. If St. Louis says that his preferred destination is the Rangers, because he lives in nearby Connecticut, then you can expect the Rangers to avoid paying fair market value, instead paying closer to monopolistic value, not unlike the Pittsburgh Penguins offered to the Calgary Flames for Jarome Iginla last season. Additionally, if the Lightning are going to shop St. Louis, wouldnt it make much more sense to do it in the offseason, when they might be able to get a better quality return, or perhaps open the trade talks to more than one team (its not like Manhattan is the only NHL location relatively close to Connecticut)? Whatever the deal ends up being, there is little reason for the Lightning to deal St. Louis, straight-up, for an inferior winger with an expiring contract. Maybe Callahan plus works, but it would definitely depend on the plus. The reigning scoring champion cant just be peddled out of town at a cut-rate price if a franchise is going to be seen as legitimate. Considering how torn Lightning GM Steve Yzerman must have been throughout this process, its no wonder that hes had enough as Team Canada GM after back-to-back Olympic gold medals. 2. The 2014 Olympics were barely finished before Mike Johnson was tasked with projecting Team Canada for 2018. Obviously, this requires a lot of projection, going four years ahead of time, but here are some 2014 players that are likely due to be replaced because of age: Roberto Luongo, Mike Smith, Chris Kunitz, Patrick Sharp, Martin St. Louis, Jay Bouwmeester, Dan Hamhuis, Patrick Marleau, Rick Nash and Jeff Carter, all of whom are 29 or older this season. There could easily be more turnover, but filling those 8-10 spots seems a reasonable starting point. In net, I would add Jonathan Bernier (who I would have taken in 2014) to Carey Price. As the number three goaltender, I lean to a younger player like Braden Holtby, even if hes going through some tough times this season. On the blueline, with the right side staying the same -- Drew Doughty, Shea Weber, Alex Pietrangelo, P.K. Subban, along with Duncan Keith and Marc-Edouard Vlasic onn the left -- that leaves room for a couple of new faces.dddddddddddd Today, Ill go with Ryan Murray and Travis Hamonic ahead of Morgan Rielly and Brenden Dillon. Up front, after bringing back Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, John Tavares, Jamie Benn, Matt Duchene and Patrice Bergeron, I add Steven Stamkos, Tyler Seguin, Taylor Hall, Claude Giroux, Logan Couture and Nathan MacKinnon to get to 14 forwards. It pains me to pass over Blue Jackets C Ryan Johansen, but hes one that I find intriguing. The debate will surely rage, but maybe we can put it aside for at least three years before getting caught up in it too much. 3. One other twist, as it pertains to participation in the Olympics, and was mentioned by Gord Miller, is that the NHL could go with the under-23 model that soccer uses in the Summer Olympics. The sticking point, to me, in this plan is that teams arent going to want to continue playing their schedule without some of these top-calibre players. Here are some of the best 22-and-under players in the NHL this season. Can we really expect a team to go forward and play games for a couple of weeks without players of that calibre? Imagine the Colorado Avalanche without Ryan OReilly, Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog, or the Winnipeg Jets minus Evander Kane, Mark Scheifele and Jacob Trouba. Those would be devastating to those particular teams. The other tweak to the option is that NHL teams could decide which players can go which, given previous experience with the World Junior tournament, would pretty much eliminate the participation of NHL players, which begs the question: why impose an age limit at all if NHLers wont be participating? By most accounts, the players always seem in favour of the experience. Those that are playing enjoy it and those that dont enjoy getting some time off during the season. As it stands now, NHL owners and executives have taken the position that they arent so interested in participating in the 2018 Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea and that could be their legitimate stance, especially after some teams had players suffer injuries while playing in Sochi. At the same time, its also the kind of position that a negotiator would take if they wanted to extract more favourable compensation from the International Olympic Committee. Theres no leverage if you state that youre unequivocally in love with the current relationship. Boston Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs, who has hardly been regarded as being tight with the players, told the New York Times, "I know the importance of competing in the Olympics to many of our players — they are our partners and if it is important to them it should be important to us." That doesnt sound like the door on NHL Olympic participation has been shut altogether. At least not yet. 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. Authentic Nike Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Tennessee Titans Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Washington Redskins Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Arizona Cardinals Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Denver Broncos Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Green Bay Packers Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Los Angeles Chargers Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike New England Patriots Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Oakland Raiders Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Seattle Seahawks Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Carolina Panthers Jerseys Cheap Authentic Nike Cleveland Browns Jerseys Cheap Cheap Throwback Baseball Arizona Diamondbacks Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Atlanta Braves Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Baltimore Orioles Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Boston Red Sox Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Chicago Cubs Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Chicago White Sox Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Cincinnati Reds Jerseys Cheap Throwback Baseball Cleveland Indians Jerseys ' ' '

TORONTO -- Seemingly unable to play their game for a full 60 -- or 65 -- minutes, the Toronto Maple Leafs have found themselves turning to the shootout. And this season, it has been working for them. Jonathan Bernier stopped all three Sabres in the shootout to give the Toronto Maple Leafs a 4-3 win over Buffalo on Friday. It was a Toronto-record fourth straight shootout -- the Leafs split the four -- and improved its shootout record to 6-4 this season. Toronto is tied with Los Angeles with six shootout victories, behind only Washingtons 10. Five of those shootout wins have come at home. Prior to this season, Torontos career record was 29-45 in the shootout. Matt Moulson, Tyler Ennis and Zemgus Girgensons all failed to beat Bernier in the shootout Friday. Ryan Miller stopped Phil Kessel and James van Riemsdyk in the shootout. But Joffrey Lupul beat him on a nifty backhand. Sabres captain Steve Ott had scored with 25 seconds left in regulation with the Leafs trying to kill off a six-on-four after Dion Phaneuf was called for hooking with 51 seconds remaining and Miller out of the Buffalo goal. Ott, who had been flying in the third period, pounced on a Bernier rebound during a scramble and fired it into the net for his fifth of the season. "That hurt," said Toronto coach Randy Carlyle, whose crossed arms body language on the bench looked like he was suffering from a severe stomach ache. Jake Gardiner, Peter Holland and Kessel had scored second-period goals to put Toronto ahead 3-2 as the Leafs rallied from an ugly start. It appeared that would be enough for only the Leafs second regulation win in their last 19 outings. Toronto (19-16-5) was coming off shootout losses to the Rangers and Red Wings and early on looked like it was headed for disaster against the leagues worst team. The Leafs fell behind 2-0 in the first period but owned Buffalo for almost all of the final 40 minutes. Outshot 15-10 in the first period, the Leafs roared back in the second when they outshot Buffalo 17-5. "We were like two different hockey clubs," said Carlyle, who added most of the first-period woes were self-inflicted. "The stress level goes up in games like this," he added. "We dont dwell on the negative (although) well touch base with it. But the positive is we found a way to regroup and get ourselves back on track. But we have to play 60 minutes like we played the last two periods, as closer to it as we possibly can. "Its not easy winning in the NHL. Its proved night in, night out. Theres a lot of shootouts taking place. Were four in a row now." Despite Torontos shootout success, Carlyle is no fan. "Do we like shootouts? No." After the morning skate, he had said he would take three-on-three, even two-on-two over the shootout to decide games. Moulson and John Scott also scored for Buffalo (10-24-4) as the NHL re-opened for business after the Christmas break. "I thought we started off real well, but the second period shows you how you can get yourself in trouble when you keep turning the puck over," said interim Buffalo coach Ted Nolan. "We turned it over a number of times." "If theres any merit to what we deserved tonight, its what we got," he added. "Its one of those things where we played as bad as we could play and still get a point. We got what we deserved tonight." For Scott, a six-foot-eight, 259-pound tough guy, the score ended a 164-game goal drought. But he was in the penalty box for Torontos go-ahead goal in the second period by Kessel. Both teams had chances in overtime with the Leafs dominating the final minutes. Miller made huge saves on both Van Riemsdyk and Phaneuf. Bernier made 32 saves for the Leafs, who outshot Buffalo 42-35 including overtime. Bernier was shaken up early in the third when Ott, diving after a puck, plowed into him but the goalie stayed in. Miller deserved a better fate in the Buffalo goal. The Sabres arrived on a mini-streak, having won three of their last four and gone 4-4-2 in their last 10 games. That included a 2-1 overtime win over Phoenix on Monday in a game where Buffalo was only able to dress 16 because of a flu bug. Toronto was 3-5-2 over the same period. Buffalo has been woeful on the road this season, compiling a 3-13-1 record. No one else has less than six wins away from home. Toronto opened with some jump, outshooting the Sabres 6-2 with the second line of Lupul, Holland and Mason Raymond threatening. But Buffalo then ran off eight straight shots and two goals, with members of the Lupul-Holland-Raymond line on the ice for both of them. The two goals were just 52 seconds apart, drawing loud boos from the crowd of 19,405. Moulson scored the opening goal -- something the Sabres have only done eight times this season -- after Girgensons, coming out of the corner, fended off Holland like he was his kid brother. Girgensons then sent the puck to the crease where it appeared to hit Moulson and then Phaneuf. Moulson got credit for his 13th of the season at 7:01. Things got uglier when the Leafs turned the puck over and Bernier misplayed the ensuing shoot-in on goal and shot. There were rebounds galore before the puck bounced back to Scott in the slot and the big man fired it into a gaping goal at 7:53. Playing in his 200th career NHL game, Scott had doubled his goals total to two. Even Buffalos official Twitter feed was taken aback. "OH. MY. GOD! John Scott has given Buffalo a 2-0 lead!" read the Sabres tweet. Scotts only other goal was in November 2009. The Leafs looked in disarray and Carlyle couldnt get to the dressing room quick enough as the period ended to more boos. Things changed in the second period with the Sabres back on their heels seemingly trying to protect a rare lead. Toronto had an early power play but Miller hung tough in the face of prolonged pressure. Then the Leafs top line of Kessel, Nazem Kadri and Van Riemsdyk began to turn the screw. Gardiner finally beat Miller from the blue-line at 11:38 with Van Riemsdyk standing in front of goal and the Leafs dominating as if they had a man-advantage. It was Gardiners second of the season. Holland tied it up after Jamie McBain coughed the puck up in the Sabres corner and a falling Raymond managed to send it over to his centre, who beat Miller in-close for his sixth of the season at 16:25. That led to a mocking chant of "Miller, Miller" from the crowd. In truth, the goalie was all that was keeping the Sabres together in the period. A Scott penalty led a third Leaf goal from Kessel, who benefited from a nifty pass from Van Riemsdyk after a howitzer from Phaneuf at the blue-line. Kessels goal at 19:43 was his 18th of the season. The ice continued to tilt in Torontos favour in the third but it was slightly less so and the sandpaper-like Ott made things interesting by throwing himself into the fray. Bernier had to be sharp a couple of times when the Leafs defence sagged late. And Moulson mistimed a puck that went flying through the crease. Toronto defenceman Morgan Rielly hit the post at the other end seconds later. Cheap Nike Jazz Jerseys .In the Football Money League compiled by accountancy firm Deloitte, German champion Bayern Munich remained third but Barcelona dropped from second to fourth during its trophyless 2014.In the 2013-2014 financial year, Real generated 549. Authentic John Stockton Jersey . -- Tony Finau won the Stonebrae Classic on Sunday for his first Web. http://www.cheapjazzjerseysauthentic.com...rebko-jersey.28 mph. Logano will start on the front row next to Penske Ford teammate Brad Keselowski, who came in second Friday at 193.099. The Penske drivers swept the top two spots for the second straight race, reversing their qualifying finish in Phoenix a week ago. Authentic Tony Bradley Jersey . Unfortunately for the Cleveland Cavaliers, James Harden was in the building. Jazz Jerseys China .com) - The University of Montana named Bob Stitt as its new head football coach on Tuesday.CLEVELAND -- The Super Bowl is set. The Browns coaching search remains incomplete. The quest to replace Rob Chudzinski enters its fourth week. Clevelands plans to interview Denver offensive co-ordinator Adam Gase have been further delayed after the Broncos advanced to the Super Bowl with a 26-16 win over New England in Sundays AFC championship game. The 35-year-old Gase is high on the Browns list of candidates to become the clubs seventh coach since 1999, and the team must now wait until after Denvers Feb. 2 matchup against Seattle before they can meet with him. Its possible the Browns will move on without Gase. He was the first candidate the Browns asked permission to speak with after firing Chudzinski in the hours following a Dec. 29 loss at Pittsburgh. Gase, though, declined Clevelands offer for an interview so he could focus on the Broncos playoff run and there have been reports hes content working with Peyton Manning and would like to spend at least one more season on Denvers staff. While the Browns decide what move to make with Gase, they can conduct a second interview with Seahawks defensive co-ordinator Dan Quinn. The 43-year-old was the first candidate interviewed by Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner, who have met with at least eight known candidates but not offered anyone the job. Quinn has directed the NFLs top defence this season and he reportedly impressed the Browns during his initial interview on Jan. 1. Per NFL rules, if tthe Browns want to meet again with Quinn, they must do so before Jan.dddddddddddd 26 and Seattle would have to grant Cleveland permission. Also, league rules prohibit teams from finalizing deals with assistant coaches still in the post-season. So even if the Browns meet again with Quinn, the club cant discuss a contract until after the Super Bowl. The delays have further damaged the perception that the Browns didnt have a strong plan in place when they fired Chudzinski, who went 4-12 in his one season. Last week, Haslam wrote a letter to Cleveland fans explaining the reasons for the clubs "methodical" approach in finding a new coach. The Browns may also conduct a second interview with Buffalo defensive co-ordinator Mike Pettine. He met with Haslam and Banner on Thursday and the 47-year-old could be helped by the tie-ups with Gase and Quinn. Pettine is coming off his first season with the Bills after four seasons as defensive co-ordinator for the New York Jets. Dallas special teams coach Rich Bisaccia met with the Browns on Saturday. He interviewed with Washington before the Redskins hired Jay Gruden. Its possible other names could surface this week. And beyond a head coach, the Browns need to replace their co-ordinators after Ray Horton took the defensive job with Tennessee and Norv Turner went to Minnesota. The team is not commenting on the coaching search or confirming any interviews as it looks for a fourth coach in six years. cheap falcons jerseys cheap ravens jerseys cheap bills jerseys cheap bears jerseys cheap bengals jerseys cheap cowboys jerseys cheap lions jerseys cheap texans jerseys cheap colts jerseys cheap jaguars jerseys cheap chiefs jerseys cheap rams jerseys cheap dolphins jerseys cheap vikings jerseys cheap saints jerseys cheap giants jerseys cheap jets jerseys cheap eagles jerseys cheap steelers jerseys cheap 49ers jerseys ' ' '

LOS ANGELES -- The Miami Heat played the final minutes the way championship teams are supposed to. The Los Angeles Clippers are still perfecting the art of closing out games against the elite teams. LeBron James had 31 points, 12 assists and eight rebounds, Ray Allen hit a clinching three-pointer in the final minute, and the Heat snapped a five-game road losing streak against the stubborn Clippers with a 116-112 victory on Wednesday night. Allen had 15 points off the bench for the two-time defending NBA champions, who began a six-game road trip that will be interrupted four games in by the All-Star break. Dwyane Wade, one of seven Miami players scoring in double figures, had 14 points and eight assists in his 700th regular-season game. The Heat had lost 10 of their previous 12 road games against the Clippers, and hadnt beaten them at Staples Center since Dec. 9, 2007. Los Angeles, coming off Mondays stinging 116-115 loss at Denver on a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by ex-Clipper Randy Foye, got a season-high 43 points and 13 rebounds from Blake Griffin and 31 points from Jamal Crawford. DeAndre Jordan extended his franchise record of consecutive double-digit rebound performances to 29 games with 16 boards and 16 points. The Pacific Division champions are 11-6 since Chris Paul went down with a separated right shoulder on Jan. 3 at Dallas. With Darren Collison and Crawford replacing Paul and J.J. Redick (sore right hip) in the starting lineup, the Clippers bench produced only two points -- a 20-foot jumper by Jared Dudley with 3:17 left in the first quarter -- until Willie Green hit a pair of free throws to pull Los Angeles within 91-84 with 9:51 to play. Allen, who holds the NBA record for career three-pointers, converted a four-point play after Green fouled him behind the arc. That extended Miamis lead to 99-87 with 8:07 remaining. His second three, a rainbow from the left corner, made it 112-107 with 42.4 seconds to go. "Thats when the talent kicks in," James said. "The play was broken down a little bit, but D-Wade made a heck of a play by getting into the paint, and Ray just kept moving into his favourite spot -- one of those corners. D-Wade found him with a great pass, and Ray nailed it." Allen, in his 18th NBA season, played in his 1,271st regular-season game and overtook John Havlicek for 19th place all-time. "Hes a pro and he takes care of himself. Hes in just phenomenal shape, and he can run forever," said Clippers coach Doc Rivers, who had Allen for five seasons with the Celtics. "What impressed me the most when we were in Boston was his professionalism and his ability to make big shots. Ray could go 0 for 20, or 20 for 20, and the next day hed be the first guy in the gym, shooting all of his shots from his exact spots at the exact speed. Ray lives that." The Clippers, who held Miami to just two field goals over the first 7:47 of the fourth quarter, narrowed the gap to 99-95 with a 10-0 run capped by Griffins tip-in with 5:15 left. But James responded with a three-pointer and a layup 53 seconds apart. "Obviously weve had our battles with Doc, being in the Eastern Conference for so long, so we know how well his team is going to be prepared," James said. "I think it was just our mental toughness, especially in the third quarter when they made their run. We just stayed composed and found a way to get a win. We made stops and executed offensively." The Heat opened the third quarter with an 11-5 run that extended their seven-point halftime lead to 73-60. Wade set up an alley-oop dunk by James, and Mario Chalmers hit a three-pointer from in front of the Clippers bench to cap the rally with 8:48 left in the period. Chalmers basket put all of Miamis starters in double-figure scoring. Griffin led all scorers in the first half with 22 points and Crawford added 18, including a buzzer-beating 3-pointer at the end of the second quarter. But the Heat led 62-55 at intermission after shooting 57 per cent. Miamis ball movement was superb from the outset, recording assists on all but one of its first 18 field goals and building a 43-24 lead with 9:44 left in the second quarter. The Heat had 33 assists on 41 field goals overall. "We pride ourselves on moving the ball, and we know that makes it easier for all of us," James said. "We keep everyone in a rhythm when were passing the ball and sharing the ball. Tonight we had some turnovers, including myself. I mean, I was the main culprit (with seven), and Ive got to be more conscious of that and not turn the ball over so much." NOTES: James was called for a reach-in foul against Griffin with 3:17 left in the third quarter, his first of the game, and was assessed a technical foul by referee Bill Kennedy for complaining about it with Miami leading 81-69. ... The Clippers began a five-game homestand that includes four opponents that entered Wednesday with a combined 126-62 record -- Portland and division leaders Miami, Toronto and San Antonio. ... Miami improved to 8-2 against teams that currently lead their division. The Clippers are 3-6 in that department. Authentic Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Jersey . Marek Hamsik, who had earlier missed a penalty, headed Napoli in front in the 23rd minute and Pandev added a second goal five minutes from halftime. Alessandro Matri got Juventus back into the game just after the break but Pandev was on hand to score again in the 68th. Authentic Chris Paul Jersey ." The game can be seen live on TSN starting with Monday Night Countdown at 6:30 p.m et/3:30 p.m. pt. The Patriots, who had a bye in Week 10, will look to continue the offensive success they had a week earlier when New England scored 55 points and racked up 610 yards of total offense in a 55-31 drubbing of the Pittsburgh Steelers. http://www.cheapclippersjerseysauthentic.com/. The American secured his first back-to-back ATP match wins since June to leave Tsonga relying on his performance at next weeks Paris Masters to clinch one of the final three places for the season-ending event in London. Tsonga would have moved up one spot to No. 6 with a win over Querrey at the City of Arts and Sciences, but his serve deserted him in the second set as the 116th-ranked American broke twice to reach the quarter-finals. Wholesale Clippers Jerseys Authentic .Y. -- The Buffalo Bills have fired receivers coach Ike Hilliard. Authentic Louis Williams Jersey .5 million. The 25-year-old Varlamov is thriving under first-year coach and Hall of Fame goaltender Patrick Roy, posting a 26-9-5 record with a 2.Chris Hughton has praised the performance of his Brighton players as they suffered Championship play-off heartbreak against Sheffield Wednesday. The Seagulls finished 15 points clear of their semi-final opponents but were beaten 3-1 on aggregate to end their hopes of promotion to the Premier League. The Yorkshire side held a 2-0 advantage from the first leg at Hillsborough, but despite Lewis Dunk netting for Brighton, Ross Wallace equalised for the Owls and the hosts were unable to find another reply. Manager Hughton was full of praise for his players, who missed out on automatic promotion on goal difference, and thought his side deserved more from the match.Yes, it is a tough night because I didnt think it was a correct scoreline, I thought we had the better chances, Hughton told Sky Sports following the game. Highlights of the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-final second leg Unfortunately for us, weve gone through a period in the last few games where things have gone against us either with decisions or injuries but Ive got a group of players in there who have been magnificent all season.They were never out of that top six and in that top three for most of the season and what they have got to do is use this as inspiration. Its tough at the moment for them but they have to use it to replicate it next season and to do that, theyve got to do what theyve done all this season.Theyve been excellent to work with, their application every day and its as good of a team spiritt as Ive seen as a manager or a coach.dddddddddddd I hope they can use that and todays events and the events during the season to be better next season. Sheffield Wednesday beat Brighton 3-1 on aggregate in the Sky Bet Championship play-off semi-finals Finishing so many points clear of sixth place, its tough but thats how it is, but they will be better players for it and more experienced for it.Brighton will be joined by Aston Villa, Newcastle and Norwich in the Championship next season, and Hughton thinks the league will only get more difficult as those sides battle for a return to the Premier League. Brighton were knocked out on a 3-1 aggregate score against Sheffield Wednesday Hughton said: I think this division will continue to get tougher. Its tough enough as it is anyway with the amount of games that you play and the level of performance from most of the teams.We went through a big chunk of this season winning games probably by a goal which is how tight the margins were so well find it tougher but the three teams coming down will also find out how tough it is. We have to use that to our advantage and come again strong next season. Also See: Sheff Wed book Wembley date As it happened cheap falcons jerseys cheap ravens jerseys cheap bills jerseys cheap bears jerseys cheap bengals jerseys cheap cowboys jerseys cheap lions jerseys cheap texans jerseys cheap colts jerseys cheap jaguars jerseys cheap chiefs jerseys cheap rams jerseys cheap dolphins jerseys cheap vikings jerseys cheap saints jerseys cheap giants jerseys cheap jets jerseys cheap eagles jerseys cheap steelers jerseys cheap 49ers jerseys ' ' '

Buffalo, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Lance Leipold, who guided Division III Wisconsin-Whitewater to five national titles in eight years, was introduced as the new head football coach at Buffalo Monday. Leipold enjoyed tremendous success at Wisconsin-Whitewater, amassing an outstanding 106-6 record and leading the Warhawks to six appearances in the Division III championship game. The program captured its fifth national title in the past eight years in 2013 and has gone 12-0 thus far this season. The 50-year-old takes over a Buffalo program that won eight games and made an appearance in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in 2013, but slipped to a 5-6 mark this season that led to head coach Jeff Quinns dismissal in mid-October. Leipold became the fastest coach in NCAA history to achieve 100 wins with the Warhawks victory over Wisconsin-Eau Claire on Oct. 18. Prior to building Wisconsin-Whitewater into a DIII powerhouse, Leipold served three years as an assistant at Nebraska from 2001-03 and was Nebraska-Omahas offensive coordinator from 2004-06. Raptors Jerseys China . There, I saw a teenaged boy with tears in his eyes, being consoled by strength and conditioning coach Randy Lee. Cheap Raptors Jerseys Free Shipping . In the days leading up to the draft, TSN.ca and TSN Radio basketball analyst Duane Watson looks at some of the names that will be headlining the event. Watch the 2014 NBA Draft on TSN, Thursday at 7pm et/4pm pt. http://www.cheapraptorsjerseysauthentic.com/. - Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr has nothing but good problems right now. Cheap Nike Raptors Jerseys . -- LeGarrette Blount wasnt satisfied with three short touchdown runs, not against a team coming off the second greatest comeback in playoff history. Authentic Danny Green Jersey . -- The Oakland Raiders expect to have starting right tackle Tony Pashos back for Sundays game against the Houston Texans. DETROIT -- R.A. Dickey exited the game, leaving a bases-loaded mess in the sixth inning. Afterward, he could thank reliever Aaron Loup for a remarkable escape. "It doesnt get any better," Dickey said. Loup pitched out of that bases-loaded, nobody-out jam, helping Toronto hold onto to what at that point was a one-run lead. Then the Blue Jays broke the game open late, beating the Detroit Tigers 8-2 Wednesday night. Adam Lind doubled twice to drive in three runs and Melky Cabrera added a homer and three hits for Toronto. The AL East-leading Blue Jays scored three runs in the eighth and two in the ninth in winning for the 18th time in 22 games. "Were picking each other up," said outfielder Jose Bautista, who also had three hits for the Blue Jays. "The day that one guy doesnt come through, then somebody else does. Its what winning teams do, and were enjoying it. Winning baseball is much more fun." Miguel Cabrera and Ian Kinsler homered for Detroit, but Kinsler also left the bases loaded twice. The AL Central-leading Tigers left 11 runners on base in their fourth straight loss. Detroit has dropped 12 of 16. "I still think of it as a funk," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "I still think this team is way better than were playing in the last few weeks." Detroits Rick Porcello (8-3) seemed to be cruising, but he allowed a two-out double to Melky Cabrera in the sixth, followed by a walk to Bautista. Lind then hit a drive over Austin Jacksons head in Comerica Parks cavernous centre field, scoring both runners to put the Blue Jays ahead 3-2. Dickey almost gave the lead right back, allowing a single in between two walks. But with the bases loaded, Loup came on and struck out pinch-hitter J.D. Martinez before getting Rajai Davis and Kinsler on foul popups. "Youre almost thinking, youre bound to give up at least one, possibly two," Loup said. "But you try to liimit the damage as much as possible.dddddddddddd Tonight was, I guess, one of those lucky nights, you kind of pull a rabbit out of your hat." Dickey (6-4) allowed two runs and seven hits in five-plus innings, walking four and striking out four. Loup pitched two scoreless innings in relief. "I was trying every trick I had," Dickey said. "I was kind of on the tightrope all game, having to use everything in my arsenal, and some days its like that. Thankfully, I minimized the damage in a couple of the innings, and then Loup did that incredible thing in the sixth, and that was really the turning point in the game." Toronto padded its lead in the eighth. Melky Cabrera hit an RBI single and Lind added a run-scoring double in that inning. By the time the game ended, it seemed there were as many Blue Jays fans left at the ballpark as Tigers fans. Bautista added a two-run double in the ninth. Melky Cabrera opened the scoring in the first with a solo shot, but Miguel Cabrera answered in the bottom half with his 11th homer of the year. Kinslers home run in the third put the Tigers ahead 2-1. Tigers shortstop Eugenio Suarez made his major league debut after being called up from the minors before the game. He entered as a substitute in the seventh, and his first plate appearance was eventful. With men on first and second in the eighth, he hit a grounder to third. Brett Lawrie fielded it and stepped on third for a force, but his throw to first hit Suarez around the upper back for an error, leaving runners at second and third. The Tigers left them on base too. NOTES: Detroit also loaded the bases with two out in the fourth, but didnt score when Kinsler flied out to right. ... Bautista made a diving, backhanded catch to retire Torii Hunter in the third on his flyball to right. ... Detroits Justin Verlander (6-4) takes the mound Thursday against Torontos J.A. Happ (4-2) as the Tigers try to avoid a three-game sweep. cheap falcons jerseys cheap ravens jerseys cheap bills jerseys cheap bears jerseys cheap bengals jerseys cheap cowboys jerseys cheap lions jerseys cheap texans jerseys cheap colts jerseys cheap jaguars jerseys cheap chiefs jerseys cheap rams jerseys cheap dolphins jerseys cheap vikings jerseys cheap saints jerseys cheap giants jerseys cheap jets jerseys cheap eagles jerseys cheap steelers jerseys cheap 49ers jerseys ' ' '

MONTREAL -- It looked like it would be easy when Rene Bourque scored for the Montreal Canadiens only 11 seconds into the game. But the Canadiens needed a third-period goal from Tomas Plekanec and some fine saves from Carey Price to down the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2 on Sunday night and take a choke hold on their NHL Eastern Conference playoff series. The victory gave Montreal a 3-0 lead in the best-of-seven set with a chance to sweep the Bolts on home ice in Game 4 on Tuesday night. "Weve seen many scenarios in the playoffs and we have to have the same approach for the next game as we had for the last three," said Montreal defenceman P.K. Subban, who had a pair of assists in a standout performance. "Theyre a good team. "They had a lot of opportunities to score. They fought their way back into the game. They put pucks on the net and came hard to the end. We know theyll fight until the final buzzer, so we have to be ready next game." Brendan Gallagher also scored for Montreal while Ondrej Palat, back after missing a game with an injury, and defenceman Matthew Carle replied for Tampa Bay. Montreal outshot the Lightning 31-29, but there were nervy moments and a disputed, disallowed goal as the visitors pushed back in the second and third frames. "We were determined, we played with passion, I thought we responded unreal," said Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper. "Its tough to walk into that locker-room and look those guys in the eye. "Clearly, that was the best game weve played in this series. I though they deserved a better fate. Ultimately, its a loss and thats what hurts the most." The Canadiens have a chance to avenge their only previous playoff meeting with the Lightning, who swept them in 2004 before going on to win the Stanley Cup. After winning the first two games in Tampa, Fla., the Canadiens returned to a rousing welcome from their fans and a spectacular pre-game show. The crowd of 21,273 was still roaring after joining old-time Quebec pop singer Ginette Reno in the Canadian anthem when Subban bounced a pass up the middle of the ice and Bourque collected it behind the Lightning defence. The unexpected scoring hero put his third of the series past Anders Lindback at the 11-second mark -- and the noise got even louder. "I didnt really know who (Reno) was, but by the reaction I knew it was somebody popular," said Bourque. "She did a great job getting the fans fired up. "We didnt plan it at all. It was a lucky bounce." Lindback made up for it with some strong saves as the Lightning cancelled the Canadiens early emotion by killing off a four-minute high-sticking call on rearguard Mike Barberio. Palat tied it 8:39 into the second frame as he buried the ricochet of a Steven Stamkos shot off Mike Weavers skate on the Bolts first power play. Then the Lightning poured it on, and looked like they had the go-ahead goal, only to see Subban bat a flying puck out of the air behind Price. Seconds later, Ryan Callahan put the puck in at 15:38 only to see it waived off due to what was ruled as incidental contact on Price by Alex Killorn. The Bolts felt the goal was good. "I was (angry) then and Im (angry) now," said Cooper. "Thats just my opinion. Ill let the court of public opinion take care of the rest." Of course, the Canadiens thought the officials got the call right. "It was a pass across, it got deflected in the air," said Price. "Subban batted it out of the air and it wound up kind of a scramble. "I tried to come back across the net and tripped over their guy, who was right in the middle of the crease. At that point, I didnt know what was going on." Less than three minutes later, the teams were each down a man when Subban picked up the puck, skated through the defence and around the net to set up Gallagher for his second goal of the series at 18:10. "I just tried to create space," said Subban, who had a team-high 28:03 of ice time. "I took a penalty earlier in the period and I felt good when I came back on the ice and the guys had killed it off. "Larry (Lars Eller) made a great play behind the net to move it to open ice. I tried to draw the forechecker to me and see what happened. I went behind the net. Gally did a great job to get himself open. It makes it easy for me to get it to him." Plekanec scored what would be the game-winner when he threaded a shot through from the right circle 5:43 into the third period. But Carle made it close with a point shot that looked to deflect off a body in front at 11:36. The Canadiens held off a late charge to put the win away. The lightning got a scare at 16:09 of the second when Stamkos fell after jostling with Brandon Prust and got hit in the head by Alexei Emelins knee. But the Bolts scoring star was able to return for the third period and picked up his second assist of the night on Carles goal. Cooper made four lineup changes, bringing in forwards Palat, Tom Pyatt and B.J. Crombeen and defenceman Barberio and scratching Sami Salo, Michael Kostka, Richard Panik and Nikita Kucherov. Salo reportedly has an upper body injury. Montreal made no changes. Notes: The Canadiens called up a taxi squad from AHL Hamilton, including goalies Dustin Tokarski and Devan Dubnyk, defencemen Nathan Beaulieu, Davis Drewiske and Greg Pateryn and forwards Sven Andrighetto, Mike Blundin, Gabriel Dumont, Louis Leblanc and Christian Thomas. . . Bourques goal was not a team record for fastest to start a game. Bo Gainey scored seven seconds into a playoff game in 1977. Authentic Tyler Johnson Jersey . Funny, they looked like longtime friends during Pittsburghs 5-1 demolition of Dallas on Tuesday night. Quick to the puck and even quicker to the net, the Penguins top line overwhelmed the suddenly struggling Stars as Pittsburgh bounced back from a dismal weekend sweep at the hands of Philadelphia by jumping on Dallas early. Authentic Wayne Ellington Jersey . "Youre not really spending time to sit back and analyze what your competitions doing and things like that," Anthopoulos said. "Youre so focused on what were trying to get done." Ultimately, while the landscape around them changed with trades both major and minor, the Blue Jays did nothing before Thursdays non-waiver deadline. http://www.cheapheatjerseysauthentic.com/.Y. - DeMarre Carroll felt as though he couldnt miss in the second quarter as he outscored the Brooklyn Nets 14-13 all by himself. Authentic James Johnson Jersey . On Wednesday night, they showed that stellar defence and a little small ball can get the job done too. With pinch-runner Kevin Pillar aboard after Dioner Navarro opened the bottom of the ninth with a single, Anthony Gose dropped down an excellent bunt along the first-base line. Wholesale Heat Jerseys Authentic . Louis Blues and back into top spot of the TSN.ca NHL Power Rankings. The Sharks had been ranked No.Back in the day, the same four of us (Jon, Ian, Darren, and I) would meet up at Montreals legendary Copacabana to watch whatever game was on. We were regulars at the bar, a kind dive where you could just drop in and know someone familiar would be around to have a beer with. The kind of place where the adult beverage of choice was quickly placed in front of you upon your arrival. We were there to watch games, but it was more than that. We were a bunch of writers, at different points in our careers and lives, getting away from our lives. It was group therapy. With beer. There were few better nights in those years than a good Habs game at Copa. Friends would come in and out, for a period or two, for a drink or four. Partners would join us, or not. Between periods wed chide each other the way friends do, bemoan each others losses, celebrate each others victories. We played a game within the game called JägerMuller. If Habs assistant coach Kirk Muller appeared on screen (not including wide angle or crowd shots) the last person to yell JägerMuller had to buy a round of Jägermeister for the group. This often led to empty wallets and foggy third periods, but JägerMuller was ours and it made a contextual experience all that more unique, all that more memorable. As time passed, the opportunity to watch sports as a group got more and more challenging. Copa closed. People had kids, moved away, traveled for work, or had partners who wouldnt permit them to indulge in Tuesday night binge drinking. But we live in the high speed digital age, an age ruled by social media and easy communication. The four of us opened up a Facebook thread that was for any sort of conversation: dating woes, the challenges of child rearing, the merits of wasabi peas, politics, the importance of Tums to men in their 30s, the overwhelming fear of ones own mortality, the petulance of poets, why soccer sucks. We tried Skype and Google Hangouts, but as aging writers we found we preferred the anonymity of messaging, the quiet comfort of watching the game both alone and in the company of those we love. But for the most part the thread is for watching hockey games together from afar, often still with our favourite adult beverage in hand, though the days of JägerMuller are over. That games virtues, like nachos, dont transfer well through the digital ether. The Facebook threads message count is somewhere in the mid-40 thousand range as of this writing, and growing each day. An exponential explosion is expected during the playoffs, though Jon (a Jets fan) and Ian (a Leafs apologist) will be forced to cheer for their second favourite teams. The virtual bar that the digital age has provided us pales in comparison to their company, but it has allowed us to stay close, to continue to care about each other the way we did when were separated by city blocks and not oceans and responsibilities. But the bar that we left just a few years ago is not the same bar where sports are enjoyed today. Its a lesser venue. Consider the bar argument. No longer can hours be spent fighting over what year Gretzky scored 50 goals in 39 games, what round Luc Robitaille was drafted in, the rate at which Randy Carlyles hairline has been receding. Answers are too quickly found on our phones, and the shortened distance of knowledge does not promote an expanse of conversation. Pluus, the bars too busy tweeting cleverness in 140 characters, or arguing with some 12-year-old in Abbostford over whos the better d-man, Subban or Weber.dddddddddddd Or instagramming retro-filtered photos of our cocktails. Or adding the waitress as a friend on Facebook. Theres a grand irony in the fact that the same advents that have made watching sports a more communal experience with those who cant be in our presence has had the opposite effect on those in our presence. On the off nights where my friends cant meet up in the digital bar, and I dont have the wherewithal or funds to hit the real bar I, like most, watch games with Twitter open. But instead of finding a substitute for those who cant be with me, Im overwhelmed by the faux-expertise and bravado that ends up in my feed. Just because you have a blog and 45 Twitter followers doesnt exactly make you Bob McKenzie. I appreciate fandom and respect the free speech virtues of the medium, but holy hell @HabsFan4lyfe69 if you cant spell Michel Therrien, you really shouldnt be offered the privilege of publicly questioning the size of his manhood. The amount of valuable discourse is too often overshadowed by the sycophantic, or vile, or uninformed. Just look at what happens when Joel Ward scores in overtime or Jason Collins steps on the court the first time. The degenerate xenophobes bear their virtual white sheets in the comfortable anonymity or ignorant ignominy of cyberspace. There are no bouncers online, no bartenders with the ability to cut off the flow of alcohol. But sports are the last collective viewing experience, with the possible exception of the Oscars. With the advent of PVRs and streaming video you can watch Scandal whenever you please, but the sport still requires a live audience. No one wants to watch the game later. Even if youre stuck at work, on a plane, or at your boyfriends sisters third intervention, you can tune in, not miss a shot, a goal, a fight, or a one of those once-in-a-lifetime moments that only sport can provide. In 2010 when the Habs made their magical run to the Conference Finals, one of us couldnt make it to Copa to watch the game. Jon was stuck in a hotel room in Vancouver, watching it on his own. There was no thread then. We didnt all own smartphones. No one said "blogoshpere". The Jets were still the Thrashers. Maybe two of us were on Twitter. So as the bar counted down the minutes of Game 7 of an improbable 5-2 Habs win and an improbable series upset over the heavily-favoured Penguins, I called Jon and placed my flip phone open in the middle of our table. He listened as we sung "Olé, Olé, Olé", as we cheered and piled into the streets, as we mocked Sidney Crosby. Strangers would come pick up the phone and speak to him in English and French about the game, about the city, and about the Habs and dreams of 1993. That night was a microcosm of how we watch the games now, the birth of how fandom and friendship defies distance in a digital age. It was a living analogy of how in four short years the experience of watching sports would change. Not all for the better, of course. But Ill put up with a few egotistical bloggers, the occasional Twitter tantrum, and the death of the bar argument if it means I can watch sports the way I want, from wherever I am, with the people I love. With beer. cheap falcons jerseys cheap ravens jerseys cheap bills jerseys cheap bears jerseys cheap bengals jerseys cheap cowboys jerseys cheap lions jerseys cheap texans jerseys cheap colts jerseys cheap jaguars jerseys cheap chiefs jerseys cheap rams jerseys cheap dolphins jerseys cheap vikings jerseys cheap saints jerseys cheap giants jerseys cheap jets jerseys cheap eagles jerseys cheap steelers jerseys cheap 49ers jerseys ' ' '

While 25 players were announced as members of the 2014 Canadian Olympic mens hockey team headed to Sochi, one disappointed NHL player that was left off the roster is San Jose Sharks forward Logan Couture. "Its been tough," said Couture. "Getting the call this morning that I wasnt on the team was very difficult." Sharks general manager Doug Wilson announced on Tuesday that Couture would be having surgery to correct an upper body injury that he has been playing with for several weeks. Couture however, does not believe being hurt had anything to do with him not being selected to the Olympic team. "From what I was told I wasnt on the team regardless of injury," said Couture. So far during the 2013-14 season, the 24-year-old forward has 14 goals and 20 assists in 43 games, following this 21-goal performance in the lockout-shortened 2012-13 season. "Honestly I never thought the injury would affect it, I thought I gave myself the best chance," said Couture. "It doesnt get any easier being left off this team. The Olympics only come around every four years. Its tough to take right now." Authentic Dragan Bender Jersey . If Vettel wins at Suzuka on Sunday, and his nearest rival Fernando Alonso finishes worse than eighth, the German driver will join his compatriot Michael Schumacher and Argentine Juan-Manuel Fangio as the only men to win four consecutive titles. Authentic Josh Jackson Jersey . The 21-year-old Wickham headed Sunderland into a 26th-minute lead --to add to the double he scored at Manchester City and his strike in last weekends win at Chelsea -- and then sealed the win with a late header. http://www.cheapsunsjerseysauthentic.com...n-booker-jersey. Tottenham claimed top spot in Group K by winning 2-0 at Tromso after defender Adnan Causevic scored an own goal before Mousa Dembele put the result beyond doubt. Valencia made sure it will finish first in Group A with a 1-0 win at Swansea thanks to an early goal from Dani Parejo. Authentic Tyson Chandler Jersey .C. - Brent Sutter scored 1:32 into extra time as the Charlotte Checkers came from behind to defeat the visiting Abbotsford Heat 5-4 on Sunday in American Hockey League action. Authentic George King Jersey . Or take a relaxing vacation somewhere warm. Brayden Schenn and Scott Hartnell scored, Ray Emery stopped 32 shots and the Flyers beat the Calgary Flames 2-1 on Saturday for their fourth straight victory.BEREA, Ohio - Johnny Manziel should come with a warning sticker: Watching can be hazardous to your health.On Sunday, the NFL will get its first extended look at Manziel, who routinely turned broken plays into touchdowns at Texas A&M and will now try to rescue the Browns wilting playoff hopes.As he prepares Manziel for his first career start, Cleveland offensive co-ordinator Kyle Shanahan said hes not sure what to expect from the cocksure rookie quarterback when he faces the Cincinnati Bengals.Once Shanahan sends a well-designed play in from the sideline theres no telling what Manziel might do with it after the balls snapped.Everything out here is pretty much scripted and stuff, Shanahan said following Thursdays practice. Im waiting. Im sure its going to happen pretty fast. We call a pass play, and hes going to do six spins reversing back and forth outside the pocket. Im going to hold my breath be yelling half the time, and then probably be running and jumping on top of him excited at the end of it.Who knows what will happen. I think thats why everyone enjoys watching him, and thats why Im excited to see what he does. Itll be fun.The Browns (7-6) need more than entertainment out of Manziel. They need him to take care of the ball, make good decisions and inject some energy into to Clevelands lifeless offence. Manziel may be the 21st quarterback to start for the Browns since 1999, but the team is discarding its sordid history at the position to see what the 22-year-old can do.Cleveland has tapered its offence to suit Manziel, who came off the bench for deposed starter Brian Hoyer two weeks ago at Buffalo and flashed some of his Johnny Football magic by tucking the ball away, recognizing a lane many quarterbacks wouldnt have seen and darting to the end zone for a 10-yard touchdown run.With a week to install plays to best use Manziels arm and legs, the Browns hope to keep the Bengals off balance. But the bigger issue may be getting Manziel to understand that he doesnt have to transform every play into a TV highlight.Browns coach Mike Pettine doesnt want to put a collar on Manziel, but he doesnt wantt him running wild.ddddddddddddIts going to be more within the structure of our offence, but at the same time, if you have a guy that has a unique skillset, you dont want to quell that either, he said. You want to allow him to do it, but youve got to be able to pick and choose your times to do it. On every drop-back pass he cannot look to turn it into a punt return.We just dont want to turn it into, Hey, lets run his college offence and let it turn into street ball, but we also dont want to say, Hey listen, heres the playbook. We need to follow this exactly to the letter. Were not going to do that either.Shanahan said he has occasionally looks at game tapes of Manziel in college to help him put together plays.The Browns dont have any allusions that Manziel will be able to run around and do what he did while winning a Heiman Trophy. Theyre going to let Johnny be Johnny and hope that its good enough.Hes tried to develop in every facet, but when that ball snaps, I dont want him thinking about coaching points. I dont want him thinking about how the play is supposed to be. I want him reacting, and hopefully when someone is open, he reacts and lets it rip. Hopefully when someones not, he reacts and does his deal.You just dont want to take that away from him.NOTES: Browns WR Miles Austin expects to play next year after his season was ended by a lacerated kidney suffered against Buffalo. Austin said he had urine in his blood for several days, which led to his hospitalization. Hell undergo further tests in a few weeks. Austins contract ends after the season, but he wants to re-sign with Cleveland. Ive had such a great experience with the guys here, he said. I just have to heal up and make sure everythings right. ...CB Joe Haden said he and his teammates have not forgotten the negative postgame comments Bengals RB Jeremy Hill made about them after the Browns won 24-3 in Cincinnati on Dec. 14. Weve got them up. Its bulletin board material, Haden said. You see what he felt about us. Theyre coming in here with something to prove.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL cheap falcons jerseys cheap ravens jerseys cheap bills jerseys cheap bears jerseys cheap bengals jerseys cheap cowboys jerseys cheap lions jerseys cheap texans jerseys cheap colts jerseys cheap jaguars jerseys cheap chiefs jerseys cheap rams jerseys cheap dolphins jerseys cheap vikings jerseys cheap saints jerseys cheap giants jerseys cheap jets jerseys cheap eagles jerseys cheap steelers jerseys cheap 49ers jerseys ' ' '

New York JetsMICHAEL VICK vs. GENO SMITHOn the precipice of being unshackled from the Mark Sanchez-era in New Jersey, the Jets started the offseason with a surprising lack of drama. They had a new mobile, under-throwing quarterback in Geno Smith, and that seemed about the right fit for Rex Ryans brand of unevenly performing squads. But rather than simply allow their rabid fanbase to groan over Genos inefficiencies for the next half decade, the brass brought in Michael (Ill never forget what you did to those dogs) Vick, another mobile quarterback with question marks, who is a lock to disappoint. So what will they do entering the draft, now that theyve already set up a quarterback controversy? Why, theyll surely draft another competitor. Jimmy Garoppolo and Tom Savage are the frontrunners but anyone is possible. Jets GM John Idzik was part of the Seahawks organization when they selected Russell Wilson despite having just anted up significantly for Matt Flynn. It is in the team DNA to further confuse their QB situation. It is going to happen.Miami DolphinsRYAN TANNEHILL vs. HIS OWN O-LINEOutside of Dave Lowrys beard during the 1995-96 Florida Panthers Stanley Cup run, I resent all things Miami (a quick Google search of "Mike Gallay Lebron James" will confirm that claim). Amazingly, I dont hate Tannehill. I think the Fish got it right. Some analysts vary on his long-term ceiling but he looked consistently quality to me when he was getting protection. I should probably say that a little quieter. You do NOT want to piss off his offensive line. Its not that theyre so tough, just really mean and unpredictable...to each other. Miami was wise to cut the fiendish, though incredibly well-named, Richie Incognito, and to ship out Jonathan Martin in an effort to defuse the teams reputation as a chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon. With protection, Tannehill will produce.Buffalo BillsE.J. MANUEL vs. A CRUEL HISTORYManuel serves to paint us a little recent draft history. The 2013 NFL Draft offered a shallow pool at quarterback and most outlets had Manuel going anywhere from the second to the fifth round. When the Buffalo Bills of Toronto nabbed him with the 16th overall pick, a lot of people shook their heads because, yeah, its the Bills. Despite a knee injury which cost E.J. the last half dozen games, we got a good enough look to observe him appearing jittery and unpolished and like he could develop into a force. Bills fans can start to put Ryan Fitzpatricks $59 million WTF contract behind them and start the healing. Well, its Buffalo, so dont expect a full recovery. Baby steps.AFC NORTHCincinnati BengalsROCK vs. ANDY DALTON vs. HARD PLACEWhen I was seven I was obsessed with comics. Also when I was nine and fourteen and twenty-six. Marvel in particular was my jam, and I loved The Hulk. He would frequently face off against The Abomination or The Rhino, sometimes both. In those circumstances when the three were battling, The Hulk would have to figure out how to win when "an unstoppable force meets an immovable object." Usually the solution involved getting the two of them to smash into each other. An unstoppable force and an immovable object. That is the Bengals conundrum. They have quarterback Andy Dalton, a totally credible NFL quarterback with enough skills to tantalize and enough deficiencies to derail. If they stick with him, no question they can make a few more postseason bids. Also, if they stick with him, they are unlikely to ever win a Super Bowl. An unstoppable force and an immovable object.Pittsburgh SteelersBEN ROETHLISBERGER vs. BEN ROETHLISBERGERMy wife is a Steelers fan and as such I wanted to title this section THE STATE vs. B. ROETHLISBERGER, but really, I dont need to keep bringing up his sexual assault charges in 2008. Or his other sexual assault charges in 2010. Im just gonna say this: Big Ben is a championship quarterback, who eludes defenders better than anyone in the game, and eludes prosecutors even better! Ba-dum! (In the next team blurb youll realize why Im so pleased with myself.) Ben announced this week his intention to play until 2020 so doubtful the Steelers draft a backup or a project, since they have 2013s fourth round pick Landry Jones on the roster.Baltimore RavensJOE FLACCO vs. THE SALARY CAPI am a Baltimore Ravens fan. Have been since 1998. It started off as a natural extension of being a man without a home team with an affinity for Edgar Allan Poe, and has sprouted into full-on obsession. After the Ravens latest Super Bowl win, I spent the next four months watching the NFL Network. It was Ravens porn. Based on hundreds of hours spent reliving Super Bowl XLVII, I am positive Jacoby Jones should have been named MVP, though Flacco was an understandable choice. I cant say Im as sold on Joe Cool as Ozzie Newsome clearly is, but hes a proven winner and I suspect Gary Kubiak may be capable of finding more nuance to Flaccos all or nothing approach. Baltimore brass cant afford to tinker at the QB position, given their at-the-time record setting investment in Joe, but there have been rumblings about bringing in more competition for the backup spot, so a late selection of an Aaron Murray-type is possible (Murrays stock is likely rising too much for him to wind up in Maryland). Who they ultimately draft into competition is still a mystery. The only thing Im positive about in Baltimore is they will win the Super Bowl this year and for like the next fifteen years also.Cleveland BrownsTHEIR IST ROUND PICK vs. THEIR OTHER 1ST ROUND PICKFor the Browns, quarterback is a "when" not "if" situation, with Brian Hoyer penciled in at starter. Theyve had a ton of swing and misses since the reboot of the franchise. Tim Couch in 99. Luke McCown in 04. Charlie Frye in 05. Brady Quinn in 07. Colt McCoy in 10. Brandon Weeden in 12. They have to get it right this time. They signed Vince Young last week more as a favour to help with his bankruptcy than because hes the answer. Johnny Manziel is the hot commodity in the draft, the siren song, the razzle which tends to lure moribund franchises like Cleveland, desperate to make a national splash. We will shortly find out what new management is made of. They almost have to take a quarterback on Day One. My bet is they wait until their late first rounder to nab the formerly buzziest pick, Teddy Bridgewater.AFC SOUTHIndianapolis ColtsANDREW LUCK vs. NOBODYThe Colts are set for the next decade. Luck gives congratulatory pats to marauding defensive ends after receiving blistering sacks, all the while complimenting them on the hit. How do you compete with that? He is tough and skilled, even-tempered and a winner. As a Baltimore fan, only thing left to say is, "Screw the Colts." Indy may draft a QB in the seventh round if Luck needs a personal assistant.Tennessee TitansJAKE LOCKER vs. HIS SHOULDERS, HIP & RIGHT FOOTWith the eighth pick of the draft, the Titans select...Jake Locker. Flashbulbs! The audience stirs. Analysts rush to review their notes. It was a promising time. Jeff Fisher was still the coach. Veteran QB Matt Hasselbeck was still the most famous person in the family. But it hasnt worked out. Im not convinced the Titans would have found more success drafting Blaine Gabbert or Christian Ponder or Andy Dalton, but Locker has played in fewer than half of their games in three seasons, and thats gonna come to an end at this years eleventh pick. The former face of the franchise, Chris Johnson—CJ2K—is now a Jet, and Titans faithful need someone to believe in. Elvis sightings can only take a football fan so far. Tennessee is drafting a QB at 11.Jacksonville JaguarsJOHNNY MANZIEL vs. TARPS COVERING THE SEATSJacksonville needs a star. They need a player with buzz, someone who puts asses into club seats. The Jags are consistently the first franchise mentioned whenever another city sniffs around for a relocation project, and they have the smallest market in the league. Finally, they have a rising nucleus of talent and a third overall selection. For a team without a rich history of success, theyve demonstrated surprising consistency at QB, with five guys—Mark Brunell, Byron Leftwich, David Garrard, Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne—starting 93% of all Jaguars games, ever. They will be adding a sixth name to that list this year. If it isnt Johnny Football, it is likely to be Derek Carr or David Fales. Or Mark Brunell.Houston TexansTHE #1 PICK vs. NO CLEAR #1 QUARTERBACK IN THE DRAFTThe Houston Texans will be drafting first overall. The Houston Texans will be drafting Jadeveon Clowney. The Houston Texans will be drafting Khalil Mack. The Houston Texans will be drafting Johnny Manziel. The Houston Texans will be drafting Teddy Bridgewater. The Houston Texans will be drafting first overall.There. Its settled.AFC WESTDenver BroncosPEYTON MANNING vs. WINTERPeyton is the greatest regular season quarterback of all time. Most passing yards in a season. Highest QB rating in a season. Most touchdown passes in a season. We can fumble over a couple other names but hes at worst "as good as it gets". More likely, hes the yardstick going forward. But a little something happens on the way to the postseason. It gets cold. Old bones get brittle. Despite a passable record in cold weather and late-season games on paper, the eye test tells a different story. Maybe Mannings approach can have rare in-game faults, though full-season successes, like the Moneyball philosophy in baseball suffers. I dunno. Whatever it is, hes the NFL-equivalent of the 117-year-old Japanese man we query about diet and philosophy and Colorado fans should enjoy what may be his last hurrah. The Broncos know its winding down for their chiropractic miracle, and they are throwing every measure of multi-positional support his way. They wont be major players on the QB market unless a gift falls in their lap (though theyll be wary of controversial QB picks— see Tebow, Jesus). A cold wind is blowing. It says Spring only on the calendar.Kansas City ChiefsALEX SMITH vs. SHMOLIN SHMAEPERNICKIts hard to feel pathos for a multi-millionaire quarterback selected first overall, with a gorgeous wife in a Pro Bowl year. But I do. For every Peyton Manning theres a JaMarcus Russell. Smith was trending towards the latter when in 2011, he and the 49ers, took a turn towards greatness. He led them within inches of the Super Bowl. In 2012, amidst his greatest statistical season, he suffered a concussion and was replaced by backup Colin Kaepernick. He would only miss one game, but he would never start in the Bay again. Reborn in Kansas City, he and head coach Andy Reid turned around a 2-14 team, winning their first nine games, and made the playoffs. Youd think his future in Kansas would be a slam dunk, that Alex would be re-signed long term and everyone would enjoy a loaf of Brett, a slice of Biancalana and a pound of Balboni. Instead, Smith and the Chiefs are far apart in negotiations and the team is considering a QB with their first pick. Once again, Smith is looking over his shoulder to see which tattooed menace might be coming for his job. Stay healthy, Smitty. It just takes one game.San Diego ChargersPHILIP RIVERS vs. HIS MOUTHPhil Rivers is known for a lot of things. Not missing a game since 2006, the fourth longest streak of all time. Getting traded for Eli Manning in an epic first round swap as a rookie. Being a rock-steady fantasy football contributor for several seasons. Mostly, Rivers is known as one of the most notorious trash talkers in the NFL. Opposing defences revile him. Jay Cutler doesnt like him.He is ultra-competitive and the most video-captured whiner in the game. Yet, I have found, if you dig deeper, hes just misunderstood. Rumour is he has NEVER cursed. Im not sh***ing you. Time to forget everything you thought you knew about Phil Rivers. This is who he actually is. Stay classy, San Diego.Oakland RaidersMATT SCHAUB vs. COMMON SENSEThe Raiders are an exceptional organization. At one point legendary owner Al Davis (RIP) oversaw the silver and black to five Super Bowl championships over four decades. Now, they havent had a winning season in eleven years, longest streak in the league (even the Browns and Bills had winning seasons in that span). You would need Nate Silver and the computer from War Games to make sense of their roster. I heart the acquisition of Matt Schaub, a quarterback who has had success, but his best days are quite clearly in the past, as all sensory input from last year would lead you to believe he is not very good at quarterbacking. Translation: he was meant to be a Raider. Will undrafted surprise Matt McGloin upstage him? Will Oakland draft Teddy Bridgewater in the first round? Will they draft a QB at all? Will they wind up retiring Schaubs number? Will Al Davis return from the dead, looking oddly similar as he did when alive, ready to coach? The Raiders are an exceptional organization.NFC EASTPhiladelphia EaglesNICK FOLES vs. INERTIAIsaac Newtons first law of motion does not apply to Nick Foles. It didnt matter how much pressure was thrown at him, he did not break and he did not falter. He was so good the Eagles dumped Michael Vick and were willing to make Mark Sanchez their backup in 2014. Thats confidence. In Chip Kellys hyper-tempo offensive scheme, Foles proceeded to set the record for best ever touchdown (27) to interception (2) ratio in NFL history. What the what? He threw for seven touchdowns in one game! Foles serves as an outlier, less for us to gain insight into the Eagles scattershot offence, but more that we might get excited about the upcoming draft, where a late third round pick without a clear path to a starting job could become a Pro Bowler real fast-like.Dallas CowboysTONY ROMO vs. PERCEPTIONESPN analyst Chris Mortensen warmly quoted Cowboys owner Jerry Jones this week:"We were 8-8 (in 2013) and people still love us and we make a lot of money!"Alllllllrighty, then. You can watch his entire conversation. It tells you what you need to know about Dallas.Unfortunately for Tony Romo, because hes lost some heartbreakers, and because the team around him is poorly constructed, and because he has an albatross, uncuttable contract, hes the villain. Fact: hes sixth among active QBs in fourth quarter comebacks. Perception isnt truth with Romo, but the Dallas lights are blinding. Jones might not draft a QB for three more years or might trade up to take Johnny Manziel in the first round. I have no idea.Washington RedskinsROBERT GRIFFIN III vs. MEDICAL SCIENCETechnically, we could discuss how the District of Columbia Football Team has a lopsided battle at quarterback between superstar Griffin and the decent, if expendable, Kirk Cousins. Ho-hum. More interestingly, D.C. has to worry about Griffins persistent battle with not lying on a gurney.Washington cant draft a quarterback out of sheer pride, having sent several picks to the Rams to nab RGIII, but the science is hardly settled on whether he can stand the rigours of the league. They better hope medical science wins this battle because Griffin has not proven he can protect himself. There are many a YouTube link to prove this, if your stomach is settled.New York GiantsELI MANNING vs. COMPLACENCY(h/t nydailynews.com)Eli Manning, the Bret Saberhagen of football (I should probably update this reference to Tim Lincecum). Could lead his team to a championship, could get his coach fired by October. Hes 33. Coming off ankle surgery and a subpar season. His O-line is shaky, having been sacked a career high 39 times. When big brother Peyton went down with major spinal injuries in 2011 I never thought Id ask: Will Eli be the first Manning out of football? He doesnt have anything left to prove with two rings and nine figures banked. If he doesnt bounce back this year, I wouldnt be surprised to see him consider retirement. Josh Freeman is a stop-gap for New York, and the team wants to groom the franchise guy. Apparently last years fourth rounder, Ryan Nassib is just depth chart fodder. I could see GM Jerry Reese stoking the flames of competition.NFC NORTH Green Bay PackersAARON RODGERS vs. THE WORLDThere is no quarterback controversy in Green Bay. Former Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers uses his unassuming charms to rally the Wisconsin faithful and does so with aplomb. If theres one battle Rodgers consistently faces, and sometimes loses, it is wrestling with the enormous chip on his shoulder. Ever since he slipped to 24th in the 2005 draft, he has been angry. Bruised. Slighted. Theres even a Twitter account dedicated to his ego. He was featured in a reverential portrayal on 60 Minutes...then felt dissed. His championship belt-celebration dance (AKA the Discount double check) is the height of lame self-congratulations (though so are many TD celebrations). He resents people talking about his lack of toughness. Or his lack of height, even though he is 62. I dont know how many other ways to euphemistically call one of the greatest players of his generation a probable a**hole. Maybe the team should draft Teddy Bridgewater just to keep him motivated (being slighted seems to encourage him).Chicago BearsJAY CUTLER vs. A GUY INTERESTED IN PLAYING FOOTBALLHave you ever seen the Bravo show, "Million Dollar Listing"? Theres a guy who stars on it, one of the Hollywood realtors—Josh Flagg—hes a little greasy a little charming, and hes pretty much exactly what I figure Jay Cutler must be like. A sweatpants and midday naps sorta fella unless he absolutely HAS to get to work. And work Jay will, since hes signed to a freshly-inked, monster contract, and the Bears shipped Josh McCown out of town. Im just not convinced he likes football that much. Seems more like a hacky sack type, you know?(h/t dailymail.co.uk)(h/t dressedtoat.wordpress.com)Detroit LionsMATTHEW STAFFORD vs. HIS SHOULDER FALLING OFFIf youre a fan of smashmouth football and you spend any time observing the current version of the NFL, youre going to suffer some irritated moments. The game has changed. Running and defence and special teams have been marginalized. Today, the quarterback reigns supreme (and the rulebook has seen to it—a development I call the Matthew Stafford corollary, but more on that right now). Yes, I recycled the intro. It was not just metaphoric philosophizing, it was specifically about Matthew Stafford. He is everything that annoys me in the NFL. He holds the record for the most passing attempts in a season. He also threw for 5,038 yards in 2011 and 4,967 yards in 2012, a year the Lions went 4-12. Prior to 2011, THOSE WOULD HAVE BEEN THE THIRD AND FOURTH MOST YARDS EVER THROWN. More than Brett Favre or Kurt Warner or Dan Fouts or Peyton Manning (to that point). Stafford is the embodiment of the danger the NFL is in if it keeps promoting passing and scoring at all costs: guys like Stafford are going to make the Hall of Fame and never have had an actual great season.Minnesota VikingsMATT CASSEL vs. BLAKE BORTLESIve been watching a lot of the FX show Fargo lately. Whenever I see the words "Minnesota" or "Billy Bob" in print, I immediately descend into a regional accent. The words "Blake Bortles" sound like they deserve to be interpreted by the Minnesotan patois. Matt Cassel already has the look of a career stopgap, so you know the Vikes are hungry to get the next man up. Norv Turner is the new OC in town, and with Teddy Bridgewaters stock falling, and Minnesota desperate for a marquee name to hand off to Adrian Peterson, Bortles could be the man. (Notice, I did not mention Christian Ponder in this entire paragraph. Well, most of the paragraph. Damn it.)NFC SOUTHCarolina PanthersCAM NEWTON vs. STATISTICSIf you go by the numbers, Newton hasnt lived up to the hype—hes far exceeded it. He won a national championship in college and the Heisman trophy. He was selected first overall. In 2011, he had the greatest rookie season by a quarterback ever (he became the first rookie QB to surpass 4,000 yards passing while scoring a record 35 TDs). In 2013, he showed growth and maturity, culminating in a division win. A great start to a career. Surely there is more mountain to climb...maybe. The Panthers will have him under centre for the next decade and, uh, itll be fine, hell put up crazy numbers, but, well, I just dont know if he can win it all. His statistics might be half-truths. Despite a few game-winning drives in the first half of the season, he looked panicky near the end, and was sacked a career-high 43 times (5th in the NFL). I should probably quit doubting Cam, hes loaded with talent and hes disproved doubters every time. The smart money is likely on him finding a way to improve. Plus he starred in one of my all-time favourite NFL commercials:New Orleans SaintsDREW BREES vs. THE RECORD BOOKIn recent days, insiders have alluded to the Saints considering a Green Bay-style strategy, harkening back to when the Pack drafted Aaron Rodgers in the first round while still having Brett Favre at the helm. These whispers arose last year at draft time too. Now Derek Carr, Zach Mettenberger and A.J. McCarron have all been mentioned as targets. Ahem. And now for the number of quarterbacks drafted by the New Orleans Saints during the Drew Brees era:2013: 0 2012: 0 2011: 0 2010: 7th round - Sean Canfield. Never took a snap. 2009: 0 2008: 0 2007: 0 2006: 0Consider the above list a visual representation for "job security".Atlanta FalconsMATT RYAN vs. DOMINIQUE DAVISWhen an athlete named Dominique comes to Atlanta I take notice. Dominique Davis looks to push incumbe—okay, I cant do this. Theres clearly no quarterback controversy in Atlanta—theres barely a second option. I just like talking about Atlanta athletes named Dominique. Im going to use my remaining time here to engage in a practice I perform every day, which is to celebrate my favourite basketball player of all time, Georgias roundball son, the human highlight reel, Dominique Wilkins (AKA the best in-game dunker of all time). Enjoy.Tampa Bay BuccaneersJOSH MCCOWN vs. MIKE GLENNONWord broke this week Tampa Bay is shopping last years starter, Mike Glennon, for a second round pick. Even the crickets sat this one out. A few teams are prospective landing spots for the lankiest, milkiest, least NFL-looking guy in the league. including New England, where Billy Belichick praised Glennon recently. With McCown in Central Florida, ready to set fire to a season of ho-hum Sundays, the Bucs are ripe for turnover under centre. Theres something familiar about this scenario. Tampa looks a little like Kansas City did last year: roster full of pros who underperformed get a new coach, a consistent/unspectacular veteran at QB, and a good draft could push them into playoff contention. At #7 they could go Johnny Football for the crowd factor (a concern for both small-market Florida teams) or Blake Bortles for a guy they could develop. In a deep draft for good QBs—not great ones—decent chance they dont pick a thrower until a later round.NFC WEST Seattle SeahawksRUSSELL WILSON vs. THE LIZARDSDuh-duh. Duh-duh. Wiiiiiiilssooooonn. Unless youre familiar with the Phish-verse known as "Gamehenge" where the evil king Wilson battles the Lizards, this sentence hasnt meant much. In the greatest pairing of professional sports to nitrous oxide since Bill Walton and his collection of Grateful Dead tees, the first appearance of Russell Wilson at every home game is cued by the first four notes of the Phish song "Wilson", and the crowd responds in call-and-answer fashion with a long cheer of his last name. Thats about the only quarterback battle in Washington State right now. King Wilson versus psychotropic lizards. When you are young, composed, talented, and youve already won a Super Bowl, nobody looks over your shoulder, no matter how undersized you may be. If Wilson ever goes down and the team needs to fill the leadership void, Richard Shermans Twitter account could sub in.San Francisco 49ersCOLIN KAEPERNICK vs. THE INELUCTABLE HITAs a tireless Ravens advocate, I do not like the San Francisco 49ers. I was pleased when they lost the Super Bowl, and am happy they have come up short for three straight years (despite being talent rich and possessing one of my Gallay All-Timers in receiver Anquan Boldin). But even Im impressed with Kaepernicks skills. Incredible speed. Nimble. Laser arm. Oh, but that hubris. It has its own helmet. He increasingly stayed in the pocket in 2013—a sign of maturity—but when he does break one off, because of his confidence and size he rarely protects himself. Hes still young and rubber-boned, and the hits dont phase him. But The Hit is coming. And its going to cost him 6-8 weeks, maybe a year. Bay Area brass have to recognize it, so I dont see how the Niners avoid drafting a quarterback (also, they have fifty draft picks). San Jose States David Fales has been linked to Harbaugh (thats the evil Harbaugh for those scoring at home).Arizona CardinalsCARSON PALMER vs. THE GHOST OF KURT WARNER PASTSports fans dont speak of the nomadic Cardinals in the same sacred breath as the Maple Leafs or Cubs because they arent loveable hometown losers, having been kicked around from Chicago to St. Louis to Phoenix. But make no mistake—they are losers. At 67 years, the franchise suffers from the longest championship drought in the NFL. Burdened with 2013s toughest division, 33-year-old QB Carson Palmer did yeomans work in his first year out of the AFC, registering a personal best 4,274 passing yards. Flashback: In the mid-2000s, then 33-year-old Kurt Warner set the quarterback reclamation standard for the Cardinals, leading to the teams lone Super Bowl appearance in 2008. Dont expect Palmer to do likewise (or as well as last year). Today the talk around Phoenix—beyond the chorus to build a taller border wall—has the team drafting defence first, with minor rumblings about Fresno State QB Derek Carr. Its possible they trade for Mike Glennon or grab a buzzier QB prospect in the first round (head coach Bruce Arians is a known quarterback whisperer), but likely they lay back, go with Palmer, and think of England. This may come as a disappointment to the franchises dozens of fans.St. Louis RamsSAM BRADFORD vs. RG IIITo discuss quarterbacks and the St. Louis Rams is to speak in hushed tones, glancing furtively. Nobody really knows what to make of the most significant trade in Rams history, even two years later. Break it down, and theres no way St. Louis didnt come out on top, trading their second overall selection in the 2012 draft to Washington, to move back just four spots so the Redskins (um, District of Columbia Football Team) could draft the hugely talented but chronically injured Robert Griffin. The Rams have a strong team defence, have taken four receivers in the past two years, have reaped five starters from that monumental trade...but still the talk goes back to quarterback. Thats because Sam Bradford, the Rams 2010 first overall pick, has been consistently hurt or ineffective (and now overpaid). One year of RG III tearing it up and nobody will care how many starters St. Louis yielded in The Trade. Perhaps that is why, despite St. Louis dire need and Greg Robinsons tremendous ability to fill a void at offensive tackle, I have this minor piece of information to share with you. BREAKING NEWS: Johnny Manziel Alert. The Rams, like every other team in the NFL, are now being linked to "Ramziel". (In a related story, Sam Bradford has been watching the NFL Network. A lot. For more than just Molly Qerim sightings.)GALLAYS POLL #9How did you make it this far down the page?(A) My scroll button got stuck.(B) I wanted to work out my wrist in a different way than I usually do online.(C) I read every word, Mike...after losing a bet. Doug McDermott Jersey . The Extreme Heat Policy was enacted at Melbourne Park just before 2 p.m. Thursday, suspending all matches on outer courts until the early evening and requiring the closure of the retractable roofs at Rod Laver and Hisense arenas before play could continue on the show courts. Mark Jackson 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. http://www.authenticbasketballshoppacers.info/customized/. On Thursday theyll learn even more. Despite the cloud of uncertainty that has followed them around from the moment general manager Masai Ujiri was brought in to put his stamp on the franchise, the Raptors have surpassed all pre-season expectations. Domantas Sabonis Jersey . Louis, MO (SportsNetwork. Joe Young Jersey . And theyre pointing to the NHLs biggest market: Toronto. With Gretzky paid out for what is believed to be $7 to 8 million, Gretzky may be eager to get back into the NHL and TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger reports that the Maple Leafs are very much interested in The Great Ones services. BALTIMORE -- It seemed like every time the Baltimore Orioles were poised to score, the Chicago White Sox would squelch the threat -- two outs at a time. The Orioles hit into four double plays Tuesday night, including the game-ender in a 4-2 defeat. Jose Quintana (4-7) allowed only one run in seven innings for the White Sox, but the left-hander and three relievers benefited greatly from Baltimores lack of clutch hitting. The Orioles stranded seven and went 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position. "We squared up a couple balls early," manager Buck Showalter said. "But there wasnt a lot of good contact off (Quintana). Not real comfortable at-bats." Quintana (4-7) gave up six hits -- including a solo homer by Steve Pearce -- struck out eight and walked three. The left-hander was 0-3 in four starts since May 26. Nick Markakis, who went 0 for 4 against Quintana with two strikeouts, said, "Hes a guy that short arms the ball and the ball jumps out of his hand. It is tough to get in a rhythm when you dont see the ball behind his back and he short arms it with good velocity." One night after blowing a ninth-inning lead in the series opener, White Sox closer Ronald Belisario entered in the ninth with no outs and a runner on first. He allowed a pinch-hit RBI single to Delmon Young before getting pinch-hitter Ryan Flaherty to bounce into a double play. Belisarios eighth save sealed a much-needed victory for the White Sox, who had lost five in a row overall and eight straight on the road. "When you have the opportunity, you have to win those games," Chicago left fielder Alejandro De Aza said. "We have to enjoy it because it doesnt happen very often." Miguel Gonzalez (4-5) yielded three runs and a career-high tying nine hits in five innings for Baltimore. It was his second start since returning from a 17-day stint on the disabled list with a strained right oblique, and like the last one, he failed to get into the sixth inning. "Bent but didnt break. Kept us engaged in the gamme.dddddddddddd. Gave us some chances," Showalter said. "His command was off from what weve come to expect. He fought his way through five innings." Two batters into the game, Gonzalez and the Orioles fell behind for good when Gordon Beckham drove a fastball into the seats in left field for his seventh home run. Chicago added a run in the second when Ramirez doubled and scored on a single by De Aza. The inning ended with a poorly executed double steal in which De Aza was nailed at the plate after getting a late start from third base. Three straight two-out singles, the last by Tyler Flowers, made it 3-0 in the fourth. The White Sox loaded the bases with no outs in the fifth before Alexei Ramirez hit a popup and Dayan Viciedo bounced into a double play. After Pearce homered leading off the sixth, Adam Jones doubled. But Quintana struck out Nelson Cruz and Chris Davis before retiring J.J. Hardy on a fly to right. Chicago got an unearned run in the eighth. Ramirez singled, stole second, advanced on a passed ball and deftly avoided the tag at the plate by Caleb Joseph on a grounder by De Aza. "I have to give him a lane to slide into if I dont have the ball, but as soon as I have the ball Im free to make the tag," Joseph said. "So, I had the ball in plenty of time and just wasnt aggressive with it." NOTES: Orioles 3B Manny Machado will have a hearing Wednesday on his appeal of a five-game suspension for intentionally throwing a bat on the field. ... White Sox manager Robin Ventura says RHP Scott Carroll will start Thursday in Toronto. He replaces Andre Rienzo, who has been relegated to the bullpen after losing five straight starts and yielding 17 runs in his last three outings. ... Baltimore RHP Ubaldo Jimenez, 0-6 with a 6.38 ERA at home, takes the mound Wednesday in the series finale against Chicago RHP Hector Noesi. ... Chicagos Adam Eaton walked twice and singled. He has reached base in 19 straight games and has an 11-game hitting streak. cheap falcons jerseys cheap ravens jerseys cheap bills jerseys cheap bears jerseys cheap bengals jerseys cheap cowboys jerseys cheap lions jerseys cheap texans jerseys cheap colts jerseys cheap jaguars jerseys cheap chiefs jerseys cheap rams jerseys cheap dolphins jerseys cheap vikings jerseys cheap saints jerseys cheap giants jerseys cheap jets jerseys cheap eagles jerseys cheap steelers jerseys cheap 49ers jerseys ' ' '