ST. LOUIS - All of those months of injury rehab paid off for Sam Bradford, who showed no signs of a season-ending knee injury last November. Aaron Rodgers looked pretty polished, too. Bradford and Rodgers each threw a touchdown pass in their preseason debuts in the Green Bay Packers 21-7 victory over the St. Louis Rams on Saturday. "It felt great there," Bradford said. "No surprises. It felt really good." Michael Sam played in the second half and got his first sack of the preseason, dropping Matt Flynn for a 10-yard loss in the fourth quarter to force a 49-yard field goal by Mason Crosby. Sam had a tackle earlier in that series and totalled two quarterback hits. "I felt more comfortable, more relaxed," Sam said. "I know the speed of the game, I know how it is and it just felt right." Everything went according to plan for the Rodgers and the Packers. "We practiced up-tempo offence and to be able to come out and execute it at this stage of the game is great," running back Eddie Lacy said. "It will be tough for opponents to keep up and be able to beat us." Rodgers was 11 for 13 for 128 yards and a 3-yard score to Randall Cobb. His only complaint was about officiating — the teams were whistled for a combined 22 penalties for 171 yards and two touchdowns catches were nullified. "Its way over the top, its just too much," Rodgers said. "The games way too choppy if theyre going to call it like that." Bradford, who said weeks ago that the left knee was no longer a concern, was 9 for 12 for 101 yards and an 11-yard touchdown to Lance Kendricks. "It was nothing new, Ive been here before," Bradford said. "I think for everyone else its probably a bigger deal for me to get back out on the field." Lacy had five carries for 25 yards on the Packers 12-play, 86-yard drive to start the game. Sam, the seventh-round pick is the first openly gay player drafted in the NFL, is likely competing with undrafted Ethan Westbrooks for a backup spot. Westbrooks was the second-team left defensive end behind Chris Long and had a sack with four total tackles, while Sam got work at both defensive end spots. The Edward Jones Dome appeared about half-full, even with the benefit of hundreds of Packers fans who made the trip and let loose with a big cheer after Cobbs TD catch. The Rams announced ticket sales of 55,072 and capacity is about 66,000. Rodgers had plenty of time to operate and he looked sharp, going 6 for 6 for 47 yards and scrambling 14 yards on the opening drive. He ended the quarter with a 35-yard pass to Andrew Quarless to the St. Louis 12 that led to a short field goal and a 10-0 lead. "The offence got off to a great start," coach Mike McCarthy said. "I really liked the production that we were able to get done in the first two series." Scott Tolzien was 10 for 15 for 107 yards behind Rodgers and Matt Flynn, who started the opener, was effective as the third quarterback. Flynn threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to rookie Jeff Janis, a seventh-round pick, and added a 2-point conversion pass to Davante Adams that made it 18-7 late in the third. Most of Bradfords passes were underneath, with most of Brian Quicks 41-yard gain coming after the catch. He just missed connecting with Kenny Britt on a 35-yarder in the first quarter and converted on fourth-and-3 from the Packers 43 with a 5-yard pass to Jared Cook. Rams backup quarterback Shaun Hill was 1 for 4 for 14 yards. He threw two touchdown passes as the starter last week when Bradford was held out. The Rams held out left tackle Jake Long (knee), middle linebacker James Laurinaitis (ankle) and cornerback Janoris Jenkins (hamstring). All three could play next week at Cleveland. Jordy Nelson started for the Packers after returning from a hamstring injury this week, but had no catches in limited action. Notes: Rams backup RB Isaiah Pead will likely be out for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee, which buckled at the end of a 33-yard kickoff return in the first quarter. He was helped off the field and then carted away for tests. ... Packers TE Brandon Bostick was sidelined with a lower leg injury in the first quarter. ... Rams OL Greg Robinson, the second overall pick, started at left tackle and also got work at guard as in the preseason opener. Tracy Mcgrady Jersey . Ferrer will play Mikhail Youzhny on Sunday after he defeated Dmitry Tursunov 6-2, 6-4 in an all-Russian semifinal. "Youzhny is a good player," Ferrer said. Spud Webb Jersey . The best round belonged to Pat Perez. Tiger Woods didnt come close to claiming either Thursday in the Farmers Insurance Open, where the seven-time champion failed to break par in the opening round for first time in his career. http://www.authenticbasketballshophawks....wks-jersey/.com) - The Chicago Blackhawks take aim at their longest winning streak of the season on Sunday when they host the Calgary Flames in a battle at the United Center. Mike Bibby Jersey . The game had many controversial incidents that, upon closer inspection, were not as controversial as many believed. The Formations Toronto FC lined up in its usual 4-4-2 formation, with Nick Hagglund slotting in at right fullback and Bradley Orr at centreback in place of the injured Mark Bloom and Steven Caldwell, respectively. DeAndre Bembry Jersey . TSN Hockey Insiders Pierre LeBrun and Bob McKenzie both reported Thursday that there have been ongoing trade discussions between the Oilers and Los Angeles Kings over forward Sam Gagner.LOS ANGELES -- Francisco Liriano finally got that long-awaited first victory of the season. Liriano pitched in and out of trouble in his duel with Josh Beckett, and Ike Davis homered to help the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 Friday night. Liriano (1-5) scattered five hits over 5 2-3 scoreless innings. After entering with a 5.06 ERA, he struck out eight and walked two in his 12th start of the year. "It was a great feeling to get that first win out of the way," said Liriano, a 16-game winner for Pittsburgh last season. "It was a long time, and I felt like I wasnt doing my job. I just want to try to go deeper into the game my next time out." Beckett (3-2) allowed two runs and five hits in five innings, five days after pitching the first no-hitter in the majors this season during a 6-0 win at Philadelphia. Yasiel Puig reached base for the 31st straight game, getting an infield single in the fourth and continuing to second on Lirianos throwing error. He came up with the bases loaded in the fifth and popped up on a changeup for the third out, making him 0 for 5 in those situations. "Francisco pitched out of the stretch most of the night, and the leadoff hitter reached base in five of those six innings," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle pointed out. "To get Puig, thats just a classic matchup on a Friday night in front of 47,000 -- thats good stuff. There were so many important pitches in that sequence, but he stayed focused and was aggressive. He had eight strikeouts, and a lot of them were with guys on second." Despite Lirianos record, hes been able to keep his team in games more often than not. The Pirates have won all six of his no-decisions. "Thats what we continue to tell Frank," Hurdle said. "Fortunately, hes been around. Hes had to battle through so many things, and this is just the next thing hes going to get challenged by at the major league level. Hes kept his composure and his confidence, so well see where he can take it. I just believe its going to get better and better for him." Beckett was removed for a pinch-hitter after 88 pitches -- the 34-year-old righty threw a career-high 128 in the first no-hitter by a Dodgers pitcher since 1996. "Physically, I felt fine. I took care of myself in between starts, and I was ready to go out there," Beckett said. "I didnt feel any different between this start and my last one. I mean, if you look aat those 128 pitches in nine innings, its only 13, 14 pitches per inning.dddddddddddd" Pirates second baseman Neil Walker robbed Matt Kemp of an RBI single in the sixth with a diving stop toward the middle and threw him out, after Hanley Ramirez led off with a double. Liriano faced one more batter, striking out Scott Van Slyke with his 100th pitch. Justin Wilson then fanned Andre Ethier. Mark Melancon gave up an RBI single to Ramirez in the eighth, but retired pinch-hitter Adrian Gonzalez on a grounder with the potential tying run at second. Jason Grilli pitched a perfect ninth for his sixth save. Beckett retired the side in order only once. He hit Starling Marte with a 2-2 pitch to open the third and Clint Barmes followed with a walk. Marte was picked off second, but the Pirates overcame that miscue with singles by Josh Harrison and Walker, whose hit to right field drove in Barmes with the games first run. Davis led off the fourth with a drive to centre that travelled an estimated 453 feet. It was his fourth home run of the season, including two grand slams against Cincinnati. "Beckett was on the corners all night and his stuff was good, but that fastball caught a little more of the plate and I was able to get the good part of the bat on it," Davis said. "We really didnt do too much off him, but we scored just enough runs. Its hard to beat the Dodgers only scoring two runs, but our pitchers were amazing tonight." Drew Butera, who caught Becketts no-hitter, also was behind the plate for Lirianos no-no with Minnesota on May 3, 2011, against the White Sox in Chicago. He threw out Russell Martin and Harrison on stolen base attempts for the third out in the second and fifth innings, respectively. NOTES: It was the 19th time since 1900 that a pitcher made his first start following a no-hitter against an opponent who also had pitched one. The last time that happened was May 7, 2012, when Jered Weaver of the Angels faced Liriano and beat Minnesota for the second time in five days, 8-3. ... Dee Gordon stole two more bases to raise his major league-leading total to 34, and the Dodgers total to 64 -- also tops in the majors. ... Pirates LHP Tony Watson extended his scoreless streak to 15 2-3 innings with a perfect seventh. ... Cincinnati LHP Johnny Vander Meer (1938) remains the only pitcher to throw no-hitters in consecutive starts. White NFL Jerseys Cheap Youth NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys 2020 Stitched NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Autographed Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Discount Jerseys ' ' '

MONTREAL -- The normally flashy Jean Pascal is glad to leave centre stage to his stablemate Adonis Stevenson for his next appearance in a boxing ring. Former light heavyweight champion Pascal (27-2-1) just wants to get the job done when he faces 39-year-old George (Honey Boy) Blades (23-4-0) at the Bell Centre on Sept. 28 in what should be a tune-up bout for his long-awaited showdown with rival Lucian Bute in January. The bout will be the co-feature to Stevensons first defence of his WBC light heavyweight title against former IBF champion Tavoris Cloud. "Honestly, I like my situation now," Pascal said Thursday. "Im not in the spotlight. "I dont need to sell tickets. I dont need to put on a show. Stevenson is in the limelight now. I just have to do my stuff and box well." There may be a layer of rust left on the canvas when Pascal, who has fought only once in each of the last two years, faces Blades, who has had two bouts since 2008. The quick-handed Pascal, who looked off-form while grinding out a 10-round decision over Aleksy Kuziemsky in December, didnt want to remain inactive too long when Bute pulled out of their scheduled May meeting with a hand injury. The showdown between Montreals two former world champions has been rescheduled for Jan. 18. Now Pascal will face an aging opponent whose record was built mostly against opponents with losing records, including legend Reggie Strickland who retired in 2005 with a career 66-276-17 mark. Blades lost by 11th-round TKO in his only attempt at a world title to Zsolt Erdei in 2007. "This fight is going to be good for me," said Pascal. "Its been a while since I fought so Im taking this one as a springboard to my next one, if the next one happens. "Thats why Im taking this seriously. This guy is a veteran. Hes been there, done that. Hes not coming here just to get a cheque. Hes coming here to kill me, so I need to be ready." The risk for Pascal is his history of hand and shoulder problems. If either is aggravated, it could mean another delay in the lucrative Bute bout. Promoter Yvon Michel called it a "stay-busy" bout for Pascal that will be even more important if the Bute fight falls through. There are some who feel it will never happen because Bute is still scarred from a crushing defeat to Carl Froch in May, 2012 that cost him his IBF super-middleweight title. If it doesnt, Pascal could be in line for a shot at new IBF champion Sergey Kovalev, a Russian who has fought most of his career in the U.S. The power-punching Kovalev is coming off a fourth-round win in Wales on Aug. 17 over Nathan Cleverly. "If I told (U.S. specialty channel) HBO that Pascal is available to fight Kovalev they would jump at that right away," said Michel. "Jean may not be world champion now, but hes a star. "He has ratings. Hes a fighter that will not be left on the sidelines." Pascal, 30, held a light heavyweight title from 2009 to 2012, when he lost a close decision to veteran Bernard Hopkins. But the new star in Michels stable is Stevenson, ever since the hammer-fisted southpaw from Longueuil, Que., dropped champion Chad Dawson only 76 seconds into their title bout in June. If he gets past Cloud, Stevenson is already booked to face mandatory challenger Tony Bellew, likely in late November in Quebec City. Stevensons is the middle bout of a three-fight HBO show from three countries that will also have heavyweights Tyson Fury and David Haye in England and middleweights Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., and Brian Vera in Carson, Calif. The Stevenson card also has an all-Colombian light heavyweight matchup with Montreal-based Eleider Alvarez (12-0) against veteran Edison Miranda (35-8), a former top contender looking to re-establish his reputation. Welterweight Antonin Decarie (27-2) of Montreal, coming off a loss in a title bout in Argentina with Luis Carlos Abregu, has a tune-up against Cedrik Spera (10-2) of Belgium to help prepare for a WBC-run world tournament due to start at the end of the year. Middleweight David Lemieux (29-2) of Montreal will be tested by six-foot-four Marcus Upshaw (15-10-2). Welterweight Kevin Bizier (20-0) of St-Emile, Que., and light heavyweight Artur Beterbiev (1-0), who beat Kovalev twice as an amateur, are also on the card. Ivan Rakitic Barcelona Jersey . Edmonton opened the season with 14 straight victories before falling Friday night 10-8 to the host Colorado Mammoth in National Lacrosse League action. Paulinho Barcelona Jersey . Patton told The Baltimore Sun that he took an Adderall pill four days before the season finished, trying to improve his short-term focus. "I took one because I was stupid," Patton told The Sun. http://www.barcelonateampro.com/andre-go...ona-jersey/.com) - Edmonton Oilers forward Taylor Hall left Saturdays game against the Senators in the second period with a left knee injury. Philippe Coutinho Jersey . The Major League Soccer teams were scheduled to play on Saturday night, but their game was rescheduled after Stu Tudor was hit during a pregame storm. The 54-year-old lieutenant in the Columbus Fire Department is in critical condition in the intensive care unit of the Ohio State Medical Center. Sergio Busquets Barcelona Jersey . After losing a shutout bid in the dying seconds of Sundays win over the Colorado Avalanche, Luongo would not be denied against the punchless Oilers and is now just one back of Patrick Roy for 14th on the all-time list.Gilmore Junio has decided to take one for the team, giving up his spot in Wednesdays 1000-metre speed skating final for Canadian teammate Denny Morrison. The three-time Olympian Morrison failed to qualify at the 1,000 distance at the Olympic trials in Calgary last month, falling just 50 metres short of the finish. But Junio, who finished 11th on Monday in his Olympic debut in the mens 500, said Tuesday its the right thing to do. “How Denny is skating now, I believe its in the best interest of the team if he races,” Junio said in a statement released by Speed Skating Canada. “To represent Canada at the Olympics is a huge honour and privilege but I believe that as Canadians, were not just here to compete; we are here to win. Denny has proven to be a consistent medal threat in the distance.” Its true Morrison is a contender at 1,000. Hes currently sixth in the World Cup standings at the distance, with a pair of fourth place finishes. In the past, hes won two silver medals at the world championships in the 1,000. The 28-year-old Fort St. John, B.C., native will try to win his first individual Olympic medal. Hes won gold and silver the last two Olympics as part of Canadas team pursuit. “This is an amazing gesture and Im ready to make the most of this opportunity,” Morrison said. Shani Davis of the United States will be gunning for another groundbreaking achievement in Wednesdays 1,000 metre race. Davis, 31, can become the first man ever to win three consecutive Olympic gold medals in speed skating, and the first American to do three straight in any Winter Gamees sport.dddddddddddd The Chicago native, who trained extensively at the Calgary Oval earlier this century, became the first African American to win Olympic gold in an individual Winter Games sport in 2006. Since then, hes set the world record at 1,000 and holds the top 10 sea level times at the distance. Given that Davis has twice won Olympic gold at 1,000 but has settled for silver twice in the 1,500, you might expect him to be more desirous of grabbing gold at the longer distance. Not so. "Those are my babies, man. I cant love one more than the other," he told The Associated Press last week. "Ive got two hands for two medals." Davis has shown signs of mortality in recent weeks. After winning the first three World Cup races at 1,000 this season, he finished third in December in Berlin to 2010 Olympic silver medallist Tae-Bum Mo of South Korea and Michel Mulder of the Netherlands. Last month, he split two races at the world sprint championships in January with Denis Kuzin of Kazakhstan. Other medal contenders include Dutch competitor Kjled Nuis and Brian Hansen, like Davis from the Chicago area. Three other Canadians join Morrison in Wednesdays race. William Dutton of Humboldt, Sask., and Muncef Ouardi each skated in the 500 metres on Monday. Dutton impressed at the sprint worlds Japan last month with a fourth place showing, although some of the worlds best elected not to travel to Japan. Vincent De Haître of Cumberland, Ont., will make his Olympic debut. 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ST. MARYS, Ont. -- Cincinnati Reds slugger Joey Votto was named the winner of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fames Tip ONeill Award on Friday. The honour is presented annually to the Canadian player judged to have excelled in individual achievement and team contribution while adhering to baseballs highest ideals. "Joey Votto is not only a superstar on the field, but hes also an inspiration and a difference-maker away from the ballpark," said Scott Crawford, the Halls director of operations. "There was a very strong field of candidates this year, but Joey deserves this honour for his tremendous contributions both on and off the field." Votto, from Toronto, is the first player to win the award four years in a row and is one of only two players to have won it on more than three occasions. The other is Larry Walker, a native of Maple Ridge, B.C., who won the award nine times. Votto hit .305 this past season and was selected to his fourth straight all-star game. He hit 24 home runs, drove in 73 runs, and led the National League in walks (135) and on-base percentage (.435). To determine a winner, the Hall considers each candidates on-the-field performance, contributions to their team, community and charitable endeavours and support in fan voting. "Its an honour to be recognized again by the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame," Votto said in a release. "It is very flattering to be mentioned in any discussion that includes Larry Walker, who represented our country with such dedication and professionalism during his major-league career. I have to thank the Baseball Hall of Fame for its efforts in promoting our great game in Canada." Several players were considered for this years honour, including Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Brett Lawrie of Langley, B.C., and Pittsburgh Pirates sluggers Russell Martin of Toronto and Justin Morneau of New Westminster, B.C. Votto, who shared the award with John Axford in 2011, will be presented with the award in a pre-game ceremony in Cincinnati early next season. Orlando Cepeda Braves Jersey . - The Minnesota Vikings have ruled Christian Ponder out for Sundays game at Baltimore, because the quarterback has not yet passed all of his post-concussion tests. Tyler Flowers Jersey . LOUIS -- To stay a step ahead of goaltenders, T. http://www.bravesapparelsshop.com/scott-kazmir-jersey-c-46/. In mens doubles, Vancouvers Vasek Pospisil and American Jack Sock reached the quarter-finals with a 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3), 6-4 win over Croatian Mate Pavic and Andre Sa of Brazil. Orlando Cepeda Jersey .com) - No Sidney Crosby, no problem. Bob Uecker Jersey .Kessy tried to show what he can do playing left wing for the Oilers in 5-0 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday in pre-season action.CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook had arthroscopic knee surgery Friday and will be sidelined until after the All-Star break. Westbrook will miss at least 27 games. "He will be missed," coach Scott Brooks said before Oklahoma Citys game Friday night against the Charlotte Bobcats. "Obviously we are a very good team with him, and without him were still going to be a very good team." General manager Sam Presti said in a news release earlier in the day that Westbrook has been playing pain-free, but "recently had experienced increased swelling" in his right knee. "After consultation and consideration by his surgeon in Los Angeles, a plan was established to monitor the swelling that included a series of scheduled MRIs," Presti said in the release. "On the most recent MRI it was determined by the surgeon that there was an area of concern that had not previously existed, nor was detectable in the previous procedures, and it was necessary to evaluate Russell further. The consulting physician determined that arthroscopic surgery was necessary to address the swelling that was taking place." Brooks said Reggie Jackson, who is averaging 12.5 points, will start. Jeremy Lamb will also see increased playing time in Westbrooks absence. "Guys believe in what he does for our team," Brooks said of Jackson. "Hes only going to get betterr.dddddddddddd Hes a young point guard in this league." Westbrooks knee problems began in April when he tore his meniscus in the second game of the Western Conference playoffs, sidelining him for the remainder of the post-season and all but ending Oklahoma Citys chances of reaching the NBA Finals. He had a second arthroscopic surgery as the Thunder were preparing for training camp after developing inflammation in the knee. However, Westbrook missed only two regular-season games before returning to the floor. Oklahoma City has since gone on a 21-3 tear with Westbrook in the starting lineup. The five-year NBA player is averaging 21.3 points, seven assists and six rebounds for the Thunder, who entered Friday nights game with a 23-5 record, a half-game behind the first-place Portland Trail Blazers in the Northwest Division. Oklahoma City has won 10 of its last 11 games. In his last game on Christmas, Westbrook didnt look like a player who was in pain, finishing with 14 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists in a 123-94 rout of the New York Knicks. Brooks said he didnt know the knee was an issue until after Wednesdays game. "Hes passed every medical benchmark and he was playing great basketball, probably some of the best basketball in the entire league," Brooks said. 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RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- The head of Olympic planning for Rio de Janeiros municipal government has resigned. Maria Silvia Bastos Marques, president of the EOM (Municipal Olympic Company), will be leaving her post but will remain as an advisor, a city hall statement said Tuesday. She will be replaced by Joaquim Monteiro, who works for the city government as a marketing specialist. The resignation comes almost two weeks after IOC inspectors urged Rio organizers and government representatives to finalize budget decisions about who pays for what for the 2016 Olympics. The Rio Games have been plagued by delays, partially centred on budget and planning problems among Brazils three levels of government. Brazil is spending about $15 billion on the games, a mix of private and public money, and faces pressure to rein in spending -- or be seen to be doing so. In a similar move six months ago, an army general took over the Olympic Public Authority, which co-ordinates planning between various layers of Brazilian government. Speaking to Rio officials at the end of an inspection tour two weeks ago, a top IOC official warned of the need to finalize planning. "At one point ... they have to decide who is doing what," said Gilbert Felli, the IOCs executive director of the Olympic Games. "At some point they have to take decisions, otherwise the project cannot go forward." A meeting announced for last week to deal with Olympic spending, which was to have included officials from the office of Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, did not take place as scheduled. At least two major projects are behind schedule: the second largest cluster of venues called Deodoro, and the Olympic golf course. Work has yet to begin at Deodoro. Nawal El Moutawakel, head of the inspection team, said "until ground is broken, Deodoro remains a project under intense pressure." Last week the president of the International Golf Federation, Peter Dawson, said he was disappointed with slow progress on the golf course. Golf returns to the 2016 Olympics for the first time since 1904 in St. Louis. "Rio has got quite a few challenges ahead of them to get things done in time," Dawson said. "We are new to the Olympic Games. Maybe this is normal. However, I think its particularly disappointing given how long ago we got in among this and got things started." Evan Turner Jersey .ca MLB Power Rankings, the third consecutive week that the As have held top spot and the third straight week that they have been one ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays. Custom Portland Trail Blazers Jerseys . As if the individual strands of grey hair or the increasing amount of joint pain werent reminders enough, the impending end of Jeters career is a slap-in-the-face indicator of a generations fleeting youth. http://www.blazersteamofficial.com/Clyde...Blazers-Jersey/. The Twins announced Thursday the 28-year-old Albers cleared waivers. He will join the Hanwha Eagles of the Korea Baseball Organization. Zach Collins Jersey . The third-seeded Bouchard, from Westmount, Que., was coming off a semifinal appearance at the French Open. She took the opening set before the unseeded American came back for the 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 victory. Damian Lillard Jersey . Louis Cardinals pitcher Jaime Garcia will have surgery on his left shoulder this week and is expected to miss the rest of the season.The Montreal Alouettes announced on Tuesday that quarterback Anthony Calvillo suffered a concussion during Saturdays game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders. The team said that Calvillo, who turns 41 on Friday, is resting at home. General manager and head coach Jim Popp said he hopes Calvillo will be able to return to work next week. In other Alouettes news, Brandon Whitaker (shoulder) says he will not play this week but is getting close to returning.dddddddddddd Bryn Roy (knee) and Martin Bedard (separated shoulder) will both be placed on the nine-game injured list. The team also said that Anwar Stewart, who was signed to the practice roster on Aug. 13, will be activated and play Thursday against the B.C. Lions. - with files from TSN Montreal reporter John Lu White NFL Jerseys Cheap Youth NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys 2020 Stitched NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Autographed Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Discount Jerseys ' ' '

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- The World Series champion Boston Red Sox lost their 10th straight game for their worst slide in 20 years, and brawled with the Tampa Bay Rays during an 8-5 defeat Sunday. Rays pinch-hitter Sean Rodriguez connected for a tiebreaking, three-run homer in the seventh. Yunel Escobar hit a two-run double later in the inning and then took third on defensive indifference, setting off the fracas. Escobar, Rodriguez and Bostons Jonny Gomes were all ejected. This is Bostons longest losing streak since an 11-game skid from June 8-19, 1994. The Red Sox have been outscored 52-24 over their last 10 games. Boston will try to end the drought on Monday afternoon in a game at Atlanta. Xander Bogaerts hit a two-run single with two outs in the Boston ninth off Josh Lueke. Grant Balfour got his ninth save by retiring Dustin Pedroia on a grounder. Gomes pulled Boston even at 3 with two-run, pinch-hit homer in the seventh off Joel Peralta (2-3). It was Gomes eighth pinch-hit home run. After Craig Breslow (2-1) walked pinch-hitter Desmond Jennings and gave up Evan Longorias single to start the seventh, Rodriguez gave the Rays a 6-3 advantage with his first pinch-hit homer. Escobar doubled and easily took third without a throw on the first pitch to Jose Molina. Escobar got into a yelling match with the Boston dugout and had to be restrained just before both benches and bullpens emptied. The sides gathered around third base for a short session that mostly involved pushing and shoving. Longoria hit a leadoff homer and Logan Forsythe had an RBI single as the Rays took a 2-1 lead in the fourth. Longorias opposite-field drive to right off Brandon Workman was his first since May 6. Wil Myers made it 3-1 on a run-scoring grounder in the fifth. Workman, recalled from Triple-A Pawtucket before the game to replace injured left-hander Felix Doubront (strained left shoulder), gave up three runs and five hits over five innings in his first big league start this season. He made three relief appearances with Boston earlier this year before being optioned to Pawtucket on April 8. Rays starter Jake Odorizzi allowed one run and four hits in six innings. The Red Sox went 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position against the right-hander. Boston had runners on second and third with no outs in the third, but scored just once for a 1-0 lead on a sacrifice fly by Brock Holt. NOTES: Boston put 1B Mike Napoli on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained finger on his left hand. ... Rays RHP Jeremy Hellickson (arthroscopic right elbow surgery) threw batting practice for the second and is set to pitch in an simulated game Wednesday. He expects to return before the All-Star break. ... Tampa Bay 2B Ben Zobrist (dislocated left thumb) hit against Hellickson and hopes to come off the disabled list next weekend. ... Boston manager John Farrell said Ortiz will play first base in at least once in the two-game interleague series against the Braves. Kirby Puckett Jersey . Berdych and Stepanek played all five matches when the Czechs beat Spain 3-2 in the final last November in Prague to win the countrys first title as an independent nation. Kennys Vargas Jersey . 1 status and was unable to prevent a late season collapse, James Reimer said he wants to put the past behind him and is looking forward to spending the next two years in a Maple Leaf uniform. http://www.baseballtwinsprostore.com/twi...ho-park-jersey/. Neither side would publicly confirm or deny any discussions were taking place, until the near unexpected happened. On Saturday night sources confirmed to TSN, the league and players agreed to terms on a new, tentative CBA, pending ratification by the unions players. A league source confirmed the CFLs board of governors must also ratify any potential agreement. Ervin Santana Jersey . -- Omar Infante walked past the visiting clubhouse at Kauffman Stadium, where he dressed so many times as a member of the Detroit Tigers, and slipped on a crisp, new Kansas City Royals jersey. Byron Buxton Jersey .Y. -- As if the worst start in franchise history isnt bad enough, Buffalo Sabres President Ted Black braced his teams win-starved fans for potentially more tough times.MINNEAPOLIS -- The Detroit Tigers were barely finished celebrating another go-ahead homer in the ninth inning when an ill-advised dive and an infield single cost them a victory. Aaron Hicks hit a two-out RBI single in the ninth inning and the Minnesota Twins rallied for a 4-3 victory over the AL Central-leading Tigers on Tuesday night. "Anybody who thought this was going to be easy and wed go out and win every game really doesnt understand the game of baseball," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. After J.D. Martinez hit a three-run home run to give Detroit a 3-2 lead in the top of the ninth, Trevor Plouffe drew a one-out walk against Joe Nathan (4-4) in the bottom of the inning and was replaced by pinch-runner Doug Bernier. Bernier scored when centre fielder Ezequiel Carrera dove for Kurt Suzukis line drive and missed it, allowing the ball to roll to the wall. Chris Herrmann ran for Suzuki and scored when Hicks battled Nathan to a full count and beat out a bouncer fielded by shortstop Andrew Romine near second base. Nathan cited the walk to Plouffe as his main mistake. "For me, I guess the one thing I can look back on is the walk, the one thing I can do to change the inning is not walk the guy with one out and nobody on," the former Minnesota closer said. Then Suzuki got one past Carrera. "With Suzuki, what can I say?" Nathan said. "He placed one right in the spot. I love seeing Carrera go all out and trying to make a play in that situation, but unfortunately, the worst thing happens." After Martinezs homer off Glen Perkins (4-3), it looked as if the Tigers had another big ninth-inning win as they try to maintain a slim lead over Kansas City in the AL Central. "Everyone was excited. We know whats going on. Were all in it," Martinez said. "To come through was huge, but it hurts at the same time. Right now, its pointless. Just got to come back tomorrow and get ready for tomorrow." Torii Hunter and Miguel Cabrera hhit back-to-back homers in the ninth to rally the Tigers to a win Monday night in the series opener.dddddddddddd Minnesota rookie slugger Kennys Vargas was a double away from the cycle and hit a home run in the sixth that made it 2-0. Twins starter Ricky Nolasco held the Tigers scoreless over eight innings and only allowed two runners to reach second base. Even though the Twins are out of contention, theyre still showing some intensity down the stretch. "Its so emotional," Twins manager Ron Gardenhire said. "Everything is so emotional. These guys are fighting to win a pennant. Were fighting to try to win a ballgame" Rick Porcello struck out five and allowed two runs in eight innings. THE DIVE Ausmus said he already talked to Carrera about not taking unnecessary risks in those types of late-game situations. "He was trying his tail off, which is good," Ausmus said. "But the smart play there is if youre not sure that youre going to catch it, contain it and keep it first and second." TRAINERS ROOM TIGERS: C Alex Avila became light-headed during a pregame workout and missed his second straight game with concussion-like symptoms. He remains day to day. 3B Nick Castellanos was scratched from the lineup about an hour before first pitch with left foot soreness. Don Kelly moved to third and Rajai Davis took over in centre field. Anibal Sanchez (strained muscle) hopes to throw another bullpen session before pitching in a simulated game. He could pitch out of the bullpen when he returns. TWINS: SS Eduardo Escobar left the game in the fourth after jamming his right shoulder diving for a Hunter grounder. Hell be evaluated Wednesday. OF Oswaldo Arcia told Gardenhire he could play, but the manager gave him the night off with a strained back. UP NEXT David Price (14-11, 3.26) has lasted at least seven innings in six of his eight starts since being traded to the Tigers. He faces Kyle Gibson (11-11, 4.58) on Wednesday in the series finale. White NFL Jerseys Cheap Youth NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys 2020 Stitched NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Autographed Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Discount Jerseys ' ' '

TORONTO -- Blue Jays closer Casey Janssen, first baseman Adam Lind and infielder Mark DeRosa will all return to Toronto next season. The Jays confirmed Friday that their contract options have been exercised. Fan favourite Munenori Kawasaki is a free agent, however, after his contract option was declined. In other moves, right-handers Josh Johnson and Ramon Ortiz were reinstated from the 60-day disabled list and are now free agents while Rajai Davis and left-hander Darren Oliver are also free agents. Outfielder Melky Cabrera, pitchers Brett Cecil, Brandon Morrow and Juan Perez and infielder Maicer Izturis were also reinstated from the 60-day disabled list and added to the 40-man roster. Tracy Walker Jersey . Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. Marc-Andre Fleury, Penguins (3) - Surrendered a tough first goal against on a deflection through the body short side. Devon Kennard Lions Jersey .com) - Coming off a pair of tough losses last week, the Syracuse Orange will try to put an end to their first losing skid of the season when they pay a visit to the Maryland Terrapins at the Comcast Center on Monday night in Atlantic Coast Conference action. http://www.shopdetroitlionsnfl.com/lions...w-black-jersey/. The star receiver certainly isnt celebrating it with the Texans mired in a franchise-record 13-game skid. Levine Toilolo Jersey . Jagr had a goal and two assists, Andy Greene scored 43 seconds into overtime and Marek Zidlicky had two goals as the Devils rallied past the Washington Capitals 5-4 Saturday night. Sylvester Williams Lions Jersey . -- John Senden never imagined it would take more than seven years to win again.INDIAN WELLS, Calif. -- Novak Djokovic rallied to beat Marin Cilic 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday, avoiding the upsets that knocked out two other top-10 players. Djokovic didnt face a break point on his serve after the first set in the baseline slugfest that ended after midnight PDT. He advanced to the quarter-finals against Julien Benneteau, a 6-3, 7-6 (4) winner over Feliciano Lopez. "It was very tough. Marin was a far better player in the first 45 minutes. He was striking the ball incredibly well," said Djokovic, who improved to 8-0 against Cilic. "I tried to stay calm and composed and believe that I could come back." Kevin Anderson upset Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-1, and sixth-ranked Andy Murray joined Wawrinka on the sidelines, losing to big-serving Milos Raonic, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. Anderson ended Wawrinkas 13-match winning streak that included his first Grand Slam title in January. Wawrinka didnt face a break point in his first two matches, but he got broken in his first service game against the 6-foot-8 Anderson, who had 11 aces and connected on 64 per cent of his first serves. "I was complaining a lot about my serve, about the way I was playing, and with that, I dont deserve to win matches," Wawrinka said. "I should have been more positive with myself, just trying to find solution because it was still a close match." After losing the first set tiebreaker, Wawrinka left the court for nearly eight minutes to have his back worked on. He returned and broke Anderson twice in taking the second set to even the match. "Its just tightness," he said, insisting he wasnt injured. "I was a little bit nervous and tight and tired." Anderson earned all four breaks in the third in completing his 150th career match win on the ATP Tour. "Game plan is just to get as many first serves back as possible just to give myself the best look in his serve games throughout the match," he said. Anderson advanced to the quarter-finals against four-time tournament champion Roger FFederer, who beat 11th-seeded Tommy Haas 6-4, 6-4.dddddddddddd Against Murray, Raonic earned his first win over a top-10 player since September. He fired 15 aces and held triple match point when he ripped a crosscourt forehand to close out the win after breaking Murray three times in the final set. "The third set was just a bad, bad set of tennis," said Murray, who broke Raonic to lead 2-1 before losing five of the final six games. Murray, ranked sixth in the world, struggled in all three of his matches at Indian Wells. He rallied from a set down to beat Lukas Rosol and Jiri Vesely, but couldnt overcome Raonics power. "He obviously wins a lot of free points with his serve," Murray said. "So over the course of the set, if you give up enough unforced errors on basic shots, then with the amount of free points he gets on his serve, thats going to add up to a negative result." Raonic blew his first match point when he returned Murrays serve long. Murray held to trail 5-3, but Raonic held at love to close out the match. He hit 42 winners to 22 for Murray. Playing his first tournament since injuring his left ankle at the Australian Open in January, Raonic hadnt beaten someone in the top 10 since defeating then-No. 6 Tomas Berdych in the Bangkok final last fall. "I focused a lot more this event on my attitude and approach during the matches rather than what Im necessarily playing and just sort of being very hard on myself on that aspect," Raonic said. Raonic, a 23-year-old Canadian ranked 11th in the world, advanced to the quarter-finals against Alexandr Dolgopolov of Ukraine, who beat Fabio Fognini of Italy, 6-2, 6-4. Ernests Gulbis beat Roberto Bautista Agut 7-6 (7), 4-6, 6-2 to reach the quarterfinals. Hell play John Isner, the lone remaining American man who beat Fernando Verdasco, 7-6 (3), 3-6, 6-3. On the womens side, sixth-seeded Simona Halep defeated Australian qualifier Casey Dellacqua 6-2, 6-2 to earn a berth in the semifinals. Halep will play second-seeded Agnieszka Radwanska, who beat No. 7 seed Jelena Jankovic, 7-5, 2-6, 6-4. White NFL Jerseys Cheap Youth NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys 2020 Stitched NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Autographed Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Discount Jerseys ' ' '

BUFFALO (8-6) vs. OAKLAND (2-12)Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EST, CBSOPENING LINE — Bills by 5 1/2RECORD VS. SPREAD — Buffalo 8-6, Oakland 7-7SERIES RECORD — Tied 19-19LAST MEETING — Bills beat Raiders 38-35, Sept. 18, 2011LAST WEEK — Bills beat Packers 21-13; Raiders lost to Chiefs 31-13AP PRO32 RANKING — Bills No. 13, Raiders No. 28BILLS OFFENSE — OVERALL (23), RUSH (23), PASS (19).BILLS Defence — OVERALL (5), RUSH (9), PASS (5).RAIDERS OFFENSE — OVERALL (32), RUSH (32), PASS (24).RAIDERS Defence — OVERALL (18), RUSH (25), PASS (8).STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES — Bills won last two meetings with go-ahead scores in final seconds in 2011 and 08. ... Buffalo has lost last seven games in Oakland since winning in 1966. ... Bills stand second in NFL with 30 takeaways. Raiders tied for last with 11. ... With win, Bills would have first winning season since 2004. ... Buffalo QB Kyle Orton lost last four starts vs. Oakland but threw for at least 300 yards in past two meetings. ... Bills lead NFL with 49 sacks and are only team with three players (Mario Williams, Marcell Dareus, Jerry Hughes) with at least nine. ... Buffalo has seven INTs and no TD passes allowed in past four games. ... Bills allowed 2.8 yards per carry and no touchdowns rushing first six games; 5.0 per carry and 10 TDs rushing past eight games. ... Raiders rookie QB Derek Carr needs 102 yards passing to reach 3,000 for season. ... Oaklands Mychal Rivera ranks second among all TEs with 42 catches since start of Week 7. ... Raiders have scored seven TDs and allowed one in final two minutes of game; have 17 and allowed 42 in first 58 minutes. ...Oakland S Charles Woodson needs one INT to become 11th player with 60 in career.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL Custom Los Angeles Clippers Jerseys .A. Happ? Happs seven wins are second on the staff to Mark Buehrles 10. Win-loss record is an antiquated stat, sure, but win total is generally an indication of a pitchers ability to work deep into games, enough to be personally affected by the result. Los Angeles Clippers Jerseys . At this point, even he isnt sure when it is going to stop. The right-hander dropped his fourth straight decision in Los Angeles 6-1 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night, leaving his status very much in doubt as the Dodgers prepare for the stretch drive. http://www.basketballclippersshop.com/Ch...ppers-Jersey/.S. routed Sweden 7-0 Sunday to win its fourth straight title and seventh overall under-18 world championship. Olson earned his third shutout of the tournament and the Americans allowed only four goals in six games to set an International Ice Hockey Federation under-18 record. Wesley Johnson Jersey . McCutchen hit his first home run in over a month, doubled twice and scored two runs to help the Pirates beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-3 on Sunday and take three of four from the defending NL West champions. Danilo Gallinari Jersey . -- Billy Donovans bench came up big, bailing out top-seeded Florida in a tight game against what was supposed to be an overmatched opponent.DALLAS -- Alonzo Mourning went to Georgetown to play basketball, not discover the world. The 6-foot-10 centre who won an NBA title with the Miami Heat was voted to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Monday, adding that honour to becoming a board member at his alma mater. "I didnt understand the prestige of this university, the global prestige of this university," Mourning said. "Never in my wildest dreams would I ever thought as a freshman that I would be sitting on the board of that university. Now Im rubbing elbows with CEOs and billionaires and individuals that helped change this world." Mourning was elected along with former NBA star Mitch Richmond and NCAA championship-winning coaches Nolan Richardson and Gary Williams. The womens team from Immaculata College, which won three straight national championships in the 1970s, also was chosen. They joined the previously announced class of 2014 that includes retired NBA Commissioner David Stern. The induction ceremony is Aug. 8 in Springfield, Mass. Richardson was honoured 20 years after leading Arkansas to the NCAA title over Duke. A former player under the late Hall of Fame coach Don Haskins at Texas Western (now UTEP), Richardson also guided the Razorbacks to the Final Four in 1990 and 1995. The 72-year-old Richardson couldnt share the moment with daughter Yvonne Richardson and son Nolan Richardson III. His daughter died of leukemia at 15, and his son and former assistant coach was found dead at his home in Tulsa, Okla., two years ago at the age of 47. Richardson also remembered several Texas Westerrn teammates who had died.dddddddddddd "I know they would be so happy and delighted," said Richardson, who hasnt coached since leaving Arkansas in 2002 and has 509 career victories. "I ask the good Lord to give them the message that things are good and Ive done all right." Williams led Maryland, his alma mater, to the 2002 title with a victory over Indiana. He retired in 2011 with 668 wins, seven 25-win seasons and 22 post-season appearances, including 11 straight trips to the NCAA tournament. "I was just a coach," Williams said. "To be able to go in with Nolan certainly is great." Mourning was a seven-time NBA All-Star and two-time defensive player of the year who was among the leagues best shot-blockers, while Richmond was an elite scorer who won a title in a secondary role with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2001-02, his final season. Richmonds best years were on losing teams in Sacramento. He averaged a career-high 25.9 points for a 34-48 team in 1996-97. "You can judge me and you can judge my game," said Richmond, who is 37th on the NBA scoring list at 20,497 points. "Im a Hall of Famer." Lithuania star Sarunas Marciulionis was among several candidates already selected by various committees. Stern went in via the contributors committee, and former Indiana Pacers coach Bob "Slick" Leonard was chosen by the ABA committee. The late Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton of the New York Knicks was chosen by the early African-American pioneers committee, and the late Guy Rodgers of Temple by the veterans committee. White NFL Jerseys Cheap Youth NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys 2020 Stitched NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Autographed Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Discount Jerseys ' ' '

Every night of the Stanley Cup playoffs, TSN hockey analyst and former NHL goaltender Jamie McLennan breaks down each goalies performance. Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. Tuukka Rask, Boston Bruins (3) - Big saves on Max Pacioretty, Rene Bourque and Brendan Gallagher, he had no chance on the Tomas Plekanec goal - backdoor and the other two were breakaways by P.K. Subban and Dale Weise. Faced a lot of breakaways tonight, uncharacteristic of Bruins. Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens (4) - Big saves on Torey Krug, Jarome Iginla, Reilly Smith, that allowed the Habs to roll on home ice. The Bruins were clearly trying to target the top of the net, his patience and upright butterfly was on display, calm, cool and in control of his movements, evident in the big save on Krug Corey Crawford, Chicago Blackhawks (2) - Not a lot of chance on the three goals against. Minny was coming in waves and the Hawks had no answer for them. Two tips and a nice 3-on-2 convert on the Mikael Granlund goal. This is not a high shots series, but there are a good amount of scoring chances against. Ilya Bryzgalov, Minnesota Wild (5) - Huge save on Jonathan Toews in the third period. He wasnt tested a ton, but was really controlled in his movements tonight. He showed good rebound control and handled the puck well tonight. Good exchanges with his defencemen. Anaheim Ducks T-shirts .C. -- North Carolina State coach Mark Gottfried said his team had a "golden" opportunity to help its NCAA tournament chances. Mason Raymond Ducks Jersey Authentic . Weise left the arena with a splint on his wrist and underwent tests to determine whether the tendon is torn. Winger Travis Moen will also miss some time after suffering a concussion in Mondays contest. http://www.hockeyducksauthority.com/dust...ks-jersey-c-27/. Five straight losses (and six in the past seven) now dot the schedule – matching their longest skid of the year – after they fell again in New Jersey on Sunday night, topped 3-2 by Cory Schneider and the Devils. Max Jones Ducks Jersey .Dawson also birdied two of the last four holes to reach 12-under 132 on TPC San Antonios AT&T Canyons Course. He won his only title in a PGA Tour-sanctioned event in 2002 in the Web.com Tours LaSalle Bank Open.Im not going to lose any sleep, believe me, Dawson said. I used to be a perfectionist, but my attitude now is to play like Im in the pro-am. Simon Despres Ducks Jersey Authentic . Second-seeded Sloane Stephens of the United States made lighter work of her day as she beat 2009 champion and Swiss wild card Timea Bacsinszky 6-3, 6-3. Two seeds fell: No. 4 Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium lost to Katarzyna Piter of Poland 6-4, 6-2, and No.The Edmonton Oilers and Winnipeg Jets will try to get their 2013-14 playoff quests off to a good start on Tuesday, as the clubs battle in a season-opening clash at Rexall Place. Listen to all-day coverage on TSN Radio 1290 in Winnipeg and TSN Radio 1260 in Edmonton. Also, TSNs Ryan Rishaug will be filing news and videos from the morning skate on TSN.ca. The Oilers open this season at home after missing out on the playoffs for a seventh straight season in 2013. Meanwhile, Winnipegs postseason drought is only slightly shorter, as the franchise last qualified for the playoffs in the spring of 2007 when the club was still known as the Atlanta Thrashers. Winnipeg missed out on the postseason by eight points in 2011-12 and by a mere four points last season. As part of the NHLs realignment plan for this season, the Jets are moving from the East to the West, conference wise, to join the Central Division, which expects to be much tougher than the clubs previous home in the now- defunct Southeast. Not only will the Central be the home of the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks, but the St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild also expect to challenge for the division title, while the Jets, Colorado, Dallas and Nashville simply try to stay afloat. Claude Noel is back for a third season behind the bench for Winnipeg, but he could be in the hot seat if the Jets struggle to find their footing in their new surroundings. The good news for Noel is there is no shortage of talent in Winnipeg, where Evander Kane leads the offense and blueliners Dustin Byfuglien and Tobias Enstrom create havoc from the back end. Byfuglien did suffer a lower-body injury in Winnipegs final game of the preseason, but is expected to play in Tuesdays opener. The Jets also added forwards Devin Setoguchi and Michael Frolik via trades this summer, but time will only tell if those moves are enough to help Winnipeg keep pace in a new division and conference. Winnipeg netminder Ondrej Pavelec has proven himself to be a workhorse over the years, but there are some folks who question his ability to be a dependable No. 1 goaltender. The Czech will get plenty of chances to prove himself worthy this season, beginning with a start in Tuesdays opener. Pavelec played in 44 of Winnipegs 48 games in 2013 and was the clubs starting goaltender 43 times while recording a 21-20-3 record. However, his 2.80 goals against average and .905 save percentage were hardly impressive numbers. Still, with Al Montoya returning as the backup, Pavelec is the undisputed No. 1 netminder once again. The Oilers have stockpiled draft picks during its recent rebuilding phase, but there is reason to believe the club is ready to make the transition to playoff contender in 2013-14. Since losing to the Carolina Hurricanes as an upstart eighth seed in the 2006 Stanley Cup Finals, the Oilers have yet to make it back to the postseason, giving this once-proud franchise the longest current playoff drought in the NHL. Even worse, the Oilers have rarely been competitive during the downturn, as the seven-season playoff drought includes four last-place finishes and only two seasons oof 80 points or more.dddddddddddd. The Oilers finished 10 points out of a playoff spot during last years lockout-shortened campaign and it wasnt long before the heads began to roll. General manager Steve Tambellini was fired in mid-April and replaced by Craig MacTavish, who had previously coached the club from 2000-09. MacTavish then fired head coach Ralph Krueger after his first season at the job and replaced him with Dallas Eakins, Edmontons fifth different head coach in the last six seasons. Eakins, who was the head coach of the AHLs Toronto Marlies over the last four seasons, will make his debut as an NHL head coach in Tuesdays opener. The turnover didnt stop with management or coaches, however, as MacTavish also chose to part ways with players like former captain Shawn Horcoff, fellow forward Magnus Paajarvi and defenseman Ryan Whitney. Taking over as captain for Horcoff is defenseman Andrew Ference, who signed a four-year deal with the Oilers this offseason after spending the last seven seasons in Boston. The 34-year-old is an Edmonton native and is excited just to be playing with his hometown club, let alone serving as the Oilers captain. "To know that Im able to come back to my hometown and be so extremely proud to pull on the jersey, letter or not, I know how fortunate I am to have that kind of path in a career like this," said Ference. "It really is an ultimate privilege and honor to just have that jersey on in the first place." Under Eakins, the Oilers, who are loaded with talented and highly-touted players stockpiled through the draft, are expected to play with more grit and determination, or the roster upheaval could claim more victims. Although Edmonton is stacked with offensive potential, the club finished 21st in the league in even-strength goals in 2013. Eakins would like to see an improvement in that area this season, but it could be hard in the early going with forwards Sam Gagner (broken jaw) and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (offseason shoulder surgery) both on the shelf to start the season. Last season, Devan Dubnyk supplanted veteran Nikolai Khabibulin as Edmontons starting goaltender and enters this season opener with the No. 1 job all to himself. Khabibulin departed to sign a free-agent deal with Chicago and the Oilers replaced him with Jason LaBarbera, who at 33 years of age seems to be a better fit as a backup option than his 40-year-old predecessor. Dubnyk performed well under difficult circumstances for the Oilers last season, facing a ton of rubber on a nightly basis thanks in part to a defense that had a rough time getting the puck out of its own end. Still, the 27-year- old managed to record a strong .920 save percentage to go with a 2.57 goals against average and 14-6-6 record in 2013. Because they were in different conferences last season, the Jets and Oilers never faced each other during the lockout-shortened campaign when teams only played clubs from within their respective conferences. Edmonton has taken the last two meetings against the Jets, who are 2-6-0 with a tie in the past nine encounters between these franchises. White NFL Jerseys Cheap Youth NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys 2020 Stitched NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Autographed Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Discount Jerseys ' ' '

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Randy Carlyle acknowledged the standing ovation with a brief wave of his hand, thanking the Anaheim fans in his usual understated manner for their appreciation of his tenure behind the Ducks bench. Carlyle was even more grateful to leave Honda Center with yet another win for his surging Toronto Maple Leafs. Phil Kessel and Tyler Bozak each had a goal and two assists, and the Maple Leafs celebrated Carlyles return with a 3-1 victory over the Ducks on Monday night. "Its always satisfaction when you beat your former hockey club," Carlyle said. "Im not going to hide that fact. I feel good about it." Paul Ranger scored and Jonathan Bernier made 43 saves as Toronto opened a five-game trip with its third consecutive victory, leapfrogging Montreal into second place in the Atlantic Division. Carlyle was back in Anaheim for the first time since the Ducks fired the only coach to lead the franchise to a Stanley Cup title. He was greeted warmly in the first period during a video tribute on the scoreboard. "It was kind of touching," Carlyle said. "I didnt really know what to expect. Im very appreciative and thankful for the people that supported me in my time here, and my family. Its a very special place, and as Ive said, were moving back into the area at some point in our life." His Leafs then forced the Ducks to play almost as poorly as they were playing when he got fired. Bernier didnt have to make many tough saves despite his gaudy stats for the Leafs, who are ramping up for their second trip to the post-season under Carlyle, earning points in 10 of their past 12 games. "I think he was pretty excited," Bozak said of his coach. "He might have been a little more nervous for this one, but were glad we could get it for him." Carlyle won a club-record 273 games and made the playoffs five times in his six full seasons with the Ducks, but was fired in November 2011 with Anaheim off to a miserable start. The Ducks have done exceptionally well since the change to Bruce Boudreau, who won 100 games faster than any coach in franchise history and led Anaheim to last seasons Pacific Division title. Corey Perry scored his 35th goal and Frederik Andersen stopped 20 shots in the Ducks third straight loss to playoff-bound Eastern Conference teams. "Were in a funk," Boudreau said. "And weve just got to get out of it before too long, and do what we do. Weve just got to get back on our horse." Before this loss to end a five-game homestand, Anaheim fell one point behind streaking St. Louis in the overall NHL standings with consecutive shootout losses to Montreal and Pittsburgh. The Ducks hadnt lost in regulation since before the Olympic break, but they couldnt generate many serious scoring chances against Bernier and the Leafs shot-blocking defence. "We should have had more guys in front to make screens, tips, and get in the dirty areas," Ducks defenceman Francois Beauchemin said. "Right now were struggling to score goals because were not going to the front of the net and winning those battles and getting those tough goals." Toronto took the lead during 4-on-3 play late in the first period when Bozak redirected a pass from captain Dion Phaneuf. Kessel then roared past two Ducks defencemen and got a fortunate bounce off Andersens stick for his 34th goal. Kessel, the NHLs second-leading scorer after breaking his tie with Ducks captain Ryan Getzlaf, also snapped his first three-game goal drought since early January. Early in the second period, an atrocious Ducks breakdown led to Rangers goals. The Ducks broke through at the end of a dominant shift by their top line late in the second, with Perry banging home a puck on the doorstep for his fifth goal in five games since the break. Anaheim went scoreless on four power plays, dropping into an 0-for-19 slump since the break. NOTES: Carlyle isnt the only former Anaheim resident who returned with the Leafs: Joffrey Lupul, Peter Holland and Troy Bodie all played for the Ducks, while defenceman Jake Gardiner was a top Anaheim prospect before the club traded him along with Lupul for Beauchemin in February 2011. ... Anaheim C Mathieu Perreault missed his fourth straight game with an upper-body injury. Boudreau expects him to return Wednesday in Calgary. ... The Ducks are 4-6-2 at home since their 20-0-2 start to the season. Wilt Chamberlain Jersey . The seventh-ranked Berdych wants to focus on the ATP Tour after helping the Czechs beat the Netherlands in the first round. Seeking their third straight Davis Cup title, the Czechs will rely again on veteran Radek Stepanek. Kevin Durant Jersey . Johnny Manziel, college footballs most entertaining player with the reputation for pulling off magical plays, was selected with the No. http://www.shopwarriorsonline.com/Cheap-...riors-Jersey/.C. - Canadian ice dancing, it seems, is in good hands. Jordan Bell Jersey . Justine finished first with a score of 22.44 while Chloe was second with 21.66 points. Defending champion Hannah Kearney of the U.S., was third at 21.49. A third Dufour-Lapointe sister, Maxime, failed to make the final group and finished 12th while Audrey Robichaud of Quebec City was 10th. Golden State Warriors Jerseys . Ive said it before, Ive worked with top pros and I could have made my own program.CHARLOTTE - Reaching .500 is usually not the recipe for first place in any sport but thats exactly where the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers find themselves as the two NFC South rivals get ready to meet on Thursday Night Football. The winner of tonights contest at Bank of America Stadium will take over sole possession of the top spot in the division, a testament to just how bad the NFC South has been thus far. A Week 8 loss to Seattle dropped the Panthers to 3-4-1, percentage points clear of New Orleans, which is 3-4 and coming off its most impressive win of the season, a 44-23 drubbing of Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. The 2-6 Falcons and 1-6 Buccaneers round out the disappointing foursome. If you said at the start of training camp or OTAs, hey, you have a chance in Week 9 to be playing for first place, would you take it? Yeah, Id take it, offensive coordinator Mike Shula told the Panthers website. Thats the mindset. You have to keep moving forward and forget about whats happened. The Saints will arrive in the Queen City knowing they are 0-4 away from the Bayou this season and have lost seven straight regular-season games away from New Orleans dating back to 2013. Carolina has its own concerns, most notably a 1-4-1 record over the last six games following a 2-0 start to the season. The truth of the matter is we had opportunities and we didnt make them on both sides of the ball, said Panthers coach Ron Rivera. You have to take advantage of opportunities in the red zone by putting the ball in the end zone. When you have third down and long, you have to be able to stop them. The Panthers were inside the red zone on their first two possessions last Sunday against Seattle and came away with two field goals. Later, they suffered a turnover inside the 20-yard line. As a result, all of the Carolina scoring in a 13-9 loss came from three Graham Gano field goals. The Seahawks, who have never lost three straight games with Russell Wilson under center, were on the verge of doing exactly that in Charlotte before Wilson willed his team to a come-from-behind road victory, firing a touchdown pass to tight end Luke Willson with 47 seconds remaining to lift Seattle to the hard-fought win. Cam Newton struggled for the second straight week for Carolina, completing just 12-of-22 passes for 171 yards and an interception. He missed both of his throws and was sacked twice on the Panthers final possession. We didnt play our best football, Newton admitted. The next opportunity awaits on Thursday and Im anticipating that to be a great game for us. Rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin continued to be a bright spot offensively for Carolina, recording four catches for 94 yards, including a career-long 51- yard reception in the fourth quarter to set up one of the teams three field goals. Benjamin currently leads NFC rookies with 571 receiving yards and five touchdowns. For the Saints, Drew Brees tossed three touchdown passes in Week 8 as New Orleans pulled away in the second half during the triumph over Green Bay. The game was deadlocked at 16 at halftime, but the Saints intercepted the red- hot Rodgers twice over an 11-attempt span in the final 30 minutes, quite the accomplishment because the veteran QB hadnt tallied a pick in his previous 213 throws. Brees, meanwhile, completed all 11 of his passes in the second half and finished 27-of-32 overall for 311 yards. Mark Ingram carried the ball 24 times for 172 yards and a touchdown and Brandin Cooks caught six passes for 94 yards and a score and added a 4-yard TD run for the Saints, who squandered a fourth-quarter lead for the third time this year in the prior weeks 24-23 loss at Detroit. Jimmy Graham hauled in all five of hiss receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown in the second half in the triumph.dddddddddddd I think the tempo was better today and I think thats something well continue to emphasize, Brees said. Division foes since Carolinas inaugural NFL season in 1995 -- first in the NFC West from 1995-2001 and now the NFC South beginning in 2002 -- the Panthers and Saints will be meeting for the 39th time with Carolina holding a slim 20-18 advantage in the all-time series. The two clubs will meet again in Week 14 in New Orleans. WHAT TO WATCH FOR Brees generally excels at night. Since joining New Orleans in 2006, the star signal caller has led the Saints to an impressive 22-10 mark in primetime games, the third-best record of any team during that span. And despite their pedestrian record the Saints have been as explosive as ever offensively and are tops in the NFC, averaging 445.4 yards per game, far ahead of Carolina (332.5 YPG). Brees in second in the conference with 2,227 passing yards but the issue has been ball security and New Orleans has a minus-six turnover ratio coming in, a stark contrast to the Panthers positive plus-four mark. Certainly theres all sorts of goals and theres big picture, small picture and I think what weve tried to do is really focus on the smallest picture - and thats our own team getting better, Saints coach Sean Payton said. New Orleans cleaned up things against the Pack and were plus-two in that game so its possible the worm has turned or at least the impact of Ingrams game against the dismal Green Bay run defense created more balance and enabled Brees to stop forcing the issue. If thats the case, the recipe could be there for a sequel because the Carolina D is a far cry from the unit that dominated in 2013 and is surrendering 378.5 YPG, slightly better than the often-maligned NOLA stop unit which is giving up about 12 yards more per contest. The Panthers gave up at least 37 points-or-more in four of their previous games until righting the ship a bit against the Seahawks. The main struggle has been to stop the run, as Carolina has surrendered 135.2 YPG on the ground, 28th best in a 32-team league. Offensively the Panthers hope to solve their red-zone woes and turn those Gano 3s into 7s. Carolinas 46.2 percent TD efficiency inside the 20 is also 28th in football. Its tough when you dont score touchdowns and miss opportunities, Rivera said. You have to make hay down in the red zone. The offense could be in line for a boost with the potential return of running back DeAngelo Williams, who has missed the previous four games with a balky ankle. Itll be a nice boost, said Rivera. When he and Jonathan (Stewart) get rolling and doing the things they do thats a huge thing for us. That could be a nice shot in the arm. OVERALL ANALYSIS Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. Fool me five times? Lets just say its tough to pick the Saints away from the Superdome but this is the team trending in the right direction and no one is happy about the way Carolina is looking. Furthermore, despite that lack of road success, New Orleans has been very close to getting over the hump, leading into the fourth quarter in three of their four road setbacks this season and losing those games by a total of just six points. So, lets be a glutton for punishment one more time here and figure on Payton and Co. finally figuring out a way to finally win one outdoors. Theres no more important game than this quick turnaround, the Thursday night game at Carolina, said Brees. This was the team that won the division last year. We are going to need our best performance to beat them. Sports Network predicted outcome: Saints 23, Panthers 20 White NFL Jerseys Cheap Youth NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys 2020 Stitched NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Autographed Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Discount Jerseys ' ' '

QUEBEC - Defending Olympic gold medallist Jasey-Jay Anderson and 2010 Olympians Dominique Maltais and Caroline Calve are among 19 athletes added to Canadas Olympic snowboard team. Anderson, from Mont-Tremblant, Que., claimed gold in the mens parallel giant slalom at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and is a four-time world champion. Maltais, from Petite-Riviere-St-Francois, Que., won bronze in snowboardcross at the 2006 Turin Games and silver at the 2013 world championships. Shell be looking to rebound for a disappointing Olympics in 2010 where she failed to qualify for the snowboardcross final. Calve, from Aylmer, Que., became the first Canadian to win a womens parallel giant slalom world cup event in 2011 at Carezza, Italy. She recently took gold there again in December. "Going to Sochi is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and one that I am honoured to have been chosen for," Calve said. "I have been working on perfecting my game for such a long time now and am excited to be competing against the worlds best. "It will be an honour to be representing Canada at the Olympics." Jerome Baker Jersey . Signs of a turnaround have emerged in this series at Minnesota. Brian Roberts had three doubles and a triple for the first four-extra-base-hit game of his 14-year career, and the Yankees used their bullpen to preserve a 6-5 win over the Twins on Friday. A.J. Derby Dolphins Jersey . But qualifying for her first Scotties Tournament of Hearts after years of falling short in tough Manitoba provincial championships is as good as consolation prizes get for the 29-year-old from Winnipegs Fort Rouge Curling Club. http://www.dolphinsrookiestore.com/Customized/. TSN 1290s coverage begins with Hustler & Lawless at 3pm. Rick Ralph hosts the Official Jets Pre-game Show at 5pm. Danny Amendola Dolphins Jersey . After Mariota was pushed around by Stanford on Thursday, finishing 20/34 with 250 yards and two touchdowns in Oregons Title hope-crushing defeat, hes going to need a poor performance or two from the remaining frontrunners to have a shot at the most coveted individual trophy in college sports. Albert Wilson Jersey . The defending champions sent their preliminary list to FIFA on Tuesday, with coach Vicente del Bosque to announce the final 23-man squad on May 25. Costa is set to lead the attack in his native Brazil, with Atletico Madrid teammate David Villa and Chelseas Fernando Torres also included, while David de Gea replaces injured goalkeeper Victor Valdes.NEW YORK -- Dallas Stars forward Ryan Garbutt was fined $1,474 -- the maximum allowable under the collective bargaining agreement -- by the NHL on Saturday for spearing Anaheim Ducks forward Corey Perry in the groin Friday night. Garbutt was given a major penalty for spearing and a game misconduct midway through the first perriod in the Stars 6-2 loss at Anaheim.dddddddddddd "I was just coming back to the bench and got careless with my stick," Garbutt said. "It was deliberate," Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau countered. "It wasnt an accident. It was pretty dirty." The Ducks lead the first-round playoff series 3-2. White NFL Jerseys Cheap Youth NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys 2020 Stitched NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Autographed Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Discount Jerseys ' ' '

MOSCOW -- Vladislav Tretiak has won a contest between two Russian ice hockey greats to be re-elected as president of the national federation. Soviet-era goaltender Tretiak, who is close to the countrys influential Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko, defeated Viacheslav Fetisov by 125 votes to 11 at the federation conference on Wednesday. Tretiak wins a third consecutive four-year term in a position he has held since 2006, despite the federation coming in for criticism after Russias defeat in the quarterfinals of the Sochi Olympics. He is a longtime proponent of allowing fewer foreign players at Russian clubs so that local prospects get more ice time. Fetisov, a multiple Olympic, world, and Stanley Cup champion defenceman, has accused Tretiak of allowing Russias youth hockey development to wither, and backed a more liberal approach to foreign players to help clubs compete internationally. Jordan Crawford Pelicans Jersey .C. -- Ryan Sproul scored the winner late in double overtime to lift the Grand Rapids Griffins to a 2-1 win over the Abbotsford Heat on Friday in Game 1 of their American Hockey League playoff series. Pelicans Gears ." 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.pelicansbasketballpro.com/Sol...elicans-Jersey/. Although the deal cannot be made official until the free agent moratorium period is lifted on July 10, Patterson has agreed to a three-year, $18 million extension to remain in Toronto, sources confirm to TSN. Custom Pelicans Jerseys . "Yeah, [I heard them]," he said. "They made me miss the free throw." A year ago, Lowrys post-game antics may not have been so well received but what was snide and snarky is now endearing quick wit. Rajon Rondo Pelicans Jersey .com) - The NFL is investigating whether the New England Patriots intentionally deflated balls during Sundays AFC Championship Game against Indianapolis.TORONTO -- Understandably, Ryan Nelsen is torn about Jermain Defoe and the World Cup. Talk to the Toronto FC manager and he lists off the reasons why his star striker should go to Brazil. But he better than anyone knows that Englands gain would be his loss. "Look, for Toronto FC Id love him to stay obviously, because hes a quality player," said Nelsen, who captained New Zealand at the 2010 World Cup. "But for Jermain, if I was the England manager, I probably would pick him. Because you know what youre going to get with him -- you absolutely know what youre going to get with him." Defoe, who played at the 2010 World Cup, offers England experience and a scoring touch off the bench. He has potted goals everywhere he has played -- including 19 in 55 appearances for his country. The 31-year-old striker says he is in the dark, waiting for the phone to ring. "Its down to the manager," said Defoe, referring to England boss Roy Hodgson. "He picks the squad. "Im sure he knows what every player can do. And even before he was the England manager, he probably knew all the players anyway. So Im sure that the manager knows his squad. And he probably knew his squad a long time ago -- maybe just one or two additions that youre not sure about. "I dont know. Its up to the manager. As players, you just concentrate on playing for your club and then, like you said, you wait for the call." Hodgson has apparently made up his mind. He is set to announce his 23-man squad Monday as well as seven standby players. "Ive known for a while," he is quoted on Englands Football Association website. England will travel to Portugal on May 19 for a training camp that runs through May 23. The squad will reassemble May 27 with a friendlyy against Peru at Wembley on May.dddddddddddd 20. The 23-man World Cup squad will be confirmed June 2. England has friendlies June 3 against Ecuador and June 7 against Honduras, both in Miami, before heading to Brazil for its World Cup opener June 14 against Italy. Realistically Defoe is hoping to land a spot as a reserve striker with Wayne Rooney and Danny Welbeck of Manchester United, Daniel Sturridge of Liverpool and perhaps Rickie Lambert of Southampton ahead in the pecking order. Given that, some argue that it would make more sense to take a younger player over Defoe. The argument there is that it would be an investment in the future. Nelsen sees the other side to that coin, suggesting his man has the seasoning and mental toughness to survive the England spotlight. "Probably the Brazil and the England national team are the hardest teams in world sport to play for, in terms of expectation and pressure," he said. "You know Jermain can handle that. On the worlds biggest stage, you want to kind off knock out the variables. And I think Jermain does that." "With my TFC hat on, I hope he doesnt (go). I hope he stays here," Nelson added with a laugh. Barring injury, U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley and Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar will leave Toronto for the World Cup. Nelsen expects Cesar to leave his team after the May 23 game against Sporting Kansas City. "Jermain, if he does (go), (will be) roughly about the same time," he added. "(U.S. manager Juergen Klinsmann) Juergen wants Michael now. Or tomorrow," Nelsen said with a smile. "But were trying to hold that. I think for Michael, it will probably be the 19th or the 20th that we lose him." The World Cup runs June 12 to July 13. White NFL Jerseys Cheap Youth NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys 2020 Stitched NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Autographed Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Discount Jerseys ' ' '

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- Johan Kok shot a 5-under 67 on Sunday to match The Dunes Golf & Beach Club competitive record and share the first-round lead in the PGA Professional National Championship. Kok, the 34-year-old former University of South Carolina player from South Africa, is the PGA general manager at Temple Hills Country Club in Brentwood, Tennessee. The top 20 will get spots in the PGA Championship at Valhalla in August in Louisville, Kentucky. "This is a chance to play in a major," Kok said. "It may not happen for me this week after all is said and done, but Im happy to be here and get that chance." Dave McNabb, the 48-year-old PGA head professional at Applebrook Golf Club in Malvern, Pennsylvania, opened with a 67 at Grande Dunes Resort Club. "I feel today that I took advantage of a fantastic golf course that was set up to score," McNabb said. "Conditions were ideal. Im looking forward to heading to The Dunes tomorrow and trying to do the same. You have to be in the right spot on the greens." Kok one-putted 11 greens at The Dunes, the site of the final two rounds in the 72-hole tournament. He matched the course record set by Billy Joe Patton in the 1960 Southern Amateur and Ben Crenshaw in the 1973 PGA Tour Qualifying School. The Senior Tour Championship, conducted at The Dunes from 1994-1999, used a shorter yardage when Jay Sigel shot a 63 in 1994. Jamie Broce of Ottawa Hills, Ohio, and Ryan Helminen of Menasha, Wisconsin, shot 68. Broce, the mens golf coach at the University of Toledo, and Helminen, a PGA teaching professional at Ridgeway Country Club in Neenan, Wisconsin, played at The Dunes. Thon Maker Jersey . Mueller is the grandson of the late Ron Lancaster, the Hall-of-Fame quarterback and longtime head coach in the CFL. Last season, Mueller was quarterbacks coach of the University of Regina Rams, his alma mater. Jabari Parker Jersey . As if the individual strands of grey hair or the increasing amount of joint pain werent reminders enough, the impending end of Jeters career is a slap-in-the-face indicator of a generations fleeting youth. http://www.nbabucksproshop.com/Authentic...c-Bucks-Jersey/. Bibeau, Torontos sixth-round pick at No. 172 overall in last years draft, was named the outstanding goaltender of the 2014 MasterCard Memorial Cup. Ray Allen Jersey . -- John Senden never imagined it would take more than seven years to win again. Oscar Robertson Jersey . - A mixed martial arts fighter who changed his name to War Machine was ordered Friday to stand trial in Nevada state court on 34 felony charges including attempted murder, sexual assault and kidnapping that could get him life in prison for allegedly attacking his porn star ex-girlfriend and her friend.LAS VEGAS -- Canadian Alexis Davis modestly describes her fighting skills as "a little of this, a little bit of that." "Doesnt matter where the fight ends up, Im pretty comfortable in all positions," she said. The 29-year-old from Port Colborne, Ont., who fights out of San Jose, looks to use all those tools Saturday against womens bantamweight (Rowdy) Ronda Rousey in the co-main event of UFC 175. Rousey (9-0) is the gold standard of womens MMA. An Olympic bronze medallist in judo, she has gone on to dominate the womens side of mixed martial arts in defending her 135-pound UFC title three times. As such, the bookmakers see Rousey as anywhere from a 9-1 to 17-1 favourite against Davis despite the fact both women are 3-0 in the UFC. Rousey tells a different story. "Shes the most well-rounded fighter Ive ever come up against," she said at a public workout Wednesday. "Ive always had someone whos predominantly a grappler or striker, who always had that weak area to bring them to. Alexis really doesnt have a weak area, so I just have to be better than her everywhere." Davis (16-5) has black belts in Brazilian and Japanese jiu-jitsu. And the scars around her eyes show she is not afraid to mix it up. While quiet by nature, Davis is savouring the buildup to the championship bout. "I feel like Im on a rush right now, kind of soaking everything, just enjoying myselff," she said.dddddddddddd She will have plenty of support from north of the border, with some 20 family and friends expected to fly down to Vegas. "Its incredible," she said. "Im just happy to have them watching on TV. For them to come out, its awesome that they support me." Her husband Flavio Ralf Meier doubles as her Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach, so hes already here. The two rolled together at a public workout Wednesday, bowing to each other as the workout ended. "It has its highs and its lows," a giggling Davis said of having her husband as a coach. "But were really good at being able to kind of separate what were doing -- inside the gym and home life. Because you kind of have that balance. Home is like your little sanctuary where you dont have to focus on the fight, youre more worried about whats going on with the kids (three boys from her husbands previous relationship). Its just all about relaxing. "But when were inside the gym, if you havent seen it, Im choking him just as hard as Im choking everybody else." As for the lopsided fight odds against Rousey, Davis is unconcerned. "I can see why Im the underdog," she said. "Obviously not only is she the champion and shes been so successful but every single fight shes had has been a finish. "I dont mind being the underdog ... Less pressure, let her have it all." White NFL Jerseys Cheap Youth NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys 2020 Stitched NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Autographed Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Discount Jerseys ' ' '

DUNEDIN, Florida – The Blue Jays kick off their 31-game exhibition schedule on Wednesday and there are decisions to be made at key positions. Heres a breakdown of where the battles will be, the players involved and how one decision may have an effect on another. This goes without saying: Were working within the confines of the current Jays roster. STARTING ROTATION: Guaranteed: R.A. Dickey, Brandon Morrow, Mark BuehrleAlmost Certain: J.A. Happ As many as nine guys, some with almost no chance of landing the job, but are included here, anyway, are vying for the final available spot. They are Esmil Rogers, Todd Redmond, Drew Hutchison, Kyle Drabek, Marcus Stroman, Sean Nolin, Ricky Romero, Chad Jenkins, Aaron Sanchez and Dustin McGowan. This will be intriguing because there is a business case to be made and, depending on how spring training plays out, potential performance cases to be made. On the business end, Rogers and Redmond are out of options, meaning both must break camp with the club or risk being lost on waivers. The bullpen is an option if neither gets a starting spot – more on that later when we look at the possibility of a seven-man or eight-man bullpen. Hutchison and Drabek each have big league experience. Drabek dating back to 2010 and when he cracked the opening day roster a year later and Hutchison when he was a mid-April call up two seasons ago. Both are back to full health following Tommy John elbow ligament replacement surgeries in the summer of 2012. Drabek needs to drastically improve on 1.683 career WHIP over 169 1/3 innings, particularly in the walks department – hes averaged 5.8 bases on balls per nine innings over his brief career. Hutchison is a control pitcher, not overpowering, and appears to be the most polished of the non-established big leaguers in the group. Nolin, a big lefthander, and top prospects Stroman and Sanchez would have to mesmerize Torontos brass to break camp with the club, which itself will be a tall task. There are voices amongst the decision-makers who caution against putting too much value on Grapefruit League numbers because there are occasions when pitchers are facing what amount to minor league-calibre line-ups. Jenkins, like Nolin, has options remaining and can be sent to the minor leagues without waivers. Stroman and Sanchez arent on the 40-man roster at the moment and can be sent to the minors without burning one of their three option years, at least not right away. Romero appears to have been relegated to afterthought status, a deep valley for the one-time ace, just three years removed from a 15-win season and All-Star appearance. McGowan has interest in starting, but after multiple shoulder surgeries and not having consistently started in six years, its an unlikely scenario. Hell be stretched out this spring, but McGowan is likely destined for the bullpen. Barring an incredible spring performance, it seems one of Rogers, Redmond, Hutchison or Drabek will come away with the final starting spot. Stroman has an outside shot. If the decision is strictly business, itll be Rogers or Redmond starting the season in the rotation. Regardless, most of the kids on the list are bumping their heads on the minor league ceiling and are expected to be contributing to the Blue Jays sooner rather than later. BULLPEN (SEVEN-MAN or EIGHT-MAN?): Guaranteed: Casey Janssen, Steve Delabar, Brett Cecil, Sergio Santos, Aaron Loup and Dustin McGowan. General manager Alex Anthopoulos has to decide on whether to go with a seven-man or eight-man bullpen. Choose the latter and youll have one fewer bench player (three instead of four) at manager John Gibbonss disposal. The eight-man bullpen scenario occurs if neither Rogers nor Redmond secures the final rotation job. The Blue Jays were reminded last year that a club cant have too much pitching and theres a strong probability either would be lost if exposed to waivers. Jeremy Jeffress, a flame-throwing right-hander, who briefly impressed with a 0.87 ERA over 10 1/3 big league innings last season, also has a shot at making the team. He adjusted his arm slot downward late last season and is in the process of successfully treating a juvenile epilepsy diagnosis. Jeffress is out of options and clubs love hard-throwing pitchers. The Jays got Jeffress through waivers at one point last season. There is no guarantee they could do it again. Left-hander Juan Perez, 35, has returned to health after straining his elbow last summer. Hes caught in a numbers game. Meantime, Neil Wagner appears destined for Triple-A Buffalo regardless of performance. He has an option and he, too, is caught in a numbers game. SECOND BASE: Competing: Ryan Goins, Maicer Izturis, Chris Getz (non-roster invitee,) Jonathan Diaz (non-roster invitee,) Munenori Kawasaki (non-roster invitee) and Steve Tolleson (non-roster invitee.) Goins is the incumbent, having concluded last season as the Jays second baseman. Anthopoulos loves Goinss defense, saying last week he believes Goins is the best in Toronto since the days of Orlando Hudson. Goinss biggest challenger is Getz, a former Royal, who has familiarity with both Gibbons (Royals bench coach, 2008-2011) and hitting coach Kevin Seitzer from his days in Kansas City. Getz is a left-handed bat. BENCH: Here is where the Blue Jays thin out considerably, especially if they begin the season with an eight-man bullpen. Backup catcher: Erik Kratz or Josh Thole. Kratz, who strikes an imposing figure at 64", 255 lbs, is a right-handed bat whos hit 18 home runs in 378 at-bats over the last two seasons with the Phillies. Considering the likelihood the second catcher will play more this season (Dioner Navarro hasnt played more than 89 games in a season since 2009,) the Jays could value Kratzs offense over Tholes long history with knuckleballer R.A. Dickey. Navarro wont catch Dickey. Kratz spent a week with Dickey in Nashville in the offseason and has caught all of his bullpen and live batting practice sessions so far this spring. Right-handed Bat to Platoon with Adam Lind: Moises Sierra is out of options and Toronto needs to determine if he is the viable option. Backup Infielder: Manager John Gibbons has said on more than one occasion that he prefers to use Izturis off the bench because he can play around the infield. Its a role Izturis became accustomed to in Anaheim. So, if the Jays go with an eight-man bullpen, thats it. Anthony Gose, under the scenario presented above, would begin the season in Buffalo. Should the Jays go with a seven-man bullpen, the roving outfielder spot opens up and is likely Goses to take with the likes of Kevin Pillar and Kenny Wilson getting more seasoning in the minor leagues. REPLAY Each club will play five games this spring under the new instant replay rules. Managers will be encouraged to throw the challenge flag at some point each game during the exhibition contests. "We had that meeting last week and they said the umpires will notify us before the game and say, hey if you get a chance, try it," said manager John Gibbons. INTRA-SQUAD GAME The Blue Jays played a four-and-a-half inning intra-squad game on Tuesday at the Bobby Mattick Complex. Drew Hutchison, Marcus Stroman and Sean Nolin each pitched a scoreless inning. Aaron Sanchez gave up the games only run, a Maicer Izturis single. It was the fourth and final hit he allowed in his inning of work. Detlef Schrempf Jersey . -- Officials have approved a deal to build a new $672 million stadium for the Atlanta Braves away from the downtown Atlanta area that has traditionally been its home. D.J. Augustin Jersey .Y. - Lou Williams scored 21 points and the Toronto Raptors beat New York 81-76 on Monday night in the Knicks preseason home opener. http://www.shopthunderstore.com/Cheap-Ra...Thunder-Jersey/. Wayne and Cindy Tuck of Ilderton, Ont., closed out round-robin play earlier in the day with a 7-3 win over Finland but needed a win over Austria to reach the final eight. Oklahoma City Thunder Jerseys . Hes even holding a bat on one of his 2014 baseball cards. So far, hes playing like his picture. Kyle Singler Jersey . Sundays game against the Colorado Rapids at B.C. Place Stadium has important implications in determining Major League Soccers playoff picture and will also mark the final game in the career of veteran South Korean defender Young-Pyo Lee.BERLIN -- Karim Bellarabi scored the quickest goal in 52 seasons of the Bundesliga to help Bayer Leverkusen beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 in the opening round on Saturday. Bellarabi scored nine seconds after kickoff, beating the previous record of 11 seconds set by Giovane Elber for Bayern Munich in January 1998, Ulf Kirsten for Leverkusen in March 2002 and Paul Freier for Bochum in May 2003. Hakan Calhanoglu passed the ball to Son Heung-min, who played Sebastian Boenisch through. Boenisch passed to Bellarabi, who eluded Dortmund defender Matthias Ginter and slotted inside the left post from 12 metres. "We did a lot of things very well," said Leverkusen coach Roger Schmidt after his Bundesliga debut. "We constantly attacked the opponents and stayed very active." Dortmunds efforts were frustrated by disciplined defending and intense pressure, particularly in the first half with the visitors tiring in the second. "It was a very scrappy game. There was hardly any space," Dortmund midfielder Sebastian Kehl said. Leverkusen keeper Bernd Leno made a host of saves to deny the home side a late equalizer, before Bellarabi set up Stefan Kiessling to secure the result in the fifth minute of injury time. "In the end you have to grit your teeth, but when a result like this comes out of it, then it helps you forget the pain," Kiessling said. Leverkusen holds a 3-2 lead over FC Copenhagen ahead of the home leg of their Champions League qualifier on Wednesday. Earlier, Schalke let a one-goal lead slip by conceding twice in three minutes to lose to Hannover 2-1. Klaas Jan Huntelaar opened the scoring with a tap-in when Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting set him up two minutes into the second half, but Edgar Prib equalized for Hannover in the 67th aftter a great run and cross from Leonardo Bittencourt.dddddddddddd Prib broke quickly three minutes later and set up Joselu for what proved to be the winning goal. "Our plan worked until the 67th minute," said Schalke coach Jens Keller, whose side crashed out of the first round of the German Cup after losing to third-division Dynamo Dresden 2-1 on Monday. Also Saturday, promoted Cologne drew 0-0 with visiting Hamburger SV on its return to the Bundesliga after two seasons in the second division. "After 75 goals (conceded) in the previous season, a scoreless draw is good," said Hamburg coach Mirko Slomka. Haris Seferovics 15th-minute goal on his Bundesliga debut was enough for Eintracht Frankfurt to beat Freiburg 1-0. The Swiss striker scooped the loose ball inside the post after Freiburgs defence failed to clear. "We can play much, much better. We made too many simple mistakes. But I dont want to complain," said Frankfurt coach Thomas Schaaf on his return to the Bundesliga after a season away. Werder Bremen came from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Hertha Berlin and Hoffenheim defeated Augsburg 2-0 at home. Julian Schieber scored with Herthas first attack in the 18th minute and the former Borussia Dortmund striker claimed his second in the 47th as the home side had most of the chances. Assani Lukimya pulled one back against the run of play six minutes later and Franco di Santo equalized two minutes after that for the visitors. Adam Szalai got Hoffenheim off the mark in the 33rd after Augsburg missed several chances to clear, two minutes before Tarik Elyounoussi made it 2-0 with the visitors defence still in disarray. 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DETROIT -- Third baseman Miguel Cabrera is out of the starting lineup for Detroits game against the Cleveland Indians on Saturday night. Cabrera has been bothered by a strained left abdominal wall for more than a month. The reigning AL MVP made an early exit from each of the Tigers last two games. Cabrera leads the majors with a .359 average and 130 RBIs, and his 43 home runs put him four behind Baltimores Chris Davis. He is seeking his second consecutive Triple Crown. General manager Dave Dombrowski said doctors and trainer Kevin Rand have assured them that Cabrera could not make the injury worse by playing. Manager Jim Leyland has delivered the same message since the slugger was originally injured. "Our primary concern with Miguel Cabrera is his health," Dombrowski said. "As much as anybody would, wed like to see him win the home run title, RBI title or Triple Crown, but hes playing for the good of the team." Cabrera left Thursdays win against Oakland in the fifth inning after hurting his abdomen while making an awkward slide. He was back in the lineup for Fridays game against Cleveland, but departed after two innings due to irritation of the abdominal area. Dombrowski said Cabrera probably could play on Saturday but the decision was to give him the day off. Detroit began the day with 7 1/2-game lead over second-place Cleveland in the AL Central. Ramon Santiago got the start at third base against the Indians and was in the ninth slot in the lineup. Torii Hunter moved back one spot to Cabreras usual lineup slot of third. Custom Detroit Lions Jerseys . -- Center Max Unger and tight end Zach Miller are both probable for the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday against the New York Giants and Percy Harvins recovery continues to be slow. Luke Willson Jersey . Still, Milan remained five points behind city rival Inter Milan in the race for fifth place and the final Europa League berth, after Inter beat 10-man Parma 2-0. Meanwhile, Paul Pogba led the way as Juventus stayed on course for a third consecutive title with a 1-0 win over relegation-threatened Bologna. http://www.lionsfanspro.com/Black-LeGarr...ey.html?cat=948. -- A deflected pass that landed in DeSean Jacksons hands. Levine Toilolo Lions Jersey .Mack, a reserve guard who came in averaging 3.8 points, made all six of his 3-pointers as the Hawks went 16 for 28 from behind the arc.Trailing 50-38 midway through the second quarter, Atlanta outscored Cleveland 89-48 the rest of the way and sent the Cavaliers to their largest loss of the season. Kerryon Johnson Jersey . Jose Bautista homered for the fifth straight game in the sixth inning, following a two-out solo homer by Melky Cabrera. Edwin Encarnacion led off the seventh with a homer to tie the game 3-3 and, with two out in the seventh, Munenori Kawasaki came through with the two-out single to score pinch-runner Steve Tolleson with what proved to be the winning run. LONDON -- In this bleakest of introductions to Manchester United, David Moyes is struggling with the hand dealt to him by the club. A squad that was in need of more than just tinkering when Alex Ferguson retired, has faded as a force and seems incapable of competing with the elite. The giants of English football lurch to a new low each month as the transition following Fergusons 26-year reign proves more difficult than the fans or owners could have envisaged. Under Ferguson, seasons were about chasing trophies. Now its about avoiding further embarrassment, with United out of the domestic cups and sixth in the Premier League, 11 points from the Champions League places. Needing to lift the trophy in May to return to the Champions League, Uniteds matchup with Olympiakos in the round of 16 seemed like a gift to Moyes from UEFA. But United was insipid in Greece on Tuesday, and bereft of any attacking threat or defensive cohesion in a 2-0 loss. Thirty years ago pre-Ferguson, United overturned such a deficit against Barcelona to advance in the European Cup Winners Cup at Old Trafford, but such a feat would seem beyond this group of players, for whom the Theatre of Dreams has become the scene of too many nightmares this season. "I take responsibility, its my team," Moyes said at Olympiakos. The message from within Old Trafford remains that Moyes will be entrusted with leading the clubs revival. How much is Moyes to blame for Uniteds misfortunes? The Scot was chosen to replace his compatriot partly because he was low-maintenance and would not storm in wanting to rip up the squad. It was in an unusual moment of candour from within the United hierarchy, the day after the title was clinched with four games to spare last April, when this became apparent -- just before Moyes was approached to replace Ferguson. At that point, then-chief executive David Gill knew Ferguson would be retiring within weeks, despite the managers public denial days earlier. And, although Gill did not let slip Fergusons secret, what he said in an Associated Press interview indicated that a change might not be too far away, and that the Glazer family didnt want any drastic changes to the team. Although United would go on to win a 13th Premier League title under Ferguson by 11 points, such rampant success masked the necessity to strengthen an aging squad. "The quality of the squad, the composition of that squad, means that any new manager coming in will inherit a great squad of players," Gill told the AP on April 23, 2013. "And yes he may, whenever that is ... clearly want to bring in one or two of his own people, new players. But he wont want to change the squad wholesale because (then) he wont be our manager. Weve got to be consistent with that and thats what we are planning on." The comments were eye-catching but set against Fergusons retirement denial. The successsion plan, however, would be implemented rapidly, as Moyes was handed the job -- initially secretly -- to leave Everton and fill one of the toughest vacancies in football.dddddddddddd Perhaps United did not fully recognize the Ferguson factor in pushing the team beyond its limits, although the clubs shareholders had been warned about the dangers of British footballs most successful and feared manager hanging up his hairdryer one day. "Any successor to our current manager may not be as successful as our current manager," United said as it prepared to float on the New York Stock Exchange in 2012. "A downturn in the performance of our first team could adversely affect our ability to attract and retain coaches and players." As it proved in Moyes first transfer window. After the audacious pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas failed, Marouane Fellaini was the only major summer signing and the recruit from Everton has made little impact during an injury-hit season. The flaws in planning for the post-Ferguson era have become apparent in recent months. And from within the United boardroom a different message has emerged about this summers strategy, with vice chairman Ed Woodward, who assumed Gills responsibilities, conceding the squad does in fact requirement a significant overhaul. of strength, as was possible last summer, the empire must fight back from one of weakness. "We are not afraid of moving in the market in a way we havent seen in recent years," Woodward said on a conference call with Wall Street insiders two weeks ago. Juan Mata was persuaded to join from Chelsea last month in a club-record 31.7 million-pound ($62-million) move. And Wayne Rooney was convinced to sign a new contract in the last week through 2019, a powerful if expensive message to the world that the club can retain talent. While not challenging for titles, United remains the indisputable commercial champion of English football, with the Glazer family building up a formidable marketing operation. The club expects to generate around 430 million pounds ($718 million) in revenue this season, although such prosperity diminishes with an enduring downturn on the pitch. The great fear is that the 20-time English champions morph into the next Liverpool, which is on the rise having won the last of its 18 topflight titles in 1990. The club, though, wont want to be living on past successes for too long, but its hard to see where the next trophy is coming from. "United need six top quality players," said outspoken former captain Roy Keane, a TV pundit. "I would think David Moyes has been shocked. When he went into United in the summer he probably looked at the players and was expecting great things. "Privately hes probably been shocked at the lack of quality that hes working with." White NFL Jerseys Cheap Youth NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys 2020 Stitched NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Autographed Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Discount Jerseys ' ' '

NEW YORK -- Sidney Crosby scored his first goal of these playoffs, and Marc-Andre Fleury earned his second shutout of the New York Rangers in two nights as the Pittsburgh Penguins regained home-ice advantage with a 2-0 victory in Game 3 on Monday night. Crosby snapped a 13-game goal drought in the playoffs to give the Penguins the lead in the second period, and Jussi Jokinen added a breakaway goal. Fleury stopped 35 shots to back up his 22-save effort Sunday in a 3-0 win in Pittsburgh. He has eight career post-season shutouts and 51 wins. The Penguins, who lost the opener in overtime, lead the Eastern Conference second round series 2-1. Game 4 is Wednesday in New York. Henrik Lundqvist made 13 saves for the weary Rangers, who played for the fifth time in seven days. They have consecutive losses in these playoffs for the first time. The tide turned in Pittsburghs favour in the second period for the third straight game. Rangers coach Alain Vigneault said earlier Monday that he "hated" the second period in Games 1 and 2, and he couldnt have liked this one, either. New York had 2:15 remaining on a 4-minute power play that began in the first period, but couldnt cash in. To make matters worse for the Rangers, Crosby took a long stretch pass from defenceman Robert Bortuzzo, outraced Marc Staal, and beat Lundqvist between the pads from the left circle just 19 seconds after James Neal left the penalty box. It was Crosbys 41st career playoff goal. Although Crosby didnt score in Game 2, he played a dominant game. "Eventually youre going to see him get a goal," Penguins coach Dan Bylsma said before Game 3. "Eventually youre going to see him break out. Theres no question about that." The Penguins struck for their second goal again right after killing a penalty. Jokinen jumped out of the box and got to a loose puck in the neutral zone after Rangers forward Mats Zuccarello failed to connect on a backward pass in the Pittsburgh end. Jokinen came in alone on Lundqvist and scored his fifth of the playoffs with 4:40 left in the second -- 8 seconds after his penalty ended. The Rangers were suddenly down 2-0 and had the weight of their anemic power play enveloping them even more. They finished 0 for 5 and have failed on 34 straight advantages overall -- including one in the final minutes. During their last man-advantage in the second period, the Madison Square Garden crowd implored the Rangers to "Shoot the puck!" They did, but to no avail. New York led 26-14 in shots through two periods, yet trailed by two goals. Zuccarello thought earlier in the second that he had tied the game at 1, but his drive struck the crossbar behind Fleury, skittered across the goal line, and stayed out. The Rangers received their first power play of the night 5:16 in when Marcel Goc was called for roughing Dominic Moore after an icing call. Neal later got a 4-minute power play for hitting Jesper Fast in the mouth with a high stick with 1:45 remaining. Benoit Pouliot had the best chance during the first half of the advantage when he fired a drive off the right post with 14 seconds left in the period. Before that, Zuccarello had the best scoring chance when he one-timed a pass from Pouliot during 5-on-5 play from the left circle that Fleury snagged with a stretch of his glove hand with 2:41 left. Lundqvist was sharp early for the second straight night and turned aside Chris Kunitz on a breakaway, for the second time in as many days, during New Yorks first power play. NOTES: Crosby was nominated as a finalist for the Ted Lindsay Award, given annually to the "Most Outstanding Player" as voted by fellow members of the NHL Players Association. Crosby won the award last season and in 2007. ... The Rangers replaced rugged forwards Daniel Carcillo and Derek Dorsett in the lineup with Fast and J.T. Miller, and put defenceman Raphael Diaz in for the first time in these playoffs. John Moore sat out. ... Lundqvist made his 77th playoff appearance, the most for a Rangers goalie. Kole Calhoun Jersey . The Professional Referee Organization, which manages game officials for the U.S. Soccer Federation and MLS, notified the Professional Soccer Referee Association of the lockout and said replacement officials will be used. Andrelton Simmons Jersey . Dragic was a game-time decision because of a sore right ankle that had kept him out of Wednesdays loss at Utah, but played all but the last 10 seconds of the second half in the first 40-point game for a Phoenix player since Amare Stoudemires 44 on March 19, 2010. http://www.baseballangelslockroom.com/mi...-angels-jersey/. Hall joined Bengals teammates for a voluntary workout on Monday. Hes got his mobility back and is on schedule to be ready for the season. CINCINNATI - Bengals cornerback Leon Hall is happy with his recovery from a torn Achilles tendon and expects to be ready for the start of training camp in July. Reggie Jackson Jersey . The Leafs were back on the ice Wednesday following an 10-day break. It apparently wasnt long enough, as Team Canadas 2-1 win over Latvia didnt conclude before the Leafs began practice. "I was thinking we might get a little delay, but it was nice to get out there," said Tyler Bozak of watching Wednesdays game. Yunel Escobar Jersey .com) - Kam Chancellor bobbed his head in celebration as he crossed the goal line on his game-clinching 90-yard interception return.It usually involves that kid who was in a wheelchair on Degrassi or some hashtag I dont understand or something to do with Disney Jr. But the word "beard" drew me in, and on upon further investigation I discovered that "peak beard" was about contemporary popular cultures threshold for beard wearing, and the notion that the age of the beard may be over. This seemed sacrilegious to me, because here in late April we sit on the precipice of the climax of beard season: winter is slowly receding and the NHL playoffs bring with them the greatest sports tradition of all-time, the playoff beard. Peak beard in April? Pfft. Thats like writing of December that weve hit "peak Santa", or of AC/DC weve hit "peak guitar", or of a wedding weve hit "peak open bar". As we settle into the first round of the playoffs, beards among NHLers are about to take form. We are awash in the infancy of stubble. In two months whichever teams are left battling will look like theyre en route to Bonnaroo post-pucks. It should be noted that Ive worn a beard since puberty allowed it, and a razor has insulted my cheeks just once in the past twenty years. I revel in playoff beards. They make me feel at home. I wear a playoff beard in August. And as we got through the first weekend of the playoffs a few days ago, which was also Easter, Id be remiss if I didnt mention the best playoff beard ever: Jesus. Dude rocked his beard into the post-post season, and according to scripture will still be rocking the playoff beard when he comes back. The story of the playoff beard is well known: It started some thirty years ago during the New York Islanders dynasty of the 80s. (For our younger readers the Islanders were once a good hockey team, before fishermen logos, Charles Wang, and Alexei Yashin.) No one is quite sure of its specific genesis, however. Some attribute it to two Swedish Islanders who were trying to emulate tennis star Björn Borgs custom of not shaving during Wimbledon. Some say that Islanders defenceman Ken Morrows beard led the charge. Whatever the story, the playoff beard has come to symbolize team unity, a badge of honour, and the fact that youve made a deep enough run to sport a thick brush from which you can hang livestock. In my years as a hockey fan, a few playoff beards standout. Scott Niedermayers greying old man beard, Mike Commodores ginger madness, and Lanny McDonalds wild west stache accompaniment immediatelyy come to mind.dddddddddddd. In recent years, rules concerning the playoff beard seem to have turned lax. Shaving after a loss in effort to change a teams luck is seemingly allowed. Goatees, the beards answer to the haiku, are tolerated. Professional trimming is apparent (Im looking at you, Sedin twins.) Back in the day, when men were men and the Oilers made the playoffs, the rules for the playoff beard were simple: 1. Stop shaving.2. Win Stanley Cup or get eliminated.3. Start shaving again. In todays NHL, a new challenge faces beard-growing players. In the salary cap era, inexpensive young talent on entry-level contracts are important to the balance of a competitive team. Eighteen, nineteen, and twenty year-olds are key parts of many playoff teams lineups. Early in the first round, all players beards are equal. Its like a grade 8 dance. But come rounds two and three, how will Nathan MacKinnon, Olli Maatta, and Ryan Murray look should their teams be fortunate enough to make it that deep? Of course, a teams playoff longevity doesnt necessarily guarantee a healthy bearded player. When Tomas Kaberle won a Cup with Boston in 2011, the former Leafs defencemen still looked like a pre-pubescent child despite two months without shaving. Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews has won two Cups without any discernible upper lip growth, and Sidney Crosby still owns his "Sid the Kid" moniker with his patchy-coat-of an-electrocuted-dog fuzz. We cant all be Duck Dynasty-esque, but at 26 Crosbys beard is just plain sad. I have a better beard in my junior prom photos. Hell, my prom date has a better beard. And then theres the beards well never know. Can Dion Phaneuf even grow a beard? Can Phil Kessel? Can the Edmonton Oilers? We know they can schedule vacations for early April, play in the World Championships, and pick in the early first round of the draft, but theyll need to see past round one of the playoffs before we can judge their facial hair prowess. Sadly, methinks well never know. For now, I will rebel against notions peak beard, despite what Cosmo and The Daily Guardian are writing. The grand tradition of the playoff beard is just one of the many facets of the fight for the Stanley Cup that makes the NHLs postseason more compelling, more rich in narrative, and more entertaining than any other sport. So buy razor futures now, because the blades are sheathed for another two months, and may the best beard host the parade. White NFL Jerseys Cheap Youth NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys 2020 Stitched NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Autographed Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Discount Jerseys ' ' '