Canada kept their undefeated streak going by beating Great Britain 9-6 in womens curling to push their record to 3-0 at the Sochi Olympics on Wednesday. Canada, led by Jennifer Jones, faced their first real test coming off dominant wins over 9-2 over China and 9-3 over Sweden on Monday and Tuesday respectively. Eve Muirhead, the 23-year old skip who led Scotland to a 2013 World Championship, followed through with expectations to lead Great Britain to a strong challenge against Canada. The two skips battled fiercely right into the final end. The skips battled hard where Jones tossed 85% and Muirhead went for 83%. There was very little separation between the opponents early in the match and that was the continued trend throughout. Up 8-6 going into the final end, Canada looked to be into as Great Britain was looking at scoring a double until Jones got a clutch take out, leaving just one stone near the button. Muirhead had the hammer with :30 remaining, but the result of her triple take out attempt went awry, resulting in a steal of one for Canada. The biggest Canadian highlight was the moment right before the conclusion of the fifth end where Muirheads final stone sat just short of the rings to play guard for a potential steal of two.But Jones stuck back, shooting a major take out which earned three points to bring it to 6-3 lead for Canada. Britain pulled it closed after six ends, bringing it to 6-5, but Jones was able to to keep distance securing a single in the seventh end to stay up by two. Muirhread came out of a tough eighth end, finishing with two of the four stones in the house but only could muster one point. Canada continues in the round robin on Thursday as they take on Switzerland. Fake 76ers Jerseys . -- The Sacramento Kings and guard Jimmer Fredette have completed a buyout of his contract, clearing the way for the former BYU sensation to become a free agent. Wholesale 76ers Jerseys . -- Canadian ski cross star Marielle Thompson accomplished two goals in one race Saturday. https://www.cheap76ers.com/. The Toronto Maple Leafs forward and Nashville Predators goaltender highlighted Mondays waiver transactions, with Calgarys Chuck Kobasew and Edmontons Philip Larsen also being placed on waivers. Stitched 76ers Jerseys .C. -- Jackson Whistle made 26 saves for his first shutout of the season as the Kelowna Rockets blanked the visiting Lethbridge Hurricanes 5-0 on Saturday in Western Hockey League action. Cheap 76ers Jerseys . Once again, the third baseman delivered in a big spot. Ramirez kept up his torrid hitting with a two-run homer to help back Wily Peraltas solid start, and the Brewers extended their winning streak to seven with a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night.TOULON, France - Defending European club champion Toulon has apologized to Leicester for the behaviour of its players following last weekends defeat to the English side and pledged to open an internal investigation.Leicester won 25-21 in a heated European Rugby Champions Cup group match on Sunday.Toulon said on its website on Wednesday that it decided to open an investigation after Leicester complained about the behaviour of prop Martin Castrogiovanni and fulllback Delon Armitage.ddddddddddddastrogiovanni, a former Leicester player, allegedly used insulting terms toward Leicester sporting director Richard Cockerill, as Cockerill was giving a post-match news conference, while Armitage is also alleged to have insulted spectators at Welford Road.Toulon says it will punish the players if deemed necessary, and takes the opportunity to offer its apologies to Leicester Tigers for the inconvenience caused. ' ' '
MILWAUKEE -- While Michigan didnt have a particularly pretty start to its NCAA tournament, coach John Beilein felt his team proved a point to the rest of the field on Thursday night. Yes, they can play defence too. Glenn Robinson III scored 14 points in the arena his father used to call home in the NBA, Jordan Morgan added 10 points and 10 rebounds, and the second-seeded Wolverines held No. 15 seed Wofford to 34 per cent shooting in a 57-40 win. "We were able to get a win basically with our defence today," Beilein said, "and thats something a lot of people wouldnt say if they watched us this year." However the method, what mattered most was that Michigan is still in the hunt to return to the Final Four in spite of pesky Woffords best efforts. Michigan (26-8) capitalized on its decisive edge in athleticism on the undersized Terriers (20-13) but had some nervous moments after missing 15 of their first 18 shots in the second half. Karl Cochrans 3 with 9:25 left whittled an 18-point deficit to 40-33 -- the only 3 Wofford hit all night. But the Wolverines regrouped, and Caris LeVerts 3 with 4:17 left gave them a 15-point lead to deflate Woffords dreams of an upset. "We know were pretty efficient offensively. Most times we dont have trouble scoring the basketball," said Morgan, whose hustle in the paint helped turn away Wofford. "We know were only going to go as far as our defence carries us." When it counted, Michigan exerted its will on an overmatched opponent. Shooting 1 of 19 from 3-point range didnt help Wofford, either. But the Terriers knew they were heavy underdogs coming into the game, and they exit the NCAAs with an appreciation of simply getting into the tournament. When players were asked why they shot so poorly from behind the arc, forward Lee Skinner spoke up first and said "I dont shoot from the 3-point line" before drawing some smiles. A 39 per cent shooter from long range on the season, Cochran finished with 17 points on 1-of-10 shooting from 3-point territory on Thursday and 8 of 21 overall. "Some nights unfortunately the ball doesnt drop in the basket," he said. "Unfortunately we just faced a tough night from the 3-point line." Nik Stauskas had 15 points for the Wolverines, while Robinson hit big shots in the same arena his father played in while with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 1990s. The elder Robinson, sitting in the Bradley Center stands, surely was impressed with Wofford, the Southern Conference champions who hustled to the final buzzer. Michigan opened the second half shooting 2 of 12, and Cochrans 3 with 9:25 left got Wofford within seven points. Even the crowd broke out into a "Lets Go Wofford!" chant. "Hats off to them," Beilein said. "I was a coach that was today very concerned about how well they would guard us, and they did." As if flipping on a switch, the Wolverines then turned up their intensity. Morgan glided in for a basket and Robinson followed with a tip-in. "Inside, they were a bigger team, they were physical," Skinner said. After a missed jumper by Spencer Collins, LeVert hit his 3 from the top of the circle to get the lead back to 15. Michigan shot 33 per cent in the second half after shooting 63 per cent in the first. Fortunately for Beilein, his defence held firm. He said it was an emphasis in practice all week. "That probably was our best defensive performance overall for everybody," said Beilein. The spunky Terriers fell well short of their goal of the perfect game required to have any shot at taking down Michigan, though they played with energy most of the night and never seemed intimidated. "You always have to keep an optimistic mindset, especially in an off night," Cochran said. Smiling two seats away, coach Mike Young appreciated the positive vibes. "Im beaming with pride with these guys sitting to my left and their accomplishments," he said. "So, well walk out of here with our head high." Michigan was never truly threatened in spite of Woffords second-half spurt, leading 34-20 at halftime thanks in part to 11 points from Robinson. Authentic Jerseys For Sale . “The fact that he was willing to do the deal the way we wanted it to be done showed that he wanted me to be a part of something great," Lowry said, noting that Ujiri willingness to sign off on the proposal that both Lowry and his agent presented to the GM was the final straw that convinced him to return. China Jerseys For Sale . Minutes after the previously winless Colts got their first win, 27-13 over Tennessee, team vice chairman Bill Polian said the four-time league MVP will not play this season though he has begun throwing to teammates at the team complex. https://www.jerseysforsalechina.com/.Y. - Everyone expected Clayton Kershaw to pitch a shutout, and he did — a unanimous choice for the NL Cy Young Award. Cheap Jerseys For Sale .ca contributor Grant McCagg provides a look at some risers and fallers on the prospect watch. Jerseys For Sale Outlet . The 25-year-old native of Milford, Conn., has 18 points in 41 games this season. The five-foot-eight 166-pound centre also has 28 points (10-18) in 15 games with AHL Oklahoma City. NEW YORK -- J.J. Hardy finally got in on the fun Saturday, against a likely opponent. Nelson Cruz has been hitting homers all season. Cruz hit his 23rd home run, Hardy connected for his first of the year and the Baltimore Orioles beat the New York Yankees 6-1 after starter Bud Norris left with tightness in his right groin. Adam Jones and Steve Pearce also went deep off struggling soft-tosser Vidal Nuno, helping the Orioles rebound after blowing a two-run lead in the ninth inning of a 5-3 loss Friday night. "Big win for us," Hardy said. Cruz and Pearce each had a two-run shot. Hardy ended a drought of 339 at-bats that dated to last September. "It definitely felt nice," he said. "I felt like I forgot how to do it." "I think it probably is a little bit of a relief. I started to question myself if I ever was going to hit one again," Hardy added. Mark Teixeira hit his 12th home run for the Yankees, who had won four straight and eight of 10, but that was all they managed against Norris and three relievers. During a pregame ceremony on the field, former New York first baseman Tino Martinez was honoured with a plaque to be placed in Monument Park. Making his first start against the Yankees, Norris (7-5) allowed three hits in five innings and matched a career high by winning his fourth straight start. He warmed up on the mound for the sixth but was pulled for Ryan Webb, who pitched two scoreless innings. Tommy Hunter got the final five outs. Norris said he felt something "kind of funny" while throwing a fastball in the fifth. "It kind of grabbed on me," he said. "Ive had groin stuff before, especially my left one but not necessarily my right one. Youve got to be real careful with those." "I could see it getting a little worse and I wanted to be smart, but really, hats off to the offence for scoring and to the bullpen for picking me up," Norris added. "Pretty sore right now." Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Norris probably will pitch the night game of a split doubleheader Friday against Tampa Bay, but the right-hander said it was too soon to tell. "Weve got other options, but Im hoping we caught it in time," Showalter said. Pressed into the rotation because of injuries to CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova and Michael Pineda, Nuno (1-4) is having a hhard time with the homer-friendly dimensions at Yankee Stadium.ddddddddddddHe was rocked in his previous outing in Oakland and is 0-4 since beating the Los Angeles Angels on May 7. "This is what we have. And as I said, its not like theres just starting pitchers lying around out there," New York manager Joe Girardi said, explaining that Nuno will stay in the rotation. "Right now, this is what it is." The left-hander yielded five runs -- four earned -- and six hits in 6 1-3 innings. He allowed three home runs and has served up 13 in 39 1-3 innings this season at home, where he is 0-3 with a 7.09 ERA. "My fastball today, I just left it up too much," Nuno said. "I trusted all my stuff today. No regrets and everything, but they just got to my fastball." Jones hit a solo shot with two outs in the first and drew a leadoff walk in the fourth before Cruz connected. Cruz began the day one home run behind Toronto slugger Edwin Encarnacion for the major league lead. "Hes carried us along a lot of the season," Hardy said. Pearces drive made it 5-1 in the fifth, and Hardy went deep off Jose Ramirez in the eighth for his 159th career homer and first since Sept. 5, 2013, against Jose Quintana of the Chicago White Sox. "We like hitting home runs," Jones said. Back in the dugout, Hardy got the silent treatment. He threw sunflower seeds on himself and was doused with water by Cruz. The two-time All-Star shortstop has hit at least 22 home runs five times, including a career-high 30 with Baltimore in 2011. "Normally I just put my head down and run. This time I kind of watched a little bit to make sure that it got up," Hardy said. "As I was rounding third, I looked into the dugout and no one had moved. So I kind of knew that they were going to sit there." NOTES: Baltimore recalled reliever Brad Brach from Triple-A Norfolk. ... Nuno has allowed 15 homers in 67 1-3 innings overall. ... Pineda (right shoulder muscle) will get another week off after an MRI still showed "a trace of inflammation," Girardi said. ... RHP Masahiro Tanaka (11-1, 1.99 ERA) starts Sundays series finale against Orioles RHP Chris Tillman (5-4, 4.82). Hall of Fame reliever Rich "Goose" Gossage will be honoured with a Monument Park plaque as part of festivities for the 68th annual Old-Timers Day at Yankee Stadium. ' ' '
NATAL, Brazil -- Uruguay striker Luis Suarez could once again be in trouble after appearing to bite an Italian opponent Tuesday in a key World Cup qualifying game. The incident, shown on television replays, showed Suarez apparently bite the shoulder of Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini as the pair clashed in the Italian penalty area. It happened about a minute before Uruguay scored in the 81st. Suarez was sanctioned with a heavy ban for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic in the English premier League in 2013. FIFA can sanction players for biting with bans of up to two years. Fake Vans For Sale . 9 Baylor Bears just needed some time to get on track in their first game after the Christmas break. Fake Vans . A lovely summer day in England with abundant sunshine and minimal wind allowed him to attack Royal Liverpool. https://www.vansfake.com/. And rest hardly led to rust for the two-time defending NBA champions. Fake Vans From China . -- Alex Anthopoulos spoke volumes with what he didnt say on right-hander Ervin Santana. Fake Vans Cheap . Hemsky left the Oilers Tuesday night loss to the Dallas Stars in the second period and did not return. Through 48 games this season, Hemsky has seven goals and a total of 24 points.At Calgarys Scotiabank Saddledome over the weekend, about 70 hockey fans and stat heads packed into a conference room to take part in the Alberta Analytics Conference, an opportunity for like-minded people to share ideas about the emerging wave of hockey analytics. The NHL off-season has often been referred to as The Summer of Analytics - with many high-profile hires in the industry ranging from the Maple Leafs bringing in a whole team of analysts after adding assistant GM Kyle Dubas, to a number of teams adding their own in-house analysts. Rob Vollman, author of Hockey Abstract, was the driving force behind the event. And it fits, as Vollmans Hockey Abstract is all about using objective analysis to evaluate players and teams. With a variety of speakers bringing different experiences, there was something for everyone who might be interested in hockey analytics - from those just wading into the pool and wanting to learn more, to hard-core programmers considering new and different ways of manipulating data. That all said, I got to attend and take a few notes: INTRODUCTION Chris Snow, Calgary Flames Director of Video and Statistical Analysis Whats it about? Snow has been working in the NHL since 2006, when the Minnesota Wild hired him away from covering the Red Sox for the Boston Globe. Snow comes to with stats knowledge and understanding, but also practical experience dealing with NHL teams. Takeaways: - Pushed Sydex Sports to create PUCKS a software system, which connects every play of the game to video. 17 NHL teams use PUCKS, according to Snow. Its more of a video tool than an analytical tool, but it allows NHL video to flow in real time. Snow feels video is the best way to illustrate data to players and coaches, so Flames players have iPads automatically loaded with game video. - Snow feels that the public perception of Brian Burke being anti-analytics -- fostered by Burkes appearances at the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference -- are a gruff exterior; Snow feels that he has lots of support from the organization and recognizes that the only way analytics can work for a team is if there is buy-in from decision-makers -- coaches, GM, President. - Snow had high praise for Jacques Lemaire, who understood analytics intuitively, preaching a lot of these concepts before modern stats took hold. - New Flames GM Brad Treliving reads blogs and knows whats out there when it comes to analytics. This isnt uncommon, as Travis Yost reported earlier this year, Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill regularly consults the blogoshere to check on the latest analytics. More: Snow told a story about playing hockey every day during latest NHL lockout with Flames staff and feels like it helped him gain acceptance with new coaching staff....Even if data/video is the niche, its a human business...Some players called him Rain Man or Moneyball...He has been a one-person staff with the Flames, expects to add interns this year...Stays away from formulas, rather tries to provide lots of context...All teams track scoring chances...SportVu or PowerScout (camera tracking) info will require a lot of thought to figure out what information is useful. THE SINGLE-NUMBER DREAM AND THE MARCH TO WAR A.C. Thomas, Founder of War on Ice Whats it about? In the wake of Extra Skater going offline, new sites are popping up to fill the modern stats void. Takeaways: - Thomas spoke of breaking the game into smaller chunks, in order to determine overall value. Whats a face-off win worth? A very little bit, but its something. Whats a controlled zone entry worth? A little bit, but its something. All those little somethings add up. - Discussion about trying to adjust goaltender save percentage, based on the quality of shots they face (using distance). The adjustments arent major, but still trying to examine locations and whether shots are rebounds and whether that can be included. The challenge is taking care to not add extra just because you can. Need data that can be proved. - Is perfect the enemy of the good when it comes to creating a hockey version of baseballs WAR (Wins Above Replacement)? It is possible to go with the best data available now, recognizing that its not 100% perfect. Regression methods need a lot of data (2-5 seasons, in some cases). DOING MORE WITH LESS David Benard, Sportstec.com Whats it about? Its one thing to have tools and people to analyze data, but first the data needs to be accumulated and these Sports Code offerings make it relatively easy to use their customizable programs to track as many facets of the game as a coaching staff wants. This would seem quite useful to someone embarking on a large-scale tracking project (cc: Corey Sznajder). Takeaways: - Trying to improve data collection, by adding qualitative element to quantitative data collection. Think along the lines of a zone exit with control being different than merely dumping the puck out of the zone. - New Vancouver Canucks coach Willie Desjardins was tracking zone exits, though not differentiating between controlled or not, when he was the Dallas Stars associate coach in 2010-2011. - Australian Rules Football teams invest big money in analytics - analyst is commonly the second-highest paid in operations...There is a Calgary Baantam AAA team using coded video.dddddddddddd OPEN DISCUSSION Bruce McCurdy, Cult of Hockey Blog, Edmonton Journal Whats it about? With the Summer of Analytics taking away some of the most valued resources in the analytics community, including the Extra Skater web site and the work of Tyler Dellow (@mc79hockey), the discussion was about what comes next? Who is ready to step into the void? Takeaways: - During McCurdys discussion, Rob Vollman insisted that there is still plenty of great content, but it may require going to more than five or six core sites. - The big question: Who is going to have the site that welcomes in a broader audience? - More mainstream coverage is expected, in the same way that like something like OPS now gets regular play on MLB broadcasts. - Summer of Analytics would not have happened without fans/bloggers pushing up the hill. PROPOSAL: PITCH TALKS! Ryan Pike, Managing Editor at Flames Nation Whats it about? An idea about holding TED talks for hockey. TED talks are short talks (18 minutes or less) devoted to spreading ideas. Its been done, with some success, in baseball. Takeaway: - It can be hard to work through the noise online. Ideally, a focused topic for these talks would allow for sharing of experiences and ideas without getting lost in the online chatter. TEAM DYNAMICS AND BEHAVIOURAL ANALYTICS Allan Hamernick, Hamernick & Associates Whats it about? This would be considered the softer side of analytics, looking for matching personality types. The challenge, of course, is that we dont have a record of what personality types are necessary for a team to be successful. There may not be just one mix that can be successful. Takeaways: - While it might be difficult for a team to forego measurables in order to improve their mix of personalities, Hamernick has received feedback from coaches who like knowing this information when it comes time to fill out a coaching staff. - Use brain mapping to see subconscious reactions to questions. CFL coaches talked about potential value for use in the Draft Combine. MICROSTATS AND TRACKING RESULTS Justin Azevedo, Flames Nation Whats it about? Azevedo was tracking 26 micro-stats (passes, icings, offsides, for 68 Flames games and taking in all that data presented him with lots of questions. Takeaways: - Questions evolved from tracking: How are Icings Created? Stretch passes - two of three outcomes are negative. 62 of 355 tracked stretch passes by Flames resulted in a shot attempt. We remember the one that works, not the dozens that result in icing. - How many passes should a team make? For the Flames last season, an average of 1.9 passes led to a successful zone entry. SUPER SHOT SEARCH Greg Sinclair, somekindofninja.com Whats it about? A website that tracks shots and locations and offers many graphing options. Takeaways: - For all the discussion of manually tracking scoring chances, Greg has found that using a home plate design allows him to register scoring chances automatically and the counts are very close to subjective counts. Close enough that time could be better spent tracking other things. - There are questions about the "home plate" definition, but any of those adjustments are relatively small in the grand scheme of all the shots that are being taken into account. BEHIND THE PLAYER USAGE CHARTS Rob Vollman, Author of Hockey Abstract Whats it about? Focus was on Vollmans Player Usage Charts, which combine Offensive Zone Start%, Quality of Competition and Corsi to provide a quick understanding of how a player is utilized, and whether or not hes having some success in that role. Takeaways: - Looking at Player Usage Charts, Vollman compared last seasons Oilers and Flames rosters, showing how someone like Mark Giordano didnt have a comparable in Edmonton because Giordano excelled against such a high level of competition. - What is the next big thing in analytics? Maybe its zone entries or shot quality, or it could be something completely different. With so many smart people looking at the game from different angles, the options are nearly endless. ADJUSTING FOR RINK EFFECTS IN THE NHL Michael Schuckers, Stat Sports Consulting Whats it about? Since that vast majority of modern statistics come from NHL play-by-play files, the accuracy of those files is important. Takeaways: - Generally, the NHL data is pretty good, but certainly flawed. Rink scorer bias is pervasive because methods of tracking are suspect and its a difficult process in real time. - From 2007-2008 through 2012-2013, there were four rinks with big issues: Los Angeles, Florida, New Jersey and Toronto. - Calgary has been under-counting hits; Los Angeles typically overcounts (to the benefit of Dustin Brown). Toronto overcounts unblocked shot attempts, while New Jersey typically undercounts unblocked shot attempts. - Schuckers calculations, done in concert with Brian Macdonald (who has since been hired by the Florida Panthers) can level the playing field so that the bias of home scorers doesnt undermine the data. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. ' ' '
BIRMINGHAM, England -- Ana Ivanovic, the unpredictable former world number one, has reached her first ever final on grass at the Aegon Classic, a Wimbledon warm-up tournament. After beating the ninth-seeded Zhang Shuai of China 6-2, 6-2 on Saturday, Ivanovic described the prospect of winning as a "dream." "Ten years on tour and I never have a title on grass," the 26-year-old Serb said. "That would be definitely something special." Ivanovic had an different start and went 0-2 down as she struggled to land a first serve. However, she soon became too powerful for the 25-year-old Zhang, who was taking part in only the second grass court tournament of her career. Ivanovic became more dangerous as she grew in confidence, and her timing on the slick surface belied her years of uncertainty on grass. In Sundays final, Ivanovic faces Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, who is also playing in the first grass court final of her career. The unseeded Czech survived two rain delays to beat 16th-seeded Australian Casey Dellacqua 7-6 (5), 6-1. Cheap Fake Air Max 90 . -- Josh Smith made a 3-pointer as time expired and finished with 20 points to lift the Detroit Pistons to a 99-98 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday night in both teams exhibition finale. Air Max 270 Wholesale . Rockies manager Walt Weiss was unhappy, too. Weiss addressed the issue in a 15-minute meeting with his pitcher and catcher after the Rockies gave up 14 hits and lost 10-1. De La Rosa lasted only 4 1-3 innings and allowed five runs in his first opening-day start. http://www.fakeyeezyscheap.com/. -- Colin Kaepernick insists he just happened to pull on a pair of socks with dollar bill prints all over them Wednesday morning -- before he learned he had struck a new fortune with the San Francisco 49ers. Balenciaga Shoes Cheap . 5 Trade Deadline is drawing closer and teams will be deciding on whether to buy or sell while figuring out which players can make the biggest difference and hold the greatest value. Fake Air Force 1 For Sale . Unlike last year when nobody got in, there have been estimates of as many as five getting voted in this time around and as few as one, Greg Maddux.PORTO ALEGRE, Brazil - Luiz Felipe Scolari, who resigned two weeks ago as Brazil coach, is returning to Gremio for his third stint in charge of the Brazilian team. The club confirmed the appointment on Tuesday. Scolari first coached the club in 1987 and returned six years later for another stint. BBrazil was humiliated earlier this month in the semifinals of the World Cup, hammered 7-1 by eventual champion Germany.dddddddddddd It was one of the worst defeats in the countrys history and led to the appointment of Dunga, who had previously coached the national team from 2006-2010. ' ' '
LETHBRIDGE, Alta. - Defenceman Connor Hobbs scored a power-play goal at 18:00 of the third period and the Medicine Hat Tigers held on for a 3-2 comeback win over the Lethbridge Hurricanes in Western Hockey League action on Friday.Kyle Becker and Markus Eisenschmid scored four minutes apart in the second frame to bring Medicine Hat (1-0-0) back from a two-goal deficit. Cole Sanford contributed with two assists.Pavel Skumatov scored twice, giving the Hurricanes (0-1-0) a 2-0 lead midway through the second period.Tigers goalie Nick Schneider made 16 saves, while his Lethbridge counterpart Zac Robidoux stopped 35 shots in the losing effort.---WHEAT KINGS 4 PATS 2BRANDON, Man. a€” Tyler Coulter scored at 6:36 of the third period to break a 2-2 tie and the Wheat Kings went on to double up Regina in their home opener.Taylor Green, Ryan Pilon and Braylon Shmyr a€” into an empty net with 49 seconds to go a€” also scored for Brandon (1-0-0). Braden Christoffer and Jaren McAmmond replied for Regina (0-1-0).---RAIDERS 5 BLADES 3PRINCE ALBERT, Sask. a€” Reid Gardiner scored twice and Sawyer Lange had a goal and two assists as the Raiders opened up their season with a victory over Saskatoon.Calder Brooks and Dylan Stewart also scored for Prince Albert (1-0-0), and Nick McBride made 22 saves.Troy Trombley stopped 39 shots for the Blades (0-1-0), while Wyatt Sloboshan, Nick Zajac and Turner Ottenbriet scored.---ICE 5 REBELS 3RED DEER, Alta. a€” Zak Zborosky scored two goals as Kootenay beat the Rebels to spoil their home opener.Jon Martin had a goal and an assist for the Ice (1-0-0), and Austin Vetterl and Luke Philp a€” into an empty net with 21 seconds remaining a€” also scored.Brett Cote had a goal and an assist, while Meyer Nell and Brooks Maxwell also scored for Red Deer (0-1-0).---BRONCOS 6 WARRIORS 0SWIFT CURRENT, Sask. a€” Jay Merkley scored three goals a€” two on the power play and one short-handed a€” and Landon Bow made 34 saves as the Broncos blanked Moose Jaw.Glen Gawdin, Tyler Steenbergen and Andreas Schumacher also scored for Swift Current (1-0-0), while Coda Gordon had three assists.Justin Paulic stopped 32 shots for the Warriors (0-1-0), who failed to score on nine power-play opportunities.---BLAZERS 6 ROYALS 3KAMLOOPS, B.C. a€” Matt Revel scored twice and Cole Ully and Josh Connolly each had a goal and two assists as the Blazers doubled up Victoria.Jake Kryski scored a goal and assisted on another and Matt Needham also scored for Kamloops (1-0-0).Travis Brown and Mitch Skapski had a goal and an assist apiece for the Royals (0-1-0), while Ralph Jarratt rounded out Victorias offence.---THUNDERBIRDS 4 WINTERHAWKS 1 PORTLAND, Ore. a€” Ryan Gropp scored twice, including one on a power play, as Seattle spoiled Portlands home opener.Keegan Kolesar also connected on the man advantage, and Alexander True scored an even-strength goal for the Thunderbirds (1-0-0), who outshot their opponents 37-25. Mathew Barzal had two assists. Tyson Predinchuk scored the lone goal for the Winterhawks (0-1-0), also on a power play. Wholesale NFL Jerseys USA . Notes on Bergeron, Marchand, Gorges, Vanek, Gaborik, Doughty, Hiller and more. BRUINS STORM BACK TO TAKE GAME TWO The Boston Bruins rallied from a 3-1 deficit, scoring four unanswered goals, to win Game Two, 5-3 over the Montreal Canadiens. Cheap NFL Jerseys China . Numbers Game looks at the As getting Jon Lester from Boston, sending Yoenis Cespedes to the Red Sox along with a deal involving the As and the Minnesota Twins. The Athletics Get: LHP Jon Lester, LF Jonny Gomes, OF Sam Fuld and cash. https://www.cheapnfljerseysjustwholesale...college-jerseys. Off-Season Game Plan looks at a Wild team that has a nice mix of proven veterans along with young, inexpensive talent on the rise. When the Wild signed Zach Parise and Ryan Suter, making a big splash in the summer of 2012, it set the franchise on a path to being more competitive, but a big reason that they have been so competitive is the contributions of young players who still have more to give. Cheap MLB Jerseys . The three goals bring Messis career tally for Barcelona to 371 in all games -- including friendlies -- breaking the club record of 369 held by Paulino Alcantara since 1927. The 26-year-old Messi was already the clubs all-time leading scorer in official games. Messi assured Barcelonas fans they will enjoy his goals for years to come, saying "as long as people want me, I will stay here. Cheap NFL Jerseys . Even if he is shooting 38 per cent from the field overall this season, the Utah Jazz rookie always feels like his final shot is going in.Rene Bourque scored a hat trick to lead the Montreal Canadiens to a 7-4 win over the New York Rangers in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Final, staving off elimination for the Habs and sending the series back to New York for Game Six. Bourque has been a revelation for the Canadiens in the playoffs, scoring eight goals in 16 games after a regular season in which he scored nine goals in 63 games. Bourques career-high in shots-on-goal-per-game during the regular season is 2.95, in 2009-2010; in this years playoffs, hes up to 3.19 per game, so Bourques production, while unusual, isnt being generated by outrageously fluky percentages. The Rangers pulled star G Henrik Lundqvist, after he played 28:58 and allowed four goals on 19 shots, his worst outing of the playoffs (though he allowed four goals on 23 shots in 39:57 during Game Six against Philadelphia). Canadiens C Lars Eller contributed a couple of assists, giving him 13 points in the playoffs, enough to lead all Montreal forwards. If Bourques goal-scoring comes as a surprise based on his regular-season production, so is the case with Eller, who had 26 points in 77 games during the regular season, including six points in his last 35 games. So, yes, Rene Bourque and Lars Eller are the forwards generating the numbers for a team in the Eastern Conference Final. Second-year LW Alex Galchenyuk had a goal and an assist in his fourth playoff game, returning from a knee injury suffered late in the regular season. Veteran Habs D Andrei Markov was beaten a few times, and had the worst possession stats of Montreal defencemen, but also finished the game with three assists, giving him 10 points in 16 playoff games. Canadiens RW Dale Weise chipped in a couple of assists before getting knocked woozy by a John Moore hit in the third period. Weise has put up seven points in 16 playoff games -- not spectacular, particularly considering hes rolling at 31% possession over the past four games, but still useful for a fourth line banger. After having his jaw brokenn by Brandon Prusts hit in Game Three, Rangers C Derek Stepan returned to the lineup, with facial protection, and scored two goals.ddddddddddddStepan now has 13 points in the playoffs, tying Martin St. Louis for the Rangers team lead. Rangers LW Chris Kreider was the big scorer on the night, with a goal and three assists. Kreider now has 10 points in nine playoff games and he led the Rangers with eight shot attempts in the game. Bourque led the Canadiens with eight attempted shots. Former Habs prospect, now Rangers No. 1 D Ryan McDonagh added two more assists. McDonagh has nine points in five games in his series. He had three points in 14 games through the first two rounds. Rangers RW Rick Nash also had a goal and an assist, giving him five points in five games against Montreal. He had five points in 14 games prior to this series. The Canadiens managed to win a game that they nearly gave away, surrending a 4-1 second-period lead by allowing three goals in 4:24, before Bourque scored his second and third of the night to create some breathing room. The good news for the Habs is that G Dustin Tokarski earned a win stopping 23 of 27 shots, a generally mediocre performance. The reason it ought to be good news is that if the Habs are going to come back from a three-games-to-one deficit, they probably need Tokarski to steal at least one game for them. The clubs have been relatively even in possession terms -- the Rangers hold a 293-to-288 edge in overall shot attempts for the series -- so the point of differentiation could easily be goaltending. The task for the Canadiens is still daunting, as Game Six goes in Manhattan and, despite Game Fives results, the goaltending edge remains with the Rangers. But, if the Habs find a way to get it done in Game Six, returning home for Game Seven would be a most interesting proposition. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. ' ' '
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo defensive tackle Kyle Williams is questionable for Sundays game against Atlanta with a lower back injury. Williams says he woke up with spasms in his lower back Friday morning. He did not practice Friday. The 30-year-old Williams has been one of Buffalos best players this season, posting a career-high seven sacks through 11 games. Williams also has 48 tackles, one forced fumble and one pass defenced. Williams says the training staff will aggressively work on the injury and he plans on playing, but doesnt know if hell be able to suit up. If Williams is unable to play, reserve DTs Corbin Bryant and Stefan Charles will see more playing time along the defensive line. Cheap Yeezy .One day after winning her record 63rd World Cup race, Vonn posted to her Facebook account Tuesday that she was happy Woods surprised her by coming to the race, and that she felt terrible that his tooth got knocked out. Wholesale Yeezy . Argentina, who have yet to beat New Zealand in 17 meetings, rocked the All Blacks with an early converted try to backrower Juan Manuel Leguizamon and led 7-0 after five minutes. But Smiths double in the 23rd and 26th minutes - when Argentina was reduced to 14 men by the sin-binning of hooker Eusebio Guinazu - turned the tide of the match and set up New Zealands third straight Championship win. https://www.wholesaleyeezyauthentic.com/. 5 Trade Deadline is drawing closer and teams will be deciding on whether to buy or sell. yeezy black friday . The Mariners ace allowed just one hit over eight innings while striking out nine, and Robinson Cano backed him with a two-run homer as Seattle earned a 3-0 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Sunday. Yeezy 700 Outlet . Smith, who raised eyebrows at the CFL combine in March with his ability on both sides of the ball, confirmed in a statement he tested positive for the anabolic steroid Stanozolol prior to auditioning for league officials.MONTREAL -- The wild fans, the history and the weight of expectations make the Montreal Canadiens a demanding team for any hockey coach, especially those with no NHL experience. But three who were in that position in the late 1990s and early 2000s -- Alain Vigneault, Michel Therrien and Claude Julien -- have gone on to do some impressive things in the NHL. A victory in the Eastern Conference final between Vigneaults New York Rangers and Therrien, in his second stint with Montreal, will put one of them in a Stanley Cup final. Between the three men, they will have been to the final five times. In 2008, Therrien reached the final with the Pittsburgh Penguins, losing in six games to the Detroit Red Wings. In 2011, Juliens Boston Bruins defeated Vigneaults Vancouver Canucks to claim the Stanley Cup. And in 2013, Julien had the Bruins back in the final only to lose to the Chicago Blackhawks. All three have credited the chance they got to coach middling-to-weak Montreal teams with their later success, even if their head coaching prospects were in doubt when they were eventually let go by the Canadiens. "You never know about the future," said the 50-year-old Therrien, whose team is coming off a second-round win over Juliens Bruins. "We learned a lot when we were young and that goes with experience. "Having to deal a lot with you (reporters) is a big part of our job. But it goes through a process. It goes with experience. Myself, Alain, Claude, we were young coaches at the time and we learned a lot. We started in Montreal and, Alain and me, we almost took the same route. We went back to the minors and went back to junior and the American League. "So Im glad for the success (Vigneault) had in Vancouver and New York. That was a great learning experience as a young coach to start in Montreal." There were actually four inexperienced coaches in a row, as Mario Tremblay got it started when he replaced Jacques Demers in 1995. But while Tremblay later worked as an assistant, he never got another head coaching job. In 1997, Tremblay was replaced by Vigneault, a former Ottawa Senators assistant who had been coaching in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. Viggneault was replaced midway through the 2000-01 campaign by Therrien, who in turn lost his job to Julien in 2003.dddddddddddd Vigneault was out of coaching for two seasons but returned with the junior P.E.I. Rocket before being named head coach of the Manitoba Moose, the Canucks AHL affiliate at the time. He was promoted to the Vancouver job to start the 2006-07 season and promptly took the Canucks to a division title and got the Jack Adams Trophy as NHL coach of the year, beating out Therrien and Buffalos Lindy Ruff. The Quebec City natives Canucks finished first overall in the NHL twice. But a drop-off last season saw Vancouver opt for former Rangers coach John Tortorella while Vigneault signed a five-year deal with New York. Now Vigneaults looking for another trip to the final. "My first NHL gig as a head coach was in a beautiful place, a Canadian city where hockey is passionate, hockey is demanding," the 53-year-old said. "Expectations were always very high, so I learned a lot. "I worked with some great people. It took me six years to get another kick at the can and obviously when I got my other chance, I used my experience in Montreal and my experience of going back to junior and also going to the American League and tried to help my new NHL team the best way I could. Now, this year, the Rangers have given me another opportunity and thats what Im trying to do." When Therrien left Montreal, he got a job coaching the Penguins farm club in Wilkes-Barre and was promoted to the NHL club on Dec. 15, 2005. He was fired suddenly on Feb. 15, 2009, one season after going to the final, in favour of Dan Bylsma. The new coach got Pittsburgh back to the final and avenged the defeat of Therriens team the year before by beating the Red Wings for the Cup. Therrien worked in television while waiting for his next chance, which came when new general manager Marc Bergevin hired him to return to the Canadiens at the start of last season. After Montreal, Julien was hired by the New Jersey Devils, but he also fell victim to a surprise firing late in the 2006-07 season despite a 47-24-8 record. The Bruins snapped him up the following season. ' ' '
Gus Poyet took charge at Sunderland on Tuesday on a mission to restore unity to the struggling English Premier League club following the divisiveness of Paolo Di Canios brief, stormy reign. Poyets immediate challenge is to produce Sunderlands first victory in the league, with the northeast club bottom with just one point from seven matches. "Trust me, believe, connect with the team," Poyet said after signing a two-year contract. "We are all together in this. Its important now we stick together." As with Di Canios appointment in March, American owner Ellis Short has hired a man with no previous topflight managerial experience. "Its a big, big challenge," Poyet said. "I thought that I would have an opportunity in the Premier League and now Ive got it I need to make sure I prove that they picked the right man to get us from the situation that we are." The former Uruguay midfielder began his mission with a managerial approach far removed from that of the maverick Di Canio, who left amid claims -- disputed by the Italian -- of player unrest. "The idea is to address the problems quickly, make sure that we train and convince the players to get better, and then slowly that will make us pick up points," Poyet said. "The sooner we win the better, but the idea is to make sure that we understand the way we would like them to play football. We think its the best way. "So there has to be a very good communication with the players -- understanding, trust. We need to commit as a group. We need to make sure that we are all together, the players, the staff, the fans. Make sure that we are very strong to make sure we can win football games." The 45-year-old has quickly found work again despite being fired by second-tier club Brighton in June for gross misconduct. He becomes Sunderlands sixth permanent manager in less than five years, with Di Canio lasting only six months in the job before being fired in September. "We analyzed a wide range of candidates and believe that Gus track record, experience, commitment and passion make him the right man to take us forward," said Short, the American businessman who bought Sunderland in 2008. As a midfielder, Poyet spent his peak playing years with Zaragoza, Chelsea and Tottenham before becoming assistant manager to Dennis Wise at Swindon in 2006. He followed Wise to Leeds before Tottenham hired him to work under Juande Ramos in October 2007. Although Poyet won the League Cup with Ramos at Tottenham early in 2008, they were fired in October after a poor start to the season. Poyet, though, was soon handed his first managerial job in 2009 at Brighton, which was then in the third tier, steering the south-coast club to promotion in 2011 by winning the League One title. The team missed out on promotion to the Premier League in May by losing in the League Championship playoffs before Poyet was fired. Now Poyet is back in work and he has almost two weeks during the international break to plan for Sunderlands next match at Swansea on Oct. 19. The players have shown signs they were starting to gel under interim manager Kevin Ball in recent weeks, with a League Cup victory over third-tier club Peterborough followed by stronger showings in losses to Liverpool and Manchester United. "If there were no talented players and no quality players the challenge would be practically impossible," Poyet said. "I am convinced the players are good enough." Nike Air Max 95 Günstig . -- Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh says he isnt going to change what he does on the field. Nike Air Max 720 Günstig . The right-hander said he threw about 30 pitches in a routine bullpen session Sunday at Yankee Stadium, his final hurdle before starting Tuesday night at Tampa Bay. https://www.schuheshopschweiz.ch/kaufen-...ellen-d166.html. Founding members of the Genie Army, a group of Eugenie Bouchard supporters who cheered for the rising tennis star during the Australian Open in January, will be in the city for the Rogers Cup, beginning this weekend. Schuhe Günstig . -- Max Domi scored twice and set up two more as the London Knights toppled the visiting Kingston Frontenacs 6-4 on Sunday in Ontario Hockey League action. Nike Air Max 720 Bestellen . Basketball fans around the globe will be watching as Kobe Bryant makes his season debut - 240 days after tearing his left Achilles - against Toronto, a team he has used as his own personal punching bag.NEW YORK, N.Y. - The San Diego Padres have won the bidding for rights to South Korean pitcher Kwang Hyun Kim with a $2 million offer and have 30 days to reach a deal with the 26-year-old left-hander.Major League Baseball said Thursday the Paddres had submitted the highest bid for Kim, who was put up for bid by the SK Wyverns of the Korea Baseball Organization.ddddddddddddSan Diego would be required to pay the fee only if it reaches an agreement to sign the player. ' ' '
PITTSBURGH -- Chuck Noll, the Hall of Fame coach who won a record four Super Bowl titles with the Pittsburgh Steelers, died Friday night at his home. He was 82. The Allegheny County Medical Examiner said Noll died of natural causes. Noll transformed the Steelers from a long-standing joke into one of the NFLs pre-eminent powers, becoming the only coach to win four Super Bowls. He was a demanding figure who did not make close friends with his players, yet was a successful and motivating leader. The Steelers won the four Super Bowls over six seasons (1974, 1975, 1978 and 1979), an unprecedented run that made Pittsburgh one of the NFLs marquee franchises, one that breathed life into a struggling, blue-collar city. "He was one of the great coaches of the game," Steelers owner Dan Rooney once said. "He ranks up there with (George) Halas, (Tom) Landry and (Curly) Lambeau." Nolls 16-8 record in post-season play remains one of the best in league history. He retired in 1991 with a 209-156-1 record in 23 seasons, after inheriting a team that had never won a post-season game. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993. Noll worked so well with Steelers President Rooney that the team never felt the need to have a general manager. When he retired, and was replaced by Bill Cowher, only four other coaches or managers in modern U.S. pro sports history had run their teams longer than Noll had. "Chuck Noll is the best thing that happened to the Rooneys since they got on the boat (to America) in Ireland," Art Rooney II, the former Steelers personnel chief and the son of the team founder, once said. A former messenger guard for his hometown Cleveland Browns who earned the nicknamed Knute Knowledge -- as in Knute Rockne -- Noll was an assistant with the San Diego Chargers and Baltimore Colts for nine seasons. Then he accepted what seemed a dead-end job in January 1969 as coach of the NFLs least-successful organization. Art Rooney Sr. often hired friends and cronies as coaches, and only two of the Steelers first 13 coaches had winning records. At the time Noll took over, the franchise was 105 games below .500 in its history. Noll, hired only after Penn States Joe Paterno turned down a $350,000, five-year offer, was different from any Steelers coach before him. He immediately brought intelligence, toughness, stability, confidence, character and a can-do mindset to a franchise accustomed to constant upheaval and ever-changing personnel. Asked at his first news conference if his goal was to make the Steelers respectable, Noll said, "Respectability? Who wants to be respectable? Thats spoken like a true loser." Perhaps not the most colorful coach behind the microphone, Noll could often be counted on for memorable, motivational one-liners that became rallying cries. Phrases like "A life of frustration is inevitable for any coach whose main enjoyment is winning," and "Before you can win a game, you have to not lose it," and "The thrill isnt in the winning, its in the doing," spoke volumes about what Noll was trying to accomplish. They went over well in a football-crazed region of Pennsylvania. The day after Noll was hired, the Steelers drafted defensive lineman Joe Greene. He was the first of the nine Hall of Famers selected during the Noll era. Four of the others were drafted within Nolls first four seasons: Terry Bradshaw, Mel Blount, Jack Ham and Franco Harris. Four more arrived in the first five rounds of the 1974 draft: Lynn Swann, Jack Lambert, John Stallworth and Mike Webster. And the 1971 draft, though it produced only one Hall of Famer (Ham), generated seven starters. While the Steelers surprisingly won their opener under Noll in 1969, beating Detroit, they lost their final 13 games that season, and their first three in 1970. By then, some were questioning Nolls hiring. The Steelers turnaround began in earnest in 1970, the year they moved into the AFC after the NFL and AFL merged. They drafted Bradshaw with the No. 1 pick, moved into Three Rivers Stadium after years of being a secondhand tenant of Pitt Stadium and Forbes Field. They won five of eight during one stretch. By 1972, the year Harris arrived to give them the ground game Noll sought, they were championship contenders with an 11-3 record and a weve-turned-the-corner attitude. Noll had long since run off underachievers and pushed the Rooneys to bring in the players he wanted. "Hell argue a point with you and keep yelling, No, this is right, youre wrong," Dan Rooney said. "Sometimes you have to say, This is the way were going to do it." The first traditional playoff game in Steelers history on Dec. 23, 1972, also signalled what was to come. The Steelers were in control of the John Madden-coached Raiders most of the game, until quarterback Ken Stabler scored in the final two minutes to put Oakland up 7-6. With the Steelers down to fourth-and-10 on their side of the field, Bradshaw lofted a pass downfield intended for Frenchy Fuqua. As Fuqua and safety Jack Tatum converged on the ball, it bounded high in the air for what looked to be a certain incompletion. Instead, Harris, trailing on the play, caught the ball nearly at his shoe tops and raced into the end zone for an improbable touchdown. The play would quickly become known as the "Immaculate Reception." Nolls Steelers did not win the Super Bowl that season -- they lost to unbeaten Miami on a fake punt in the AFC title game. But, with their roster completed by their remarkable 1974 draft, they finally became NFL champions and did it three more times by January 1980. Still, Nolls best team might have been in 1976, when the Steelers rebounded from a 1-4 start to go 10-4 -- even with Bradshaw injured and out most of the season -- by playing the greatest stretch of defence in NFL history. The Steel Curtain shut out five of their final nine opponents while yielding only 28 points. At one point, they didnt allow a touchdown for 22 quarters. However, Harris and Rocky Bleier, 1,000-yard rushers that season, were injured in a playoff game against Baltimore. Without a running game, they lost the AFC title to Oakland. A year later, Noll wound up in a federal court trial. He accused Raiders defensive back George Atkinson, who had levelled Swann with a brutal hit the season before, of being part of the NFLs "criminal element." Noll prevailed, but there were hard feelings when, under oath, he included Blount as also being part of that criminal element. The Steelers went 9-5 that season, but rebounded to win the championship in the 1978 and 1979 seasons. When all the talent began to retire, the championships ended. Great drafts gave way to poor ones. The Steelers won only two playoff games and no conference championships in Nolls final 12 seasons, missing the post-season eight times. Noll never was much of a yeller or screamer, though he had his moments. He confronted Oilers coach Jerry Glanville at midfield and warned him about the teams borderline-legal blocking techniques. "He didnt feel like it was his job to motivate," Bleier said. "It was his job to take motivated people and give them a direction and get the job done." When he retired, Noll always said he would never coach another team and he didnt. In 2007, the football field at St. Vincent College, the Steelers longtime training camp home in Latrobe, was named for Noll, even though he played at and graduated from Dayton. Born in Cleveland, Noll attended Benedictine High School, where he played running back and tackle, winning All-State honours, before gaining a scholarship to play for the Flyers. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburghs biggest, most traditional rival, in 1953. At 27, he retired as a player from the Browns in 1959. Duke Snider Jersey .Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg have been neck and neck all season, with 17 points separating the rivals and double points on offer for the race.Tensions between them have spilled over during the campaign and the pairs fragile relationship was evident during Thursdays pre-race news conference, when Rosberg goaded Hamilton by advising him to race cleanly. Brandon Nimmo Jersey .com) - The Oakland Athletics needed to rely on a lot of young pitchers to win an American League West title this season. https://www.cheapmetsjerseys.us/. His second visit, not so much. Roark (7-5) allowed four runs on 10 hits and one walk over six innings in a 7-2 setback in front of several friends and family members, as the Cubs snapped his personal streak of four consecutive victories on Friday. Nolan Ryan Jersey . There was little fanfare, though, when the Yankees captain was taken out of his final regular-season Subway Series game in the eighth inning. Jeter watched the last four outs from the bench, pulled off the field during a double switch Thursday night as the Yankees held off the Mets 1-0. Walker Lockett Jersey . Not Peyton Manning. Hes holding on to the heartache to stoke his competitive fire.ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - The Denver Broncos placed defensive end Quanterus Smith on injured reserve on the eve of their divisional playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts.The Broncos promoted linebacker Shaquil Barrett from their practice squad to take his place.Smith injured his surgically repaired left knee at practice Thursday and missed Fridays practice. He was the only Broncos player to miss a workout folllowing the teams first-round bye.ddddddddddddSmith played in all but one game for the Broncos this season, totalling 11 tackles and two pass breakups.Barrett is a rookie from Colorado State who spent all season on the practice squad except for Week 7, when he was on the active roster.The Broncos (12-4) host the Colts (12-5) Sunday.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '
Atlanta, GA (SportsNetwork.com) - Paul Millsap and Mike Scott scored 20 points apiece and the sizzling Atlanta Hawks beat the Detroit Pistons 93-82 on Monday for their 13th consecutive win. Atlanta has won 27 of its last 29 games and is one victory shy of tying the longest winning streak in franchise history set in 1993. I think thats what is great about our team, we have a deep team, Scott said. Every night its going to be someones night. Al Horford, named Eastern Conference Player of the Week on Monday, accounted for 14 points, seven assists and six rebounds in the win. Greg Monroe had a big game in defeat, scoring 16 points and tying a career high with 20 rebounds. Fellow big man Andre Drummond totaled 13 points and 18 rebounds for Detroit. I thought our defense was reasonably good, said Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy. Our offense was terrible. It was as much my fault as our players fault. The first quarter was a forgetful one for both teams. Detroit did not seem to enjoy the early start time, missing its first seven shots from the floor. Atlanta slowly built an 8-0 lead over the opening minutes before Drummonds dunk gave the Pistons their first points 4:34 into the game. The Hawks shot just 31.8 percent (7-of-22) from the floor over the first 12 minutes, limited Detroit to 24 percent (6-of-25) shooting and took a 16-12 lead into the second. Both offenses ramped up the production a little in the second, with Atlanta grabbing a 44-41 lead at the break. Anthony Tollivers 3-pointer cut the Pistons deficit to 60-59, but the Hawks ended the final 1:39 of the third on an 8-2 run. Scott scored eight straight points for Atlanta early in the fourth, then Kent Bazemore buried a corner 3 moments later to give the Hawks an 83-74 lead. Monroe followed with a pair of free throws, but seven points was the closest Detroit got down the stretch. Game Notes Detroit had a two-game winning streak snapped ... The Pistons have lost 12- of-13 at Philips Arena ... Detroit outrebounded Atlanta 61-42 ... Kyle Korver scored 13 points in the win. Air Max 90 Sale . - A late-game interception by defensive back Malcolm Butler saved the Super Bowl for the New England Patriots. Air Max Plus Sale . The Toronto Argonauts (11-7) look for an opportunity to repeat as CFL champions when they host the surging Hamilton Tiger-Cats (10-8) on Sunday. https://www.wholesaleshoesforcheap.com/. Rob Klinkhammer and Mikkel Boedker scored 63 seconds apart in the first period for the Coyotes, who handed the Kings their third straight loss and took over sole possession of eighth place in the Western Conference. Mike Smith made 36 saves. Under Armour Shoes Sale . The 25-year-old Lu, a regular on the Japan LPGA Tour after giving up her LPGA Tour membership in 2010, shot an 8-under 64 in windy, wet conditions at Kintetsu Kashikojima. Yeezy 700 Sale . "Im proud of him," Jones said in an interview from Sacramento, site of the UFCs weekend televised card. "I think hes listening to his body and hes doing what makes him happy and thats what life is about ultimately.Heading into the second round series between the Boston and Montreal, the favoured Bruins were doing plenty of talking through the media to spur up the hatred. Now with the series tied at one after two exciting games in Boston and headed to what promises to be a raucous Bell Centre, the Canadiens jumped into the fray with some verbal barbs of their own on Monday. After being stonewalled by Canadiens goalie Carey Price in Game 1 - when he made 48 saves to help his team steal one with a 4-3 double overtime win - and then finding themselves down 3-1 halfway through the third period of Game 2, the Bruins scored three goals in 5:32 to take a 4-3 lead en route to a 5-3 win. Following the game, Bruins defenceman Dougie Hamilton and Torey Krug told the media they believed theyve solved the Canadiens gold-medal winning netminder. "I think weve definitely noticed that when hes screened, hes looking low," said Hamilton who scored first in the three-goal outburst late in Game 2. "He gets really low, so it seems like we score a lot of goals up high when we have net front presence. I dont know if were really trying [to do that], but weve definitely noticed that. When we can get our shots through their defenceman – especially the ones trying to block it -- we have a really good chance of getting it in." "It seems like almost all of the goals so far have gone to the upper half of the net," added Krug. Following practice on Monday, the Canadiens were quick to brush the Bruins analysis of Price aside, with head coach Michel Therrien claiming it was just another example of his counterpart Claude Julien and the Bruins trying to get under the skin of an opposing goalie. Early in the 2013 Stanley Cup Final, the Bruins scored frequently on the glove side of Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford and werent shy about telling the media that they were exposing Crawfords weakness. Ironically, Crawfords goalie coach then was current Montreal goalie coach Stephane Waite and Therrien believes the Bruins are playing the same mind games as the series switches to the Bell Centre. "Well we all remember last year and Stephane Waite remember it more than anyone else that they make the same comments when they went into the playoffs and the Stanley Cup final with the Chicago Blackhawks and talking about about Corey Crawford," Therrien pointed out Monday. "Thats part of their game and their thinking. They try to put pressure on the other team with the media." Price seemed to find Hamiltons and Krugs comments almost comical. He pointed out that shooting high through traffic in front of the net is a common objective of most teams and players. "Ive seen a lot of scouting reports on lots of goalies throughout the league and thats pretty much the scouting report on everybody," Price said. "Its the same for Tuukka [Rask], its the same for Ben Bishop and its the same for Corey Crawford. So its a pretty irrelevant comment I thought.dddddddddddd" Price was then asked if this was just another example of the Bruins trying to wage a verbal war through the media. "Sure. I dont know," Price said laughing. "I guess. But like I said, they can try it but its going to be no different. Like I said, thats essentially how most goals are scored this time of year in this league so thats essentially a generic comment." During Game 2, the Bruins took a bench minor due to Julien expressing his displeasure with some calls against his team and what he felt were a lack of calls against the Canadiens. When asked about his teams ability to rally for the win, the Bruins bench boss took what appeared to be a little jab at the officiating. "I think especially the way it happened - we had that tough second period and at the start of the third, they got that other power play goal, but the way we just battled back through, I felt, a lot of crap that we put up with today, was pretty indicative of what our teams all about," Julien said. "It just shows that if you focus on the things you need to focus on, theres a pretty good team that can accomplish a lot." The crap part didnt go unnoticed by Therrien and on Monday he called his counterpart out. "Its the same thing with Claude. Hes not happy with all that ‘crap," he said. "I thought they got away with a lot of things as far as Im concerned, but they try and influence referees. Thats the way they are. Thats not going to change. Thats the way they like to do their things. But for us, were not paying attention to those things. We all know what theyre trying to do but it doesnt affect us at all." Therrien went on to say his team isnt going to focus on more retaliation through the media but rather to stay focused on their game plan on the ice. "We want to play hard and honestly we all understand the discipline is really crucial," he said. "Whatever comments they make on us, Im not a coach thats going to start making comments the other way. Its never been my philosophy. I dont like that. They can say whatever they want. Its their choice. But we know what we have to do to get success." That may very well be true, but the Canadiens made it clear Monday that they also dont plan to let every verbal jab from the Bruins go unheeded. James Murphy is a freelance reporter who also writes for NHL.com, the Boston Herald and XNsports.com. He covered the Boston Bruins/NHL for last 11 seasons writing for ESPNBoston.com, ESPN.com, NHL.com, NESN.com, the Boston Metro, Insidehockey.com and Le Hockey Magazine. Murphy also currently hosts the radio show "Murphys Hockey Law" heard Saturdays 9-11 AM ET on Sirius/XM NHL Network Radio and 4-6 PM ET on Websportsmedia.com. In addition to that, he is a regular guest TSN 690 in Montreal and Sirius/XM NHL Network Radio as well as a hockey analyst on CTV Montreal. ' ' '
SAN FRANCISCO -- The San Francisco Giants have activated right-hander Matt Cain from the 15-day disabled list and designated lefty David Huff for assignment. Cain was activated in time to start Fridays series opener against the New York Mets. Cain had been sidelined since May 22 with a strained right hamstring. He is 1-3 with a 3.66 ERA in eight starts this season. Huff was 1-0 with a 6.30 ERA in 16 relief appearances. Discount Jerseys Online . J.J. Hardy drove in a run for the Orioles, who bounced back from an 8-4 loss in the series opener on Friday. Fresh off the 15-day disabled list, Derrek Lee went 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Jake Arrieta (7-3) gave up three runs on five hits over six innings to pick up the win. Discount Jerseys . Jason Zucker and Matt Cooke also scored for Minnesota, which has won five of six. Kuemper made five saves in the first, nine in the second, and nine in the third. The rookies best save came with 2:17 left in the third period when he denied former Wild forward Matt Cullen from just outside of the crease on the right side. https://www.discountjerseysonline.com/. 5 Trade Deadline is drawing closer and teams will be deciding on whether to buy or sell. Discount Jerseys Cheap . Lynn was tied for 16th entering the fourth round, six shots behind leader Paul Waring. He started with two birdies and added three more on his last five holes at the Oceanico Victoria course for an 18-under total of 266. Discount Jerseys Team . Gomes drove in all three runs, including a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning, and Cleveland rallied for a 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.Weve seen it a million times. A receiver doesnt make the catch on a passing play and instantly motions to the ref – and everybody else – for a pass interference flag. Sometimes he gets the call, more often he doesnt; but if the CFLs new proposed rule change – making pass interference calls reviewable – is passed, hell at least have a chance to be vindicated for his protestation. The league announced it is considering making pass interference, both called and potential, subject to a coachs challenge, with the potential rule change to be voted on by the Rules Committee Thursday. The rule change would lead to a more accurately called game, but is it worth the trouble? Any fan knows that pass interference is questionable on a large number of passing plays, and at breakneck speeds its not always easy to determine. While a video review would likely lead to the correct call, it would also slow down the pace of the game. Its probable each coach could find at least two passing plays – his allotted number of challenges per gamme – to throw the red flag on per game.ddddddddddddAnd if hes correct in his first two challenges, thats another PI call to contest each game. That time adds up. Making subjective calls reviewable is an issue as well. While fans of the losing team would surely be on board, taking too much power away from the refs is not ideal. Removing a refs judgment and calling pass interference strictly by the book could lead to a lot more infractions, making a defensive backs job even harder. It could open the door to more subjective calls getting the video review treatment as well. If pass interference can be challenged by coaches, why not holding calls, offside calls, or roughing the passer? Thursdays Rules Committee meeting will also see blocking rules reviewed, head shot rules clarified, and changes to scoring rules clarified, but the pass interference proposal is the big one. The Rouge asks: Should the CFL make pass interference subject to video review? Youve heard what weve had to say, now its your turn. As always, its Your! Call. ' ' '
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - Think of the Super Bowl and you think of excess: Big money, big parties, big crowds and an even bigger mess left behind when the circus leaves town. Well, at least the messy part is getting smaller. Beginning in the 1990s, the National Football League has sought to gradually reduce the footprint left behind by the Big Game, and the league is taking steps to make the Feb. 2 Super Bowl at MetLife Stadium the most environmentally friendly yet, from planting trees to offset carbon emissions to composting food waste to using biodiesel to power generators. "We try and stay ahead of the curve," said Jack Groh, a consultant who directs the NFLs environmental programs. "We try and push the envelope every year." Most of the attention focused on this years Super Bowl is, understandably, on the challenges of holding it outdoors in the Northeast for the first time. Another, less-celebrated first: MetLife Stadium will compost food waste on game day, the first time thats happened at a Super Bowl. Its not new for the stadium. Dave Duernberger, MetLife Stadiums vice-president of facilities, said the stadium produced 195 tons of food waste for composting last year, up from 153 tons the year before. Duernberger expects about seven or eight tons to be generated during the Super Bowl, which will go into a giant compactor and then be trucked to a local facility for processing. The end product can be used for landscaping. Another innovation is the use of biodiesel fuel processed from waste cooking oil. According to Groh, a biodiesel mix will be used in generators that will power Super Bowl Boulevard, the 13-block party on Broadway that will feature entertainment and a giant toboggan slide, as well as generators that are augmenting the power supply on the MetLife Stadium grounds. The head of Public Service Electric & Gas, the utility that provides power to the complex, has estimated that it will take about 18 megawatts of electricity to power the entire complex for the game, or what would be needed to power 12,000 homes. Of that, PSE&G president Ralph LaRossa said as much as six megawatts could be provided by the generators. Greening the Super Bowl has been a passion project for Groh, who started out as a journalist before forming an environmental communications firm with his wife. He did his first work for the NFL at the 1994 Super Bowl in Atlanta, at a time when the simple recycling of plastic bottles and cans at stadiums was a significant step forward. He continuously seeks out new ways to wring as much value out of things that normally would be discarded. For example, in the weeks leading up to this years Super Bowl, the NFL sponsored e-waste recycling events in New York and New Jersey that collected 9,000 pounds of old phones, computers and other gadgets, according to Verizon, which partnered in the program. Tens of thousands of trees have been planted in the metropolitan area to offset carbon emissions created by the game, Groh said. After the game, the league will donate several miles of fabric signage to nonprofits or other groups for repurposing. In New Orleans, Groh said, local designers took the fabric and used it to make purses, dresses, shower curtains, beanbag chairs, tote bags and wallets. "Our primary objective is to see that it doesnt go to a landfill," he said. The efforts have drawn a thumbs-up from the New Jersey chapter of the Sierra Club, whose president, Jeff Tittel, called the programs "good for the environment and good for the NFLs image." "The NFL is doing a better job reducing greenhouse gases and offsetting carbon than the state of New Jersey is," said Tittel, a consistent critic of Gov. Chris Christies environmental policies. "Thats the irony, they understand climate change better than our governor does." NHL Jerseys China . -- Aaron Rodgers looked fine on the practice field Thursday. NHL Jerseys 2020 . He has spent much of his adult life trying to give back to his native South Sudan, the war-torn African nation the Cavaliers forward and his family fled when he was a young boy. https://www.cheapnhljerseysjustwholesale.com/. 5 Trade Deadline is drawing closer and teams will be deciding on whether to buy or sell. Cheap NHL Jerseys . Watch the announcement live on TSN.ca at 12:30pm et/9:30am pt. This years honourees will be recognized at the 2014 Hockey Canada Foundation Celebrity Classic, scheduled for June 23-24 in Vancouver. Authentic NHL Jerseys . - Free agent defensive end Will Smith has signed with the New England Patriots.ATLANTA - Landing another of baseballs top power hitters, the San Diego Padres acquired Atlanta outfielder Justin Upton on Friday in a trade that sent four prospects to the Braves.The Padres already made two huge trades in recent days to get outfielders, acquiring slugger Matt Kemp from the Los Angeles Dodgers and former AL Rookie of the Year Wil Myers from Tampa Bay.Now, San Diego has picked up one of baseballs top right-handed power threats in Upton, who will earn $14.5 million in the final year of his contract. He had 29 homers and 102 RBIs last seasonThe Braves acquired left-hander Max Fried, infielder Jace Peterson, third baseman Dustin Peterson and outfielder Mallex Smith, as well as San Diegos fourth international bonus pool slot. Jace Peterson is the only player whos spent any time in the majors.The Padres also get right-hander Aaron Northcraft.In contrast to San Diegos win-now approach, the Braves are in rebuilding mode after failing to make the playoffs last season and are aiming toward the opening of their new suburban stadium in 2017. New general manager John Hart has dealt two of the top hitters from a lineup that already had trouble scoring runs, trading Jason Heyward to the Cardinals.Upton and Heyward are heading into the final year of their contracts, and the Braves were not willing to risk losing them while getting nothing in return.With a solid pitching staff in place, the Padres have taken huge steps to pump up the major leagues worst offence under their new general manager, A.J. Preller.The trade for Upton came less than 24 hours after the Padres finalized a five-player trade with the Dodgers. The biggest name in that deal was Kemp, a two-time All-Star whose 182 homers rank fourth in Los Angeles Dodgers history.San Diego also completed an 11-player, three-team trade that brought Myers from the Rays. He will likely play centre field, flanked by Upton and Kemp, to suddenly give the Padres one of the most dynamic outfields in the major leagues.In addition, they still have their three outfielders who got the bulk of the playing time in 2014: Seth Smith, Cameron Maybin and Will Venable. The best option for a deal would appear to be Smith, who hit .266 with 12 homers and 48 RBIs.The Padres hadd a historically awful offence in the first half of 2014 before improving enough to finish third in the NL West.dddddddddddd Still, they were at the bottom of the majors with a .226 average, .292 on-base percentage and 535 runs. Their 109 homers were the second-fewest in the baseball.That shouldnt be a problem in 2015.The trade of Upton had been expected since the Braves signed outfielder Nick Markakis to a $44 million, four-year deal. The newcomer will take over for Heyward in right field, while Evan Gattis is expected to move from catcher to replace left fielder Upton.Gattis, though, has also been mentioned in trade talks.The deal breaks up the Upton brothers, whose two years together in Atlanta did not live up to expectations.With much fanfare, the Braves signed B.J. Upton to a $75.25 million, five-year deal before the 2013 season and landed his younger brother in a blockbuster deal with Arizona. While Justin had two solid seasons, hitting 27 homers with 70 RBIs in his Braves debut, B.J. has been one of the biggest free-agent busts in baseball history.This past season, the older Upton hit just .208 with 12 homers and 35 RBIs, though that was actually an improvement on his 2013 performance — .184, nine homers and 26 RBIs.Atlanta would undoubtedly love to cut ties with B.J. Upton, as well, but its unlikely that anyone would be willing to take on the final three years of his contract, even with the Braves assuming a substantial portion of the estimated $45 million he is still owed.The 20-year-old Fried looks to be the biggest catch in the deal for the Braves, though any payoff is years down the road.The seventh overall pick in the 2012 amateur draft, Fried pitched only five games last season between Rookie ball and Class A before lingering pain in his elbow forced him to undergo Tommy John surgery. He will miss a good portion of 2015 coming back from the reconstructive surgery, slowing his progress toward the majors.Jace Peterson could get a chance to start at second base for the Braves. The 24-year-old hit just .113 in 27 games for the Padres last season.___AP Sports Writer Ronald Blum in New York contributed to this report.___Follow Paul Newberry on Twitter at www.twitter.com/pnewberry1963 ' ' '
A season after winning 19 of 50 games against Western Conference opponents, the Calgary Flames are slowly convincing themselves and others they can compete in whats widely considered the superior side of the standings. The next step comes Saturday night in Arizona, where the Flames will try to establish some road success after five seasons of struggles in visits to the Coyotes. Calgary (14-8-2) is gaining plenty of confidence from games such as Wednesdays 2-0 win in San Jose, which came a night after a 3-2 loss at Anaheim and extended the Flames season-long run of not having suffered consecutive regulation losses. Theyre 8-4-0 against the West. Character, coach Bob Hartley told the teams official website. It starts with our captain (Mark Giordano). We have lots of great players. They understand our situation. We want to make it to the (Stanley Cup playoffs) and we understand the Western Conference, its a real tough conference. But at the same time, every time we get two points were believing more and more. Its fun to push those guys. Jiri Hudler scored twice and has four goals and an assist in his last three games. He has 10 in 23 games this season after needing 117 games to score 27 goals in his first two seasons in Calgary. Giordano, meanwhile, leads the team with 24 points in 24 games, more than doubling the defensemans career production of 0.47 points per game. With similar contributions from players such as defenseman T.J. Brodie and rookie forward Johnny Gaudreau, the Flames have established themselves as an offensive force in the league with 3.00 goals per game a season after finishing 23rd (2.46). In goal, Karri Ramo shut out the Sharks with a 32-save effort for his best game of the season. I think everybody here in the room knows that if we just keep playing our game were going to win many games, Ramo said. In the long run, we dont have to panic. Just play our game and focus on our own game. Jonas Hiller has handled the bulk of the load, but hes allowed at least three goals in each game of a 2-3-0 stretch, including a 5-3 home win over Arizona (9-11-3) on Nov. 13. Hiller has a 1.97 goals-against average over a 10-0-1 span against the Coyotes, but 10 of those starts came with Anaheim. In the meeting earlier this month, Giordano scored - his seventh point in his last six games against Arizona. In Phoenix, however, the Coyotes have won four straight over the Flames and nine of 10. They might not be entering with quite that level of confidence after Tuesdays 4-3 overtime loss to Colorado gave them a fourth straight home defeat. Arizona led 3-0 just 10:53 into the game. It doesnt feel good leaving points out there, defenseman Michael Stone told the teams official website. We had a good handle on the game and we let it get away. Stone and Antoine Vermette had a goal and an assist each, but the Coyotes fell to 0 for 20 on power plays in their last five home games. Mike Smith made 31 saves but saw his losing streak grow to 0-5-2 with a 3.00 GAA, though thats an improvement from the 3.44 mark that accompanied his 4-6-0 start. At home against Calgary, Smith is 4-1-0 with a 1.59 GAA. The teams play Tuesday in Calgary with the Coyotes first making a stop in Edmonton. College Jerseys . The league announced Thursday that Tom Higgins is leaving that post effective immediately. Wholesale College Jerseys .C. -- Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith has been ruled out for Sundays game against the Atlanta Falcons. https://www.cheapncaajerseysjustwholesale.com/. Didnt need any help this time. Wood beat Cincinnati for the first time in his career, repeatedly pitching out of threats for seven innings, and Chicago stalled the Reds week-long surge with a 2-0 victory Monday night. Cheap NCAA Jerseys China .Y. - Rob Manfred was promoted Monday to Major League Baseballs chief operating officer, which may make him a candidate to succeed Bud Selig as commissioner. Authentic NCAA Jerseys . All of 46 seconds into the Pittsburgh Penguins 3-2 victory over Alex Ovechkins struggling Washington Capitals, Crosby assisted on Chris Kunitzs goal.ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Less than three years after being one of the most prized free agents on the open market, Nnamdi Asomugha NFL career is over. Asomugha formally announced his retirement Friday at the Oakland Raiders headquarters, ending his 11-year career at the place he had his most success. "Im just grateful to be back, grateful for everything to go full circle," Asomugha said. "For all of the achievements and awards, to be able to retire as a Raider ranks highest among all of those." Asomugha made three Pro Bowls and was a two-time first-team All-Pro during his eight seasons with the Raiders when he was considered one of the leagues top cover cornerbacks. But his career quickly fizzled after signing a $60 million, five-year contract with Philadelphia in the summer of 2011. He was cut after two years with the Eagles and played just three games this season for San Francisco before being released in November. He said he had opportunities to come back since then but felt the time was right to go on with the rest of his life. Asomugha was joined at his retirement news conference by three of the Raiders best defensive backs: Hall of Famer Willie Brown, Lester Hayes and Charles Woodson. Asomugha credited all three, along with others like Rod Woodson and Mike Haynes for his transformation from a college safety to an elite NFL cornerback. "He turned into what they call that shut-down corner," Woodson said. "People just decided going into the game they werent going to throw at him. Thats a testament to his hard work." Asomugha came into the NFL as a first-round pick out of California in 2003 and became one of the rare Al Davis first-rounders to pan out in his later years running the Raiders. After taking a few years to adjust to playing cornerback after being mostly a safety in college, Asomugha thrived in the Raiderrs system that often left cornerbacks alone on an island matched up man-to-man against opposing receivers.dddddddddddd "When I first came into the league not too many people really knew who I was," Asomugha said. "When I first got here I was definitely called a reach. In great Al Davis fashion, he took a reach that he believed in and instilled confidence in me like nobody else could and I was able to become all that he expected of me." Asomugha had a breakthrough season in 2006 when he intercepted eight passes and was a rare bright spot on a 2-14 team. By the next season, opposing quarterbacks rarely even threw the ball his direction. In his final four seasons with the Raiders, Asomugha had just 136 passes thrown at him in 60 games, allowing just 66 completions and only two touchdowns. Asomugha was paid well for his performance in Oakland, earning $9.5 million in 2008 and then signing a $45.3 million, three-year deal the following off-season. That contract voided after his second year and he became one of the most prominent free agents after the lockout ended in 2011. After never playing on a winning team in his eight seasons in Oakland, Asomugha joined the Eagles in what was billed as the "dream team." But he never fit in to a system that had him playing zone coverage instead of being exclusively in man-to-man. Philadelphia was one of the leagues most disappointing teams in his two seasons there, going 12-20 and missing the playoffs both times. Asomugha signed a minimum contract with the 49ers last off-season but made one start and played three games before being released, meaning he will end his career having never made the playoffs. "We didnt get a championship, that was the goal," Asomugha said. "But we had a lot of championship moments here and thats the stuff I can be proud of moving forward." ' ' '
After attending the IPLs opening ceremony, Sky Sports Mark Butcher offered a lift to two of the competitions star batsmen... Gujarat Lions skipper Suresh Raina - a man with more IPL appearances and runs than anybody else - earned a ride back to his hotel, as did Kings XI Punjab captain David Miller, as you will see in the video above.At the ceremony itself, the former Surrey star caught up with Mumbai Indians all-rounder Kieron Pollard and Rising Pune Supergiants coach Stephen Fleming, while he also danced with Dwayne Bravo! Mark Butcher caught up with Dwayne Bravo at the launch of the 2016 IPL season Butcher will be sending back regular video diaries during his time at the IPL, so head to skysports.com for the latest instalments.The 2016 IPL is live in full on Sky Sports. Click here for a list of the TV times. Also See: Buttler ready for IPL Kevin Pietersens year How to watch the IPL IPL: Who should YOU support? Off White Vapormax Fake For Sale . "Uuufff," was all shortstop Adeiny Hechavarria could come up with after Stantons latest mammoth shot. Air Max 97 Plus Cheap . First reported by FOX Sports Ken Rosenthal, its unknown if the impetus for the deferral proposal came from players or management, but it never left the preliminary stages. http://www.cheapairmaxchinawholesale.com...700-outlet.html. Wilson hit Schenn from behind during Tuesday nights game in Philadelphia, earning a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct. He has a phone hearing with the department of player safety, which limits any potential suspension to five or fewer games. Air Max 95 White Sale . The two-time former Formula One champion downplayed his third-place finish three weeks ago in China and said progress is going slow for Ferrari as it tries to make up ground on Mercedes. Air Max 270 Discount . Quarterback Drew Willy appeared to injure his throwing hand on the third last play of practice Thursday.San Jose Sharks 1, Winnipeg Jets 0 (Jets 22-24-5, 11-14-1 on road) - After the win in Anaheim against the top team in the Pacific Division, the Jets faced the Sharks - the second best team in the Pacific Division. The loss was the first under Paul Maurice, snapping the team and Ondrej Pavelecs win streak at four. It was the second time this season the Jets have been shut out. The Jets are in a stretch of three games in four nights, with a home game against Toronto Saturday (TSN 1290) and a road game in Chicago on Sunday (TSN Jets, TSN 1290). The first period was fast paced with chances at both ends, as the shots ended 11-11. Jets went 0-2 on the power play. The pace slowed in the second as the Sharks kept the Jets to just four shots on goal; Pavelec stopped all 11 he faced. Each team had a power play, the Jets man-advantage coming after a charging penalty to Mike Brown for a dangerous hit from behind on Jacob Trouba. Trouba was slow to get up but stayed in the game. The only goal of the game came in the third, as the Sharks capitalized on a Jets turnover - Joe Pavelski, with his seventh in four games and 28th on the year, scoring the goal. The Sharks outshot the Jets 10-5 in the third. The Jets killed off two third period penalties, going 3-3 on the night. Final shots favoured San Jose, 32-20, with Alex Stalock picking up his second straight shutout. Bryan& Little has his point-streak snapped at five games but had a terrific opportunity in the third only to miss the net with his one-timer.dddddddddddd Blake Wheeler and Mark Scheifele had their streaks end at four games. Pavelec stopped a high, hard blast from Brent Burns in the third. He stayed down for a time, was checked out and stayed in the game, but still seemed to be feeling the effects off the shot as the game wore on. "The effort was there," said coach Maurice post-game. "Were there areas we can be better in, yes. We need to find ways to generate more against these teams. I didnt have a problem with the group, some individuals that we needed more from I will get to. They dont give you much. Its difficult to complete plays against them. Our D core got tested by two very good teams on this trip and did well. Can we become a good defensive team but keep the offense? I think we can. Im excited about this group going forward." Toby Enstrom and Zach Bogosian have become the Jets shutdown pair on defense and had two good games against two tough teams. "I like the way they move the puck, like the way they play the game," said Maurice. Trouba led the team in ice time at 24:23, Olli Jokinen led in shots with five. It was not a good night in the face-off department, with the Sharks winning 65 per cent. ' ' '
TORONTO -- Injured Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Brandon Morrow doesnt have a timeline in place for his return to the lineup. Hes just happy to have his uniform on and be back with teammates after a long stint away from the club while rehabilitating a finger injury. Morrow returned to Rogers Centre on Tuesday and made 25 throws from 60 feet before the team took batting practice. It was the latest step in his recovery after suffering a torn tendon sheath in his throwing hand on May 2. "Its not 100 per cent but its not painful," Morrow said. "Its just kind of stiff from not really using it for six weeks. It actually feels better after I throw. It loosens it up and the range of motion gets better. "So its been great. Throwing has been good for the last week." Morrow had been rehabilitating in Arizona, spending up to two hours a day doing grip exercises to slowly strengthen his index finger. "Theres a lot of pinching and a lot of Play-Doh squeezing," he said. "Thats it really." Over the weekend, he took another step and started throwing from 45 feet. While the sessions would barely get his shoulder warm, Morrow understands its all part of the slow, long process of regaining strength and mobility. "It can heal back and thats what were hoping for," he said. "If there was no chance of it doing that, then I would have just had surgery that first week. But theres obviously a good chance of rehabbing it naturally I guess, and avoiding surgery and being healthy and getting it back to where I need it to be." Morrow, whos 1-2 with a 5.93 earned-run average this season, had his finger completely immobilized for two weeks after the injury. He couldnt lift upper-body weights for about four weeks until he felt comfortable gripping things again. Morrow wore a custom brace on his finger while throwing Tuesday. "Theres no doubt that if (his recovery) continues the way it has been that Ill pitch again this year," he said. "I cant put a date on it. They just put together a calendar for me, which I havent even seen. This is my fifth day throwing so its too early to say." The 29-year-old native of Santa Rosa, Calif., was tabbed to be a key part of the Toronto rotation this season. His potential return could give the first-place Blue Jays a nice boost for the stretch drive. "Thats what Im looking to do is to come in at a really crucial point in the season and be able to pitch the way that I have in the past and contribute and add something to the team," Morrow said. There were hugs and handshakes all around Tuesday afternoon as he caught up with teammates in the clubhouse and dugout before Tuesday nights game against the New York Yankees. "I think it was for my own sanity to come back," Morrow joked. "But yeah, Im to the point where I dont need the hand therapy three times a week anymore, where the rehab is more now throwing and getting back into a regular baseball throwing program routine. "It makes sense to make that transition from doing the small stuff to more of the baseball stuff. So it makes sense to come back." Stitched Bulls Jerseys . TSN platforms will broadcast 75+ live games per season – tripling the networks current slate of MLB games. With the new deal TSN retains rights to ESPNs SUNDAY NIGHT BASEBALL and, for the first time, acquires rights to ESPNs MONDAY NIGHT BASEBALL and WEDNESDAY NIGHT BASEBALL. Chicago Bulls Pro Shop . Sources tell TSN that union executives travelled to select CFL cities Monday to open dialogue with players and answer questions. After the tentative deal was reached Saturday night, several players posted messages of frustration and disappointment on social media - and that carried over into Sunday on both the web and the field. https://www.cheapbulls.com/. -- San Francisco 49ers offensive co-ordinator Greg Roman is a finalist to replace Joe Paterno at Penn State, his agent said Monday. Cheap Bulls Jerseys . Ending a nine-game losing streak? That gave the Milwaukee Bucks veteran forward a reason to smile. Chicago Bulls Shirts .ca. Kerry, In the first period of Saturdays Montreal-Ottawa game, Brendan Gallagher is called for goaltender interference. Craig Anderson is outside the blue paint trying to make the save.ANSWERS:Beard 1: Hockey player Jonathan Quick(Image via Huffington Post) Beard 2: Hockey player! Thats PK Subban.(Image via Huffington Post)Beard 3: Hipster! Its James Franco(Image via Huffington Post)(H/T Huffington Post) ' ' '
OTTAWA -- For the second straight game the Toronto Maple Leafs allowed 50 shots against in a hockey game. For the second straight game they emerged with a victory James Van Riemsdyk and Mason Raymond scored in the shootout Saturday night while James Reimer stopped both shots he faced as the Leafs defeated the Ottawa Senators 4-3. Reimer was the best player for the Leafs (15-11-3) making 47 saves during regulation and overtime. He was supported with goals from Van Riemsdyk, Phil Kessel and Jake Gardiner. The game came on the heels of a 3-2 overtime win over the Dallas Stars Thursday when they were outshot 50-24. Jonathan Bernier made 48 saves in that game and stopped the Leafs five-game losing streak in the process. "My job is to stop them whether theres 10 shots or 100 shots," Reimer said. "Its our (his and Berniers) job to get in front of them and give the team a chance and thats it. We dont really care how many shots were giving up. Our job is to stop the puck from going in the net." Clarke MacArthur, Erik Condra and Erik Karlsson scored for the Senators (11-14-4), and Craig Anderson made 28 saves. The Senators scored twice in the third period to come back from a 3-1 deficit. Greening was in the corner and found Condra alone in the slot and he beat Reimer high glove side at 2:23 to make the score 3-2. Karlsson tied the game on a power play at 10:30 of the third after sneaking in from the point and scoring from the top of the crease following a pass from Mika Zibanejad. "There were two power play goals that we should have had coverage on but we found a way to win the hockey game," Leafs coach Randy Carlyle said after his team gave the Senators eight power-play opportunities. "Weve had some down times of late so were going to take the points and move on. We need to continue to focus on the things we do well and when we skate and attack we can be a hockey club that can have success. When we sit back and receive the game we allow the opposition to dictate the pace of the game." Senators forward Zack Smith would just as soon forget everything related to the Leafs second goal, starting when he was knocked down just inside the Toronto blueline and turned the puck over. Van Riemsdyk was the initial recipient of the turnover as he gained control of the loose puck and started up ice on a 2-on-1 that was eventually turned into a goal by Kessel at 3:05 of the second period. The bad news didnt end there for Smith. Following the goal, thinking there should have been a penalty on the play, he was given a two-minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty along with a 10-minute misconduct. "What we think doesnt matter. Only when the guy with the orange armbands puts his hand up in the air and calls it a penalty, thats the only time its a penalty," Senators coach Paul MacLean said. "We can all argue and say (Nazem Kadri) had his stick in between (Smiths) legs and he up falling down and they ended up with a 2-on-1 going the other way, but the guy with the orange armbands didnt put his arm up so its not a penalty, its a good defensive play." The Leafs then scored another semi-controversial goal at 11:37 of the second period as Gardiner scored his first goal of the season with Van Riemsdyk lying in the Senators net partially on top of Anderson. Problem was Senators defenceman Marc Methot was the one who shoved Van Riemsdyk into the net. The teams had emerged from the first period tied 1-1 after both teams capitalized on early power plays. In the middle of traffic in front of Anderson, Van Riemsdyk was able to get his stick on a loose puck and put a backhand shot through the goaltenders legs at 1:37.A little more than eight minutes later MacArthur drew the Senators even with a one-timer off a pass from Zibanejad through the legs of Reimer. Despite the loss, Senators captain Jason Spezza feels the club has performed well in their past half dozen games, even if the results are not as positive as they would like having won just twice in those six games. "This has probably been our best six block game of the season with our effort, so youd like to think that first comes the process and then comes the result," Spezza said. "Weve been going through the process and I think weve been getting better. We cant hang our heads. We have to build and we have three games in four nights so its a lot of hockey coming." It starts Monday night when the Senators host the Philadelphia Flyers Notes: The game was the second of four meetings between the teams this season. Toronto won the first meeting 5-4 in a shootout on Oct. 5 at the Air Canada CentreaSenators forwards Bobby Ryan and Milan Michalek, who turned 29 Saturday, havent scored in eight games ... Forward Matt Kassian was in the lineup for the first time in the Senators last 11 gamesaThe Maple Leafs have the third youngest roster in the NHL with an average age of 26.8 yearsaPaul Ranger and Morgan Rielly were scratches for the Leafs while Eric Gryba and Cory Conacher were scratches for the SenatorsaThe Leafs have lost 80 man games to injury this season compared to just 15 for the Senators. Toronto Raptors Store . "Last year we were in a ton of situations, late-game situations we couldnt pull out. Wed kind of fold under the pressure, get frustrated or let a big shot frustrate us," guard DeMar DeRozan said. Stitched Raptors Jerseys .I shared with him how much I appreciated all he had done for us, Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge said of that Thursday night farewell. https://www.cheapraptors.com/. -- The Oakland Raiders expect to have starting right tackle Tony Pashos back for Sundays game against the Houston Texans. Raptors Jerseys 2019 . -- Brad Gushue of St. Raptors Jerseys China . You can watch the game on TSN at 7pm et/4pm pt and listen to the game on TSN Radio 690 in Montreal. After starting the month of November on an 0-3-1 slide, the Canadiens have recorded wins in three of their last five outings (3-1-1).INDIANAPOLIS -- The Colts lost defensive end Fili Moala with a season-ending knee injury Wednesday, then survived another scare with receiver T.Y. Hilton. Its the third straight year Moala has finished the season on injured reserve. In March, the defensive end re-signed with Indianapolis after posting a career-best 26 tackles. He also had 1 1/2 sacks and fumble recovery in 2013 but landed on IR with a knee injury just before the playoffs started.dddddddddddd The scare came when Hilton fell to the ground during a light workout and came up clutching his right leg. A few minutes later, he got up, stretched out and eventually returned to practice. He told reporters he was OK. To replace Moala, Indy signed 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive end Gannon Conway, an undrafted rookie. ' ' '
Fern Whelan fully expects England to finish top of their Euro 2017 qualifying group following Saturdays stunning 7-0 win over Serbia at Adams Park. A Karen Carney hat-trick and goals from Alex Greenwood, Ellen White, Izzy Christiansen and debutant Rachel Daly saw England brush aside the visitors with ease ahead of the return fixture in Serbia on Tuesday.England can go two points clear of group leaders Belgium with victory in Serbia and Whelan would not be surprised if head coach Mark Sampson rotates his squad for Englands penultimate qualifier away from home. After Saturdays performance, I cant see anything other than England topping the group, the Notts County Ladies centre-back told Sky Sports. Karen Carney of England scores from the penalty spot Another three points on Tuesday and we will go above Belgium after six games. But youd think it will be a little more difficult away from home in Serbia and youd expect Serbia to maybe change their game-plan.They tried to be defensive against England on Saturday but it didnt work because of the creativity of Englands players. Thats perhaps where we have been lacking in the past.They may try and counteract us on Tuesday but I think we have good players that can come off the bench and Im sure Mark will change the squad around a little bit as well to give people more minutes. England head coach Mark Sampson talks to his squad Sometimes you try and build consistency but all the girls have earned their place in the squad and they will all want to get some minutes Im sure, especially those that werent involved on Saturday.It will be interesting to see what Mark does but it would be good for some of the girls who havent been playing to get some experience as well. Englands women football team beat Serbia 7-0 in a European Qualifier at Adams Park Saturdays win was England biggest since the 8-0 victory over Estonia last September and Whelan, who has three international caps to her name, was impressed by an excellent all-round team performance from the Lionesses.I was really impressed with England and I think that was the best Ive seen them play in the group stages so far, the former Everton Ladies defender said. Fern Whelan joined us at Sky Sports News HQ for Englands win over Serbia They looked very positive, they created a lot of chances and they looked really dangerous going forward. I think even when Serbia tried to get out of their own half they werent able to do so because England were pressing so high and were right in their faces.The whole XI contributed and it wasnt just the one player who played really well. I think Mark and the girls will have been very happy with Saturdays performance and hopefully it will be more of the same on Tuesday. Also See: SportsWomen Latest Show News Latest News SportsWomen Video Air Max Baratas Spain . 9 Baylor Bears just needed some time to get on track in their first game after the Christmas break. Yeezy Baratas Hombre . Burkes Flames are one of several teams involved in heavy trade speculation going into next Wednesdays 3pm et deadline, with the most prominent name in play being forward Michael Cammalleri. https://www.zapatillasbaratasspain.es/za...2288.html.Those stars, most notably the top line of James van Riemsdyk, Tyler Bozak and Phil Kessel, struggled against the Montreal Canadiens and must be better as the Leafs look ahead to facing the Pittsburgh Penguins and New York Rangers this weekend. Replica Jordan España . Today, their baseball playing sons were reportedly traded for each other. According to the Los Angeles Times, the Chicago Cubs dealt minor league outfield Trevor Gretzky to the Angels for catcher Matt Scioscia. Zapatillas Mujer Baratas .Y. -- When the New York Islanders lead was cut in half in the opening minute of the third period, the sense of impending doom began wafting through Nassau Coliseum.The New England Patriots brought the NFLs longest winning streak this season to Green Bay.They continued their cross-country road trip without it.Their 26-21 loss to the Packers in the matchup of top title contenders Sunday makes it more important to avoid a losing streak on the final leg of their journey.After the game, the Patriots flew to San Diego for Sunday nights meeting with the surging Chargers.If we see them again, you know where its at, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski said of a possible Super Bowl against the Packers, so, obviously, that would be cool. Not really thinking about that. ... Now we have to look forward, put it behind us and move on to San Diego.The Patriots and Broncos are both 9-3, but New England has the tiebreaker because it beat Denver. Theyre followed in the AFC by Cincinnati (8-3-1) and Indianapolis and San Diego (both 8-4).Keeping the No. 1 seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs before the Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, is critical for the Patriots. Theyre 6-0 this season at home and 3-3 on the road after Green Bay ended their seven-game winning streak.Right after the loss, the two most senior Patriots, quarterback Tom Brady and defensive tackle Vince Wilfork sat in front of Bradys locker and talked for a few minutes.It was a tougher loss to handle than their other two — 33-20 to Miami in the opener and 41-14 to Kansas City in their fourth game.This was a test against a team that had won six of its previous seven games and the Patriots came up short.The defence stopped the Packers inside the red zone four times, holding them to short field goals. But they let Green Bay keep the ball for 36 minutes, 35 seconds as the Packers converted 10 of their 17 third-down plays.That limited Bradys chances with an offence that kept the ball for just 223:25.ddddddddddddWe had a lot of opportunities to move the ball, Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Monday in a conference call from San Diego. We missed a third-and-1 early in the game. We came up on a fourth-and-1 just short of the first down early in the game. We had a penalty to start the third quarter, so we ended up with some short drives which limited the number of plays that we ran.They would have had more if they had been able to get a first down on a third-and-9 from the Green Bay 20 with 3:25 left. But Brady was sacked for a 9-yard loss and Stephen Gostkowski missed a 47-yard field-goal attempt.They could have gotten the ball back after Green Bay had a third-and-4 at its 43 with 2:28 remaining. But Aaron Rodgers completed a 7-yard pass to a closely guarded Randall Cobb and the Packers ran out the clock.Thats where that saying comes in, Its a game of inches. It really is, Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis said. When youre playing against another great team, you have to be on point at all times, because any error can cost you. We probably had some errors today, and Im sure well get them corrected, but like I said, theres no room for errors.The Patriots were playing their third straight game against a division leader and had beaten each of the others by at least 22 points.Now the schedule gets easier with the remaining games against San Diego, Miami, the New York Jets and Buffalo.But the margin for error is smaller after the loss in Green Bay.This was a test for us. It was a big test, Revis said, and Im sure it was a big test for them, too. Its two great teams playing. So for it to go down to the wire like this, it was expected when youve got two great quarterbacks and two great teams going at it.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '
Orlando, FL (SportsNetwork.com) - Late in the third quarter, the Brooklyn Nets led by as many as 26, but they had to survive a furious fourth-quarter comeback in their 100-98 win over the Orlando Magic on Friday. Orlando outscored Brooklyn 37-14 in the final period and cut its deficit down to one possession, but it could not hit a tying or go-ahead shot in the games final minute. Mason Plumlee led the Nets with 18 points and nine rebounds, and it was his reverse layup with 2:21 remaining that ended Orlandos 16-0 run to get back in the game. Brooklyn also got 16 points each from Brook Lopez and Deron Williams off the bench in its sixth win in seven games. Joe Johnson added 14 points, including two clutch free throws in the closing seconds. Victor Oladipo led the Magic with 17 points despite not taking a shot in the final quarter. Elfrid Payton scored 16 points, handed out 10 assists and pulled down nine boards. In its second straight loss, Orlando also got 14 points from Ben Gordon and 12 apiece from Tobias Harris and Evan Fournier. Down 17 with just over a minute expired in the third quarter, Orlando went on a 10-0 run, capped by Payton converting a steal into a three-point play. Minutes later, the Nets went on a 9-0 run of their own. On back-to-back possessions, Plumlee threw down a dunk in transition after a no-look pass from Jarrett Jack, and Kevin Garnett followed that with his first 3- pointer since the 2012-13 season. Orlando did not hit a shot from the floor for the final three minutes of the quarter, and it would trail 86-61 after three periods. In the fourth, Alan Andersons 3-pointer at the 8:16 mark extended the Nets lead back to 24 points, but Orlando had one last run in them. They ran off 16 straight points to pull within eight. Gordon scored 10 in a row, and Payton chipped in the next four. Those two players combined for 14 of the Magics 16 points. Plumlees bucket ended the scoring drought that lasted nearly six minutes, but Orlando responded with back-to-back triples from Channing Frye and Fournier. With 31.9 seconds left, Gordon missed a baseline jumper that would have pulled the Magic within one, and Fournier followed that with a missed 3 after a Nets turnover gave Orlando life. Johnson hit his free throws the following possession, and they proved to be crucial. With three seconds left, Payton hit a 3-pointer after grabbing an offensive rebound, but Orlando was unable to foul to stop the clock as the game ended. Despite making 10-of-16 shots from the field in the first quarter, the Nets trailed 25-22 after one Orlando turned seven Brooklyn turnovers into seven points and scored six on the break. The Nets continued to shoot well in the second, making 13-of-22 shots to finish the half shooting 60.5 percent. They also took control defensively, limiting Orlando to 15 points in the quarter on 22.7 percent shooting. Brooklyns turnaround was spurred by its bench featuring former All-Stars Williams and Lopez. The Brooklyn reserves scored 19 of their 26 first- half points in the second quarter when the Nets turned their three-point deficit into a 52-40 lead at the break. The Nets would have their best shooting performance in the third quarter. They hit 68.4 percent of their shots from the field in the period, including going 3-of-6 from long distance. Game Notes Brooklyns 16-16 record puts them at .500 for the first time since they were 4-4 on Nov. 13 ... The Nets improved to 13-1 when leading after three quarters ... Brooklyn has won three straight against the Magic ... Orlando scored 27 points off 22 Brooklyn turnovers compared to the Nets scoring 13 off Orlandos 11 giveaways ... The season series concludes at Brooklyn on April 15. Air Max Scontate Donne . He reps the 4-1-6The insecurity of Canadian basketball fans is not what it once was with the home grown talent making its way to the big leagues, but it is still nice to see the local kids remembering where they come from once they make their way south. Air Max 95 Uomo Saldi . As each game passes (each has played close with the exception of last night) it becomes clearer just how evenly matched these two teams are and how one mistake, or one bad inning, is likely to sway the result. https://www.scontatescarpeoutlet.it/scon...aldi-c1966.html. Sopoaga hit the upright with his first shot at goal from 15 metres. He then kicked nine goals in succession -- two conversions and seven penalties -- before being replaced in the 62nd minute, three points short of the Highlanders record for most points in a match. Air Max 270 Scontate . Venus Williams advanced to the ASB Classic final in Auckland on a walkover when fellow American Jamie Hampton withdrew from their semifinal Friday with a right hip injury. Air Max 90 Uomo Saldi .com) - Hassan Whiteside scored 20 points with nine rebounds in the Miami Heats 83-75 win over the Boston Celtics on Sunday.FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Free agent defensive end Will Smith has signed with the New England Patriots. The 32-year-old veteran of 10 NFL seasons with New Orleans was a first-round draft pick out of Ohio State in 2004. Hes played in 139 NFL games with 120 starts and has 67 1/2 sacks, 20 forced fumbles and seven fumble recoveries. Smith was iimplicated in the Saints bounty scandal in 2012 and was suspended for four games, although that ban was dismissed by former commissioner Paul Tagliabue.dddddddddddd He spent the 2013 season on injured reserve with a knee injury suffered during training camp. In 2006, Smith made the Pro Bowl and had a career-high 10 1/2 sacks. ' ' '
This week the 2013/14 Premier League season comes to a close. Here at TSN.ca we will take a look back at the season by bringing together a panel of experts to help pick the best 50 players of the season. This list is based purely on their performances this season. It is not a list of who we think the best 50 players in the league are. Fourteen members were asked to take part (panel below) and submit their top 20 players of the season. Their list was then placed into a scoring system and then the totals determined the overall positions in the top 50. Each day this week we will release the list in 10s. The sport is very much about opinions, so please feel free to write your own list in the comments below. You can read part one of the list here. You can read part two of the list here. You can read part three of the list here. Here is how the Top 20 were scored – 1st place – 30pts; 2nd place – 25; 3rd place – 22; 4th place – 20; 5th place – 18; 6th place – 17; 7th place – 15; 8th place – 14; 9th place – 13; 10th place – 12; 11th place – 10; 12th place – 9; 13th place – 8; 14th place – 7; 15th place – 6; 16th place – 5; 17th place – 4; 18th place – 3; 19th place – 2; 20th place – 1. The Panel Six members of TSNs soccer team were on the panel and were joined by eight other members from around the world who were asked to represent their specific field. Joining our staff members were two outstanding statistical experts, Jonny Blain and Simon Gleave, two brilliant reporters/commentators covering the league, Stewart Coggin and Paul Sarahs and two extremely knowledgeable tactics writers, Tim Palmer and Ritesh from the False9 website and a man who covers the development side of the league like no other, Aidan from the England Youth website. In addition, also involved was arguably one of the knowledgeable writers covering the league in the world, Michael Cox, aka Zonal Marking. Follow the Panel on Twitter Aidan from England Youth – https://twitter.com/englandyouthJonny Blain - https://twitter.com/jonoblainNoel Butler - https://twitter.com/TheSoccerNoelStewart Coggin - https://twitter.com/StewartCogginMichael Cox - https://twitter.com/Zonal_MarkingJason DeVos - https://twitter.com/jasondevosSimon Gleave - https://twitter.com/SimonGleaveKristian Jack - https://twitter.com/KristianJackTim Palmer - https://twitter.com/timhpalRitesh from The False9 - https://twitter.com/TheFalse_9Paul Sarahs - https://twitter.com/PaulSarahsPete Schaad - https://twitter.com/PeteSchaadGareth Wheeler - https://twitter.com/WheelerTSNLuke Wileman - https://twitter.com/LukeWileman 20. Christian Eriksen (Tottenham) – We now know that Daniel Levy, Franco Baldini and Andre Villas-Boas didnt see eye-to-eye and we also know a lot of the money, from the Gareth Bale sale, that they collectively spent, may well have better served by being set on fire for a spectacular bonfire in the middle of White Hart Lane. Thankfully, some of their purchases worked out and none better than the new Great Dane, Eriksen. The 22-year-old is on a path to world-class stardom and still managed to perform at a consistent high level, whichever role he was asked to do under whichever manager was in charge. Few in the league can muster a better delivery from a set-piece or make a key pass in the final third. 19. Fernandinho (Manchester City) – The Premier League has not always been good to Brazilians. Sure, Juninho was wonderful for Middlesbrough in the 90s, but for every good Brazilian it seemed five others disappointed. Afonso Alves, anyone? Kleberson? Jo? Robinho? Things, however, are changing with Paulinho, David Luiz, Oscar, Ramires, Willian and Philippe Coutinho all shining in parts of this campaign. Citys Fernandinho, though, was the best of them all this season. Excellent with Shakhtar Donetsk, City identified him immediately as a massive upgrade to Gareth Barry last summer and how right they were. There are few smarter players in the league and the Brazilians discipline allowed Yaya Toure to blossom even more. 18. Leighton Baines (Everton) – The English left back never has a bad game for Roberto Martinezs men and has become one of the faces of the Premier League internationally. It is a remarkable rise to fame for a player who seems uninterested in the bright lights. Baines, regularly linked with a move to Manchester United under David Moyes, might just be the perfect fit for Everton, who continued to evolve under their new boss and didnt use Baines as much as an attacking threat in the final third as in the past (his successful crosses were down over one per game this season compared to last). A shoo-in for a spot on the plane to Brazil for Roy Hodgson. 17. Jay Rodriguez (Southampton) – Many Premier League watchers scoffed when Southampton, recently promoted to the top flight, spent in excess of seven million pounds on a Spanish sounding Englishman from Burnley. ‘J-Rod showed flashes of talent last season, scoring exceptional goals against United and Chelsea, but this season made that price look like a bargain. The Saints were a treat to watch with their attacking flexibility this season, but all of that needed an end product and Rodriguez provided it with 15 league goals before his season, and World Cup chances, ended with a cruciate injury. Few are better in one-on-one situations with the goalkeeper - a real measure of a strikers credentials. 16. Luke Shaw (Southampton) – Rodriguez is likely to stay at St Marys for some time, but his teammate, left back Shaw, may play his final game for the club this Sunday. It will be difficult for the club to turn down large offers from Premier League giants and the 18-year-old will probably be wearing the blue of Chelsea or the red of Manchester United next season. English football has waited for a talent, with a composed left foot, like this for some time. It is remarkable to think Shaw was still in high school two years ago as no stage has fazed him yet at the highest level of English football. 15. Wayne Rooney (Man Utd) – The stats will show that Rooney scored 17 goals and, with 10 assists, contributed directly to 27 league goals in 27 starts (heading into the final weekend), but it was far from a great season for the forward. For a player labeled by most as ‘world class, Rooney hasnt taken over enough games and questions still exist as to what is best position is. A liability defensively when played as a number-10 against top teams, Rooney can thrive when placed directly up front, but with Robin van Persie that will not always happen. United paid handsomely to keep him long-term, as they should, seeing that they need a lot more players close to his talent, but the new manager needs to work on Rooneys consistency and see how he fits best with van Persie and Juan Mata. 14. Jordan Henderson (Liverpool) – Harshly considered a flop after making a big money move to Anfield at a young age, the English midfielder blossomed on the big stage this season, leading Liverpools intelligent press with his fantastic energy and workrate. After spending almost 20 million pounds on a 20-year-old with much to learn, it looked like Henderson may be cast aside with other big money flops like Stewart Downing and Andy Carroll. Instead, Brendan Rodgers saw something Kenny Dalglish didnt and the rest is history. Henderson was badly missed while he was suspended down the stretch. 13. Gary Cahill (Chelsea) – This season Cahill took his game to another level. As the league continues to get more and more international, fewer English players are relied upon to play in big games. In just over two years at Stamford Bridge, Cahill has played under four Chelsea managers and has been one of the few players who has been trusted by all of them. A true big game performer, after stand-out performances in past European finals, the 28-year-old was exceptional for Jose Mourinho this season. Now an integral part of Roy Hodgsons squad for Brazil. 12. John Terry (Chelsea) – Cahill and John Terry were easily the best defensive centre-back partnership this season. Arsenals duo had a good season, but no one came close to the English pair. Terry will tell anyone who is willing to listen just how much he loves Mourinho and it is not hard to understand why. Last season, under Rafa Benitez, the Chelsea skipper spent much of the campaign on the bench but Mourinhos style, on and off the pitch, has revitalized Terrys career. 11. Raheem Sterling (Liverpool) – Once the kid made famous for being shouted at by his manager on the ‘Being: Liverpool documentary series, Sterling is now a potential star in the Premier League. Last season he started well, but tired late and Brendan Rodgers rested his long-term project. This season, it was the opposite with Rodgers taking his time to unleash the 19-year-old until his performances were so good that the manager could no longer keep him out of the side. Had a number of outstanding games, but the world stood and took notice when he played at the top of a midfield diamond at home to Man City and was the games best player. Sterling has a real appreciation for space, but can terrify opposing defenders with intelligent, fast runs, as well. Sports Jerseys Sale .The third-seeded Murray, who won here in 2009, will face seventh-seeded Kevin Anderson of South Africa next on the indoor hard court. Discount Sports Jerseys . The 27th-ranked Austrian underwent surgery on a torn tendon in October and needs more time to recover, the Austria Press Agency reports on Saturday. https://www.discountsportsjerseyscheap.com/. The 36-year-old said a few months ago he would hang up his boots at the end of the season, but has since changed his mind. "Its a pity the season is ending now, as I am in good physical shape and enjoying myself," Di Natale said. Wholesale Sports Jerseys . Canada will host Japan in a World Group first-round match in 2015. It will be a rematch of their first-round clash last year when Japan defeated Canada 4-1 to reach the World Group quarter-finals for the first time in its history. Cheap Sports Jerseys . Jones, from Winnipeg, built a 3-0 advantage after three ends by scoring two in the second and one in the third. Chinas skip Bingyu Wang cut that lead to 3-1 in the fourth before Canada added another three in the fifth for a 6-1 lead. KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The NFL suspended Chiefs backup offensive lineman Rokevious Watkins for four games Thursday for violating its substance-abuse policy. The league said it suspended Watkins without pay for the first four games of the 2014 regular season. Hell eligible to return to the Chiefs active roster Sept. 30, the day after Kansas Citys Monday night game against the New Englandd Patriots.dddddddddddd No details of the violations were disclosed. The league said Watkins is eligible to participate in all off-season and preseason practices and games. Watkins is in his third NFL season. He played in one game for St. Louis in 2012 and three for Kansas City last year, including one start. St. Louis chose Watkins in the fifth round of the 2012 draft. ' ' '
UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- John Tavares scored two first-period goals, leading the New York Islanders to a 6-4 preseason victory against the Nashville Predators on Friday night. Named team captain this month and entering his fifth NHL season, the 23-year-old Tavares beat goaltender Pekka Rinne with a tip-in 1:25 into the game, and then scored off a scramble in front six minutes later. Lubomir Visnovsky, Colin McDonald, Matt Donovan and Josh Bailey also scored for the Islanders. Matt Moulson had three assists. Craig Smith had two goals for Nashville. Simon Moser and Roman Josi also scored. Fake Yeezy . Kyrie Irving and the Cleveland Cavaliers were left fretting over an MRI on the stars left knee. Paul George scored 21 points, Roy Hibbert added 19 and the Pacers used a dominant fourth quarter to blow out the Cavaliers 91-76 on Tuesday The Pacers (25-5) have won eight in a row over Cleveland, their longest active streak against any opponent. Cheap Yeezy . There, I saw a teenaged boy with tears in his eyes, being consoled by strength and conditioning coach Randy Lee. https://www.wholesaleyeezyauthentic.com/. Listen to the Rangers vs. Kings live on TSN Radio starting at 7pm et/4pm pt. You can also stream the post-game press conferences live on TSN. Yeezy Shoes . Luke Wileman and I stood in the corridor outside of the Vancouver Whitecaps dressing room at BC Place in Vancouver. yeezy black friday . After a 10-game skid, winning sure feels good. Atlantas third error in the last two innings allowed Jackie Bradley Jr.MINNEAPOLIS - The Philadelphia 76ers avoided tying the record for the worst start to a season in NBA history, ending their 0-17 skid with an 85-77 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.Michael Carter-Williams had 20 points, nine rebounds and nine assists and Robert Covington added 17 points to keep Philadelphia from tying the 0-18 start by the New Jersey Nets in 2009-10.The game got off to an awkward start when 16 seconds into the first quarter, referees realized that the two teams were going in the wrong direction. A foul on the Timberwolves had to be wiped away and the game restarted with a new jump ball.The Sixers shot just 39 per cent against the worst defence in the league and turned the ball over 19 times. They scored only nine points in the second quarter, but in the end there were smiles and hugs for the first time this season.Gorgui Dieng had 15 points and 16 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who lost for the 11th time in 13 games.NETS 95, SPURS 93, OTNEW YORK (AP) — Mirza Teletovic had a season-high 26 points and a career-best 15 rebounds starting in place of Kevin Garnett, and the Brooklyn Nets snapped the San Antonio Spurs eight-game winning streak with an overtime victory.The Nets regrouped in overtime after blowing a 14-point lead in the final 5 minutes of regulation and beat a team with a winning record for the first time this season.Danny Green had 20 points, 10 rebounds and the tying 3-pointer with 2.4 seconds left in regulation for San Antonio.BULLS 102, HORNETS 95CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Pau Gasol had 19 points and 15 rebounds, Joakim Noah and Nikola Mirotic each posted double-doubles, and the Chicago Bulls sent the Charlotte Hornets to their 10th straight loss.Noah had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Mirotic added 11 points and 12 rebounds as the Bulls bounced back from a double- overtime loss to Dallas on Tuesday night.It was the fifth straight game the Bulls have scored at least 100 points.Kemba Walker had 23 points and Lance Stephenson had a season-high 20 for the Hornets, who have lost 12 of 13.CELTICS 109, PISTONS 102, OTBOSTON (AP) — Jeff Green scored 32 points, including a 3-pointer as Boston opened overtime with eight straight points, and the Celtics snapped a five-game losing streak by beating the Detroit Pistons.The loss was the 10th in a row for Detroit. Greg Monroe scored 15 of his 29 points after the 3:13 mark of the fourth, when the Pistons erased an 11-point deficit. But Detroit never recovered after giving up the first three baskets — including a pair of 3-poinnters — to start the extra period.ddddddddddddRAPTORS 123, JAZZ 104SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Kyle Lowry scored a season-high 39 points on 13-of-22 shooting as the Toronto Raptors sent the Utah Jazz to their seventh straight loss.Greivis Vasquez and Lou Williams each had 17 for the Raptors.Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter scored 19 points apiece for Utah. Gordon Hayward added 16 points and Trey Burke had 15 and eight assists for the Jazz, who trailed through the final three quarters.ROCKETS 105, GRIZZLIES 96HOUSTON (AP) — James Harden scored 21 points, and Trevor Ariza and Jason Terry added 16 each to help the short-handed Houston Rockets cruise past Memphis.The Grizzlies had won five in a row, and their two previous losses this season had been by a combined five points.Memphis jumped out to an 8-0 lead in this one but couldnt do much after that. Houston didnt trail after the first quarter.Houston played without three starters, including Dwight Howard, who missed his seventh straight game with a strained right knee.MAVERICKS 107, BUCKS 105MILWAUKEE (AP) — Monta Ellis hit a wild, fall-away jumper at the buzzer, lifting the Dallas Mavericks over the Milwaukee Bucks.A night after Ellis scored 38 points in a double-overtime win at Chicago, he got 23. He had eight in the last two minutes.The Mavericks won their fifth in a row while resting Dirk Nowitzki because of a sore back. Coach Rick Carlisle called it a precautionary move.Tyson Chandler scored 18 points and added 20 rebounds for the Mavericks.Brandon Knight scored 25 points and Khris Middleton added 21 for the Bucks in their third straight loss.HAWKS 112, HEAT 102MIAMI (AP) — Jeff Teague scored 27 points, Kyle Korver scored 18 and the Atlanta Hawks handed the Miami Heat another home loss.Dennis Schroder scored 16 and Paul Millsap finished with 14 for the Hawks, who beat the Heat for the second time in two meetings this season. Atlanta has won four straight and six of seven.Dwyane Wade scored 28 points and Chris Bosh finished with 27 points and 11 rebounds for Miami, which has lost six of its last eight home games.WIZARDS 111, LAKERS 95WASHINGTON (AP) — Bradley Beal scored 27 points, John Wall had 17 points and 15 assists, and the Washington Wizards beat Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers.The Wizards won their third straight and prevented the Lakers from getting their first three-game winning streak in more than a year.Bryant finished with 29 points — 15 points of them in the first quarter when he shot 6 for 11. He missed nine of his final 11 shots. ' ' '
PHOENIX -- Running back Rashard Mendenhall is retiring from the NFL at the age of 26. Agent Mike McCartney confirmed via Twitter on Sunday that Mendenhall had decided to end his playing career after six NFL seasons, all but one of them with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mendenhall, the Steelers first-round draft pick and 23rd overall selection out of Illinois in 2008, gained 4,326 career yards, averaging 3.9 yards per carry. After signing a free-agent contract with Arizona, he was hampered by a toe injury much of last season and was most effective down the stretch. Mendenhall finished with a team-high 687 yards in 217 carries. Mendenhall had consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons for the Steelers in 2009 and 2010. A knee injury limited him to six games with Pittsburgh in 2012. Nike Air Max 97 Clearance . - The New York Rangers have momentum, a unified locker room and Henrik Lundqvist. Air Max 90 China Wholesale . 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For a man who has had a lot on his shoulders this season, it was an appropriate moment.LONDON -- Cesar Azpilicueta seized on a defensive blunder and Juan Mata scored a slick second as Chelsea dumped Premier League leader Arsenal out of the League Cup with a 2-0 victory at its London rival on Tuesday. The fourth round loss ends one route to a trophy for Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who failed to mastermind a victory over Jose Mourinho for the ninth time as he looks to deliver his clubs first silverware since 2005. Mourinho now has a quarterfinal to look forward to in the competition that gave him the first trophy of his first Chelsea reign in 2005. Manchester United will be joining Chelsea in the last eight after Javier Hernandez scored twice in a 4-0 victory over Norwich. In a shock result, Fulham was beaten 4-3 by second-tier club Leicester. Stoke was forced into extra time against Birmingham but won 4-2 on penalties after it finished 4-4 over 120 minutes. West Ham also required penalties to see off lower-league opposition, but won 2-0 at Burnley with goals in regulation time. At the Emirates Stadium, Chelsea was in action for the second time in three days, although only Gary Cahill survived the team that beat Manchester City on Sunday. Wenger made eight changes for the side that won at Crystal Palace on Saturday to remain top of the league. But in the cups, Arsenal has now lost twice in eight days, having been beaten at home in the Champions League by Borussia Dortmund last Tuesday. A blunder at the back gifted Chelsea the opener in the 25th minute after launching a swift counterattack. Arsenal defender Carl Jenkinsons backwards header was too weak to reach goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, and Chelsea defender Azpilicueta ran through and dispatched the ball into the net. Arsenal rarely looked like equalizing and Mata smashed the second into the roof of the net in the 66th after Willian nodded the ball back to the Spain midfielder in a move that started from a throw in. It left the home crowd demoralized. "Lets not go too quick for conclusions," Wenger said. "Its difficult to swallow what happened to us in the last week." But asked about his poor record against Mourinho, Wenger quipped: "I dont think he scored the first goal." At Old Trafford, United turned in thee kind of performance missing largely in the league this season and Hernandez might hope for more game time up front after this double.dddddddddddd The Mexico striker opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 20th after Leroy Fer fouled Adnan Januzaj. He was on target again nine minutes into the second half, heading home after Mark Bunn parried an initial effort. "He has waited patiently for his opportunities and when he gets them he has taken them," United assistant manager Steve Round said. Phil Jones volleyed in Uniteds third, and Fabio da Silva collected a long ball from Wayne Rooney and slipped it past the onrushing Bunn. Play had been halted for around eight minutes in the second half after Norwich midfielder Robert Snodgrass was knocked out during a clash of heads with Rafael da Silva and was taken to the hospital. "It is very much concussion," Norwich manager Chris Hughton said. "He has also taken a whack in the incident itself so they will have a look at that and X-ray that just to make sure there is nothing broken." In a seven-goal thriller at Leicester, it was a night to forget for Fulham. Although Hugo Rodallega put Fulham in front, Wes Morgan, Chris Wood and Ignasi Miquel put Leicester 3-1 up by the 53rd. Fulham staged a comeback through Rodallega and Giorgos Karagounis, who scored directly from a free kick in the 86th. But Lloyd Dyer restored Leicesters lead for good three minutes later. At Turf Moor, West Ham left it late to see off Burnley thanks to two penalties. Matthew Taylor scored the first in the 76th after Jason Shackell brought down Kevin Nolan, and Jack Collison netted in stoppage time after being fouled by Keith Treacy, who was sent off. Entering the final five minutes at St. Andrews, Stoke looked set for a 3-1 victory against a Birmingham side that had been reduced to 10 men on the stroke of half time when Wade Elliott was sent off amid a mass melee. But Birmingham substitute Peter Lovenkrands scored twice in the last five minutes to send the game to extra time. Kenwyne Jones restored Stokes lead just four minutes into the additional period before Olly Lee levelled for Birmingham. The clubs luck ran out, however, in the shootout. ' ' '