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RALEIGH, N. Chris Harris Jersey .C. -- Having lost three straight, the Calgary Flames were looking for something positive when they visited the Carolina Hurricanes. Karri�Ramo delivered just what they needed. Ramo made 22 saves in his first NHL shutout, and Mikael�Backlund and Sean�Monahan provided the offence in the Flames 2-0 win over the Hurricanes on Monday night The Flames snapped their skid and handed the Hurricanes their second straight shutout defeat. "It was probably our best team effort of the season," Calgary coach Bob Hartley said. "We had quite a good first period, and I felt we pressured them and gained the momentum. Carolina came hard at us, and we did a great job." Carolinas offence has been shut down for two games following a season-best, five-game winning streak. The Hurricanes failed to match Calgarys intensity at the start, and were shut out for the fourth time this season. "We spent too much time in our own end," defenceman Brett�Bellemore said. "We didnt get off to a good start and they kind of got a lucky bounce off a skate or something (on their goal)." The Hurricanes now have a long wait before they host Florida on Saturday. "We didnt have that extra jump," Carolina coach Kirk�Muller said. "Its disappointing. We have four days ahead of us to sit on it. When you play teams like Calgary, its going to be a game in the trenches. "They got the lead, and once they did, they were able to sit back a little bit and defend." Backland scored his seventh goal of the season for the Flames, who notched their second power-play tally in 26 chances. Backland gathered the puck in front after it bounced off the skate of Hurricanes forward Radek�Dvorak. "It was nice to score first," Backlund said. "Its easier to play with some energy when you score than have to chase all the time like weve been doing lately." Monahan scored his 13th goal midway through the third period to add some insurance. He scored into an open net after goalie Anton�Khudobin was unable to get back across the crease from the far post. Ramo improved to 8-8-3 as the Flames swept the two-game season games from Carolina. It was Calgarys first shutout in 117 games. "Its good that its out of the way," Ramo said. "Its nice to finish one without a goal. Obviously, everyone thinks about it and knows the situation but you just have to focus and play normally." Khudobin, who lost his second straight, did some of his best work in the first period when the Flames carried the play and held a 14-5 shots advantage. Khudobin made 27 saves overall. Carolina captain Eric�Staal returned to the lineup after missing three games because of a lower body injury. NOTES: Calgary is 11-3-3 in games in which it scores a power-play goal. The Flames went 1 for 3. ... Carolina activated C Jiri�Tlusty from the injured list, and he was in the lineup for the time since Dec. 23, before he was sidelined because of an appendectomy. ... The Flames have won three straight and four of five against Carolina. ... Calgary RW Kevin�Westgarth returned to face his old team for the first time since being traded by Carolina on Dec. 30. Dennis Smith Orange Jersey . - The Chicago Cubs say they have agreed to one-year contracts with pitchers Jason�Hammel and James�McDonald. Von Miller Blue Jersey . -- The Buffalo Sabres got the lead for a change, and held onto it thanks to a stellar performance in goal by Jhonas�Enroth. SEATTLE -- A couple thousand Seahawks fans were crowded in front of the television stage when Russell�Wilson walked out of the locker room still in full uniform. Instantly, the chant started. "MVP! MVP!" Hard to argue against Wilson after a performance like Monday night. Wilson threw for 310 yards and three touchdowns, and the Seahawks became the first team to clinch a spot in the NFC playoffs with a 34-7 victory over the New Orleans Saints. More important than just wrapping up a spot in the post-season, the Seahawks (11-1) moved two games ahead on the rest of the NFC in the race for home-field advantage and hold the tiebreakers over New Orleans (9-3) and Carolina (9-3), the two closest pursuers. The rest of the top teams better get ready to visit the Pacific Northwest in January. After this rout, the road through the NFC playoffs is almost certain to go through Seattle. "For us to come out in that fashion and to win that game the way that we did was awesome," Wilson said. Wilson was outstanding, picking apart the Saints defence. He threw touchdown passes of 2 yards to Zach�Miller and 4 yards to Doug�Baldwin in the first half as Seattle built a 27-7 lead. Wilson added a pinball 8-yard TD pass to Derrick�Coleman in the third quarter. Wilson completed 22 of 30 passes and finished with a quarterback rating of 139.6. He has 22 regular-season wins in his first two seasons, tied for the most ever by a second-year QB and is 14-0 at home. Michael�Bennett had a 22-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the first quarter to give Seattle a 10-0 lead and the Saints never threatened. It was a dominating performance by the Seahawks, making up for a lacklustre effort the last time they were given a national television spotlight and were taken to the final yard and final play by St. Louis. Not this time. The most anticipated game in the NFC this season was a laugher. Drew�Brees and the Saints were stymied the entire night as he lost for the first time on Monday night after nine straight wins, and continued the belief New Orleans cant win outdoors late in the season. New Orleans didnt crack 100 yards of total offence into midway through the third quarter. Jimmy�Graham was nearly invisible outside of his franchise-record 12th TD catch of the season in the second quarter that pulled the Saints to 17-7. Brees finished 23 of 38 for 147 yards. Graham had three catches for 42 yards. Darren�Sproles led New Orleans with seven catches, many of thosee check downs. Rahim Moore Jersey. The seven points matched the fewest scored by the Saints since Sean Payton became coach in 2006 and the 188 total yards were the fewest in his coaching tenure. "Lot of things to look at," Payton said. "Lot of things we didnt do well." It was K.J.�Wrights job to shadow Graham and he hounded the Saints star all night. "The coaches told me Were going to let you hold (Graham). Just do your job, win on your leverage, trust your guys around you and just play your best game. Thats what I tried to do," Wright said. The Saints went three-and-out on their first possession and that was just the start of their struggles. On their next possession, Brees was hit from behind by Cliff�Avril and fumbled into the arms of Bennett, who returned it for the touchdown. Brees was unable to take advantage of Seattles depleted secondary. The Seahawks were without Brandon�Browner (injury) and Walter�Thurmond (suspension) but Byron�Maxwell and Jeremy�Lane played well in their places. "We took one in the chin today," Brees said. "We got out played today. They played great. They made a lot of plays and we didnt." Seattle used the bye week to add wrinkles to its offence. Wilson was a threat not only passing but running with the zone read again becoming an addition to the playbook. Wilson carried five times in the first half, three of those designed keepers. But it was his passing that stole the show. Wilson was 14 of 19 in the first half for 226 yards and a rating of 148.1. He found Miller open for a 60-yard catch-and-run early in the second quarter, then capped the drive with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Miller and a 17-0 lead. Wilson later hit Doug�Baldwin for 52 yards. Seattle had seven pass completions of 12 or more yards in the first half. The Seahawks finished with 315 first-half yards, the most allowed by the Saints in a first half since 2005 against Minnesota. Baldwin said Seattle saw a specific blitz package from the Saints on film and the Seahawks knew theyd have chances to go downfield. "We wanted to be great against the blitz," Wilson said. " ... We knew they were going to bring some pressure and we like the sense of pressure because there is a lot of green grass behind it." Notes: Wilson averaged 10.3 yards per pass attempt, while Brees was at 3.9. ... New Orleans was 25th in the NFL in run defence, but held Marsahwn Lynch to 45 yards rushing on 16 carries. ' ' '

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. Max Unger Jersey . -- Russell�Henley made good on his second chance at the 18th hole Sunday and won the Honda Classic after a wild day that began with Tiger�Woods walking off the course with a back injury and ended with a four-man playoff. The closing hour at PGA National was a series of blunders by the contenders -- and even the winner. Henley was in a three-way tie for the lead, 40 yards left of the flag on the par-5 18th in regulation, when he chunked a chip so badly that it only got halfway to the hole. He had to two-putt for par, and then watched as Rory�McIlroy nearly made a great escape from an otherwise bad afternoon. McIlroy, who lost a two-shot lead, hit a 5-wood from 236 yards to just inside 12 feet for an eagle and the win. It narrowly slid by on the right. In the playoff, Henley was the only player to reach the 549-yard hole in two, and he two-putted from about 40 feet for birdie. Ryan�Palmer missed a 10-foot birdie putt. McIlroy went from the back bunker to the front collar and had to scramble for par, and Russell�Knox laid up and missed a 20-foot birdie attempt. "This isnt going to sink in for a while," Henley said. Thousands of fans who spent hours in the warmth and wind of south Florida surely felt the same way. David�Hearn (67) of Brantford, Ont., finished 6-under par to tie with American Will�MacKenzie for sixth. Woods abruptly quit after 13 holes and was driven straight to his car. He later said he had lower back pain and spasms, and was unsure if he could play at Doral next week. And then came all the mistakes by four guys trying to win. Palmer missed a 5-foot par in regulation that would have won it. He closed with a 69, the only player in the last six groups to break par. Knox needed a birdie on the last hole, but he went from the fairway bunker to the rough, well over the green and then calmly made a par putt just inside 10 feet for a 71 to get in the playoff. They all finished at 8-under 272. Canadas David�Hearn fired a final round 67 to finish two shots off the pace. The conditions were tough. The play was so underwhelming that McIlroy said that if he had won, "It would have felt undeserved in a way." He wont know that feeling. Instead, the 24-year-old from Northern Ireland closed with a 74. It was his second straight tournament in stroke play that he played in the final group and shot 74. He tied for ninth in the Dubai Desert Classic. His undoing came on the 16th, when McIlroy missed on a 6-iron from the bunker and went into the water, making double bogey. He fell out of the lead for the first time with a bogey from the bunker on the 17th. What should ease the pain was his finish -- a 5-wood he couldnt afford to miss that dropped from the sky to 12 feet left of the hole. "I was fortunate I was in the playoff," McIlroy said. "Seventy-four wasnt good enough to get the job done. To go out with a two-shot lead, you have to play well enough to win the thing. If I had won today, I would have counted myself as lucky. Ill pick myself up, get back it, try to get back at it at Doral and try to get the job done." Henley, who closed with a 72, won for the second time and qualified for the Masters. He also moves into the top 50 in the world ranking, making him eligible for the Cadillac Championship next week at Doral. It was the first playoff at PGA National since 2007, which also featured four players. McIlroy was at 13 under after a birdie on the fifth hole and appeared to be on his way, even after twice making bogey from the bunker to close out the front nine. PGA National was tougher than ever after a weekend of sunshine, and the stiff breeze in south Florida. The average score was 71.8, two shots harder than the third round. The contenders made it look like a beast. Henley tied for the lead by chipping in for birdie on the 14th, only to deposit his tee shot on the par-3 15th into the water for double bogey. Palmer missed a 6-foot birdie putt on the 14th hole, which wasnt nearly as damaging as the par putts he missed from 8 feet on the 16th and 5 feet on the 18th. Knox fell out of a brief share of the lead when he tried to play from the right rough on the 14th and had his shot carom into the water for a double bogey. At least they were still around. Woods was just a guy in a red shirt at PGA National when he shook hands with Luke�Guthrie, his playing partner, and told him he was done. "Too early to tell," Woods said in a statement about playing next week at Doral. "Ill get treatment every day to try to calm it down. Just dont know yet. Wait until Thursday and see how it feels." It was the second straight year that the worlds No. 1 player walked out on the Honda Classic. A year ago, McIlroy was so frustrated with his game that he quit after 26 holes. At least this time, McIlroy stayed until the wild end. It just wasnt the finish he wanted. Ricardo Lockette Jersey . The International Ice Hockey Federation says Russia is looking for a new coach before the world championship in May in Belarus. The IIHF says Russian hockey federation officials agreed to Bilyaletdinovs departure after meeting with him on Wednesday. Jermaine Kearse Elite Jersey . -- The basic role that Jonathan�Martin and Richie�Incognito shared as offensive linemen for the Miami Dolphins was protecting quarterback Ryan�Tannehill.The Edmonton Oilers are going to get an offensive boost as Ryan�Nugent-Hopkins is set to make his season debut on Monday when they face the New Jersey Devils. "Hes been cleared by all of our doctors, hes been working hard in practice, hes fit and ready to go," said Oilers head coach Dallas�Eakins. Nugent-Hopkins had surgery on his shoulder in April after playing in 40 games during the 2012-13 season, contributing four goals and 20 assists with a plus-3 rating.. Earl Thomas III Womens Jersey. "I thought offensively I could have produced more last year but I still definitely want to be committed to a two-way game," said Nugent-Hopkins. He had 18 goals and 34 assists in 62 games�during the 2011-12 season, �his first after being selected first overall by the Oilers in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. "Its very exciting,"�said Nugent-Hopkins. "Its been a long recovery and I cant wait to play on Monday." ' ' '

MIAMI -- LeBron�James and Dwyane�Wade both did things they had never done before. Vinny Curry Jersey . And the Miami Heat needed every bit of their efforts. James scored 39 points on only 18 shots, Wades night included a career-best eight steals, and the Heat held off the Dallas Mavericks 110-104 Friday night. "You give me 37 shots in a game, Ill have 60, 70," James said. "I had 40 tonight on 18 shots. If I get 37 shots in a game, Im going to put up 60. Easy." Thing is, the odds of seeing James shoot 37 times in a game -- like Rudy�Gay did earlier this week in setting the NBA high so far this season -- are quite slim. His career-high is 36. Hes only taken 30 or more shots twice since joining the Heat; both of those came in regular-season losses. "He understands the main thing being the main thing," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "He wants to win more than anything." James had never scored more than 38 when taking 18 or fewer shots, and missed just four times on Friday. Wade finished with 17 points and eight assists to go along with those steals. "I was in a groove in a different kind of way," said Wade, now the second player in Heat history with an eight-assist, eight-steal game, joining Tim�Hardaway. "I was kind of in a zone defensively." Chris�Bosh scored 14 points. Norris�Cole and Rashard�Lewis each added 11 for Miami, which has topped the 100-point mark in every game this season. Dirk�Nowitzki scored 28 points for Dallas (5-4), while Vince�Carter added 21 and Monta�Ellis had 20. Jose�Calderon added 12 for Dallas, which turned the ball over 24 times. "Our effort was good," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "The turnovers doomed us." Miami led by as many as 13 in the second half, then actually trailed, and needed to play the final 5:01 without point guard Mario�Chalmers. He was ejected after referees ruled he intentionally swung an elbow at Nowitzkis head while trying to fight through a screen set by the Mavs Samuel�Dalembert. Chalmers helped Nowitzki up after the play, but the damage was done. Chalmers argued the flagrant-2 call, but referee Ron Garretsons review of the video didnt do anything to change the officiating crews collective minds, and the Heat starter was done for the night. Nowitzki made both free throws after the flagrant to get Dallas within three, then added a jumper 44 seconds later to cut Miamis lead to 98-97. But the Mavs never got the lead again. "If we go out and compete every night at this high level and turn our turnovers down, we can beat anybody in this league," Ellis said. The Heat were again without Udonis�Haslem (back spasms) and Ray�Allen (flu). Shane�Battier started for Haslem and was guarding Nowitzki, who hit three 3-pointers from the top of the key in the games first 5:03 and helped the Mavs run out to an early seven-point edge. But the Heat led for the final 10:19 of the half, opening up as much as a 12-point lead before settling on a 60-51 edge at the half. James had 18 at the break, while Wade was already up to a 13-point, five-assist, four-rebound, three-steal night. And Wade stuffed his stats more early in the third, first with a layup, then moments later with a steal and assist to set up a dunk by James, putting the Heat up 66-53 with 10:16 left in the third. That closed what was a 52-32 run by Miami. Without warning, the pendulum swung back Dallas way. "We couldnt finish it," Calderon said. "But we fought." Over the next seven minutes, the Heat missed 10 of 11 shots -- four of them getting blocked -- and the Mavericks took full advantage, reclaiming the lead with a 19-4 run. Calderon had six of Dallas points in that spurt, including a 3-pointer with 3:20 left that put the Mavs on top 72-70. They kept the lead for all of 21 seconds. Miami scored 16 points in the final 2:59 of the third, nine of those points coming on a combined 74 feet worth of jump shots from James, and the Heat took an 86-78 lead into the final 12 minutes. James is shooting 69 per cent in his last three games, 61 per cent for the season. "Hes getting there," Wade said. "You can see it." NOTES: James oldest son had 25 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in a game Thursday, and afterward, the boy proclaimed he had a triple-double. His father, whos had 36 of them in the pros, then set him straight on what a triple-double is. ... Carlisle said G Shane�Larkin (ankle) is getting closer to making his debut. Carlisle was once coached by Jim Larranaga, Larkins coach at the University of Miami. ... The teams combined for eight entries on the NBA All-Star ballot released Friday. James, Wade, Bosh, Allen and Chalmers represent Miami; Shawn�Marion, Nowitzki and Ellis were on there for Dallas. Cary Williams Authentic Jersey . The Texas Rangers quickly got even, and the right-hander felt like he was starting over when he got back on the mound. Ron Jaworski Authentic Jersey . Jayson�Werth and Denard�Span had three hits each for Washington, which had lost 6 of 7. Previously slumping, Washingtons offence has 14 runs and 30 hits in its last two games. Strasburg (4-4) allowed two unearned runs, though his error led to them, and six hits.PARIS - Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti says AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato turned down a move to the French club. The day after the Brazilian made an official statement pledging his future to Milan, Ancelotti said that there is no hope of persuading Pato to change his mind. Ancelotti says "I dont think it can bee reopened. LeSean McCoy Jersey. Its finished," adding that "it was Patos decision to stay there." PSG has already spent close to �90 million ($116 million) on players this season, and Ancelotti expects more signings before the end of the month because "we want to bring great players to PSG." ' ' '

MIAMI -- LeBron�James and Dwyane�Wade both did things they had never done before. Vinny Curry Jersey . And the Miami Heat needed every bit of their efforts. James scored 39 points on only 18 shots, Wades night included a career-best eight steals, and the Heat held off the Dallas Mavericks 110-104 Friday night. "You give me 37 shots in a game, Ill have 60, 70," James said. "I had 40 tonight on 18 shots. If I get 37 shots in a game, Im going to put up 60. Easy." Thing is, the odds of seeing James shoot 37 times in a game -- like Rudy�Gay did earlier this week in setting the NBA high so far this season -- are quite slim. His career-high is 36. Hes only taken 30 or more shots twice since joining the Heat; both of those came in regular-season losses. "He understands the main thing being the main thing," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "He wants to win more than anything." James had never scored more than 38 when taking 18 or fewer shots, and missed just four times on Friday. Wade finished with 17 points and eight assists to go along with those steals. "I was in a groove in a different kind of way," said Wade, now the second player in Heat history with an eight-assist, eight-steal game, joining Tim�Hardaway. "I was kind of in a zone defensively." Chris�Bosh scored 14 points. Norris�Cole and Rashard�Lewis each added 11 for Miami, which has topped the 100-point mark in every game this season. Dirk�Nowitzki scored 28 points for Dallas (5-4), while Vince�Carter added 21 and Monta�Ellis had 20. Jose�Calderon added 12 for Dallas, which turned the ball over 24 times. "Our effort was good," Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. "The turnovers doomed us." Miami led by as many as 13 in the second half, then actually trailed, and needed to play the final 5:01 without point guard Mario�Chalmers. He was ejected after referees ruled he intentionally swung an elbow at Nowitzkis head while trying to fight through a screen set by the Mavs Samuel�Dalembert. Chalmers helped Nowitzki up after the play, but the damage was done. Chalmers argued the flagrant-2 call, but referee Ron Garretsons review of the video didnt do anything to change the officiating crews collective minds, and the Heat starter was done for the night. Nowitzki made both free throws after the flagrant to get Dallas within three, then added a jumper 44 seconds later to cut Miamis lead to 98-97. But the Mavs never got the lead again. "If we go out and compete every night at this high level and turn our turnovers down, we can beat anybody in this league," Ellis said. The Heat were again without Udonis�Haslem (back spasms) and Ray�Allen (flu). Shane�Battier started for Haslem and was guarding Nowitzki, who hit three 3-pointers from the top of the key in the games first 5:03 and helped the Mavs run out to an early seven-point edge. But the Heat led for the final 10:19 of the half, opening up as much as a 12-point lead before settling on a 60-51 edge at the half. James had 18 at the break, while Wade was already up to a 13-point, five-assist, four-rebound, three-steal night. And Wade stuffed his stats more early in the third, first with a layup, then moments later with a steal and assist to set up a dunk by James, putting the Heat up 66-53 with 10:16 left in the third. That closed what was a 52-32 run by Miami. Without warning, the pendulum swung back Dallas way. "We couldnt finish it," Calderon said. "But we fought." Over the next seven minutes, the Heat missed 10 of 11 shots -- four of them getting blocked -- and the Mavericks took full advantage, reclaiming the lead with a 19-4 run. Calderon had six of Dallas points in that spurt, including a 3-pointer with 3:20 left that put the Mavs on top 72-70. They kept the lead for all of 21 seconds. Miami scored 16 points in the final 2:59 of the third, nine of those points coming on a combined 74 feet worth of jump shots from James, and the Heat took an 86-78 lead into the final 12 minutes. James is shooting 69 per cent in his last three games, 61 per cent for the season. "Hes getting there," Wade said. "You can see it." NOTES: James oldest son had 25 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in a game Thursday, and afterward, the boy proclaimed he had a triple-double. His father, whos had 36 of them in the pros, then set him straight on what a triple-double is. ... Carlisle said G Shane�Larkin (ankle) is getting closer to making his debut. Carlisle was once coached by Jim Larranaga, Larkins coach at the University of Miami. ... The teams combined for eight entries on the NBA All-Star ballot released Friday. James, Wade, Bosh, Allen and Chalmers represent Miami; Shawn�Marion, Nowitzki and Ellis were on there for Dallas. Cary Williams Authentic Jersey . The Texas Rangers quickly got even, and the right-hander felt like he was starting over when he got back on the mound. Ron Jaworski Authentic Jersey . Jayson�Werth and Denard�Span had three hits each for Washington, which had lost 6 of 7. Previously slumping, Washingtons offence has 14 runs and 30 hits in its last two games. Strasburg (4-4) allowed two unearned runs, though his error led to them, and six hits.PARIS - Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti says AC Milan striker Alexandre Pato turned down a move to the French club. The day after the Brazilian made an official statement pledging his future to Milan, Ancelotti said that there is no hope of persuading Pato to change his mind. Ancelotti says "I dont think it can bee reopened. LeSean McCoy Jersey. Its finished," adding that "it was Patos decision to stay there." PSG has already spent close to �90 million ($116 million) on players this season, and Ancelotti expects more signings before the end of the month because "we want to bring great players to PSG." ' ' '

LeBron�James reportedly decided to opt out of his contract with the Miami Heat on Tuesday. Wes Welker Jersey . Heres a few quick thoughts of what this Decision means to me. 1. CONTROL: Hes the best player by far on the planet so its his contractual right to exercise this clause and I agree with him. Old-timers and traditionalists might not like it but its the reality of pro sports in the 21st century. Great actors/actresses set the tone and select what movies/plays they want to perform in and who they want to work with and for and LeBron is at that level in the "sports/entertainment industry" that former NBA commissioner David Stern created with the emphasis on stars over teams. This is a creation of that. Right, wrong or indifferent - it is what it is. Hes negotiated and earned the right to reconsider and re-explore what hed like to do with his career. The man is serious about his game and is a student of the game and wants/needs some space here to evaluate. 2. MIAMI HEAT: We all saw them with our own eyes in the NBA Finals vs. the Spurs. The reality is that the current team as constructed needs major improvements or they wont challenge against the superior Western Conference teams for an NBA title. In addition, if an Eastern team like the Chicago Bulls gets back a healthy Derrick�Rose and is able to acquire Kevin�Love and/or Carmelo�Anthony who is to say that theyre even the No. 1 contender in the East anymore? Do you honestly believe that Dwyane�Wade is going to give you 70-75+ regular season games and four playoff rounds at a high level at $20 million per year? Is Chris�Bosh still committed to playing in all areas of the game rather than just becoming a jump shooter? If Im LeBron I have my doubts. A few smart tweaks with Wade and Bosh sacrificing some money opens up the possibility of it all working again...yet its far from a sure thing. 3. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS: Owner Dan Gilbert blasted LeBron on the way out the door after "The Decision". Does LeBron forgive and forget? Does new GM David Griffin have the wherewithal/pedigree to pull off such a heist? He and Kyrie�Irving together - not bad. They have the No. 1 Pick and some talented young guys they can package to move to Minnesota for Kevin�Love. How does Irving, Love and LeBron sound to you? It would be a better Big Three at this point that the Miami version even though both Love and Irving have put up "numbers", yet still havent shown me yet that theyre truly special. What a return this would be. 4. OTHER SUITORS (Chicago, Houston, LA Lakers): Youll hear about all three and more in the hunt for the King. Needless to say, you put him on the Bulls or Rockets and theyre in the hunt for a title. The Lakers? Kobe and LeBron would be an interesting pairing but what does the rest of the roster look like? How long does Kobe hold up? Lots more questions than answers in LA. The rumour mill will surely be filled with gossip from all three of these spots. 5. TORONTO RAPTORS: Not saying this because its wishful thinking on my part. Seriously, why not? They desperately need a starting small forward. You put him with a re-signed Kyle�Lowry, Demar�DeRozan, a re-signed Patrick�Patterson and Jonas�Valanciunas with a re-signed Greivis�Vasquez, Terrence�Ross and Amir�Johnson and Ill take my chances with anyone in the East. On a league-wide scale Im not scared by anyone with that crew on my side. You want hoops to grow in Toronto and across the country - go for it. Nothing to lose. Realistic? Maybe not but honestly thats not a bad eight-man core whatsoever. Obviously, the salary cap/luxury tax always comes into play but for a player of this magnitude you explore every possibility. It would actually be a very good team if it ever happened. Why not Toronto? Its about time we stick our chests out and go for it. I like the style of GM Masai Ujiri and CEO Tim Leiweke and this fits them if its a reasonable pursuit. Wes Welker Orange Jersey . Moore-Towers, 21, of St. Catharines, Ont., and Moscovitch, 29, of Toronto teamed up in 2009 and became Canadian pairs champions in 2011. They were runners-up at the national championships the past two years. Steve Atwater Orange Jersey . Johnson spent the last five seasons with Pittsburgh after being taken in the seventh round of the 2009 draft. He played in 52 games with 26 starts, totalling 22 catches for 216 yards and a touchdown.(SportsNetwork.com) -�The Toronto Maple Leafs�continue their tour of the Metropolitan Division on Saturday as they host a Philadelphia Flyers team rolling in the right direction�at Air Canada Centre. Tyler�Bozak was the hero versus the Rangers, scoring on a penalty shot in the second period before netting the game-winner with 3:09 left in overtime. He took a blind backhand feed from Phil�Kessel behind the net and elevated the disc over Henrik�Lundqvist from the doorstep to send the Leafs to their first victory since the Olympic break. Toronto had lost three in a row coming in, two of those in overtime. Nazem�Kadri netted Torontos other goal, while Jonathan�Bernier registered 35 saves for the Leafs. "It doesnt feel so good right now, because youre frustrated with how it went, but tomorrow in the standings it will show two points and then we move on," Toronto head coach Randy Carlyle said of his team giving up a two-goal lead only to win in overtime. Bernier could face the Flyers tonight and has split two previous encounters while posting a 4.51 GAA. The Maple Leafs have won three of their past four versus the Flyers, including a 3-1 victory in Philadelphia on Oct. 2 in the first of three meetings this season. However, the Flyers have won six of their last seven trips to Toronto. Philadelphia has potted 15 goals over its past three games and has won seven of its last eight. That has the Flyers even with the New York Rangers for second place in the Metropolitan Division. Philadelphia has one game in hand over the Blueshirts and will use it on Saturday when the Rangers are idle. Britton Colquitt Jersey. Giroux has led the charge, posting 10 goals and 20 points over his last 13 games. That includes back-to-back three-point efforts in a home-and-home sweep of the Washington Capitals. The Flyers captain notched two goals and an assist in each contest, helping Philadelphia rally for a 5-4 overtime victory in Washington last Sunday before holding on for a 6-4 win at home on Wednesday. "Theyre attacking. Theyre skating with speed and making plays; theyre working hard, working down low hard, cycling the puck, competing, power play. Theyre doing a good job," said Flyers coach Craig�Berube of Girouxs line that includes Jakub�Voracek and Scott�Hartnell. Voracek also scored twice on Wednesdays win that saw the Flyers jump out to a 4-0 lead before they allowed the Capitals to twice get within a goal. Philadelphia yielded three power-play goals. Michael�Raffl and Steve�Downie also scored for the Flyers and Steve�Mason came up with 21 saves. "We got the win, but at the end of the day weve got to make sure that when weve got a lead like that, weve got to be able to keep it," said Giroux. Mason is 2-3-0 with a 3.99 goals against average in five previous meetings with the Maple Leafs, who sit third in the Atlantic Division with 74 points. They moved one point ahead of Tampa Bay with Wednesdays 3-2 overtime victory against the New York Rangers, and trail second-place Montreal by three points. ' ' '

VANCOUVER -- The Vancouver Whitecaps have signed striker Etienne Barbara, pending receipt of his international transfer certificate. Custom Texas Rangers Jersey . Barbara, who has been practising with the Whitecaps in recent weeks, was the top scorer and MVP in the second-tier NASL in 2011 with 20 goals and eight assists in 27 games for the Carolina RailHawks. The 29-year-old has made 30 international appearances for Malta and joins new Whitecaps coach Martin Rennie in Major League Soccer. Rennie coached Barbara with Carolina for the last two seasons. "Etienne is an aggressive, powerful player that is determined to succeed," Rennie said Tuesday in a statement. "He brings versatility to our lineup both as a wide midfielder or a striker." Vancouver acquired Barbaras MLS rights from the Montreal Impact in exchange for Mexican defender Gienir Garcia, who was selected second overall in the 2012 MLS supplemental draft by the Whitecaps. In other MLS moves, Toronto FC waived midfielder Elbekay Bouchiba. The 33-year-old did not play a game for Toronto FC in 2011 following knee surgery to repair a torn ACL suffered during the pre-season. Meanwhile, the Montreal Impact announced former Italian international forward Bernardo Corradi will join the club Wednesday in Orlando, Fla., on a tryout. Elvis Andrus Jersey .�Louis is going to get a chance to represent his country at the Winter Olympics after all. Adrian Beltre Texas Rangers Jersey . -- Canadian Erik�Bedard pitched into the fifth inning in his bid to win a spot in Tampa Bays rotation, helping the Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-3 on Saturday.BOSTON - To hear Detroit Tigers manager Jim Leylands description of Anibal�Sanchez performance, youd have thought it was just another night at the ballpark. "The pitch came up a little high early and a little careful early," said Leyland. "But he got rolling pretty good and made some good pitches and gave us all we needed.� And made a great pitch on Drew to get out of (the sixth) inning." Rather innocuous, move-along-theres-nothing-to-see-here type words from Leyland. Except that the opener of the American League Championship Series, won 1-0 by the Tigers, was one of the stranger games youll see. Sanchez left after six innings of no-hit baseball. Why? Well, hed thrown 116 pitches. Howd he do that? By striking out 12 Red Sox, including four in the first inning (Shane�Victorino reached on a third strike wild pitch,) and by walking six Boston hitters. Oh, by the way, Sanchez became just the second pitcher in playoff history to strike four hitters out in an inning. The last, a man by the name of Orval Overall, who accomplished the feat for the Chicago Cubs in the first inning of the fifth game of the 1908 World Series. Let that marinate. The feat is rare, sure, but it hadnt happened in the post-season since the Cubs � yes, the Cubs � last won a World Series. Three more Detroit relievers � Al�Alburquerque, Jose�Veras and Drew�Smyly � combined to erase the Red Sox in order in the seventh and eighth innings. With one out in the ninth and Tigers closer Joaquin�Benoit in to protect the one-run lead, Bostons Daniel�Nava grinded out a seven-pitch at-bat, culminating in a single to centre field. The Red Sox were spared the infamy of being no-hit, but couldnt advance Navas single beyond second base. The poor Cubs, now having to share Overalls record with Sanchez, also saw the Tigers become the first team to shut out the Red Sox in a playoff game at Fenway Park since the 1918 World Series. Nolan Ryan Texas Rangers Jersey. It was Chicagos Hippo Vaughn, with no relief help, who turned the trick that day. Move over, Hippo, youre sharing the record book with Sanchez-Alburquerque-Veras-Smyly-Benoit. Sanchez had a 26-pitch first inning, needed 25 to get through the second and another 28 to work out the sixth. In that sixth inning, he walked the bases loaded for his second multiple walk inning of the night � hed walked two hitters in the second � but managed to escape damage by striking out David�Ortiz and later Stephen�Drew. Meantime, the Tigers offensive hero was Jhonny�Peralta, the anti-Melky�Cabrera. Unlike Cabrera, who was exiled from the Giants after testing positive for performance enhancing drugs in the second half of last season, Peralta was welcomed back from his 50-game suspension this year. Peraltas two-out single in the sixth scored Miguel�Cabrera for the games only run. The shortstop-turned-left fielder, remember its no easy task playing in front of the Green Monster regardless of experience, followed up his torrid series against Oakland (.417) with three of the Tigers nine hits. The pressure now falls squarely in the lap of the Red Sox, who can ill afford to lose Sunday nights second game. To lose would be to fall behind 2-0 before a trip to Detroit where Justin�Verlander will be waiting. Verlander, if you havent been watching the playoffs, authored two out-of-this-world performances versus the Athletics. Clay�Buchholz will start Game 2 for Boston. Twenty-one game winner Max�Scherzer, the likely AL Cy Young Award winner, will get the ball for Detroit. In the meantime, Anibal�Sanchez will look on from the Tigers dugout, no doubt basking in the glory of the record he now shares with a man named Orval Overall. What a strange, fun and intriguing night it was. ' ' '

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed a backup quarterback, inking Mike�Kafka to a deal. Jason Witten Jersey . Kafka hasnt played in the regular season since 2011 with the Philadelphia Eagles. The former fourth-round pick of the Eagles has also spent time with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In four career appearances, Kafka went 11-16 for 107 yards and two interceptions. Dez Bryant Womens Jersey . -- UFC president Dana White has dismissed Georges St-Pierres concerns about drug testing, calling them ridiculous and "a little kooky. Jeff Heath Womens Jersey . LOUIS - Lance�Lynn bounced back from his worst start of the season with 6 2-3 scoreless innings and the St.Brooklyn Nets coach Jason�Kidd criticized the officiating of the Eastern Conference first round series during a conference call Thursday, saying its "kind of mind-boggling" that Joe�Johnson got so few foul calls in Wednesdays Game 5 loss to the Toronto Raptors. "If flopping is the way to go, then we have to maybe play that game," Kidd said. "But Joe is a strong individual and unfortunately, he doesnt flop. He plays and he doesnt complain. But thats why we have officials, for them to make calls." Johnsons only free-throw attempt came on a three-point play late in the fourth quarter that was part of an 8-0 run. Kyle�Lowry and DeMar�DeRozan got to the free throw line a combined 23 times on Wednesday night. Kidd even called out official Tom Washingtons non-call in the final seconds of Wednesdays loss, when Shaun�Livingston and DeRozan collided going for a rebound. No foul was calledd on the play. Jeff Heath Jersey. "I thought Shaun made a heck of a play to come up with the rebound and get fouled right in front of (referee) Tom Washington, but no call was made," Kidd said. "And Dray (Andray�Blatche) came up with the ball and his intention was to get the ball to Deron (Williams), who was wide open, and it just didnt work out." Asked what the Nets could do better defensively against the hot hand of Lowry as they head home for Game 6, Kidd said they needed to slow him down. "Hes knocking down shots, hes getting into the paint, hes finding open guys and hes playing at a very high level,� said Kidd. �We have to make it a little bit tougher on him." Lowry poured in 36 points in Wednesdays victory that gave the Raptors a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven playoff series. Game 6 goes Friday night in Brooklyn. Watch the action unfold live on TSN at 7pm et/4pm pt. ' ' '

Marco Bozzo had a hat trick to lead the Toronto Young Nationals past the Moose Jaw Generals 4-2 on Wednesday at the Telus Cup. Le Veon Bell Steelers Jersey . Jeremy Pullara also scored as Toronto improved to 1-1-0 at the Canadian mens midget hockey championship. Izzy Benigno made 24 saves in net for the Young Nationals. Dawson Davidson scored both goals for Moose Jaw (0-0-2), while Grant Naherniak stopped 20 shots. Toronto went 4 for 6 on the power play, while the Generals went 0 for 3. --- ROCKETS 1 MINTOS 1 The Okanagan Rockets and Prince Albert Mintos settled for a 1-1 draw in their preliminary round game. Keegan Kjargaard gave Prince Albert (1-0-1) a 1-0 lead in the first minute of the third period, then Gen Bryshun tied it for Okanagan (0-0-2) just over 12 minutes later. Brendan Barry made 23 saves for the Rockets, while Connor Ingram stopped 31 for the Mintos. Brett Keisel Jersey . Sotnikova trailed the 2010 Olympic champion by just .28 points after the short program on Wednesday, but had a brilliant free skate on Thursday. She earned a top score of 149. William Gay Jersey . In the eyes of Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, the two-time defending NBA champions pretty much botched the whole thing.LAKE BUENA VISTA, Florida � A comment Mark�DeRosa made in August as he reflected on what, by then, clearly was a failed 2013 Blue Jays season, is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore looking ahead to the prospects for next years squad. "When Brandon�Morrow went down, that killed us," said the now former Blue Jay, referring to the forearm injury Morrow suffered in late May that ended his season. With general manager Alex Anthopoulos uncomfortable, at least for the time being, with the market price for mid-range starting pitching and with no acquisition, either through free agency or via trade, apparently imminent, Morrows return to health is crucial to the Jays becoming the contender many thought they would be a year ago. Morrow is throwing in Arizona and early reports on his bullpen sessions and a simulated game are positive. But can Morrow give Toronto 180 or more innings? Hes done it only once in his career (2011) and even if he can is a Morrow, R.A.�Dickey and Mark�Buehrle front three enough for the Jays to contend in an American League East thats demise is annually predicted but never realized? Assuming Morrow, Dickey and Buehrle are the front three, is it the right approach for a club trying to contend now to count on one of Drew�Hutchison, Kyle�Drabek, Sean�Nolin or Marcus�Stroman to impress enough in spring training to crack the back end of the rotation for a spot alongside J.A.�Happ? Anthopoulos has discussed the need for an improved rotation since the middle of last summer, when he began lamenting the combined ERA of the starting staff which would finish second-worst in baseball, ahead of only lowly Minnesota. The Twins, whether or not you agree with the moves, have been proactive, inking veteran National Leaguer Ricky�Nolasco (four years/$49 million) and former Yankee Phil�Hughes (three years/$24 million). "I think my position has been that as we sit here today the trade market seems more viable," said Anthopoulos. "Thats not to say that wont change a week from now or two weeks from now as the prices for free agents change." In fact, Anthopoulos says, in his most recent conversations hes noticing a shift downward in the price of some free agents. He acknowledges that the names of prospects Stroman and Aaron�Sanchez come up in almost all the trade conversation he has but that hes not eager to move his upper level rotation depth. Free agent right-hander Matt�Garza could become more appealing if his arm problems limit him to a shorter term contract. At the very least, hes worth exploring given his past success in the division as a member of the Tampa Bay Rays for three seasons, starting in 2008. Another option, through a modified form of free agency, is Masahiro Tanaka. It seems farfetched, however. Depending on how the posting process is settled for the Japanese phenom, the Jays could get involved. If, as expected, the bidding is capped at $20 million, Toronto could post the maximum. The problem is a number of other clubs, particularly the big market, high spending teams, could and likely would do the same which would create a situation where Tanaka could sign with the high bidder of his choosing. Hed be in prime position to leverage up his contract and select the city in which he wishes to pitch. Tanaka is only 25 and hass two years left on his contract with the Rakuten Golden Eagles. Jarvis Jones Jersey. He posted a record of 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA and 0.943 WHIP in 2013. That WHIP, incredible for a starting pitcher, isnt even his best. In 2011, Tanaka had a 0.875 WHIP. Hes known as a fastball/splitter specialist who, over his seven seasons in Japan, has struck out 4.5 hitters for every walk. Anthopoulos continues to pursue leads, knowing a rotation of Dickey, Morrow, Buehrle, Happ and (insert rookie here) wont inspire confidence in a fan base counting on a bounce back season. There remains plenty of work to do. Fortunately, there too remains plenty of time.� THE FIVE-YEAR TERM LIMIT The Blue Jays are known for their policy on five-year contract limits. Anthopoulos suggests theres wiggle room if the circumstances are right. "I think weve said, six (years), will you bend a little bit and do something like that, I think we havent ruled it out," said Anthopoulos. "Our preference is certainly five. Weve never really had to deviate from that. Weve never looked seriously at doing that." There are few examples of extended long-term deals that have worked out. Albert�Pujols seven-year, $100 million contract signed with the Cardinals prior to the 2005 season would be one but for each of those, there are more of the Carlos�Beltran-Mets type of deals. Beltran had a stellar first four seasons in New York but was plagued by injury during the back half of the contract. Prince�Fielder is another example, traded by the Tigers last month just two years into a nine-year, $214 million deal signed after the 2011 season. "I dont know that its that strict a policy but its certainly a strong guideline that maybe we would stretch a little bit and go to six," said Anthopoulos. "Now, you start getting beyond six, I dont see that occurring." JAYS ROUND OUT COACHING STAFF Tim Leiper, who served as a minor league consultant for the Blue Jays last season, is expected to be named the clubs new first base coach. A source close to Leiper confirmed the news to TSN.ca. Leiper replaces Dwayne Murphy, who retired at the end of the year. A native of Whittier, California, Leiper, 46, has an extensive coaching background in the minor leagues and with Baseball Canada. Anthopoulos familiarity with Leiper dates back more than a decade. Leiper managed the Ottawa Lynx, then the Triple-A affiliate of the Montreal Expos, in 2002. Anthopoulos was working in the Expos front office at the time. DAVIS SIGNS WITH TIGERS It was a foregone conclusion Rajai�Davis wouldnt be returning to the Blue Jays. A free agent for the first time, Davis inked a two-year contract with the Detroit Tigers. According to reports, the deal is for $10 million. Davis spent three seasons with the Blue Jays, compiling a slash line of .252/.299/.369 in 345 games. He stole 125 bases in a Toronto uniform. The Blue Jays will look to go younger and cheaper to fill Davis roster spot. Anthony�Gose, a less refined base stealer at this point in his career, figures to be the prime candidate to replace Davis. Moises�Sierra, whos out of options and has been playing some first base in Dominican League winter ball, will receive consideration. Kevin�Pillar is another option, although less likely given his offensive struggles as a late-season call-up. ' ' '

At the same time I was also occupied with trying to get the Northern Ireland peace process back on track. There was a deadlock caused by a disagreement between Sinn Fein and the Unionists over whether UGG boots outlet the IRAs decommissioning could occur after the new government was formed or had to come before it. I explained the situation to Barak, who was intrigued by the differences and similarities between the Irish problems and his own.

The next day John Kennedy Jr., his wife, Carolyn, and her sister Lauren were killed when the small plane John was flying crashed off the coast of Massachusetts. UGG boots outlet I had liked John ever since I had met him in the 1980s when he was a law student working as an intern in Mickey Kantors firm in Los Angeles. He had come to one of my first New York campaign events in 1991, and not long before they perished I had enjoyed showing UGG Boots uk Carolyn and John the residence floors of the White House. Ted Kennedy gave another magnificent eulogy for UGG Boots uk sale a fallen family member: Like his father, he had every gift.

On July 23, King Hassan II of Morocco died at the age of seventy. He had been an ally of the United States, and a supporter of the Middle East peace process, and I had enjoyed a good personal relationship with him. Again on short notice, President Bush agreed to fly to Morocco for the funeral with Hillary, Chelsea, and me. I walked behind the kings horse-drawn casket with President Mubarak, Yasser Arafat, Jacques Chirac, and other leaders on a three-mile route through downtown Rabat. Well over one million people lined the streets, ululating and Cheap UGGS shouting in grief and respect to their fallen monarch. The deafening din of the huge, emotional throng made the march one of the most incredible events I had ever participated in. I think Hassan would have approved.

Our last stop was the International Antarctic Center in Christchurch, Americas launching station for our operations in Antarctica. The cen-ter contained a large training module in which the frigid conditions of Antarctica were replicated. UGG boots with bows I went there to highlight the problem of global warming. Antarctica is a great cooling tower for our planet, with ice more than two miles thick. Uggs boots outlet A huge chunk of Antarctic ice, about the size of Rhode Island, had recently broken free as a result of thawing. I released previously classified satellite photos of the continent to aid in studying the changes that were occurring. The biggest thrill of the event for Chelsea and me was the presence of Sir Edmund Hillary, who had explored the South Pole in the 1950s, was the first man to reach the top of Mount Everest, and, most important, was the man Chelseas mother had been named for.

Soon after I returned to America, I went kids UGGS on sale to New York to open the last UN General Assembly of the womens UGGS on sale cheap twentieth century, urging the delegates to adopt three resolutions: to do more to fight poverty and put a human face on the global economy; to increase our efforts to prevent or quickly stop the killing of innocents in ethnic, religious, racial, or tribal conflicts; and to intensify our efforts to prevent the use of nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons by irresponsible nations or terrorist groups.

At the UGG Boots Clearance end of the month I got back to domestic affairs, vetoing the latest Republican tax cut because it was too big, too bloated, and put too great a burden on Americas economy. Under the budget rules, the bill would have forced large cuts in education, health care, and environmental protection. It would have prevented us from extending the life of the Social Security and Medicare trust funds, and from adding a much-needed prescription drug benefit to Medicare.

We were going to have a surplus this year of about $100 billion, but the proposed GOP tax cut would cost nearly $1 trillion over a decade. Republicans justification for it was based on projected surpluses. On this issue I was far more conservative than they were. If the projections were wrong, the deficits would return, and, with ugg boots for women them, higher interest rates and slower growth. Over the previous five years, Congressional Budget Office estimates had been off by an average of 13 percent a year, though our administrations had been closer to the mark. It was an irresponsible risk. I asked the Republicans to work with the White House and the Democrats in the same spirit that UGG womens boots had produced the bipartisan welfare reform bill in 1996 and the Balanced Budget Act in 1997.

On September 24, Hillary and I hosted an event in the Old Executive Office Building to celebrate the success of bipartisan efforts to increase the adoption of children out of the foster-care system. They had increased almost 30 percent in the two years since our legislation had passed. I paid tribute to Hillary, who had been working on the issue for more than twenty UGGS on sale years, and to perhaps the most ardent supporter of the reforms in the House, Tom DeLay, himself an adoptive parent.

I would have liked a few more moments like that, but with this one exception, DeLay didnt believe in consorting with the enemy.

Partisanship returned in early October, when the Senate rejected, on a party-line vote, my nomination of Judge Ronnie White to a federal district judgeship. UGG Boots Sale White was the first African-American man to serve on the Missouri Supreme Court and was a highly regarded judge. He was defeated after Missouris conservative senator John Ashcroft, who was in a tough fight for reelection against Governor Mel Carnahan, grossly distorted Whites record on the death penalty. White had voted to uphold UGG boots womens 70 percent of the death penalty cases that had come before him. On more than half of those he had voted to reverse, he was part of a unanimous state supreme court ruling. Ashcroft got his Republican colleagues to go along with the smear because he thought it would help him and hurt Whites supporter Governor Carnahan with prodeath penalty voters in Missouri.

From Greece, I flew to Florence, where Prime Minister DAlema hosted another of our Third Way conferences. This one had a distinctly Italian flavor, as Andrea Bocelli sang at the dinner and Academy Awardwinning actor Roberto Benigni kept us in stitches. He UGGS on sale usa and DAlema were a well-matched pairtwo lean, intense, passionate men who were always finding something to laugh about. When I met Benigni, he said, I love you! and jumped into my arms. I was thinking that maybe I should run UGG boots outlet for office in Italy; I had always loved it there.

This was by far our most substantive Third Way meeting. Tony Blair, EU president Romano Prodi, Gerhard Schroeder, Henrique Cardoso, and French prime minister Lionel Jospin were all there as we worked to articulate a progressive consensus for domestic and foreign policies in the twenty-first century, and for reforms in the international financial system to minimize financial crises and intensify our efforts to spread the benefits and reduce the burdens of globalization.

On the twenty-second, Chelsea and I flew to UGG womens boots Bulgaria, which I was the first American President to visit. In a speech to more than thirty thousand people in the shadow of the brightly lit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, I pledged Americas support for their hard-won freedom, their economic aspirations, and their partnership with NATO.

My last stop before going home for Thanksgiving was in Kosovo, where Madeleine Albright, UGGS on sale Wes Clark, and I got a roaring welcome. I spoke to a group of citizens who kept interrupting my speech by shouting my name. I hated to break the mood, but I tried to get them to listen to my plea not to take out resentment over past wrongs by retaliating against the Serb minority, a point I UGGS for cheap made privately to the leaders of various factions in Kosovar politics. Later that day I went to Camp Bondsteel to thank the troops and share an early Thanksgiving dinner with them. They were clearly proud of what they had done, but Chelsea was a bigger hit with the young soldiers than I was.

Barak accepted eagerly and wanted to begin immediately. I explained that we could not do it during the Christmas holidays, and he agreed to our timetable: preliminary talks in Washington in mid-December, to be resumed early in the New Ugg boots on sale Year with my participation and to continue uninterrupted until agreement was reached. The Washington talks got off to a bit of a rocky start with an aggressive public statement by Shara. Nevertheless, in the private talks, when Shara suggested that we should start where the talks had left off in 1996, with Rabins pocket commitment of the June 4 line provided Israels needs were met, Barak responded that while he had made no commitment on territory, we do not erase Uggs clearance history. The two men then agreed that I could decide the order in which the issuesincluding borders, security, water, and peacewould be discussed. Barak wanted the negotiations to continue uninterrupted; that would require the Syrians womens UGG boots to work through the end of Ramadan on January 7 and not go home to celebrate the traditional feast of Eid Al Fitr at the end of the fasting period. Shara agreed, and the two sides went home to prepare.

Although Barak had pushed hard for the early negotiations, he soon began to worry about the political consequences of giving up the Golan without having prepared the Israeli public for it. He wanted some cover: the resumption of the Lebanon track to be conducted by the Syrians in consultation with the Lebanese; the announcement by at least one Arab state of womens UGG boots sale an upgrade of relations with Israel; clear security benefits from the United States; and a free-trade zone on the Golan. I agreed to support all these requests and took things a step further, calling Assad on December 19 and asking him to womens UGG boots clearance resume the Lebanese track at the same time as the Syrian talks and to help retrieve the remains of three Israelis still listed as missing in action from the Lebanon war almost twenty years earlier. Assad agreed to the second request and we sent a forensics team to Syria, but unfortunately the remains werent where the Israelis thought they would be. On the first issue, Assad hedged, saying the Lebanese talks should resume once some headway had been made on the Syrian track.

Shepherdstown is a rural community UGG boots cheap online a little more than an hours drive from Washington; Barak had insisted on an isolated setting to minimize leaks, and the Syrians didnt want to go to Camp David or Wye River because other high-profile Middle East negotiations had occurred there. That was fine with me; the conference facilities in Shepherdstown were comfortable, and I could get there from the White House in about twenty minutes by helicopter.

It quickly became apparent that the UGG boots cheap womens two sides were not that far apart on the issues. Syria wanted all of the Golan back but was willing to leave the Israelis a small strip of land, 10 meters (33 feet) wide, along the border of the lake; Israel wanted a wider Uggs clearance strip of land. Syria wanted Israel to withdraw within eighteen months; Barak wanted three years. Israel wanted to stay in the early-warning station; Syria wanted it manned by personnel from the UN or perhaps from the U.S. Israel wanted guarantees on the quality and quantity of water flowing from the Golan into the lake; Syria agreed as long as it got the same guarantees on its water flow from Turkey. Israel wanted full diplomatic relations as soon as withdrawal began; Syria wanted something less until the UGG boots cheap wholesale withdrawal was complete.

The Syrians came to Shepherdstown in a positive and flexible frame of mind, eager to make an agreement. By contrast, Barak, who had pushed hard for the talks, decided, apparently on the basis of polling data, that he needed to slow-walk the process for UGG boots cheap uk a few days in order to convince the Israeli public that he was being a tough negotiator. He wanted me to use my good relationship with Shara and Assad to keep the Syrians happy while he said as little as possible during his self-imposed waiting period.

NEW YORK, N. Reggie Nelson Jersey .Y. - Novak Djokovic beat Andy Murray 6-3, 7-6 (2) in an one-off match at Madison Square Garden on Monday, with the pair mixed the usual exhibition hijinks with some long rallies reminiscent of their epic Grand Slam meetings. A born showman, Djokovic always has fun with the New York crowd at the U.S. Open. When on a game point Monday he shanked an overhead into the net, the Serb did push-ups in penance. It was the first time playing at the Garden for both. "I was amazed by the size of it," Djokovic said. "With the history in the world of sports and entertainment and music, its probably the most impressive and most important indoor facility in the world." Murray grimaced more than once after an unforced error as if he were a few miles away at Flushing Meadows. But he also high-fived a fan after hooking in a winner down the line. And the Brit provides plenty of entertainment value simply with his ability to run down nearly every ball. Chasing a drop shot in the first set, Murray wound up all the way on Djokovics side of the court, bumping into a TV camera along the way. Djokovic went over and jokingly massaged Murrays quad, lest he need a medical timeout. During one changeover, they pulled their phones out of their bags and met at the net to take a couple of selfies. Both tweeted them during the next break. "We might never get the chance to play here again," Murray said. "Wanted to enjoy it. Hope everyone who came along had a good time as well. That was the whole point today." And hes in a good mood after his surgically repaired back held up well following four matches in four days in Acapulco last week. There were the obligatory exhibition shenanigans: between-the-legs shots, pulling a kid from the crowd to play a point. In a bit of a twist, Djokovic invited reigning Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, who has since retired, from the stands to briefly take his place. Murray welcomed her by launching a serve as hard as he could that had the Frenchwoman ducking. Bartoli then ably exchanged groundstrokes with Murray in high-top canvas sneakers that were more fashion than function. The BNP Paribas Showdown opened with the Bryan brothers beating the McEnroe brothers 8-3 in doubles. John McEnroe added a little sizzle to the meeting a few months ago when he made some harsh comments about the current state of doubles, suggesting that top players today are the guys who werent athletic enough to make it in singles. While Bob and Mike Bryan insisted there were no hard feelings, they respectfully disagree with his opinion, and they played Monday with the seriousness of an ATP Tour match. There was no aiming any slams toward Johns head. Instead, they picked on Patrick McEnroes volleys � he doesnt play as much these days as his more-successful older brother. The twins needed 44 minutes to win the single pro set. Wallace Gilberry Bengals Jersey . Now its going to cost him -- four games and four paychecks. The Colts career sacks leader was suspended Friday by the NFL after violating the leagues ban on performance-enhancing substances. Carlos Dunlap Authentic Jersey . Lee doubled and scored in his debut, Buerhle struck out a season-best eight over 7 2-3 innings and Miami beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-0 Thursday to split the four-game series.NEW ORLEANS - The New Orleans Saints and right tackle Zach�Strief have agreed to a five-year contract extension. Strief, who has spent his entire eight-year career in New Orleans and became a starter in 2011, had entered free agency last week but had expressed an interest in working out a deal to remain with the Saints if the club could field a competitive offer. Financial terms of the deal, announced Monday by general manager Mickey Loomis, have not been disclosed. Last season, Strief started 15 regular season games and both playoff games, giving him 45 regular season starts and four playoff starts in his career. He also was a regular reserve on playoff teams in 2009 and 2010. "We are excited to announce that Zach will stay with us into the future," Loomis said. "Not only has he done an excellent job at the right tackle pposition, but he has served us well as an offensive team captain for the past two seasons and has always been a great asset in the community since he first came here in 2006. A.J. Green Jersey. " Strief, who played in college at Northwestern, was one of two seventh-round picks by the Saints in the 2006 NFL draft, the other being receiver Marques�Colston. Strief has appeared in 109 career regular season games and has been one of the veteran leaders of one of the top ranking offences in the NFL the past three seasons, duing which the club has ranked first, second and fourth in net yards per game. He has also taken part in numerous community service endeavours, highlighted by his work with a restaurant which trains at-risk New Orleans youth the skills needed to work at various positions in the citys renowned restaurant industry. ' ' '

BOSTON -- Will�Middlebrooks reaction running down the first-base line might have summed up how his teammates were feeling when the Boston Red Sox finally got back to . Carl Banks Jersey .500. The slumping Middlebrooks pumped his fist a few times after hitting an RBI single with the bases loaded, capping a two-run rally in the eighth inning that sent the Red Sox over the Cincinnati Reds 4-3 Wednesday night for a sweep of the two-game interleague series. "I just wanted to help the team win and to contribute," Middlebrooks said. Mired in a 2-for-19 stretch and coming off an 0-for-5 night with a pair of strikeouts, Middlebrooks sent a hard grounder up the middle for the go-ahead run. "Ive been frustrated, but regardless if youre 10-for-10 or 0-for-10 or whatever, youre happy to contribute to a win in any way possible," he said. David�Ortiz and Mike�Napoli also drove in runs for the World Series champions, who reached .500 for the first time since the fourth game of the season. They failed in eight previous chances. "I dont think it was a mental hurdle," Boston manager John Farrell said. "I never heard too many of us mention that were bumping up against .500 and taking a step back. It was just more of a situation inside games where we had opportunities that we havent cashed in on, finally we do tonight." Skip�Schumaker hit a two-run homer for Cincinnati, who lost the opener to Boston 4-3 in 12 innings. It was the Reds 11th one-run loss, most in the majors. "We play a lot of low scoring, one-run games," Reds manager Bryan�Price said. "Were battling and well be whole soon, but until then weve got to find a way to create some distance between ourselves and our opponent. Itll come down to making every single play over the course of those last three innings to win the game, and it cant be like that every single day of a baseball season." Trailing 3-2 in the eighth, the Red Sox scored against two relievers. "Its tough," Reds left fielder Chris�Heisey said. "We felt like we had the game and let it slip away." Napoli drew a one-out walk from Manny�Parra, J.J.�Hoover (1-4) walked pinch-hitter Jonny�Gomes and A.J.�Pierzynskis ground-rule double tied it at 3. Jackie Bradley Jr. was intentionally walked before Middlebrooks had his tiebreaking hit. Craig�Breslow (2-0), who also got the win in Tuesdays game, pitched one hitless inning. Koji�Uehara struck out the final three batters for his eighth save. Cincinnati starter Mike�Leake pitched seven strong innings and was in line for the win before Boston rallied. He gave up two runs on eight hits, walking two and striking out four. Bostons Jake�Peavy allowed three or fewer runs for the sixth time in seven starts, giving up three runs on four hits with four walks and five strikeouts. The Reds took a 3-2 lead in the seventh when Roger�Bernadina bounced a slow groundout to second against reliever Chris�Capuano with the bases loaded. In the bottom half, Heisey made a nice inning-ending running catch on Shane�Victorinos liner into the gap with the tying run on second. Boston tied it with a pair of runs in the sixth on a run-scoring single by Ortiz and RBI double by Napoli. It could have been worse for Leake, but Grady�Sizemore bounced to second with runners on second and third and, after an intentional walk, Bradley Jr. hit an inning-ending grounder. Schumaker, who came off the 15-day disabled list on Saturday after being sidelined since spring training with a dislocated left shoulder, homered in the third after Heisey had a leadoff double. The teams bounced into a combined five double plays, with the Red Sox turning three. NOTES: Farrell didnt start SS Xander�Bogaerts to "get another left-handed bat in the lineup." Switch-hitter Jonathan�Herrera took his spot and batted ninth. Bogaerts came in as a defensive replacement in the ninth. ... Leake had given up eight hits and four runs over seven innings in each of his last two starts. ... Reds RHP Alfredo�Simon turned 33 Wednesday. ... The Reds are off until Friday, when they open a six-game homestand against Colorado with RHP Johnny�Cueto (3-2, 1.31 ERA) going against RHP Jhoulys�Chacin (0-1, 7.20). After Peavy, Chacin is the second of four straight starting pitchers the Reds are scheduled to face with the first letter of their first name starting with the letter "J." The Rockies will are also slated pitch RHP Jordan�Lyles and Juan�Nicasio. ... Boston is also off Thursday before opening a six-game road trip in Texas when RHP Clay�Buchholz (2-2, 5.63) faces Yu�Darvish (2-1, 2.87). Jacquian Williams Womens Blue Jersey .ca. In addition to the game being aired in its entirety on CTV Two Vancouver Island and TSN.ca, TSN2 will also have coverage of Whitecaps FC immediately following NASCAR Sprint Cup Series: Toyota Owners 400. Phil Simms Elite Jersey .com) - The Edmonton Oilers have been in spoiler mode for a while now, however as the season winds down they become more and more dangerous to opponents fighting for a playoff berth.HAMILTON - The Saskatchewan Roughriders have acquired the eighth pick in the first round of the 2014 CFL draft plus non-import punter Josh Bartel and Canadian lineman Shomari Williams in a trade that saw the Hamilton Tiger-Cats get the ninth pick and 11th overall. Bartel, who is from Australia, punted 229 times for 9,904 yards with a 43.2 average in two seasons with the Ticats. Williams, the first overall ppick by Saskatchewan in 2010, signed with Hamilton as a free agent a year ago and had one defensive tackle and one special teams tackle in just six games with the Ticats last season. Josh Brown Elite Jersey. The Roughriders acquired the 11th overall pick in an Oct. 6 trade with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Ticats now have the ninth, 11th, 17th, 44th, 52nd, 53rd and 62nd selections in this years draft. ' ' '

RIDGEDALE, Mo. Kyle Orton Jersey . -- Jay�Haas and Peter�Jacobsen took the second-round lead Saturday in the Champions Tours Legends of Golf, teaming for a 6-under 48 in windy conditions on the par-3 Top of the Rock course. Haas and Jacobsen played nine holes of alternate shot and nine of better ball at Top of the Rock, the first par-3 course used in a PGA Tour-sanctioned event, after opening with a better-ball 62 on Friday on the regulation Buffalo Ridge layout. They had a 15-under 110 total. "Weve known each other since college days," Haas said. "And if you know Peter, youre a friend of Peters. Weve played on Ryder Cup teams before and just know each other. Our wives know each other." They were 1 under in the alternate-shot nine. "We talked about it walking down the first hole, the morning format, the alternate shot," Jacobsen said. "I turned to Jay and said, Im nervous. I havent been this nervous in a long time. It takes us back to Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup days when the alternate shot is the most difficult. You feel like youre on an island. Youre playing for yourself and also youre playing for your partner, so you dont want to leave your partner in a bad position." Jeff�Sluman and Fred�Funk were second after a 50 on the par-3 course, the site of the final round Sunday. "I think both of us not only embrace the golf course and the concept of a par 3, but we embrace the format change from last year," said Sluman, the winner last year with Brad�Faxon in Savannah, Georgia. "ts fun, its exciting, its vibrant and were jazzed to be here." In Legends Division for players 65 and older, the teams of Jim Colbert-Jim Thorpe and Bruce Fleisher-Larry Nelson shared the lead at 7-under 118. Colbert and Thorpe had a 2-under 52 on the par-3 course, and Fleisher and Nelson shot 56. "It was very difficult starting out where you had alternate shots," Fleisher said. "I thought it would have been a lot easier the other way around if we got a little bit of feel of the golf course. Larrys a great partner, Im kind of trying to tag along this week." Craig�Stadler and Kirk�Triplett were third in the Champions Division, shooting a 64 at Buffalo Ridge. The teams of Tom�Watson-Andy North and Tom Pernice Jr.-Bob�Tway were tied for fourth at 11 under after rounds on the regulation course. Watson and North had a 65, and Pernice and Tway shot 64. "Who knows what the weathers going to be tomorrow," North said. "Were fortunate to get done today, but man, the wind blew. Some of those holes played so hard. When youre hitting woods into these par 3s, theyre pretty difficult. Its going to be fun to get over there." Pernice won the Principal Charity Classic last week in Iowa for his third senior title. In the Legends Division, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player had a 66 at Buffalo Ridge to move into a tie for third with Butch Baird and Al Geiberger at 4 under. Baird and Geiberger had a 54 on the par-3 course. "Id say Gary played very well," Nicklaus said. "I was all right the front nine. It was all Gary the back nine, thank goodness, because I wasnt very good. Ill have to say that Gary made some putts when he needed to make some putts and I couldnt make the putts when I needed to make the putts. But we ham and egged it reasonably well throughout the round." Bryce Brown Jersey .Y. -- Trevor Cooney and C. Mike Williams Jersey .ca Fantasy Editor Scott Cullen, NFL Editor Ben Fisher, and Isaac Owusu�discuss three hot fantasy football topics.MOBILE, Ala. -- EJ Manuels January couldnt have gone much better on the field. More importantly, hes hoping for a similarly happy February for his family. The Florida State quarterback passed for a touchdown and rushed for another on the Souths first two drives in a 21-16 victory over the North in the Senior Bowl on Saturday, and was named Most Outstanding Player. Now, he can try to be the MOS -- Most Outstanding Son. His mother, Jackie Manuel, who was diagnosed with breast cancer before the season, has been recovering from her final round of chemotherapy, and Manuel said shes scheduled to have surgery on Feb. 1. "Thats kind of been my motivation," Manuel said. "I call my mom every single day and tell her I love her. I never miss a day. "Theyll be sending that award home to her. I won that award for her. I went out there and played well for her. Im happy I was able to do it." And even happier to return to her side in Virginia for a few days, instead of just squeezing in Skype and Facetime sessions. It was a great finish for Manuel to a month that began with a 291-yard performance in an Orange Bowl victory over Northern Illinois. Manuel and running backs Stepfan�Taylor and Mike James combined to put the game for senior NFL prospects away on the Souths final drive. Stanfords Taylor carried five times for 32 yards and caught a 6-yard pass from Manuel. Manuel converted a fourth-and-1 play on a sneak to set up a 5-yard touchdown run for Miamis James with 2:41 left. He completed 7 of 10 passes for 76 yards with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Alabama tight end Michael�Williams. He also scored on a 2-yard run. Brigham Young defensive end Ezekiel�Ansah received MOP honours for the South team while Purdue defensive lineman Kawann�Short was the Norths top player. Miami, Ohio quarterback Zac�Dysert answered with a scoring drive that ended with his 3-yard touchdown pass to Oregon running back Kenjon�Barner with 23 seconds left. The two-point conversion and onside kick both failed. Ansah is a native of Ghana who initially was on the track team and now is a potential first-round pick. He had seven tackles, 3.5 behind the line, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble. "It was fun. I came out here to work hard, with a bunch of all-star players, obviously," Ansah said. Bills Jersey. "Everyone out here is an MVP. I just came here to learn and get better." Short had three tackles, one for a loss. Taylor finished with nine carries for 53 yards for the South. Barner led all receivers with seven catches for 59 yards and gained 13 yards on three carries. It was an up and down day for most of the quarterbacks. Arkansas Tyler�Wilson completed 8 of 11 passes for 40 yards for the South. Landry�Jones, a four-year starter for Oklahoma, was 3-of-9 passing for 16 yards and was sacked twice. For the North, Dysert was 10 of 16 for 93 yards and was intercepted once and sacked twice. North Carolina States Mike�Glennon completed half his 16 attempts for 82 yards, and Syracuses Ryan�Nassib was 4 of 10 for 44 yards and threw an interception. Southeastern Louisiana defensive back Robert Alford set up Manuels 2-yard run with an 88-yard return of the opening kick. Then Manuel lofted an over-the-shoulder pass to Williams in the end zone. "The corner played the flat and big Mike ran a great route and got leverage on the linebacker," Manuel said. "I thought it was a great matchup and I just threw the ball up there and he made a great catch." Williams converted another third-down play with a 19-yard catch on the drive. Glennon and the North offence finally got things going to open the second half. He completed all three of his pass attempts for 34 yards and then UCLAs Johnathan�Franklin, a finalist for the Doak Walker Award, closed the drive with a 12-yard run and a 20-yard touchdown on consecutive plays. Manuel didnt play again until the third quarter when he led the South across midfield. His fourth-down pass was deflected into the arms of Utah State defensive back Will�Davis for an interception. Davis returned it 25 yards and Glennon led the North deep enough to set up a 42-yard field goal by Oklahoma States Quinn Sharp to make it 14-10 with 3:28 left in the third quarter. Former Michigan quarterback Denard�Robinson continued his conversion to receiver. He lost 3 yards on a reverse but turned a screen pass from Nassib into a 14-yard gain late in the third quarter and added a 7-yard catch in the fourth. ' ' '

EDMONTON -- The New York Rangers showed on Sunday the kind of hockey they are hoping to consistently display come playoff time. Dez Bryant Womens Jersey. Backup goaltender Cam�Talbot stopped 26 shots for his third career shutout and Rick�Nash and Mats�Zuccarello each scored a pair of goals as the Rangers won their sixth game in their last seven outings, defeating the second-last place Edmonton Oilers 5-0. Derek Brassard also scored for the Rangers (42-30-4) who had two short-handed goals in the game to move two points up on the Philadelphia Flyers for second place in the Metropolitan Division. "On some nights you need some bounces and we got a couple tonight," said Rangers head coach Alain Vigneault. "Our penalty killing gave us two big goals tonight, which was good to see. "We hadnt played as well as we would have liked defensively in (a 4-3 loss to) Calgary on Friday. We were a lot better tonight." Centre Derek�Stepan, who had three assists in the game, agreed with his coach. "We tightened it up and moving forward we have to play that way because the points are so big," said Stepan. "We have played a good defensive game over the last few weeks and that is what is going to lead to our offence and help us win." Nash said it is important that his team ramps it up down the stretch as they hope for a strong playoff run. "We have kind of a mini-playoffs right now just to get in," he said. "We are looking at every game as a must-win right now. You look at the teams that have success in the playoffs and it is usually ones that are playing well going in." The Rangers tied their franchise record for road wins with 24 this season. The Oilers (26-40-9) have lost four of their last five games. Edmontons Ryan�Nugent-Hopkins said a team cant surrender two short-handed goals in a game and expect to have any success. "Its something that cant happen," he said. "Weve given up the most short-handed goals this season and its something that we cant afford to do. Whatever the reason, I think were a little overzealous and want to help guys out, but at the same time we have to be more cautious. "Teams are trying to capitalize on the penalty kill, they dont just dump it out every time. We have to be aware of that and its something that we have to be better at for sure." It was the ninth time this season that the Oilers have been shut out. "A lot of people say were a team that can score goals, but if you look at goals for in the league, were not even in the top 15," said Oilers forward David�Perron. "We cant cheat to make plays and sometimes were guilty of that and that shows right away against teams that play the right way. "We sure werent generating anything. I dont think there was a minute in the game that we wanted. It was pretty embarrassing to play like that." Oilers head coach Dallas�Eakins echoed Perrons sentiment, noting that the lack of offence on his team is something the organization will hope to address in the off-season. "There is a misconception about this team," he said. "This is not a high-powered offensive team. Its not. The history over the last four or five years knows that. We have to find a way to manufacture some offence and its something that were going to have to look into this summer as we add and subtract." Edmonton goalie Ben�Scrivens kept it scoreless seven minutes into the game with a huge kick save after Nash split the defence to go in alone on the power play. New York took a 1-0 lead with three-and-a-half minutes to play in the opening frame as Zuccarello tipped in an Anton�Stralman shot on a play that Scrivens argued involved a high stick. It was reviewed and stuck as Zuccarellos 16th of the season. The Rangers almost had a two-goal lead two minutes later as a puck got behind Scrivens, but the goaltender was able to fish it to safety during a mad scramble in front of the net before it crossed the goal-line. The visiting team had eight first period shots, while the Oilers only mustered three on Talbot. New York took a 2-0 lead five minutes into the second period on the power play, on Brassards knuckler of a shot form the sideboards that seemed to catch Scrivens off guard. The Rangers made it a three-goal advantage with 11 minutes left in the second period as Nash threw a hopeful backhand from behind the goal-line in front and it hit Scrivens and went into the net to count as Nashs 24th goal of the season. New York continued to dominate as they made it 4-0 with seven minutes left in the second period on a short-handed two-on-one break with Nash converting a pass from Stepan. The Rangers upped their lead to 5-0 on another short-handed goal four minutes into the third period as defender Philip�Larsen overcommitted to covering Stepan. He was able to earn his third assist with a feed to Zuccarello in front of the net for his second goal of the night. It was the 13th short-handed goal the Oilers have allowed this season. Both teams return to the ice on Tuesday as the Rangers play the third game of a four-game trip in Vancouver and the Oilers take their final three-game road trip of the season, starting in San Jose. Notes: It was the second and final meeting between the two teams this season. The Oilers won the first match-up 2-1 on Feb. 6 as Scrivens made 35 saves at Madison Square Garden. a The Oilers may be in second-last in the NHL, but they came into the game with a winning record against Eastern Conference teams, sitting at 14-13-4 before the loss. a Rangers forward Martin�St.�Louis has yet to score in his 14 games with New York since being traded there for Ryan�Callahan and two draft picks. a Rangers forward Daniel�Carcillo returned from a bout with the flu. ... Remaining out for New York were defenceman John�Moore (concussion) and forward Chris�Kreider (left hand). a Out for the Oilers were forwards Ryan�Jones (knee) and Nail�Yakupov (ankle), and defenceman Andrew�Ference (chest). Travis Frederick Jersey . Jayson�Werth and Denard�Span had three hits each for Washington, which had lost 6 of 7. Previously slumping, Washingtons offence has 14 runs and 30 hits in its last two games. Strasburg (4-4) allowed two unearned runs, though his error led to them, and six hits. Dan Bailey Jersey . Louis Blues remain at the top spot of the TSN. LAS VEGAS -- Washington Capitals captain Alex�Ovechkin scored 51 goals last season to capture his second consecutive and fourth career Maurice Richard Trophy, an award hell collect at Tuesday nights NHL Awards in Las Vegas. But it was a dinner meeting he had over the weekend that created the buzz at Mondays informal media event at the Wynn Country Club. Ovechkin and Barry Trotz finally had a chance to meet face to face for the first time since the former Nashville Predators coach was named Capitals coach on May 26. "It was a good meeting, I think hell be happy," said Ovechkin, who leads the NHL in goals (422), points (814), power-play goals (151) and game-winning goals (69) since entering the league in 2005. "We talked about the system, how he wants to coach." The Capitals star made it a point to avoid discussing the details of his conversation with Trotz, but did acknowledge that the coach said there would be some changes. "Hes going to explain to everybody, its not about just me, everybody will have to change," said Ovechkin, who became the 11th player in NHL history to record five 50-goal campaigns. "We just talked about how he wants to play with me and how he wants to play with the team. We talked about good things -- lots of good things, lots of bad things -- he sees what he can change with the team and what he can change with my game." Trotz, who has never coacheed a 40-goal scorer, instilled a defensive scheme in Nashville. Lance Dunbar Womens Jersey. He was the only coach of the Predators since they joined the league as an expansion franchise for the 1998-99 season. The 51-year-old Trotz was fired at the end of last season, after compiling a career record of 557-479-60 in 15 seasons. His 1,196 regular-season games coached ranks him 14th on the all-time coaching list. "Hes a straightforward coach and thats the best thing you can expect from a new guy," said Ovechkin. "Hes going to bring some new stuff for me and my teammates. Its going to be a new season and its going to be a brand new day for me. We still have the same team, the same group of guys right now. The new coach is going to bring a new system and well see how it goes." When Trotz was named coach, the Capitals also promoted Brian MacLellan to general manager, making him the sixth GM in team history after he spent the past seven seasons as the teams assistant general manager. "The whole organization is making a big step; they fired (former GM) George (McPhee), fired (former coach) Adam (Oates) and the organization wants to make improvements," Ovechkin said. "Just glad they havent fired me yet. Im still here with a Capitals jersey. ... New coach, a new GM and well see whats going to happen with the team, the system and all kind of stuff. Its going to be an interesting year." ' ' '

The fact that Starr had admitted violating the law on grand jury secrecy and had given false testimony under oath didnt slow him or the committee Republicans down a bit. They thought different rules applied to UGG boots outlet the home team.

The next day Sam Dash resigned as Starrs ethics advisor, saying that Starr had unlawfully injected himself into the impeachment process with his remarks at the congressional hearing. As my mother used to say, Dash was a day late and a dollar short: Starr hadnt cared about the lawfulness of his behavior for a long time.

Shortly before Thanksgiving, the UGG boots outlet House Republicans returned to Washington to elect Bob Livingston of Louisiana, the chairman of the Appropriations Committee, as the new Speaker of the House. He would take office in January when the UGG Boots uk new session of Congress began. At the time, most people thought the movement to impeach me was stalled. Several moderate Republicans had said that they were opposed to it, and that the election had been a clear message that the American people wanted the Congress to reprimand or censure me and get on with the publics business.

In the middle of the month, I settled the Paula Jones case UGG Boots uk sale for a large amount of money and no apology. I hated to do it because I had won a clear victory on the law and the facts in a politically motivated case. Joness lawyers had appealed her case to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, but the governing case law was clear: if the Court of Appeals followed its own decisions, I would win the appeal. Unfortunately, the three-judge panel assigned to hear the case was headed by Pasco Bowman, the same Cheap UGGS ultra-conservative judge who had removed Judge Henry Woods from one of the Whitewater cases on the basis of spurious newspaper articles after Woods had rendered a decision Starr didnt like. Pasco Bowman, like Judge David Sentelle in Washington, had shown that he was willing to make exceptions to the normal rules of law in Whitewater-related cases.

Part of me almost wanted to lose the appeal so that I could go to court, get all the documents UGG boots with bows and depositions released, and show the public what my adversaries had been up to. But I had promised the American people I would spend the next two years working for them; I had no business spending five more minutes on the Jones case. The settlement took about half our life savings and we were already deeply in debt with legal bills, but I knew that if I stayed healthy, Uggs boots outlet I could make enough money to take care of my family and pay those bills after I left office. So I settled a case I had already won and went back to work.

My promise to leave the Jones case behind would be tested once more, and severely. In April 1999, Judge Wright sanctioned me for violating her discovery orders and required me to pay her travel costs and the Jones lawyers kids UGGS on sale deposition expenses. I strongly disagreed with Wrights opinion but could not dispute it womens UGGS on sale cheap without getting into the very factual issues I was determined to avoid and taking more time away from my work. It really burned me up to pay the Jones lawyers expenses; they had abused the deposition with questions asked in bad faith and in collusion with Starr, and they had repeatedly defied the judges order not to leak. The judge never did anything to them.

On December 2, Mike Espy was acquitted on all charges brought against him by independent counsel Donald Smaltz. Smaltz had followed UGG Boots Clearance Starrs playbook in the Espy investigation, spending more than $17 million and indicting everybody he could in an effort to force them to say something damaging against Mike. The jurys stinging rebuke made Smaltz and Starr the only two independent counsels ever to lose jury trials.