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The Netherlands is now the single greatest speed skating team at an Olympic Games after sweeping the womens 1,500-metre race at the Adler Arena Skating Center in Sochi. Kirk Gibson Dodgers Jersey . Jorien ter Mors set an Olympic-record time of one minute 53.51 seconds to win her first Olympic gold medal. Ter Mors just missed a short track medal Saturday, finishing fourth in the 1,500m. "It is bizarre that I can do this," said Ter Mors, who had to wait nearly an hour to know the gold was assured after skating in the ninth of 18 pairings. Veteran Ireen Wust failed to defend her Olympic title but still managed to win silver in 1:54.09. Wust now has six Olympic medals, including three gold and a victory in the womens 3000m in Sochi. "I admit Im a bit ticked," Wust said. "I had [a gold medal] in me. Maybe I was too keen, too concerned about lap times. You have got to be loose out there on the ice, and then the lap times will come. But I dont begrudge Jorien the gold." Lotte van Beek made it a 1-2-3 Dutch finish with a time of 1:54.54. The Dutch team actually had the top-four skaters as Marrit Leenstra finished with a time of 1:56.40. The Netherlands has dominated the proceedings, taking five gold and 16 medals so far in only eight races, eclipsing the record set by East Germany in the 1988 Games in Calgary. It also as swept events in the mens 500 and 5,000m in Sochi. No Canadian women were able to crack the top 10. Reginas Kali Christ placed 16th in 1:53.51. Christine Nesbitt, of London, Ont., finished 17th with a time of 1:58.67, Winnipegs Brittany Schussler was 26th in 2:00.65, while Brianne Tutt of Calgary, ended up 35th in 2:03.69. It was another disappointing event for Nesbitt, who finished ninth in the 1,000m � her signature event � on Thursday. Nesbitt won gold in that distance at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. She was the 1,500m world champion in 2012, and dominated the World Cup circuit two years ago. But injuries, a battle with coeliac disease and admittedly feeling the pressure of defending Olympic gold have all contributed to Nesbitts dismal season, where she failed to medal in any of the World Cup events. "I think one of the hardest things about winning is that because youve done it once people expect you do it again and again and again," said Kristina Groves, CBC Sports speed skating analyst and four-time Olympic medallist. "I think they forget how hard it is to do that. Nesbitt has had some struggles with injuries, with coeliac disease and that takes a toll over time. But I think she should be proud of this race. I know she was probably expected more but shes been through so much this season. "I thought she looked solid, just a little slow tempo toward the end. I think she should be proud of herself for coming here and giving herself the best chance she possibly could to win a medal for Canada." Sandy Koufax Jersey . - The Washington Wizards are in a great position to make the playoffs for the first time in six years, and John�Wall has a lot to do with it. Jackie Robinson Jersey . -- As expected, coach John Fox has officially ruled out Wes�Welker for Denvers game against San Diego on Thursday night because of a concussion. MIAMI -- Standing on the cusp of the NBA Finals has tended to agree with the Miami Heat in each of the last two seasons. When the Heat have gotten a game away from the title round, theyve finished the task as quickly as possible. And here they are again. A third straight Eastern Conference title is now just one win away for the reigning champions, though if the way this series has gone so far is an accurate indicator, that win will hardly come easily. The Heat -- without suspended forward Chris�Andersen -- will visit the Indiana Pacers on Saturday night, leading the best-of-seven East finals 3-2 and in position to close out their new rivals on their own floor for the second straight season. "Were desperate, too," Heat forward and four-time NBA MVP LeBron�James said Friday. "Were desperate to get back to the NBA Finals. So both teams are desperate in their own sense of theyre trying to keep their season alive and were trying to advance." The teams have alternated wins and losses through the first five games, and if that trend holds, then its the Pacers turn to prevail on Saturday and send the series back to Miami for a winner-goes-to-the-finals Game 7 on Monday night. If the Heat -- who have won each of their last six potential series-closeout games, including two in the 2011 and 2012 East finals -- win, then the championship round against the San Antonio Spurs will begin in Miami on Thursday. "You cant start thinking about opening up the invitation," Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. "Thats over there. You cant even think about that." The Pacers saw their season end a year ago on their home floor, at Miamis hand, in Game 6 of a second-round series. So Indianas biggest source of motivation on Saturday may be the desire to avoid the indignity of watching Miami advance in Indianapolis for a second straight season. "Game 6 will really determine how much weve grown, because weve been in the same ditch, I guess, being in the same predicament," Pacers star Paul�George said. "Going 2-2, losing in Miami, then coming back home and losing at home. So well see where were at. Weve done well all year, especially in the post-season, dealing with adversity and overcoming games where we didnt play as well as we wanted." The shirts in Indiana say "Gold Swagger" for a reason. Even down 3-2 against a team that hasnt lost back-to-back games since early January, the Pacers still have plenty of confidence, and it starts with a coach who came into the series insisting his club had genuine belief that it could knock off the champions. "Its not just false talk," Indiana coach Frank Vogel said. "Theres a reason Im confident. I like to tell these guys that Im not an optimist. Thats what my image is. Im a realist. And when I look around at what I see in the room when Im talking to this team, and what I see on the court, and the level of execution that were capable of ... it gives me real confidence in this basketball team. Our guys understand its not just happy talk. Hyun-Jin Ryu Dodgers Jersey. quot; Adjustments will be made by both sides before Saturday, of course. But at this point, its more than likely that the sides are out of ways to tactically surprise one another. A play here, a play there, that might be the difference, and that sort of thinking is shared by both sides. "Its about effort," Pacers centre Roy�Hibbert said. "Its about who wants it more, who wants to get that offensive rebound, who wants to get that blocked shot, who wants to get the loose ball. We just have to come out with more determination. Its not anything the coaches can tell us, its about whats in here. Its lose or go home right now." Sometimes, its not even about what happens on the court. The Heat were losing 44-40 at halftime on Thursday in Game 5, when veteran Juwan�Howard -- who appeared in seven games for all of 51 minutes this season after being re-signed by Miami -- went on a shouting spree in the locker room. James followed that up with a fiery, slightly profane speech of his own, and Miami went on a 30-10 run not long afterward that served as a springboard to victory. "His purity, respect level, the credibility that he has, it resonates with our guys and specifically it resonates with the guys in the locker room," Spoelstra said of Howard. "They hear what he says. It means something. And it was raw communication. Were at that point right now where it has to be real, has to be raw, has to be eye-to-eye. These are desperate times. Theres no looking back. Its either us or them." James said Friday that he couldnt even remember specifics of some things he had yelled the previous night. "Absolutely not," James said. "You just let the game speak for itself, I guess." Vogel said he expects that reserve forward Tyler�Hansbrough, who sprained an ankle in the second half of Game 5, will be available on Saturday. Andersen, the backup big man who is 15 for 15 from the floor in the series and has made his last 18 shots overall, was suspended Friday night for shoving Hansbrough twice in the second quarter, then not backing away quickly enough for a referee who stepped in. Dwyane�Wades aching right knee is still limiting him and Chris�Boshs numbers are nowhere near what the Heat would want right now, so the defending champions arent exactly at their best, either. Still, the Pacers know that the challenge theyre facing now -- needing to go 2-0 against Miami in a three-day span to get to the finals -- is enormous. "One game at a time," George said. "We have to come home and play a good game. Everybody is going to have to step up and play a huge role. I know in the back of their mind they want to get the job done and be finished. So were going to have to come out and bring it." Or else, the Heat will be finals-bound, one more time. "The close-out game," Heat forward Shane�Battier said, "is always the toughest." cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

NEW YORK -- Colts linebacker Erik�Waldens head-butt and Buccaneers safety Dashon�Goldsons helmet-to-helmet hit have earned one-game suspensions from the NFL.Reggie Jackson Jersey . NFL Vice-President of Football Operations Merton Hanks announced the punishments Monday. Walden pulled off the helmet of Titans tight end Delanie�Walker, then slammed his own helmet into Walkers head during Indianapolis game against Tennessee on Thursday. It was similar to what Texans defensive end Antonio�Smith did in the preseason to Miami guard Richie�Incognito, earning Smith a one-game ban in the regular season and for two exhibition games. Walden was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct but not ejected from the Tennessee game. Goldson was penalized for unnecessary roughness for his hit on a defenceless receiver, Roddy�White, against Atlanta on Sunday. It was Goldsons third such violation this season. He was fined $30,000 for hitting a defenceless player in the head and neck area in Week 1, then was initially suspended for a game for a helmet-to-helmet hit in Week 2. That ban was changed to a $100,000 fine on appeal. UPDATE: Both players appealed their suspensions and both were affirmed on Tuesday. Kevin Jepsen Angels Jersey . The Kings have gone 6-0-3 over their last nine games despite having been held to three goals or fewer in eight of 10 contests this month. Los Angeles has failed to score more than two goals six times in that span. Mike Trout Authentic Jersey . -- Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Dwayne�Bowe was arrested outside Kansas City over the weekend on charges of speeding and possessing marijuana, throwing his status for a pivotal AFC West showdown against the Denver Broncos into question.If Martin�Brodeur had his pick on Canadas No. 1 goalie for the Sochi Olympics, it would be Roberto�Luongo. The future Hall of Famer told TSNs sister station in Quebec RDS on Monday that while Luongo and Montreal Canadiens netminder Carey�Price have been the countrys top two candidates, the Vancouver Canucks goaltender should get the edge for the starting job. "(Price) and Roberto�Luongo are the two strongest candidates since the beginning of the year," Brodeur told RDS after the Devils 3-2 loss to Montreal. "In my book, the No. 1 goaltending spot belongs to Roberto�Luongo. "The job is his and he cant lose itt as I did in 2010 in Vancouver. Reggie Jackson Authentic Jersey. Price must be patient, try to have the best season possible and the chance to take part in Sochi will be a very good experience for him." Luongo, Brodeurs goaltending partner at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, backstopped Canada to four straight victories against Germany, Russia, Slovakia and the United States en route to a gold medal on home ice. In 24 games this season, Luongo has an 11-8-5 record with a 2.41 goals-against average and .911 save percentage with two shutouts. Price is 12-8-2 in 22 games played this season with a 2.00 goals-against average and .937 save percentage. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

GOLD COAST, Australia -- Michael Phelps got a reminder of just how challenging his return to international competition may be when he was asked whether he was good enough to even reach a final at the Pan Pacific Championships this week. Tony Dorsett Womens Jersey . "Wow, youre really setting the bar high for me!" the most decorated swimmer of all time joked in reply. Sitting beside him at a news conference Wednesday, Phelps long-time coach Bob Bowman chipped in: "Reality check there." The Pan Pacs start Thursday and run through the weekend. Its stage two of Phelps comeback from retirement -- the first was qualifying for the U.S. team. Now Bowman is predicting Phelps will lower his best times in his butterfly, medley and freestyle, saying the challenge of going faster was the only reason the 18-time Olympic champion came back to the sport. Phelps qualified by finishing second in the 200-meter medley and the 100 butterfly at the U.S. nationals, and will be swimming in his first international meet since coming out of retirement four months ago with the aim of competing again at the world titles and Olympics. Only the top two swimmers from each country qualify for the finals, so Phelps is going to be under pressure from his American teammates in the morning preliminaries, and from the best swimmers from Australia, Japan, Canada, Brazil and other Pacific countries in the evening finals. Hell start with the 100 freestyle on Friday, which will feature seven Americans in the heats. Hell also contest the 100 butterfly, the 200 medley and potentially some relays. Phelps didnt win any of his four events at the U.S. nationals, although his times in the 200 IM and the butterfly were both among the fastest three in the world this year. He was unhappy with his freestyle, where his finish let him down. He said it was the kind of mistake an 11-year-old would make. Phelps, who won eight of his 18 Olympic gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games, said he was "kind of rusty on judging the speed going into my walls," and described his turns as "awful." "Those were the big things that I guess I forgot how to do," he said. "Not winning, it is what it is -- I hate to lose -- but I always do understand its not going to come back instantly. "I would rather have those instances now than farther down the road. World championships is next year ... Olympics the year after that. Hopefully Ill be able to fix the things now." The U.S. team had a setback ahead of the competition, with Olympic and world champion Missy Franklin in doubt after hurting her back in training. Team USA spokesman Scott Leightman said Franklin had back spasms during practice Tuesday. The 19-year-old Franklin was resting at the team hotel after medical staff controlled the spasms and issued a statement later Wednesday saying she was feeling better with every hour and still hopeful of competing. Leightman said Franklin, who won both the 100- and 200-meter backstroke at the 2012 Olympics and claimed six golds at the world championships last year, would be re-evaluated before the preliminaries of the 100 backstroke and 200 freestyle on Thursday. The Australian team is primed for a big performance at home after a winning the swimming competition at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The competition will be held outdoors at the Gold Coast Aquatic Center, site of the 2018 Commonwealth Games swimming, and rain forecast for later in the week is giving swimmers something extra to think about. Phelps said it would be a novel experience for him. His friend and long-time rival, Ryan Lochte, said he grew up in Florida and was used to competing in rain. "You have to prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario. The coaches told us about the weather conditions -- were all prepared for it," he said. Lochte and Phelps have long dominated the 200 IM, but arent even seeded No. 1 at the Pan Pacs. Japans Kosuke Hagino has the fastest time of the year and his teammate Diaya Seto is also a contender. "Its no longer just me and Michael. Its definitely become a bigger event, and bigger race," Lochte said. If Franklin is ruled out, more attention on the U.S. womens team will centre on 17-year-old Katie Ledecky, who broke the 400 freestyle world record at the nationals and now holds world marks in the 400, 800 and 1,500. "I can improve. I got some good work in after nationals. Im really excited to see what I can do here," Ledecky said. Tony Romo Jersey. -- Jermaine Marshall scored eight of his 29 points in the second overtime and Jordan Bachynski blocked T. Rolando McClain Womens Jersey . The Olympic hockey rookies will face top-seeded and 2006 Olympic champion Sweden on Wednesday in the quarterfinals. Kopitar, who plays for the Los Angeles Kings, is the only NHL player on the Slovenia squad. His father, Matjaz, is the national teams coach. PERTH, Australia -- Milos Raonic and Eugenie Bouchard each won their matches to give Canada a 3-0 victory over Italy in a group tie at the Hopman Cup on Thursday. But that was not quite enough to give the team a berth in Saturdays final. Poland narrowly reached the championship by winning a set in mixed doubles against Australia to mathmatically clinch and then went on to win the evening tie 2-1. Canada would have needed an Australian victory to reach the final. Montreals Bouchard needed only 15 minutes on court for a 4-0 victory as Flavia Pennetta quit with right wrist pain to hand Canada a 1-0 lead. Raonic, from Thornhill, Ont., hammered 10 aces and 21 winners in his 6-2, 6-4 win to keep Italys Andrea Seppi winless over six matches and two editions in Perth. Canada won the mixed in a walkover due to Pennettas injury absence. The 23-year-old Raonic said hes pleased with his improving form as the Australian Open start approaches on January 13. "I played much better today, it was night and day between today and my previous two matches," said Raonic. "I had to take matters into my own hands, thats something weve been working oon.Roger Staubach Jersey. I took the initiative today. "We are leading into a Grand Slam, and you want to make the most of every competitive opportunity." Bouchard would have preferred to have played a proper match against Pennetta, who said that she woke up feeling poorly with the wrist pain, which she also felt at times last season when she returned to the WTA after surgery. "Its disappointing not to play a full match, but Flavia was having problems," said Bouchard, 19. "I was excited to play. "Its also tough to play an injured opponent, it can do things to your game. But I was playing with confidence, I believe in my game and am confident. I feel good, Ive had a good start to the year." Bouchard was playing for the first time since Canadas last group match Sunday. On her one of days off, she visited a horse show and also advised Raonic against going swimming with non-lethal sharks in the city aquarium, which he did anyway in a publicity effort for the event. The 32nd-ranked Bouchard had previously beat Australian Samantha Stosur and fell to Pole Agnieszka Radwanska prior to the Pennetta result. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

TAMPA, Fla. cheap jerseys . -- Goaltender Anders�Lindback had a solid performance against a familiar opponent. Lindback won in his first game against his former team, Alex�Killorn had a goal and an assist, and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the Nashville Predators 4-2 on Thursday night. "Its always nice to get a win, especially against the old team," said Lindback, who made 28 saves. "Its always a little special." The Lightning also got goals from Martin�St.�Louis, Teddy�Purcell and Richard�Panik. Lindback stopped six shots, including a pair of quality chances by David�Legwand, during a two-minute stretch late in the first period. Tampa Bay acquired Lindback in a trade with Nashville on June 15, 2012. "I know for him it was a big game," Killorn said. "Its the one he circled on the calendar. He played awesome." Craig�Smith had two goals for the Predators. Matt�Cullen assisted on both of Smiths goals. "Theyre playing good hockey," Nashville coach Barry Trotz said of Tampa Bay. "They play a real high-pace game." Killorn put the Lightning up 1-0 when he beat Carter�Hutton from the right circle 2:25 into the game. Defenceman Victor�Hedman and Jean-Philippe�Cote assisted on the goal. Hedman was back in the lineup after missing the previous six games because of a lower-body injury. Cote, recalled Wednesday from Syracuse of the AHL, got his first career point playing in his first NHL game since an eight-game stint with Montreal during the 2005-06 season. The Lightning are 15-1-1 when scoring the first goal of the game. Nashville dropped to 3-15-1 when its opponent scores first. "Weve been finding out in this league getting the lead is huge," Lightning coach Jon Cooper said. St. Louis made it 2-0 during a power play at 19:06 of the first. Tampa Bay had scored with the man advantage in just four of its previous 22 games. After Smith cut the Nashville deficit to 2-1 at 6:36 of the second, Purcell put the Lightning back up by two 1:51 later. Nashville got within 3-2 when Smith scored a power play with 6:58 left in the second. Tampa Bay again quickly responded on Paniks goal just 49 seconds later. "Thats not good," Smith said. "Takes the momentum away from you." Hutton was pulled after Paniks goal and replaced by Marek�Mazanec, who stopped all 19 shots he faced. Hutton gave up four goals on 14 shots on his 28th birthday. NOTES: Injured Lightning star Steven�Stamkos moved into his second week of on-ice work, spending over 30 minutes skating end-to-end, shooting and doing stick-handling drills. The centre, who broke his right leg Nov. 11, hopes to return in February. ... Lightning LW Ryan�Malone (chipped ankle bone) had a light on-ice workout. ... Nashville F Filip�Forsberg, sidelined by a concussion, has been assigned to Milwaukee of the AHL. ... Predators C Colin�Wilson was scratched. jerseys from china . -- Chris Wondolowski scored his 10th goal of the season and the San Jose Earthquakes made it stand for a 1-0 victory against the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday. cheap jerseys from china . Manager John Gibbons wasnt taking the bait on Friday afternoon following his clubs 3-1 defeat at the hands of the Red Sox. "When we put the team together, well announce it at the end," said Gibbons. "Nice try, though." Pressed further, Gibbons was only slightly more willing to share what everyone believes hes thinking about his 23-year-old right-hander. MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Atlanta Hawks were in the midst of a furious fourth-quarter rally and Memphis Grizzlies coach Dave Joerger had to try to stop it. So Joerger turned to point guard Mike�Conley -- a little earlier than he planned -- and Conley responded just like he has in recent weeks. Conley finished with 21 points and 13 assists and Zach�Randolph added 18 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies to a 108-101 victory over the Hawks on Sunday night. Joerger had intended to rest Conley a few minutes longer, but he put Conley back in the game 1:22 into the fourth period after the Hawks had recovered from a 77-64 deficit to tie the game at 77. Conley steadied the Grizzlies, who put together a 25-12 run that included six straight points by Conley and several key assists. Conley had eight points and six assists in the quarter. "The way the game was going it could have flipped on us there at that point, so I would rather go down with guys that were playing really well," Joerger said. "I might have put them in too early, but they gutted it out. (And) Mike�Conley, I think he has got to be Western Conference Player of the Week or something. He was responsible for almost every one of our baskets in the fourth quarter." Memphis pulled away in the fourth quarter behind Conley, who tied a career best with 31 points in a victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday. "Once they started making a little bit of a run I noticed from the bench that we werent getting to the paint," Conley said. "We werent getting to the rim. We got just a little bit too lax at that stage of the game. We (the starters) just wanted to come in and act on that." Conley is averaging 26.3 points in his last three games: an overtime loss to San Antonio and wins over Phoenix and Atlanta. The double-double was his fourth of the season, but first since Dec. 3. "We had great plays from Mike�Conley, like always," Grizzlies reserve forward James�Johnson said. Paul�Millsap scored 21 points and Jeff�Teague added 20 for the Hawks, who had won two straight. It was only the third time the Hawks had lost to the Grizzlies in the past 15 games. The Hawks used their 16-0 run to end the third annd start the fourth to take an 80-77 lead, but the Grizzlies recovered behind Conley and reserves Mike�Miller and Johnson. cheap nfl jerseys. "We found a stretch there where we played well," Hawks coach Mike Budenholzer said. "Our guys competed. Like weve been saying, we just need to do that for longer and harder. It wasnt our sharpest night." Miller had eight points in the fourth quarter for the Grizzlies, including two 3-pointers. He finished with 15 points. Johnson had seven points, three steals and two blocks. Both of his blocks came in the final period. Newly acquired Courtney�Lee made his first start for the Grizzlies and scored 15 points. His 3-pointer gave Memphis an 84-82 lead with 8:48 left. The Grizzlies never trailed again. The Grizzlies built an early seven-point advantage and maintained a lead for most of the opening half. The Hawks took a 26-23 lead to start the second quarter after Shelvin�Macks three-point play tied the game at 23 and Mike�Scotts 3-pointer gave Atlanta its first lead. But Memphis went up 30-28 Millers 3-pointer 30 seconds later and gradually rebuilt a seven-point lead. Lee connected on a jumper from the baseline as time expired to give the Grizzlies a 48-41 halftime lead. The Grizzlies scored 28 points in the paint in the first half, while the Hawks committed nine turnovers. Memphis extended its lead to 13 points late in the third quarter, going up 77-64 on a fast-break layup by Miller. The Hawks closed the quarter with consecutive 3-pointers to trim the Grizzlies lead to 77-72 entering the fourth. NOTES: Hawks starting centre Pero�Antic did not play because of back spasms. His spot in the lineup was filled by Gustavo�Ayon. ... The Grizzlies recalled guard Jamaal�Franklin on Sunday from their NBA Development League affiliate in Fort Wayne, Ind. A second-round pick of the Grizzlies in the 2013 draft, Franklin is averaging 1.9 points and 1.4 rebounds in 14 appearances for Memphis. ... Grizzlies guard Tony�Allen missed his fourth straight game with a sprained left wrist. ... The Hawks are 1-6 on the road against Western Conference opponents and their 6-13 road record is the worst of any NBA team with a .500 or better record. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

CHICAGO -- This time, it was hard work for the Chicago Blackhawks. Frank Herrmann Authentic Jersey . No pretty goals on this night, just get to the front of the net and fight for a chance. Pushed, poked and prodded by the Minnesota Wild, Jonathan�Toews and Co. found a way. Toews had a tough rebound goal early in the third period, and the Blackhawks beat the Wild 2-1 on Sunday to take a 3-2 series lead in the Western Conference semifinals. "The whole game, the whole series has been very tight," Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said. "Still not a lot of room and space, but thats what weve got to fight through. I thought we showed more determination in the puck area tonight." Bryan�Bickell also scored and Corey�Crawford made 27 saves as Chicago bounced back from consecutive losses in Minnesota that handed the momentum to the Wild heading into Game 5. But the Blackhawks were back at the United Center, where they improved to 6-0 in this post-season and 17-2 over the past two playoffs. "As the game went on, we found ways to play better as a five-man unit," Toews said. "Once one line would generate a good shift and get us some energy, the next line would follow it right up. I think thats when were an effective team, when we have four lines going like that and contributing." Erik�Haula scored in the first period for the Wild, and Ilya�Bryzgalov had 26 stops. Minnesota became the first team to score first in the second round of the NHL playoffs and lose, dropping that record to 19-1, according to STATS. "We tried to hang on to something we wanted to have happen and we fell victim to it," Wild coach Mike Yeo said. Game 6 is Tuesday night in Minnesota, where the Wild are undefeated in this post-season. Minnesota had a chance to grab the lead in the third but Crawford made a nice kick save on Cody�McCormick about 2 1/2 minutes into the period. He also had a solid glove stop on Ryan�Suter with the Blackhawks clinging to a 2-1 lead with 4:38 to go. "We just need a better effort," Wild star Zach�Parise said. "Not that it was terrible. I mean, we had our chance to win at the end of the game. We did some things really well. But I think we can be better, and we know we can be better." Toews, Marian�Hossa and Patrick�Sharp combined to put Chicago in front 4 1/2 minutes into the third. Hossa sent the puck in front to Toews at the right post. The captain was stopped by Bryzgalov, but he managed to slam home a backhand for his fifth goal of the playoffs. "It was an ugly goal," said Toews, who also had a big hit on Wild forward Mikael�Granlund right before he scored. "As a line we were playing well and looking to find a way to score. I happened to get an ugly one on the side." The first period looked similar to much of the past two games in Minnesota, with the Wild using their speed and checking ability to shut down Chicagos high-powered attack. The Wild also outworked the defending Stanley Cup champions early on as Quenneville tried several line combinations looking for a spark. Blackhawks defenceman Brent�Seabrook was whistled for tripping just 29 seconds into the game, and Granlund sent an open look off the outside of the right post on the ensuing power play. A terrific individual effort by Haula put Minnesota in front at 16:33 of the first. He drove through the Chicago zone and kept moving after his first try was stopped by Crawford, flipping a backhand into the net for his third goal of the post-season. Chicago started to generate more chances in the second, but most of its early shots came from outside and Bryzgalov gobbled them up easily. Marcus�Kruger sent a pass through the Minnesota crease, but no one was there for the Blackhawks. It took a well-timed dash by a seldom-used role player to set up Chicagos third goal in the past three games. Playing for the first time since April 12, Peter�Regin drove to the net to draw a hooking penalty on Jonas�Brodin. Regin was active for the first time in the playoffs after the Blackhawks scratched Andrew�Shaw with a lower-body injury, and Brandon�Bollig sat out with a two-game suspension for boarding Wild defenceman Keith�Ballard in Game 4. On the ensuing power play, Patrick�Kanes slap shot went off Bickells left leg and past Bryzgalov to make it 1-1 at 9:18 of the second. It was Bickells sixth goal of the playoffs. NOTES: Game 7 would be Thursday in Chicago. ... The Wild played without Ballard (upper-body injury) and forward Matt�Moulson (lower-body injury). ... Blackhawks D Michal�Rozsival was scratched after he struggled in Game 4. D Sheldon�Brookbank and F Kris�Versteeg returned to Chicagos lineup. Cleveland Indians Jerseys . -- Kyle�Blanks homered in his home debut at the Coliseum and Derek�Norris capped Oaklands five-homer day with a grand slam and the Athletics snapped a season-long four-game losing streak with a 10-0 win over the Detroit Tigers on Monday. Larry Doby Indians Jersey . - The Chicago Cubs say they have agreed to one-year contracts with pitchers Jason�Hammel and James�McDonald. NEW YORK -- Peyton�Manning has responded to a lost season the way he reacted to all of his great seasons. By having more great seasons. Manning was the only unanimous choice for the 2013 Associated Press NFL All-Pro team Friday. It was his seventh time as a first-teamer, tying Hall of Famer Otto Graham for the most by a quarterback. The Denver star set NFL records this season with 55 touchdown passes and 5,477 yards through the air. He was chosen on all 50 ballots from media members who regularly cover the NFL. Manning also was an All-Pro for Indianapolis in 2003, 04, 05, 08 and 09 and last season made it as a Bronco. Hes been on the All-Pro team in both seasons since missing 2011 after several neck surgeries. "I think its well documented that this is the second chapter of my career, and didnt know what to expect off that injury and new team, new players and new physical state after an injury," said Manning, a four-time league MVP who never missed a pro start before 2011. "So I had no idea what to expect, and Ive put a lot of time and a lot of hard work in to it. But Ive received a lot of help along the way from coaches and trainers and strength coaches and teammates. So Im very grateful." Manning still has a ways to go to set the record for most All-Pro appearances at any position. Among the players ahead of him is Hall of Fame receiver Jerry�Rice with 10. New Orleans tight end Jimmy�Graham and Indianapolis outside linebacker Robert�Mathis each drew 49 votes. Philadelphia running back LeSean�McCoy and Seattle cornerback Richard�Sherman had 48. Minnesota kick returner Cordarrelle�Patterson was the only rookie on the squad. Eighteen NFC players and nine from the AFC made the team. Carolina and Philadelphia each had three: linebacker Luke�Kuechly, centre Ryan�Kalil and fullback Mike�Tolbert for the Panthers; NFL rushing leader McCoy, guard Evan�Mathis and tackle Jason�Peters for the coach Chip Kellys Eagles. "Just when Chip came here, we knew we were going to run the ball," McCoy said. "The linemen, theyve all been healthy this whole year. Theyve been blocking so well for me and withoout those guys, its not possible. Nick Swisher Indians Jersey. " Only two members of the top teams in each conference made the All-Pro team. Joining Manning from the Broncos (13-3) was guard Louis�Vasquez. Joining Sherman from the Seahawks (13-3) was safety Earl�Thomas. "It is very special, especially in a special season," Sherman said. "If youre having a special season and your team has four wins or five wins, Im sure it doesnt feel as good. But when your team is winning, your defence is No. 1 in every category and youre just contributing, youre not even trying to do anything special individually, youre just contributing to the entire group. It really feels special. And with the chance to do what we have a chance to do this year, it would be fantastic." Unlike Sherman, many of the players chosen did not enjoy huge team success this season: 12 of the 27 failed to make the playoffs. Rounding out the offence were receivers Calvin�Johnson of Detroit and Josh�Gordon of Cleveland; running back Jamaal�Charles of Kansas City; and tackle Joe�Thomas of Cleveland. Other All-Pros on defence were ends J.J.�Watt of Houston and Robert�Quinn of St. Louis; tackles Gerald�McCoy of Tampa Bay and Ndamukong�Suh of Detroit; outside linebacker Lavonte�David of Tampa Bay; inside linebacker NaVorro�Bowman of San Francisco; cornerback Patrick�Peterson of Arizona; and safety Eric�Berry of Kansas City. The special teamers were Patterson, kicker Justin�Tucker of Baltimore and punter Johnny Hekker of St. Louis. One of 15 first-time All-Pros, Kuechly was last seasons Defensive Rookie of the Year. "Its an individual award, but its a representation of the team," he said. "You got to always remember that you have four guys in front of you. You got the other linebackers, the coaches and the DBs behind you that make everything possible." Overall, 16 clubs were represented on the All-Pro team: Denver, Kansas City, Cleveland, Baltimore, Houston and Indianapolis in the AFC; Philadelphia, Carolina, Seattle, Detroit, St. Louis, Tampa Bay, New Orleans, Arizona, Minnesota and San Francisco in the NFC. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

Boston, MA (SportsNetwork. Josh Hamilton Authentic Jersey .com) - Hassan Whiteside scored 20 points with nine rebounds in the Miami Heats 83-75 win over the Boston Celtics on Sunday. Chris Bosh supplied 18 points for the Heat, who snapped their two-game losing streak. It was good to see us grind out an ugly game. Those are wins we like to get, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra said. Avery Bradley and Tyler Zeller each scored 17 points for the Celtics, while Marcus Smart dished out a career-high nine assists. Boston has lost four straight at home and three straight overall. Boston struggled to put the ball in the basket during the early stages of the first quarter, as Miami built a 10-4 lead over five minutes in. The Celtics went 5-of-22 from the floor in the first quarter and trailed 25-15 entering the second. Bosh nailed a 3-pointer prior to Mario Chalmers netting a layup that made it a 15-point game late in the second. Miami led 44-31 at halftime. Boston addressed its offensive deficiency in the locker room, as it opened the second half making its first seven attempts from the floor and trimming the deficit to four. Marcus Thornton then tied the game at 55-55 late in the third quarter. The Heat brought a 61-59 lead into the fourth. We started to sure (our defense) up. The third quarter was great, Celtics coach Brad Stevens said. Miami scored the first eight points of the final stanza to push the lead back to double digits. Zeller made a free throw to cut the deficit to six with 1:32 remaining, then Smart stole the ensuing inbounds pass but Bradley stepped out of bounds during the possession. Norris Cole essentially sealed it with a mid-range jumper that made it 82-74 with just over a minute on the clock. Game Notes Miami had dropped 11 of its last 12 regular-season games in Boston entering the game ... Tyler Johnson scored a career-high 13 points off the Miami bench ... The Heat made 41.6 percent of their shots, while limiting Boston to 37 percent shooting. Rod Carew Jersey . -- Brandon�Jennings made the most of his first game with the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night. Josh Hamilton Jersey . After reports emerged on Tuesday that the Toronto FC midfielder would head to Vancouver on loan, the team confirmed on Wednesday that they had, in fact, traded for the Argentine designated player. GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Lambeau Field faithful will be able to scream Kuuuuuuuuuhn! at the top of their lungs for at least another year. Veteran fullback and local folk hero John�Kuhn re-signed with the Green Bay Packers on Thursday, general manager Ted Thompson said in a statement. The one-year deal is expected to be worth just over $1 million, including signing, roster and workout bonuses, agent Kevin Gold said. The 31-year-old Kuhn joined the Packers in 2007 when he was claimed off waivers from Pittsburgh. Hes played in 107 regular-season games with the Packers and hes become a fan favourite. Hes also one of quarterback Aaron�Rodgers closest friends on the team. "Great player, great teammate," Rodgers said at the end of the 2013 season. "(Theres) nobody I trust more on the field than John. Hes an exceptional guy, I love playing with him, and Id be really sad if we werent able to walk out of that tunnel together." In 2013, Kuhn carried 10 times for 38 yards and a touchdown, and caught 13 passes for 81 yards in regular-season play. For his eight-year NFL career, Kuhn has only 165 carries for 506 yards and 12 TDs. What role Kuhn will play next season is unclear. Packers coach Mike McCarthy said last week he wants all his running backs to be able to play all three downs. In addition to Kuhn, the Packers have NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Eddie�Lacy returning for his second season; James�Starks coming back after signing a two-year, $3. Reggie Jackson Jersey. 166 million deal ($725,000 guaranteed signing bonus); and DuJuan�Harris (knee) and Johnathan�Franklin (neck) both expected to return to full health. They also brought back Michael�Hill, who spent time on both the 53-man roster and the practice squad last year before signing with Tampa Bay late in the year. The Packers are loaded in the backfield. "Its important for all of them to be three-down players," McCarthy said. "For the way we want to play on offence, we want players to be three-down players, we want to keep our substitution limited. Thats an off-season goal of ours." At this point, no one pass protects for Rodgers like Kuhn, who helped save the Packers season by getting enough of a block on now-teammate Julius�Peppers to allow Rodgers to side-step the Chicago defensive end and throw the winning touchdown pass to Randall�Cobb in the regular-season finale. That road victory over the Bears sent the Packers into the playoffs. Asked what it takes to be an effective third-down back, McCarthy made it clear what still matters the most. "A-No. 1, it is pass protection. We protect the quarterback," McCarthy said. "Hes a franchise quarterback, hes the best football player on our team, and we have to protect him. Checkdowns will (also) be an emphasis for us. Because were very young with that group." But with a whole lot of returning experience in Kuhn. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

HOUSTON -- Cincinnati third baseman Scott�Rolen had surgery on his left shoulder and is expected to miss four to six weeks. Houston Astros Jerseys . Rolen, who has been on the disabled list since July 22, had arthroscopic surgery to remove bone spurs and fragments from a joint in his shoulder on Wednesday by Reds medical director Dr. Timothy Kremchek. He was also out from April 24 to May 12 with an injury to the same shoulder. Rolen has had issues with his shoulder since 2005 when he was injured in a collision with the Dodgers Hee�Seop�Choi and had two operations. Rolen missed the last month of the season in 2007 when he had his shoulder cleaned out and was on the DL in 2008 with a shoulder sprain. Carlos Lee Astros Jersey . Not exactly bursting with sentimental feelings, Matthew�Lombardi makes an odd return to the state of Tennessee on Thursday night. Roy Oswalt Jersey . His agent told TSN that the deal is "virtually done" and will be official in the next day or two. The news comes with Torontos season opener set for this Saturday on the road against the Seattle Sounders (TSN, 4:30pm et/1:30pm pt). SAN DIEGO -- It was a Magic start to the season for everyone with the Los Angeles Dodgers except for reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Clayton�Kershaw, who was too sick to go longer than three innings on opening day. With incoming and outgoing owners Magic Johnson and Frank McCourt watching from next to the dugout, the Dodgers beat the San Diego Padres 5-3 Thursday. Johnson, the former Lakers great who is part of a group buying the Dodgers from McCourt for $2.15 billion, had a big smile after Matt�Kemp hit a two-run homer in the eighth, giving him three RBIs. "It was kind of cool -- right when I came back from hitting the home run, he stuck his head in the dugout and said, Nice job, kid," Kemp said. "I was like, Hey, its Magic Johnson right there, man. Its good to have him around and good to see him. That was a little motivation right there. I was pretty pumped up for that. It was a good day all around. Good W." Johnson and McCourt sat next to each other and chatted throughout the game. Johnson didnt comment as he was quickly whisked out of the ballpark in an SUV. Kershaw left with the stomach flu after limiting the Padres to two hits through three innings. He struck out three, walked one and singled off newcomer Edinson�Volquez in the third for the Dodgers first hit of the season. Manager Don Mattingly said he saw Kershaw lying down in the tunnel behind the dugout after the third. "Its not a real good sign when your starting pitcher was laying down," Mattingly said. Mattingly said he and pitching coach Rick Honeycutt discussed holding out Kershaw. "He wanted to go," the manager said. "He wasnt dizzy or didnt have a fever or any of that kind of stuff, so it was one of those situations where he wanted to go. "Im sure (the Padres) were looking for a lot more out there on opening day," Mattingly added. "His fastball probably looked more like some type of a changeup or something. Basically he was trying to get quick innings, get through them, get off the field, try to survive inning by inning. Pretty impressive, really, that he gets that far." Said Padres manager Bud Black: "Its nice to get him out of the game, thinking the Cy Young Award winner is out and you have six innings to go score runs." Josh�Lindblom (1-0) pitched two perfect innings in relief of Kershaw. Javy�Guerra pitched the ninth for the save. Roy Oswalt Astros Jersey. It was a poor start for the Padres. Volquez walked in L.As first two runs in the fourth inning and the Padres committed three errors, two of which led to the Dodgers third run. Volquez (0-1), Cincinnatis opening-day starter a year ago, struck out five through three scoreless innings and singled off Kershaw in the third for the Padres first hit. He then allowed two runs on four walks, including three in a row, and two singles in the fourth. Volquez loaded the bases with one out before walking James�Loney. Andre�Ethier was called out trying to score on a wild pitch, but replays showed he touched the plate just before Volquez tagged him. Volquez again loaded the bases, and then walked A.J.�Ellis. "I lost my control a little bit in the fourth," Volquez said. "I got lucky to get out of there with two runs. I thought I made some good pitches for strikes and they were called balls." A half-inning earlier, the Padres loaded the bases with two outs against Kershaw before Chase�Headley took a called third strike. Volquez went five, allowing three runs, two earned, and three hits. He struck out seven and walked four. Dee�Gordon led off the Dodgers fifth with a fly ball to centre that glanced off Cameron�Maybins glove for a three-base error. With one out, Gordon scored when shortstop Jason�Bartlett booted Kemps grounder. Kemp hit a drive to right off Brad�Brach in the eighth, making it 5-1. Brach was recalled earlier in the day from Triple-A. San Diegos Jesus�Guzman hit an RBI double off Mike�MacDougal in the sixth and Maybin had a two-run homer to left off Kenley�Jansen in the eighth that was estimated at 445 feet. NOTES: The Padres placed RHP Tim�Stauffer on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to Wednesday, with a strained pitching elbow. Stauffer had been expected to start the season opener before he experienced soreness in his arm. To take Stauffers roster spot, Brach was recalled from Tucson. ... The four-game series continues Friday night, when the scheduled starters are Chad�Billingsley for the Dodgers and Cory�Luebke for the Padres. ... Jerry Coleman, celebrating his 70th year in baseball and his 40th with the Padres, threw out the ceremonial first pitch. The longtime broadcaster played second base for the New York Yankees for nine seasons and managed the Padres in 1980. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

The Tampa Bay Lightning signed forward Ondrej�Palat to a three-year contract extension on Monday. Cal Ripken Authentic Jersey .� Palat scored 23 goals and led all Lightning players with 59 points while appearing in 81 games this season. He was also named a finalist for the Calder Trophy, awarded to the NHLs top rookie. In three playoff games, Palat scored two goals and added one assist. According to TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun, Palats deal is worth $10 million, broken down as $2.8 million next season, then $3.2 million the following year and $4 million in the final year of the contract. The 23-year-old was drafted by the Lightning in the seventh round, 208th overall, of�the 2011 NHL Draft. Eddie Murray Orioles Jersey . Miamis two-year reign was over. And Bosh almost sounded relieved. The Heat got rolled in the NBA Finals by San Antonio, losing in five games, the last three of them lopsided, and for the first time since 2011 there would be no championship parade in Miami. Jim Palmer Orioles Jersey . The league announced the decision on its website Saturday, shortly before AC Milan was due to kick off against Genoa at 6 p.m. local time. The 25-year-old Morosini died about an hour earlier after suffering cardiac arrest during his teams Serie B match at Pescara.David Poile and his U.S. Olympic hockey management team have been making what he called "ghost rosters" since August. Its getting close to the time where the roster has to be real. "We know were going to have to make these decisions pretty soon," said Poile, the general manager of the American side. "Weve also got a number of injuries right now that we have to deal with, and we have to make decisions on that." Decisions are looming on three players who are out with injuries: Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings, defenceman Brooks Orpik of the Pittsburgh Penguins and winger Ryan Callahan of the New York Rangers. Team Canada is dealing with a similar situation with injured Tampa Bay Lightning star Steven Stamkos -- who was considered a lock to make it to Sochi -- and could name him to the team even if he hasnt returned after suffering a broken right tibia. Poile, by day the Nashville Predators general manager, plans to use the same injury exception if he has to. "If we think any of these players are going to be on the Olympic team or we want them on the Olympic team and theyre going to be healthy by Feb. 11, then well have to name them on the team and then well have to deal with replacing them if their injury doesnt come around," Poile said on a conference call Thursday. Unlike Canada, which will take advantage of the IIHF pushing the 25-man roster deadline back to Jan. 7, the U.S. will still name its team Jan. 1 at the Winter Classic. Six days may not make a lot of difference in this case. In answering the question about injuries, Poile used Quick, whos recovering from a Grade 2 groin strain, as his example. He went on to say that he expects the Kings goaltender to be ready. "The information that we have from Los Angeles, and specifically from (GM) Dean Lombardi, tells us that hes going to be back before the end of the year," Poile said. "If hes a guy that we want on the team, we will name him to the team. If, for some reason, between then and the start of the Olympics, he cant play because this injury didnt come around or what have you, we will be able to replace that player." Quick, the 2012 Conn Smythe Trophy-winner for the Stanley Cup-champion Kings, is a shoo-in as long as hes healthy. He could even be the starter, though Poile had plenty of goodd things to say about 2010 silver-medal-winner Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres too. Kevin Gausman Orioles Jersey. The U.S. has several goaltending options, including Jimmy Howard of the Detroit Red Wings, Cory Schneider of the New Jersey Devils and Ben Bishop of the Lightning. On defence, the U.S. cant be so sure about Orpik, who suffered a concussion Saturday night when he was knocked to the ice and sucker-punched by Boston Bruins tough guy Shawn Thornton. "Its one of those things probably, with a concussion, that were going to have to wait and see and kind of see how he reacts," U.S. associate general manager and Penguins GM Ray Shero said this week. "Right now (hes) really not doing too much, just resting." Orpik was on the U.S. team at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver and figured to be a part of the core of the group Poile expects to bring back for Sochi. If the concussion lingers and he cannot play, it would mean the loss of a veteran presence and key defensive stopper and penalty-killer. The penalty kill would also suffer if Callahan cannot recover in time, and the Rangers captain is in the most danger of that among these three. Callahan suffered a sprained ligament in his left knee in Tuesdays loss to the Predators and is expected to be out four to six weeks. That would mean a return sometime in January, after the roster deadline but before the Olympic break and before players fly to Russia. Poile listed Callahan among the U.S. teams leadership group and said "in all likelihood" all five -- Ryan Suter, Zach Parise, Dustin Brown and David Backes, additionally -- would make it. Its hard to replace what Callahan brings, but the U.S. is deep at right wing with Patrick Kane, Phil Kessel, T.J. Oshie, Blake Wheeler and Bobby Ryan. Poile said he and Brian Burke, who was GM of the 2010 team, agreed that it was harder this season to pick the team and that thats a good thing. Its even better because of what injuries could do. "The most important thing, for U.S.A. Hockey specifically, is our talent pool is so much better, so much more in quantity (and) most importantly in quality," Poile said. "(Players from 2010 are) going to be the foundation of this team. Theres going to be some new players, up-and-coming younger players, that are just too good to keep off the team." cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

Dario Franchitti kept racing after the death of best friend Greg Moore. wholesale nfl jerseys . He continued on following the death of former teammate Dan Wheldon. He was eager to drive into his early 40s. He wont get the chance. The three-time Indianapolis 500 winner and four-time IndyCar Series champion reluctantly and abruptly retired Thursday, saying doctors told him it would be too dangerous for him to continue racing because of injuries sustained in a harrowing crash last month. "Racing has been my life for over 30 years, and its really tough to think that the driving side is now over," Franchitti said. Franchitti fractured his spine, broke his right ankle and suffered a concussion in the Oct. 6 race at Houston, where his car made contact with Takuma Satos car on the last lap and sailed into a fence. Debris from the accident injured 13 fans in the grandstands and one IndyCar official. The 40-year-old Franchitti underwent two surgeries on his ankle and recently returned home to Scotland to recover. "One month removed from the crash, and based upon the expert advice of the doctors who have treated and assessed my head and spinal injuries post-accident, it is their best medical opinion that I must stop racing," Franchitti said. "They have made it very clear that the risks involved in further racing are too great and could be detrimental to my long term well-being. Based on this medical advice, I have no choice but to stop." Franchitti did not use the word "retire" in a lengthy statement released through Target Chip Ganassi Racing, the team he joined in 2009 following a brief stint in NASCAR with Ganassi a year earlier. Franchitti was unstoppable upon his return to IndyCar. Teamed with Ganassi and driving the feared red No. 10 Target car, Franchitti reeled off three consecutive championships and won 12 races. Two of the wins were Indy 500s. He became the face of the series -- Franchitti always had crossover appeal for IndyCar thanks to an 11-year marriage to actress Ashley Judd, which ended in January -- because he was personable, well-spoken, popular in the paddock and passionate about the sport. It resonated with fans and made Franchitti one of IndyCars all-time greats. His 31 victories are tied for eighth on the all-time list, and his 33 poles are sixth. "Dario Franchitti has done so much for Target Chip Ganassi Racing, so it will be very disappointing to not see him in our cars next season," Ganassi said. "But simply put, Dario is a motorsports legend and will be sorely missed on the race track by everyone in the paddock and in the stands. His contributions to the sport of motor racing are too many to list, but I can tell you that they go way beyond what he has done on the track." Asked on Twitter if Franchitti had indeed retired, Judd replied: "Yes, with an extraordinary career, legendary achievements, aplomb & style." Franchittis last victory was the 2012 Indy 500, an emotional race that came seven months after defending winner Wheldon had been killed in a crash at Las Vegas. Franchitti battled teammate Scott Dixon over the final third of the race, jockeyed with Sato in the closing laps until Sato spun to bring out a caution, and led Dixon and Tony Kanaan across the finish line as three of Wheldons closest friends finished 1-2-3. It was a poignant moment for Franchitti, who was too familiar with death in the sport he loved. Moore died in the 1999 season finale at Fontana, and Franchitti to this day remains deeply affected by the loss. "Ill forever look back on my time racing in CART and the IndyCar Series with fond memories and the relationships Ive forged in the sport will last a lifetime," he said. "Hopefully in time, Ill be able to continue in some off-track capacity with the IndyCar Series. I love open-wheel racing and I want to see it succeed. Ill be working with Chip to see how I can stay involved with the team, and with all the amazing friends Ive made over the years at Target. "As my buddy Greg Moore would say, See you up front." Word of Franchittis decision spread quickly and drivers who never raced against him reacted with sadness. "I think to have him around and on the circuit is far better than him going an injuring himself again against doctors advice," said Nigel Mansell, who was at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas, for this weekends Formula One race. But those closest to Franchitti were most affected. "Dario was a hell of a driver and will be missed -- missed by everyone in racing around the world," said 1963 Indy 500 winner Parnelli Jones. "He was my kind of guy. He wasnt afraid to put his foot down and go. It is really hard to believe that he had to give up racing, I know would he would have won more races, and maybe Indy a couple more times, had he been able to continue driving." Michael Andretti, who fielded Franchittis car for his first Indy 500 victory and first series championship in 2007, said he was shocked. "I thought he had one good year left in him, and I know he wanted to race beyond IndyCar," Andretti said. "So thats what I feel most bad about -- hes being parked by a doctor. Hes not going to be able to race the sports car stuff he had talked about. He wont race with his brother (Marino), Le Mans, all the things he wanted to fulfil." Dixon, who won the 2008 championship while Franchitti was in NASCAR, called his teammate a motorsports legend. "More importantly, I can call him a best friend," Dixon said. "There are very few people that have achieved as much in auto racing and knowing Dario, he wont go far as IndyCar racing is in his blood and I am sure he will stay involved somehow." Franchitti had lured good friend and former Andretti teammate Kanaan to the Ganassi stable for 2014, an announcement that was made at Houston two days before Franchittis accident. Kanaan said he was counting the days "to be his teammate again," but is grateful Franchitti will still be in the IndyCar paddock next season. "As much as it hurts not seeing him compete with me in IndyCar, Im delighted that he got out of that accident and is still here with us," Kanaan said. Franchitti defeated Will Power three consecutive years to win the IndyCar championship and the two developed a rare rivalry for the series. "We had some real battles out on the track over the last few years and I appreciated how fierce of a competitor he was," Power said. "His accomplishments in IndyCar are incredible and the sport will definitely miss him." His retirement leaves Helio Castroneves as the only active three-time Indy 500 winner trying to join A.J. Foyt, Rick Mears and Al Unser Sr. as a four-time winner. "I know he will continue to be a great ambassador for our sport and Im sure Dario has a lot more to contribute to racing, it will just be in a different way than driving an IndyCar," Castroneves said. Foyt, the only driver with more IndyCar titles than Franchitti with seven, said: "If the doctors tell him he should quit then he should listen to them. Im the opposite and never would listen, but I probably would have been a lot better off if I did. But Darios won a lot of races and championships so he has a lot to be proud of. My hats off to him." Franchitti could find a role with the Ganassi organization, or perhaps land in the television booth. Andretti suggested Franchitti would be a good fit as a consultant to a manufacturer. For now, everyone was still trying to adjust to the idea of racing without Franchitti on the track. "You pinch yourself everyday as firsthand you are witness to the talent, ability, work ethic and start-versus-win ratio of Dario Franchitti," Ganassi team manager Mike Hull said. "Having Dario represent all of us is whats right about motorsports. His representation of the integrity of a true champion is what sets him apart." jersyes nfl wholesale . The assistants greeted Aldridge with compliments and high fives. Stotts had only one word for his high-scoring forward: "Thanks." Aldridge had 25 points and 16 rebounds in his return after missing seven games with a lower back contusion, and the Trail Blazers beat the Atlanta Hawks 100-85 on Thursday night to end a three-game losing streak.nfl jerseys china . - Hall of Fame centre Bill Russell was arrested this week at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport after Transportation Security Administration officials found a loaded gun in his luggage.TORONTO -- Georges St-Pierre was all smiles Monday, in the wake of his controversial decision win over Johny (Bigg Rigg) Hendricks at UFC 167. The UFC welterweight champion tweeted a picture of himself in his Las Vegas hotel with four friends including his mentor, former fighter Kristof (The French Hurricane) Midoux. "Good morning from Vegas - Feeling much better now! Merci a tous pour votre support incroyable!!!" St-Pierre tweeted. The 32-year-old from Montreal is wearing a big grin and dark glasses to conceal facial damage. St-Pierre (25-2) took a beating in winning a split (48-47, 47-48, 48-47) decision Saturday over Hendricks that drew criticism from Dana White. The UFC president said GSP won only the third round and called for the Nevada governor to investigate the Nevada State Athletic Commission, which oversees the sport. After the fight, St-Pierre said he needed to take time away from the sport to deal with some personal issues which he did not detail. White later said the problems were not as bad as the fighter thought and that he expected St-Pierre to returnn to the cage for a rematch with Hendricks in the future. cheap jerseys. The commission, meanwhile, released purse information for the show Monday. St-Pierre received a basic purse of US$400,000 while Hendricks got $50,000, missing out on a matching win bonus. The UFC awarded both fighters an additional $50,000 as a fight of the night bonus. The purse information only tells part of the financial story, however, since the UFC does not reveal all of its pay figures. St-Pierres paycheque would be the millions given he is the UFCs largest draw and gets a cut of the lucrative pay-per-view revenue. Hendricks (15-2) would also have made considerably more than the posted figure. Fellow Montreal welterweight Rory MacDonald made a basic purse of $50,000 for his decision loss to (Ruthless) Robbie Lawler, who picked up $166,000 including a win bonus of $83,000. MacDonald missed out on a win bonus of $50,000. Former light-heavyweight champion Rashad Evans picked up a basic purse of $250,000, including a $125,000 win bonus, for his first-round TKO of Chael Sonnen ($100,000). cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

SAGINAW, Mich. Mike Moustakas Royals Jersey . -- Dane Fox had a hat trick and added an assist as the Erie Otters rolled past the Saginaw Spirit 7-3 on Wednesday to take a 3-1 lead in the Ontario Hockey League playoff series. Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Connor Brown scored and had three assists for Erie, while Connor McDavid scored and added two assists. Andre Burakovsky and Brendan Gaunce had goals as well. Dylan Sadowy, Cody Payne and Blake Clarke supplied the offence for Saginaw. Devin Williams made 29 saves for the win, while Jake Paterson stopped 29 shots. --- GREYHOUNDS 2 ATTACK 0 OWEN SOUND, Ont. -- Matt Murray turned aside all 24 shots he faced as Sault Ste. Marie shut out the Attack to take a 3-1 series lead. Jorgen Karterud and Patrick Watling both scored for the Greyhounds. Jack Flinn made 31 saves for Owen Sound. --- STORM 7 WHALERS 2 PLYMOUTH, Mich. -- Jason Dickinson had a pair of goals and added an assist as Guelph crushed the Whalers. Zack Mitchell scored and set up three other goals for the Storm, who lead the best-of-seven series 3-1. Pius Suter, Justin Auger, Tyler Bertuzzi and Nick Ebert found the back of the net as well. Justin Nichols made 40 saves for the win. Connor Chatham and Bryce Yetman scored for Plymouth. Alex Nedeljkovic started in the Whalers net, stopping 40 of 46 shots in 47:50 of work. Zack Bowman turned aside five of six shots in relief. Justin Maxwell Jersey . An excellent start from Drew�Hutchison and the return of Jose�Bautista helped provide a little breathing room in the divisional race while ending a three-game losing skid at the same time. Eric Hosmer Royals Jersey . The All-Star point guard, sidelined for the past six months with a knee injury, was set to return to the Oklahoma City Thunder lineup for Sunday nights home game against the Phoenix Suns, weeks earlier than expected.ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Kevin�Kiermaiers youthful exuberance is becoming a major asset for the Tampa Bay Rays. The rookie had three hits and drove three runs Saturday, helping right-hander Jake�Odorizzi beat the struggling Toronto Blue Jays 10-3. Matt�Joyce also drove in three runs and Ben�Zobrist had two RBIs. But it was Kiermaier who set the tone for a big day offensively, leading off the bottom of the first by stretching what should have been a routine single into a double. The speedy outfielder tagged up and hustled to third when Zobrists flied to centre field, then scored on Joyces sacrifice fly for a quick 1-0 lead. The same type of aggressiveness of defence contributed to the 24-year-old playing Colby�Rasmus sinking hit into a triple in the second inning, setting up Torontos first run. Still, Rays manager Joe Maddon likes what he called Kiermaiers "hair on fire" style. "Youve got to take the bad with the good sometimes," Maddon said. "The way he started that game, it set a tone for us," the manager added. "Thats the kind of baseball I like to see us play. Thats the kind of baseball thats made us successful. The more people we get to buy into that plan, the better off were going to be." Kiermaier appreciated the managers support. "My thing is I want people to see the way I play and maybe come off contagious a little bit," Kiermaier said. "I guess you can call it my hair on fire, but its the only way I know -- 100 per cent, all out," he added after boosting his batting average to .310 with eight homers and 24 RBIs in 47 games. "I look like an idiot sometimes, but for the most part I try to be under control with everything and know when to push the limit and when not to." Pitching a day earlier than scheduled because All-Star David�Price was ill, Odorizzi (5-8) allowed three runs and six hits over 6 2-3 innings. The 24-year-old right-hander walked two and struck out seven to improve to 3-1 over his last five starts. Kiermaier, Zobrist and Joyce -- the 1-2-3 hitters in the Rays lineup -- combined to drive in five runs during a six-run sixth inning. Pinch hitter Cole�Figueroa drove in the first run of the inning, drawing a bases-loaded walk from Drew�Hutchison (6-8) to snap a 2-2 tie. The loss was the seventh in nine games for the second-place Blue Jays, who remained three games behind division-leading Baltimore in the AL East. Despite its recent struggles, Torontos 49 wins are the most the Blue Jays have had before the All-Star break since 2006. George Brett Authentic Jersey. . A win Sunday would give them their first road series victory over Tampa Bay since April 2007, as well as 50 wins before the break for the first time since 1992. "It was a good ball game until it imploded on us," Toronto manager John Gibbons said. The Rays stopped a four-game losing streak against their division rivals, winning for just the third time in nine tries against Toronto this season. Hutchison beat Tampa Bay 4-2 on April 1 at Tropicana Field and 10-5 in Toronto on May 26, despite not pitching six innings in either outing. He didnt make it through the middle innings against them this time, either, running into trouble when the Rays loaded the bases with no outs in the sixth on a single and two walks. The Blue Jays starter fanned Jose�Molina, but watched the go-ahead run cross the plate when Figueroa walked after fouling off three pitches on a full count. "I faced five guys in that inning, got ahead of all of them, but I walked three and gave up a two-strike hit. Thats just not going to get the job done," Hutchison said. "Its embarrassing, and thats about all there is to say about it." J.A.�Happ replaced Hutchison, but couldnt shut down the rally. Kiermaier, Zobrist and Joyce hit consecutive ground ball singles through the left side of the Toronto infield, building Odorizzis lead to 8-2. Hutchison was charged with six runs and six hits in 5 1-3 innings. He walked five and struck out seven. Rasmus scored on Juan�Franciscos second-inning sacrifice fly for Toronto. Dioner�Navarro had an RBI single in the fourth and Anthony�Gose added a run-scoring single in the seventh for the Blue Jays. NOTES: Maddon said Price will start Sundays season finale against R.A.�Dickey, which would make it a matchup of Cy Young ward winners. ... Tampa Bay CF Desmond�Jennings (bruised left knee) and C Ryan�Hanigan (soreness left side) were held out of the lineup, though Maddon said both were able to play in case of an emergency. ... The Blue Jays placed OF Nolan Reimould on the 15-day DL with a strained left calf and recalled Gose from Triple-A Buffalo. ... Toronto INF Munenori�Kawasaki, who left Friday nights game because of tightness in his right hamstring, did not start but was available off the bench. ... Musician Joan Jett, who performed a postgame concert, threw out the ceremonial first pitch and also handled the public address announcers job for two innings. cheap nfl jerseys cheap jerseys ' ' '

TEMPE, Ariz. Adam Eaton White Sox Jersey . -- The Arizona Cardinals have lost starting cornerback Greg�Toler for the season with torn left knee ligaments. Toler, injured in Saturday nights pre-season loss to San Diego, was placed on injured reserve on Monday. The move could mean a starting assignment for first-round draft pick Patrick�Peterson. The team also, as expected, placed rookie running back Ryan�Williams on injured reserve. Williams tore a patella tendon in his right knee in the teams second pre-season game. Arizona waived-injured wide receiver Max�Komar (knee) and safety Tommy Irvin (ankle). The Cardinals also released six players: fullback Charles�Ali, wide receiver Daivieun Curry-Chapman, linebackers Curtis�Gatewood and Duke Lemmens, and tackles Erik Mensik and Jason Speredon. Barry Bonds Giants Jersey . -- As expected, coach John Fox has officially ruled out Wes�Welker for Denvers game against San Diego on Thursday night because of a concussion. Willie McCovey Giants Jersey . Anthony�Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans ended up with the bigger problem.Each week, The Reporters put their thumbs out to the good and the bad in the world of sports. This week they discuss Edmonton leaking oil, quiet diplomacy in soccer, taking charge of the Lakers and that "Minor League Guy on Third". Bruce Arthur, The Globe and Mail: My thumb is down to the Edmonton Oilers, who appeared to see the disasters unfolding in Toronto and Montreal this week and decided they wanted in. First it was revealed that 20-year-old star Taylor Hall was allowed to play all season with a shoulder that required surgery; well sure, when youre as close to the Cup as the Oilers, whats more important than that? But then the Oilers attempted to recall a player from Oklahoma City, only to put him right back on a plane when the NHL told them they were out of recalls. Whatever the reason, it made it look like the Oilers couldnt count to four. Which is strange, because they keep finishing 30th. Cathal Kelly, Toronto Star: My thumb is up to Toronto FC defender Ashtone Morgan for his use of quiet diplomacy this week. At the very death of Wednesday nights game, Morgan received an out-of-nowhere headbutt from Santos Laguna player Darwin Quintero. Seconds later, there was a near brawl at midfield. FC travels to Mexico on Wednesday for the return leg in what is one of that countrys most violent urban areas. Seven months ago, Santos stadium was cleared in a panic after a nearby gun battle. This is not the sort of place you want to rile up. Asked about the sucker-shot Morgan smiled, pointed to the welt on his forehead and said, "he got me. He got a nice one." No thrreats, no hysterics, only a bemused smile. Alejandro De Aza White Sox Jersey. Morgans calming reaction proves that some of these guys understand that there can be more than a game at stake. Michael Farber, Sports Illustrated: My thumb is up Los Angeles Lakers coach Mike Brown for his uncommon display of spine. Brown is aware he works in a players league where the star system is sacred. But that didnt stop him from twice championing the role of team play last week. First he had the temerity to bench Kobe Bryant for a few minutes in the fourth quarter because he forced up a shot. Two days later, the coach yanked centre Andrew Bynum after an ill-advised three-point attempt. Brown was a doormat when he coached in Cleveland, basically allowing LeBron James to set the agenda. Now he is attempting to alter a time-tested NBA dynamic. What can Brown do for you? In this case: the right thing. Dave Hodge, TSN: Thumbs up to Oscar Taveras. You might not know Oscar Taveras by his real name, but rather, by his television name--"Minor League Guy on Third", Thats how he was identified--graphically-- by Fox Sports Midwest during a St. Louis Cardinals spring training telecast. Funny or insulting? Take your pick� and insulting won the day when it was explained that Taveras is a blue-chip prospect who is expected to make a real name for himself in the coming years. If and when he does, hell be more famous because he was snubbed as a 19-year-old by a television producer who should have known him, or should have known better. Hes famous enough already--hes "Minor League Guy on Third". cheap jerseys from china cheap jerseys ' ' '

TSNs Jack Armstrong offers his thoughts on the impact of Russell�Westbrooks injury, the upside of Andre�Drummond, the dynamic duo of Kevin�Love and Ricky�Rubio, the bright future of Canadian Andrew�Nicholson and the value of Paul�Millsap. Cheap Jerseys From China . 1. Russell�Westbrook (OKC): Will be out for the early portion of the season and thats a blow to the Thunder. The positive is Id rather him miss now and be back for the main stretch and the playoffs where his impact will be most felt. Hes far from a traditional point guard but he can really play and his dynamic style gives his team both a major emotional boost and more importantly a high-end impact player. Hard to replace guys like this. 2. Andre�Drummond (Pistons): Had a solid rookie season last year, averaging close to eight ppg and rpg as well as getting close to two blocks per game. Hes got a chance to be a real game-changer as a defensive/rebounding force in the lane. Free throw shooting percentage was a huge issue at .370 and that must improve. Yet when I watch this young man, I see someone that, once he figures it all out, can be a load to deal with inside. Hes not a tremendously skilled performer right now but when I think of where he could go in this game over a good period of time with hard work and development, Im truly fascinated. Only time will tell. 3. Kevin�Love and Ricky�Rubio (TWolves): With all due respect intended toward Chase�Budinger, who is out indefinitely with a knee injury but the real keys in Minneapolis are these two guys. If theyre healthy and right, whos to say that this club isnt a playoff team. Love is a skilled guy, both inside and out, and is an absolute beast as well as a rebounder. Rubio was in a position where he was going to take another step in his development and he missed time last season. Its always nice to have guys that are still reaching their potential and when I look at the TWolves, they can be a sleeper playoff pick this year if Love and Rubio are able to produce and play.� If so, theyll be loads of fun to watch. 4. Andrew�Nicholson (Magic): The experience of playing for Canada this past summer is going to benefit him immensely in his second pro season. I saw a guy who plays with an edge that, if given ample playing time, will be more than capable of taking the next step in his career. When youre put in a spot to produce and are counted on to be a primary guy, lots of times that force-feeds the process for the next season. It gives you confidence that you can perform on the bigger stage and, even though hes a bit of a tweener, hes ready to get consistent minutes in the rotation. Hes a hungry competitor and has no back-down in his game. Hard to keep guys like that off the floor. 5. Paul�Millsap (Hawks): One of the more underrated pickups of the summer. With the loss of Josh�Smith via free agency to the Pistons, GM Danny�Ferry needed some help in the front court and you could have done a lot worse than picking up this guy. Ive always been a fan of his when he played in Utah and teaming with Al�Horford in the Atlanta front court will give the Hawks some steady and consistent paint productivity. He plays bigger than his size with intelligence and purpose. Hes a fundamentally sound player who will do the dirty work. If guard Lou Williams is able to return effectively from injury, the Hawks will be in the hunt for a playoff spot in the East again. No Joe�Johnson and now Josh�Smith but theyre not done yet as a winning team. Cheap NFL Jerseys . The 32-year-old native of Mont-Tremblant, Que., said on his Twitter account that his knee was bothering him. Guay underwent knee surgery over the summer, then returned for the start of the World Cup season after an intensive rehab program. Wholesale NFL Jerseys . The 25-year-old rookie forward scored the winner on his first career shootout attempt as the Philadelphia Flyers overcame an early deficit to earn a 4-3 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.Scott Flory isnt looking to break the bank. The new president of the CFL Players Association said Tuesday all the union wants is a fair deal with the league. The two sides are scheduled to resume talks next week on a new collective bargaining agreement. The present deal is set to expire May 30. "All we want is a fair agreement," Flory said in a telephone interview. "We understand the league . . . players just want a fair share." These are indeed heady times for the CFL. The league has a new contract extension with athletic apparel giant Reebok. One of its teams (Winnipeg) moved into a new stadium last season and another (Hamilton) is scheduled to do so this year, the same time expansion Ottawa returns and plays at a refurbished facility. Attendance continues to rise and corporate sponsorships remain strong. And then theres the CFLs lucrative television agreement with TSN reportedly worth $43 million annually thats scheduled to kick in this year. CFL commissioner Mark Cohon has repeatedly stated he never discusses CBA negotiations in public. But on Monday he said in a statement the league is committed to "working towards a fair and reasonable agreement with our players. We want to be fair to them and keep our league on the path to being strong as well as stable." Money will undoubtedly be a hot-button topic when talks resume. The new TV deal alone is more than 2 1/2 times the previous agreement, which was worth $15 million annually. Subsequently, CFL teams can expect more money from the leagues head office. Negotiations between the league and its players have traditionally been amicable. However, theres a persistent belief this time around players will dig in their heels in order to get what they believe is a fair piece of the financial pie. Theres been one strike since the formation of the CFLPA in 1965. It came in 74 and lasted three weeks during training camp before a three-year agreement was signed with no regular-season games lost. Flory reiterated Tuesday that CFL players wont play under terms of the existing CBA. While Flory didnt say so specifically, that suggests training camps wont open in June without a new deal in place. "Theres a lot more things than the financial," Flory said. "Theres player safety, transitioning and pension items that we want to look at as well. "This is an all-encompassing negotiation but there is a lot of growth going on in the league." And, Flory said, much of that growth is due to the quality of the on-field product. "The players lay it all on the line week in and week out, game in and game out for not very much," he said. "They are the most accessible members in the community, they are at charity events and speaking events, guys are everywhere and they deserve a fair share of whats gone on in the success of the league. "There is more people in the stadiums to watch the games. Theres more people watching on TV to watch the players play and I think thats important." Also worth noting is both sides have a lot riding on these negotiations. If a new agreement cant be reached and a work stoppage ensues, the lleague wouldnt receive any television money. Cheap Jerseys. Conversely, the players wouldnt be paid either. "I cant and will not speak to that," Flory said when asked about a work stoppage. "We are always willing to meet with the league . . . we want to continue talks and we want to work towards a new collective agreement, there is no doubt about that." Calgary Stampeders fullback Rob Cote echoed those sentiments. "Every single one of us loves football and wants to play in June," said the product of Cochrane, Alta. "That is first and foremost. "Its a negotiation. Negotiations start slow and they usually speed up when you (have) a deadline. People tend to procrastinate when theyre negotiating, as Im sure everybody here is aware of. We all want to get a good, fair deal done and were looking forward to playing." For Stampeders president Gord Norrie, its business as usual. "Were just plodding along like were going to play football and keeping very optimistic," he said. The six-foot-four, 300-pound Flory replaces former CFL player Mike Morreale as union president. Florys election certainly raised questions about why the union membership would change its leadership heading into a new round of talks with the league. "I am not going to get into conspiracy theories or innuendo," Flory said politely. "This is a natural course of business that weve done as a players association for the last 40 years . . . I was very fortunate and humbled to be elected president and thats it." Flory, 37, is well versed in CFLPA business. The Regina native served as an Alouettes player rep for eight years and spent the last four seasons on the unions executive. "I became involved early as a player rep because I wanted to learn the business of the sport," he said. "We play under the rules on the field and I think its as important, or more important, to know the rules surrounding the game off the field. "I see it (being voted president) as a natural evolution. Its something I wanted to do to serve the players as best I could." Flory couldnt provide an answer when asked what kind of negotiator he is. His mandate at the bargaining table, though, is crystal clear. "At the end of the day, how I see my role is Im enacting the will of the people," he said. "Every player in this league who pays dues is my boss and I will do my best to represent them. "They are going to give us our marching orders and were going to execute it. The players are the game . . . Im passionate about the cause of the players," However, the question remains whether Flory, a three-time Grey Cup champion and nine-time league all-star, can continue to play while being CFLPA president. The last three union presidents � Dan Ferrone, Stu Laird and Morreale � all assumed the job following their playing careers. "Thats a good question," said Flory, twice named the CFLs outstanding lineman. "Ive already talked to (Alouettes GM) Jim Popp as to my role moving forward and hope to have an announcement by the end of next week." cheap jerseys from china cheap jerseys ' ' '

SOCHI, Russia -- Canada is appealing the final results of the mens skicross at the Sochi Olympics in an effort to get fourth-place finisher Brady Leman of Calgary bumped up to gold. jerseys from china . The French team swept the podium in the event. The Canadian Olympic Committee, along with the Slovenian Olympic Committee, are alleging that French team staffers changed the shaping of the athletes ski pants for better aerodynamics. The ad hoc division of the Court of Arbitration for Sport is scheduled to hear the case Saturday night. Leman finished fourth in the final to Jean-Frederic Chapuis, Arnaud Bovolenta and Jonathan Midol of France in Thursdays competition. Slovenias Filip Flisar placed second in the small final and would be bumped to bronze if the appeal is won. Russia would win the silver. The Canadians and Slovenians initially requested that the world governing body of skiing disqualify the French competitors. But the FIS competition jury decided the protests couldnt be heard because they werent filed on time after the race. A decision by the CAS is expected Sunday. The Canadian Olympic Committee didnt immediately respond to an email request for comment. Leman reached Thursdays final after dominating the two previous rounds, but got off to a slow start in the medal round and then fell while trying furiously to catch up. "I was in disbelief, almost, when I was lying there," he said after the race. "But its part of skicross." It was a second Olympics in a row to end in disappointment for Leman. At the Vancouver Games, he didnt get to compete after fracturing a leg during a practice run. "I just feel slightly better, right now, than I did in Vancouver," he said. "It sucked watching my teammates from the stands, and all I wanted here is a chance. "I gave myself a really good chance today, and that Im really proud of that, but it sucks to be so close to the podium." Leman shrugged off talk he may have been intentionally shut out by the French skiers. He fell too far behind from the start and only briefly had a one-on-one battle with the last of the three leaders. "No, they were all trying for it, they were going for it," he said. "They skied the same as if it had been three different nations." "Everyone was trying to pass and thats in part why I ended up getting stuck on the outside. I probably should have tried going inside, but we have to make split-second decisions. You cant get them all (right) over a day of skicross. At some point you run out of luck -- like I did a couple of hundred metres short." cheap nfl jerseys . Leverkusen came from behind to beat Werder Bremen 2-1 and secure fourth place immediately above Wolfsburg, which beat sixth-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach 3-1. "We knew we had to win," Leverkusen striker Eren Derdiyok said. wholesale jerseys . -- Dwyane�Wade was a late scratch from the Miami Heats starting lineup against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night because of nerve irritation in his left foot, leaving his status for the All-Star game in doubt. DETROIT -- Alex�Gordons grounder up the middle looked like a routine out -- until it hit second base and took a wacky bounce, allowing the games first run to score. With breaks like that, its no wonder the Kansas City Royals have won 10 in a row. Omar�Infante added a solo homer and Jeremy�Guthrie pitched impressively into the seventh inning, helping the Royals extend their longest winning streak in 20 years with a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday. Kansas City has outpitched, outhit and outfielded the Tigers in taking the first three games of this series -- so the Royals have no reason to apologize for a little luck along the way. "Baseballs a funny game -- youve got to take full advantage of those," Kansas Citys Eric�Hosmer said. "Were not complaining about it either." The AL Central-leading Royals have not won this many games in a row since a run of 14 in 1994. They extended their division lead over the Tigers to 1 1/2 games. Guthrie (4-6) allowed four hits and struck out nine in 6 2-3 innings. Drew�Smyly (3-6) nearly matched him, but the Detroit left-hander was victimized by Gordons fluky RBI single in the first inning and Infantes homer in the fifth. J.D.�Martinez homered off Guthrie in the seventh, but the Kansas City bullpen got the last seven outs, with Greg�Holland pitching the ninth for his 21st save in 22 chances. Kansas City will try for a four-game sweep of the Tigers on Thursday. The Royals began the series by pounding star right-handers Justin�Verlander and Max�Scherzer, then Guthrie took the mound and breezed through the team that has won the last three division titles. "This could be the best game hes thrown all year," Kansas City manager Ned Yost said. "He was fabulous. ... We had to go back to our old way of doing things -- pitching and defence." It was Guthries second straight game with nine strikeouts -- he also reached the mark June 13 against the Chicago White Sox. He had some help Wednesday from his fielders, as Gordon saved a run in the fourth with a diving catch in left-centre.. cheap jerseys from china. "Im not that fast, but I can turn it on when I want to," the Kansas City left fielder said. Fortune seemed to favour the Royals throughout the afternoon. With a runner on second in the first, Gordons two-out bouncer up the middle looked like a groundout to the shortstop, but it ricocheted off second base for a hit, allowing Hosmer to come home. In the second, Detroits Victor�Martinez dropped a nice bunt against a shifted defence, only to have the ball roll foul inches before reaching third base. J.D.�Martinez homered in the seventh, and Nick�Castellanos nearly tied it later in the inning with a two-out drive to left that bounced off the fence for a double. Kelvin�Herrera relieved Guthrie and retired Don�Kelly on a lineout to centre. Wade�Davis struck out the side in the eighth, and Holland made it through the ninth after allowing a leadoff single to Miguel�Cabrera. Smyly allowed two runs and seven hits in seven-plus innings. He struck out six without a walk. The Tigers have lost 20 of 29 to fall out of first place. During his postgame news conference, Detroit manager Brad�Ausmus replied sarcastically to a question about how his mood is when he heads home after these tough defeats. "I beat my wife," Ausmus said, clearly trying to joke. "Im just kidding around. No, luckily my wife and kids are fantastic. I do get a little mopey at home, but my wife and kids are good." About a minute later, without being prompted, Ausmus said he was sorry. "I didnt want to make light of battered women," the first-year manager said. "I didnt mean to make light of that, so I apologize for that if that offended anyone." NOTES: Kansas City OF Nori Aoki (groin) and Detroit OF Torii�Hunter (hamstring) did not play. ... Royals C Salvador�Perez extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a ninth-inning single. ... Detroit 2B Ian�Kinsler made a nice diving stop on Infantes grounder in the third. ... Kansas City LHP Danny�Duffy (4-5) faces Detroit RHP Anibal�Sanchez (3-2) on Thursday. cheap jerseys from china cheap jerseys ' ' '

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that the Toronto Argonauts have signed former TCU quarterback Casey Pachall signed a three-year contract. Willie McCovey Orange Jersey . Pachalls father Stan told the paper of the signing this week. "Casey knew he wasnt passed over (at the NFL draft) because of talent and he was told that," Stan Pachall told the Star-Telegram. There were a lot of clubs that really liked him." Pachall finished his college career the all-time leader in completion percentage (62.9) and ranks third in passing yards (5,415), completions (431) and touchdown passes (42) despite only playing in 24 games the last three seasons. He missed nine games in 2012 after leaving the team in October to enter a substance abuse facility and missed five games in 2013 with a broken arm. Sergio Romo Orange Jersey . The Richmond, B.C., native added eight rebounds and was named the tournaments most valuable player as the top-seeded Ravens defended their 2011 championship. "The biggest thing is to win the whole thing as a team," said Scrubb. Hunter Pence Authentic . The Stars were up 3-1 in the third. Stars and Jets will meet at the MTS Centre Sunday night (TSN Jets, TSN 1290) in what is a must win for the Jets. The Jets and Stars will meet in Dallas later this month, the Stars have two games in hand.RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Carolina Hurricanes talked in the locker room before Monday nights game about how they felt they were due for a win against the Columbus Blue Jackets. Columbus had won seven straight in the series, including a dramatic comeback victory the last time the teams met in Raleigh at the end of December. "We knew we owed em one," Eric�Staal said. "We wanted to pay them back for some of the good games they played against us." Staal and his brother, Jordan, helped Carolina make that pregame prediction a reality, combining to score three goals in a 2:47 span in the third period and lifting the Hurricanes to a 3-2 victory. Jordan�Staal scored the tiebreaker with 5:55 remaining after Eric had scored twice to help the Hurricanes erase a two-goal deficit and earn their fourth consecutive victory. Anton�Khudobin made 22 saves. Carolina moved one point ahead of Columbus in the congested Metropolitan Division with the win. "We knew it was a big game," Carolina coach Kirk�Muller said. "You dont want to dwell a lot on it -- let the guys figure it out." R.J.�Umberger and Derek�MacKenzie scored for the Blue Jackets. Columbus lost its second straight after winning eight in a row. "I dont know if we were trying to hold on or if we were playing the game to win," Columbus coach Todd Richards said. "We gave up three goals in less than 3 minutes. For 57 minutes, I thought we managed it pretty well. Those three minutes, thats the game." After shutting out Carolina in the teams last meeting, reigning Vezina Trophy winner Sergei�Bobrovsky made 32 saves for Columbus. On the game-winner, Jordan�Staal rushed into the zone against defenceman Ryan�Murray. After cutting to the middle of the ice, he nuddged a backhander past Bobrovsky while fighting off Murray. Will Clark Orange Jersey. "It was a fun comeback," Jordan�Staal said. "I had some speed coming low, and just kind of went for it from there. I tried to get my reach out there." Trailing 2-0, Eric�Staal got the Hurricanes comeback started when he beat Bobrovsky between the legs after a pass from Alexander�Semin. Staal then tied the score with 7:42 remaining after Jiri Tlutsy fed him in the slot. Staals shot fluttered, but the puck sneaked inside the post. Columbus jumped on Carolina in the first period, scoring goals 17 seconds apart to take an early two-goal lead. MacKenzie got the Blue Jackets first goal. Fedor�Tyutin took a wrist shot from the slot that hit the post. The rebounded bounced to MacKenzie, who put the puck in the goal before Khudobin could get back in position. After the ensuing faceoff at centre ice, the Blue Jackets forced a turnover along the boards in the Canes zone. The puck eventually made its way to Umberger, who was alone in front of the net, and he scored his third goal in four games. "We came out of the gate well; we were playing well and we went after them," Richards said. After scoring goals on two of their first three shots, the Blue Jackets continued to control much of the action, taking the games first seven shots before Carolina asserted itself. The Hurricanes tied a season high with 17 shots in the second period. NOTES: Columbus came into the game with the best winning percentage in Eastern Conference for the month of January (.818). ... Semin extended his point streak to six games for the Hurricanes. ... Carolina recalled Aaron�Palushaj from Charlotte earlier on Monday. He will be eligible to play in the Hurricanes game at Montreal on Tuesday. cheap jerseys from chinacheap jerseys ' ' '

Being named ATP Tour Newcomer of the Year didnt really register for Milos Raonic until his parents began to celebrate. Roy Oswalt Authentic Jersey . The 20-year-old from Thornhill, Ont., was on his way home for dinner when he learned that he was going to be honoured Saturday. The award slipped Raonics mind until his family finished their meal. When he mentioned the award to his parents, it was their reaction that helped the accomplishment in perspective. "They were really excited and we just sort of enjoyed the moment and celebrated a little," Raonic said Monday on a conference call. "They really helped it sink in to me how big of a deal it is." The Newcomer Award, voted on by players on the ATP World Tour, is given to the athlete whose move up the rankings had the biggest impact on the mens tour. Raonic began the season ranked No. 156 and peaked at a career-high No. 25 in May. That rating made Raonic the highest-ranked singles player in Canadian history. Past winners of the ATPs Newcomer of the Year award include Rafael Nadal, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Andy Roddick, Patrick Rafter and John McEnroe. "Its something you can only really be up for once and to win it that one time, it really means a lot to me," said Raonic. "Its a great moment that means a lot to me, it will be one of those things I cherish the most in my career." To win the respect of his competitors on the ATP Tour was also important to Raonic. "Its a big thing," said Raonic. "Its guys I spend most of the year with, so it means a lot to me to get that kind of respect from them, to get that kind of appreciation. "Its a nice way to end the year. Its really been a year of a lot of ups and a few downs." Some of those highs include Raonics first singles title at San Jose in February and then facing Roddick in the final at Memphis a week later. "San Jose meant a lot to me because tennis is difficult in a way because you play so many weeks a year and unless youre winning a tournament youre pretty much losing every week," said Raonic. "To be able to go through a week at the top level of tennis and competing with these guys and go without losing and winning a title just means so much to me. "Its something you dont forget." Raonic was unable to play a full season due to a hip injury at Wimbledon in June. He reached two more semifinals and one quarter-final after recovering from surgery. Now hes preparing for the 2012 season where he hopes to build on his early success. "A big part of the off-season coming up is going to be to get into shape," said Raonic. "Even though I was hurt and injured, I came back I think playing a better level of tennis, but the thing is I came back a little quick because it was important for me to get more matches before finishing the year. "Hopefully, I can achieve something where Im competing with the top guys for the bigger tournaments." Jose Altuve Jersey . Ulissi made his move inside the final 300 metres, bursting out of the peloton to edge Robert Kiserlovski for a second stage win in the race. Wilco Kelderman was third on the 179-kilometre (111-mile) leg from Foligno to Montecopiolo, which had two category one climbs, including the final ascent to the finish. Nolan Ryan Astros Jersey . They won gold today in the womens bobsled competition at the Sochi Games. The Canadian duo finished with a four-run time of three minutes 50.Columbus, OH (SportsNetwork.com) - DAngelo Russell had 22 points and 10 assists as Ohio State pulled off an 82-70 win over No. 23 Indiana on Sunday. JaeSean Tate had 20 points and six assists in his second career start, while Marc Loving added 10 points for the Buckeyes (16-5, 5-3 Big Ten), who have won their last two. Jose Cruz Jr. Astros Jersey. Yogi Ferrell scored 26 points and Collin Hartman gave 12 on 4-for-5 from behind the arc for the Hoosiers (15-5, 5-2), who had won four straight coming in. cheap jerseys from china cheap jerseys ' ' '

PITTSBURGH, Pa. Jake Peavy Orange Jersey . - The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed some of their depth issues along the defensive line, signing Cam�Thomas to a two-year deal. The 27-year-old Thomas started a career-high 10 games for San Diego in 2013, finishing with 30 tackles and an interception. The 6-foot-3, 330-pound Thomas gives the Steelers some much-needed depth after backup nose tackle Al�Woods and defensive lineman Ziggy�Hood left via free agency earlier in the week. Thomas will compete with incumbent Steve�McLendon for playing time. Thomas was a 2010 fifth-round pick out of North Carolina who worked his way into a starting job for the Chargers. Pittsburgh still needs help at defensive end, where Cam Heyward is the only lineman on the roster with extensive playing experience. Buster Posey Authentic . Ames was unanimously named for induction into the Canadian Golf Hall of Fame on Wednesday, becoming the 74th member of the countrys golfs shrine. Dave Dravecky Authentic . Wedge will manage the final three games of this season against Oakland before the Mariners begin a search for a new manager. "Its got to the point where its painfully obvious to me that I just wasnt going to be able to move forward with this organization," Wedge said before Fridays game.ALTENMARKT-ZAUCHENSEE, Austria -- Canadian Larisa Yurkiw earned a spot at the Winter Olympics after finishing sixth in a womens downhill skiing World Event on Saturday, a career-best performance. Yurkiw, from Owen Sound, Ont., needed two top-12 results to qualify for nomination to Canadas Olympic team and followed up a seventh-place finish in the season-opening downhill in Lake Louise, Alta., with a strong run in Saturdays race in Austria. "Larisa skied amazing today. She was super strong. It was solid skiing, top to bottom," said Hugues Ansermoz, head coach of Canadas womens team. "Its great that she has qualified for Sochi. She was already close to qualifying but she made the Olympic team through the front door without leaving anything to chance. She deserves it and she showed that today." Elisabeth Goergl beat Anna Fenninger for an Austrian 1-2 finish, ending a two-year drought for the ski-mad nation in the sports fastest discipline. Goergl, the 2011 world champion, started 28th after the other top contenders had already gone down but had the fastest time at each interval. Goergl finished the demanding three-kilometre Kaelberloch course in 1:47.45 to deny Fenninger her first career downhill win by 0.56 seconds. "I know I had a super run. That gives me satisfaction," said Goergl, who also was the last Austrian woman to win a downhill -- in Bad Kleinkirchheim, Austria, in January 2012. "I am glad that I had a smooth run," Goergl said. "Winning isnt the most important to me. What really counts is skiing well. I wasnt able to show that last year." It was the first 1-2 finish in a World Cup downhill for Austrian women since 2007. Maria Hoefl-Riesch of Germany, who has won two downhills this season, came 0.63 behind in third and lost her lead in the overall standings to Fenninger by six points, 677-671. Tina Weirather of Liechtenstein is third with 659 points. Weirather came 0.91 behiind in fourth. Buster Posey Orange Jersey. Marie-Michele Gagnon of Lac-Etchemin, Que., came 29th to claim her first top-30 World Cup finish in downhill to add to the seven top-10s and three top-five results shes already racked up this season in slalom, giant slalom and super-G. "Im more than happy with top 30. Its a huge stepping stone for me because being in the points shows you are part of the group," said Gagnon, who was the first Canadian alpine skier to meet the criteria for nomination to Canadas Olympic team. "I dont train downhill and we only had one training run this week. I just got brand new boots and I raced on them and totally different skis, so Im super happy with that." Starting 25th, Yurkiw -- who is racing as an independent under coach Kurt Mayr -- produced a strong run to cross the line in a time of 1:48.58. Yurkiw suffered a catastrophic leg injury in 2009 but returned to competition two years later. Yurkiw has previously had success in Altenmarkt, winning the downhill portion of a combined race -- and beating American superstar Lindsey Vonn in the process -- in January 2009. She was also seventh in the FIS Junior World Ski Championships in Altenmarkt/Flachau in 2007. "This is her hill -- shes done well here before," Gagnon said. "It great seeing her continue her streak of top results. Shes a cool girl and I think I can learn a lot from her." Gagnon, competing in downhill as part of her training for the combined discipline, achieved her aim of a top 30 finish when she crossed the line in 1:50.17. "That was the goal today, just to score some points and get (Canada) another spot in downhill," Ansermoz said. "Without skiing her best she was top 30 so anything is possible for her in the combined." Both Gagnon, who was fourth in the world in super-combined last season, and Erin Mielzynski, of Collingwood, Ont., are set to compete in Sundays super combined race. cheap jerseys from china cheap jerseys ' ' '

BOSTON -- Dustin�Pedroia spent the first month of the season just one home run shy of 100 in his career. Aramis Ramirez Jersey . Pedroia reached the milestone with a little panache, hitting a grand slam in the sixth inning and propelling the Boston Red Sox to a 7-1 win over the Oakland Athletics on Friday night. "I was pretty excited to hit a home run. Its been a while," said Pedroia, who had gone 160 at-bats without one. The skid ended when the Red Sox truly needed it, clinging to a 2-1 lead on a night when both clubs were failing to drive in runs. Pedroia drove an 0-2 pitch out to left field in the sixth inning for his second career grand slam and first homer since Sept. 17. "Honestly, I was just trying to drive one run in," Pedroia said. "As a team, weve been scuffling a little bit with guys on." The grand slam put Boston up 6-1 and the cushion was plenty for Clay�Buchholz (2-2), who shut down the team with the top record in the American League. Buchholz pitched 6 1-3 innings, allowing one run on three hits and striking out five. He walked three and got himself out of several jams as the As left five on base and were 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position against Buchholz. "We hit some balls hard. We hit a lot of balls hard, actually -- right at people and then didnt get some hits when we did have some guys on base," Oakland manager Bob Melvin said. John�Jaso scored Oaklands only run, coming in on a wild pitch after leading off the third with a triple. Boston was having its own struggles with runners on before Pedroia came through in the sixth off of reliever Ryan�Cook. Xander�Bogaerts and A.J.�Pierzynski started the sixth with back-to-back singles off Dan�Otero, who began the inning. Otero struck out Will�Middlebrooks, then walked Bradley to load the bases with one out. Cook relieved Otero and got Pedroia down 0-2, before he cleared the bases with a shot that just cleared the Green Monster. As manager Bob Melvin challenged whether the ball cleared the yellow line before a fan touched it and lost the appeal. The milestone homer put him in elite Red Sox company as only the second player in franchise history with 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases. Pedroia, who stole his 121st career base in the first inning, joins Carl Yastrzemski (452 home runs, 168 steals). "They told me that after the game. Thats crazy," Pedroia said. "I guess Im getting old. But just having your name anywhere said with his is an accomplishment." Boston hadnt scored since getting a pair of runs in the second inning off starter Dan�Straily (1-2). Grady�Sizemore led off with a double and scored on Pierzynskis single with one out. Jackie Bradley Jr. added a two-out double to drive in Pierzynski and Boston led 2-0. Straily pitched 4 1-3 innings, allowing two runs on four hits. He struck out three and walked three. "I felt like every single time, every batter I was behind 2-0. Thats just not the way to pitch," Straily said. "Its just a frustrating day." Bradley ended a potential rally for the As in the eighth with a leaping catch at the centre field wall, then hitting Pedroia with a strong relay throw. Pedroia threw to Mike�Napoli as Josh�Donaldson scrambled to get back after rounding second before seeing Bradley make the catch. Notes: The series continues Saturday afternoon with Boston LHP Jon�Lester (2-4) scheduled to face Oakland lefty Tommy�Milone (0-2). .. Oakland played its first game in May after tying the franchise record for wins in April at 18-9. ... Buchholz allowed 12 runs on 20 hits over 6 2-3 innings in his first two starts at Fenway Park this season. ... Boston rookie SS Xander�Bogaerts has reached safely in 14 straight games. ... Boston C A.J.�Pierzynski was played his 1,700th career game behind the plate. ... Pedroia could catch Yastrzemskis steal total of 168, but Yazs 452 homers are probably out of reach for Bostons pesky second baseman. Scooter Gennett Jersey . -- Packers cornerback Tramon�Williams has been fined $26,250 for contact with an official, per NFL guidelines. Brewers Jersey . The incident happened during Barcelonas 3-2 win at Villarreal on April 27th when Alves, who is black, picked up the banana thrown by 26-year-old David Campayo Lleo, bit off a piece and then discarded it.Yesterdays CFL Divisional Finals on TSN delivered big audiences, including a record audience for the Eastern Final on English television. Overall, 7.3 million Canadians watched some part of the 2013 CFL Divisional Finals on TSN. A full breakdown of overnight audience data from BBM Canada is outlined below:� Eastern FinalThe Eastern Final featuring Hamilton @ Toronto attracted an average audience of 1.7 million viewers on TSN � making it the most-watched Eastern Final ever on English television. Audiences for the all-Ontario matchup were up 21% compared to last years average audience of 1.4 million viewers on TSN. Audience levels peaked at 3.1 million viewers on TSN late in thhe game as the Tiger-Cats held on to defeat the Toronto Argonauts 24-17. Ryan Braun Authentic Jersey. Western Final The Western Final featuring Saskatchewan @ Calgary was watched by an average audience of 1.9 million viewers on TSN, up 2% compared to last years Western Final. Audience levels peaked at 2.7 million on TSN in the fourth quarter of the game as the Saskatchewan Roughriders completed a 35-13 upset of the Calgary Stampeders. 101st GREY CUP The 101st GREY CUP features the Saskatchewan Roughriders at home against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. The game will be broadcast live on Sunday, Nov. 24 on TSN, TSN Radio and in French on RDS. Grey Cup Sunday coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET on TSN. cheap jerseys from china cheap jerseys ' ' '

VANCOUVER -- The Vancouver Canucks made mistakes on back-to-back shifts against a team that knows a thing or two about scoring in quick succession. cheap nfl jerseys . It cost them dearly on Saturday night. Andrew�Shaw and Marcus�Kruger scored nine seconds apart early in the third period and Corey�Crawford made 36 saves as the Chicago Blackhawks defeated Vancouver 2-1 to send the Canucks to their sixth loss in seven games. Saturdays barrage from the Blackhawks was eerily reminiscent of their Stanley Cup-clinching two goals in 17 seconds late in Game 6 of Junes final against the Boston Bruins. "It can turn around pretty quick if we get some chances, especially the opportunities we got," said Crawford, who outduelled fellow Canadian Olympic hopeful Roberto�Luongo. "They were A-plus chances and usually we bury those and we did tonight." Shaw redirected a pass from Patrick�Kane in front of Luongo to tie the score 1-1 at 4:40 of the final period, moments after Chicagos Patrick�Sharp ripped a shot on a power play that went off the crossbar and both posts but stayed out. The Canucks then somehow gave up a 2-on-1 seconds after the ensuing faceoff, with Kruger firing a shot that went right through Luongo to give Chicago (16-4-4) its second straight victory. "We got a greasy goal, a lucky one there to get us going, and then a big response the following shift. It was a big comeback," said Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville, whose team has scored a league-high 87 goals this season. "We havent had many games like this. Tight, tight games going into the third period so its nice to find a way." One night after his team exploded for a 6-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets to snap a five-game losing streak that included just six Vancouver goals, Canucks head coach John Tortorella lamented the two lapses in concentration. "I think we beat ourselves there, and teams like Chicago will capitalize on that," he said. "We kill a penalty, we get our guy on the ice and we throw the puck away -- ends up in our net. A faceoff (play) we run and how we forecheck off a faceoff every time, we decide to go off the map with it and we give up an odd-man rush -- its in our net. "Thats a big part of the game." Ryan�Kesler scored on a 5-on-3 man advantage in the first period for Vancouver (12-9-4), which has been held to one goal in 10 of its 25 games so far this season. The Canucks are 0-9-3 when scoring two goals or less and 12-0-1 when scoring three times or more. Despite Vancouvers struggles to find offence, Luongo said his team cant forget about its own end. "We have to learn how to win some games 1-0, 2-1," said Luongo, who played on consecutive nights for the first time since November 2011 and finished with 27 saves. "Thats the way the league is right now. We cant just focus on the offence. If you look around the league, its all low-scoring games. We have to find a way to win those." After Chicago took the lead, Vancouvers Dale�Weise had a great chance to tie things up but saw Crawford smother his backhand chance with under eight minutes to go. The Canucks continued to press late, with Alexandre�Burrows fanning on a shot in front off a pass with Luongo on the bench for the extra attacker before Daniel�Sedin also failed to connect from the slot. "We have to put pucks away. It cant just be one game and then youre off again," said Canucks captain Henrik�Sedin. "Its about getting that feeling when youre going to score goals. Right now its not happening." Trailing 1-0 after the first period despite carrying the majority of the play, Chicago was thwarted by both Luongo and a lack of accuracy in front of goal in the second. Johnny�Oduya ripped a shot wide from the slot early in the period before Luongo stopped a Shaw deflection and made a pad save on Brandon�Saad. Vancouvers No. 1-ranked penalty killing then fought off Chicagos first power-play opportunity of the night, with the Blackhawks best chance coming when Jonathan�Toews fired a shot wide from the slot. Burrows, who has not scored in any of his 14 games this season, then had a chance on a wraparound but couldnt find the range to beat Crawford. "The most frustrating part is that you feel youre letting your teammates down," Burrows said of his slump. "Theyre counting on you to score some goals and youre not getting the job done." Kesler opened the scoring late in the first period when Vancouvers 29th-ranked power play connected on a two-man advantage against Chicagos equally feeble 29th-ranked penalty killing unit. Jason�Garrisons one-timer from the point rebounded right out to Kesler, who settled himself before burying his 10th of the season and first in eight games. "I feel like we owned that first period and they come out on top, but we didnt get down on ourselves," said Shaw. "We kept working and stuck to it all game and it just took nine seconds." Notes: Blackhawks forward Marian�Hossa missed the game for "family reasons." The team did not provide a timeline for his return. ... Canucks forward Zach Kassian was benched was benched for the third period and saw just 4:10 of ice time on the night. ... The Canucks conclude their season-long six-game homestand on Monday against the Los Angeles Kings. Vancouver opens a four-game road trip on Thursday against the Ottawa Senators. ... The Blackhawks continue a season-high tying seven-game road trip on Monday against the Edmonton Oilers. wholesale nfl jerseys . - The Abbotsford Heat hope a last-minute goal keeps their season alive for more than one extra game. jerseys from china . Five first-round trades were made Tuesday night as well as another involving an early second-round selection. MADRID, Spain -- Cristiano Ronaldo maintained his impressive form in the Champions League by scoring two goals to give Real Madrid a 2-1 win against 10-man Juventus on Wednesday. The Portugal forward angled a shot behind goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon to score in the fourth minute from a sublime pass by Angel Di Maria. Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal then pulled down Sergio Ramos in the area and Ronalldo confidently converted the penalty in the 29th for his seventh Champions League goal this season. cheap jerseys. Fernando Llorente had equalized for Juventus seven minutes earlier by squeezing the ball between goalkeeper Iker Casillas and the post in the 22nd. Llorente, a former Atheltic Bilbao player, has now scored six goals against Madrid, including three at the Santiago Bernabeu. cheap jerseys from china cheap jerseys ' ' '

BOSTON -- When Shane�Victorino signed with the Boston Red Sox as a free agent in the off-season, they were coming off a last-place finish that was their worst in almost half a century. Eddie Murray Orioles Jersey . They had fired their manager for the second year in a row. He believed they could turn it around. And quickly. Victorino brought the Red Sox one big step closer to completing their comeback, sending them to the World Series with a seventh-inning grand slam that gave Boston a 5-2 victory over the Detroit Tigers in Game 6 of the AL championship series Saturday night. The Red Sox will open the Series on Wednesday night against the St. Louis Cardinals, the team they swept in 2004 to end their 86-year title drought. The Cardinals won the NL pennant on Friday night by eliminating the Los Angeles Dodgers in six games. "Its one of those moments you live for," Victorino said as he wandered around the Fenway Park infield while Red Sox fans serenaded him with his theme song, Bob Marleys "Three Little Birds," and its chorus, "Dont worry about a thing, Cause every little thing is gonna be all right." "Just listen to the crowd," Victorino said, referring then to the Boston Marathon bombings that left the city reeling during the first month of his first season in town. "The one thing I came here to do is to be a part of this city. With all we went through as a city, theres definitely a bond." Detroit took a 2-1 lead in the sixth and 21-game winner Max�Scherzer protected it until the seventh, when Boston loaded the bases on a double, a walk and an error by rookie shortstop Jose�Iglesias, traded by the Red Sox in July. Victorino fell behind Jose�Veras 0-2 but lofted a hanging curveball over the Green Monster to set off a celebration in the Red Sox dugout and in the Fenway Park stands. "Its been a special ride, and were still going," second baseman Dustin�Pedroia said. "Were not going to stop. We know what our goal is. We want to win the World Series." Junichi�Tazawa got one out for the win, Craig�Breslow pitched a scoreless eighth and series MVP Koji�Uehara got the last three outs before the Red Sox poured out of the dugout to begin their now-familiar celebration on the mound. "The way I would sum it up is that I thought their starters were good," Tigers manager Jim Leyland said. "I thought their bullpen was great." Uehara, who inherited the closer job after the teams first two choices were injured, posted three saves and a win in the series. Then he joked about pitching so well under pressure. "To tell you the truth, I almost threw up," Uehara kidded through a translator. Its the 13th AL pennant for the Red Sox and their first since 2007, when they swept the Colorado Rockies to win it all for the second time in four seasons. Boston swept the Cardinals in 04, winning Game 4 in St. Louis to clinch the title that put an end to generations of disappointment. The latest trip comes one year after a 69-win season that prompted the team to jettison its high-priced stars, rebuild the roster and bring in manager John Farrell to replace Bobby Valentine. Victorino was one of the biggest additions, and he delivered on Saturday as he did for much of the season. "Since the first day of spring training, there wasnt one person more important than the next," said outfielder Jonny�Gomes, another newcomer, who doubled to lead off the seventh, missing a homer over the Green Monster by no more than a foot. "Were all pulling in the same direction." Scherzer got one out in the seventh but left after walking rookie Xander�Bogaerts to put runners on first and second. Drew�Smyly got Jacoby�Ellsbury to hit a grounder up the middle, but it popped out of Iglesias glove behind second base and everyone was safe. Veras came in and quickly got ahead of Victorino. But he hung a curveball and Victorino sent it toward the 37-foot left-field wall, which had already knocked down two Red Sox line drives. This one left no doubt. It was the second career post-season slam for Victorino, who also had a record-setting hit-by-pitch in the sixth but failed to get a bunt down in the third. "Hes come up big a number of times this season, none bigger," Farrell said. "Probably the last thing were thinking of, that hes going to hit a ball out of the ballpark, and thankfully the curveball stayed (up)." Scherzer and Clay�Buchholz also matched up in Game 2, when the Tigers right-hander took a no-hitter and a 5-0 lead into the sixth. The Red Sox rallied against the Detroit bullpen, tying it on David�Ortizs eighth-inning grand slam and winning it in the ninth on Jarrod�Saltalamacchias walk-off single through a drawn-in infield. Both starters gave up hits in the first inning in the rematch, but it remained scoreless until Bogaerts doubled off the Green Monster with two outs in the fifth and scored on Ellsburys single. But the Tigers took the lead in the bottom half, chasing Buchholz with a walk and Miguel�Cabreras single before Franklin�Morales walked Prince�Fielder on four pitches to load the bases with nobody out. Victor�Martinez lined one high off the Green Monster to make it 2-1, holding at first with a two-run single. Brandon�Workman came in and got Jhonny�Peralta to hit a hard grounder to Pedroia, who chased down Martinez in the basepath for one out and then threw home to get Fielder in a rundown. Saltalamacchia ran him back to third and dove, somersaulting over him while making the tag. Workman struck out Alex�Avila looking to end the inning. Scherzer worked out of a jam in the bottom half after putting runners on second and third with one out. He allowed three runs on four hits and five walks, striking out seven in 6 1-3 innings. Buchholz gave up two runs on four hits and two walks, striking out four in five-plus innings. Scherzer walked the first two batters in the third, but Victorino popped up a bunt and Scherzer made a sliding catch for the first out. Pedroia hit a high drive that was just foul of the Carlton Fisk pole above the Green Monster. After it was confirmed by replay, he hit a hard grounder down the line that Cabrera fielded, easily stepping on third base before throwing to first for the double play. NOTES: It will be the first World Series between the teams with the best record in each league since 1999. ... Detroit C Alex�Avila, who absorbed a body shot and a foul ball off the mask in Game 5, took another ball off the mask in the fourth but remained in the game. ... The Dropkick Murphys sang the national anthem before the game, followed by "Shipping up to Boston," wearing Red Sox jerseys that said "Boston Strong" and the number 617. ... The Red Sox are 6-0 in Game 6 of the ALCS. ... Ellsbury had successfully stolen 18 bases in a row in the regular season and playoffs before being thrown out in the fifth. ... Victorino was hit by a pitch leading off the sixth, his sixth of the playoffs, extending his record and setting a major league record with the 10th post-season HBP of his career. Alex�Rodriguez had the old record. Jim Palmer Jersey . The league announced the decision on its website Saturday, shortly before AC Milan was due to kick off against Genoa at 6 p.m. local time. The 25-year-old Morosini died about an hour earlier after suffering cardiac arrest during his teams Serie B match at Pescara. Cal Ripken Authentic Jersey . Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema scored two goals each Wednesday night in a 6-1 rout of Schalke in the first leg of their second-round matchup. "We played a very, very good match," Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "We got well into the match, scored two early goals and that opened the game and left us able to counter and to use the speed of our players. NEW YORK -- Eric�Young Jr. finished first, the New York Mets came in third and a sold-out crowd at Citi Field went home happy on the final day of another difficult season. Young won the National League stolen base crown with 46 and helped the Mets rally past Milwaukee 3-2 on Sunday when the Brewers botched two bunts in the eighth inning. "I just talked to him before I walked in here. Hes about as high as you can get," New York manager Terry Collins said. "Thats a great honour for him." The speedy Young swiped two bases in the first, scored on a shallow sacrifice fly and later threw out a runner at the plate from left field. He began the day tied for the NL lead in steals with Milwaukee shortstop Jean�Segura, who sat out for the 10th time in 11 games. Segura returned Saturday from a strained right hamstring, but he and the Brewers didnt want to push it in the season finale, manager Ron Roenicke said. "Now after its all said and done, its a great feeling that I was able to do it. Like I said, Im glad we finished the season on a winning note," said Young, acquired from Colorado in June. "Im proud of myself. Thats my craft, stolen bases, and you always pride yourself in what your craft is." Youngs father led the NL in stolen bases with 53 for the Rockies in 1996. Playing in front of their third sellout this season, the injury-riddled Mets prevented a four-game sweep by Milwaukee and finished 74-88 for the second consecutive year. They have endured five straight losing seasons since moving into Citi Field. New York did make a bit of progress with a third-place finish in the NL East, its highest since second in 2008. The Mets had come in fourth for four consecutive years. Before the game, former slugger Mike�Piazza was inducted into the teams Hall of Fame during a 30-minute ceremony on the field. After the final out, Young applauded as Mets players tossed their caps into the stands behind the dugout. "Very nice. Its indicative of the way weve gone about things: Battling, battling, battling -- battling again today to come away with a win," Collins said. "Im very proud of them. Its a good way to end the season." Center fielder Juan�Lagares also cut down a Milwaukee runner at the plate in the fourth to help starter Jonathon�Niese escape further damage. Marco�Estrada allowed two hits in seven sharp innings for the Brewers, who finished 74-88 for fourth placce in the NL Central. Manny Machado Authentic Jersey. They had won four games in a row and 12 of 17. Estrada struck out eight and walked none. "Marco threw the ball outstanding," Roenicke said. "He pitched well enough to earn a shutout." Milwaukee scored twice on five singles and a walk in the fourth, then carried a 2-1 lead into the eighth. Lagares reached on a throwing error by shortstop Jeff�Bianchi, and Juan Centeno dropped down a bunt in front of home plate. Second baseman Scooter�Gennett was late covering first and bumped into umpire CB Bucknor while trying to navigate his way toward the bag. The low throw from catcher Jonathan�Lucroy skipped up the right field line for an error that allowed Lagares to score all the way from first. Wilfredo�Tovar sacrificed and reached safely when first baseman Sean Halton made an ill-advised throw to third. Pinch-runner Matt den Dekker beat the play, putting runners at the corners. One out later, Young drove in the go-ahead run with a dribbler to reliever Brandon�Kintzler (3-3). "My gosh, not the way you want to end a season," Roenicke said. Vic�Black (3-0) pitched a hitless inning for the win and Frank�Francisco struck out two of three batters in the ninth for his first save since Sept. 1 last year. NOTES: Milwaukee CF Carlos�Gomez stole a base to become the first Brewers player with 20 homers and 40 steals in one season. ... Brewers starters had a 2.94 ERA in September. ... Young scored on David�Wrights short sacrifice fly in the first inning after stealing second and third. ... The only other Mets player to lead the league in steals was Jose�Reyes, who did it from 2005-07. ... Lagares finished with 15 assists, a Mets record for rookies and the most by a rookie outfielder in the majors since Delmon�Young had 16 for Tampa Bay in 2007. ... New York 2B Daniel�Murphy ended the season with an 11-game hitting streak. He also had 22 consecutive stolen bases, the second-best streak in club history. ... The Mets finished 33-48 at home. Only the Chicago Cubs (31-50) were worse in the NL. ... New York went 2 for 32 (.063) with runners in scoring position during the series. ... Mets home attendance has dropped in five straight seasons for the first time in franchise history. With the crowd of 41,891 for the finale, the Mets drew 2,135,657 this year for their lowest home attendance since 1.77 million at Shea Stadium in 1997. cheap jerseys from china cheap jerseys ' ' '

ST. Adam Jones Orioles Jersey . LOUIS -- The plan called for Adam�Wainwright to get a little tuneup for the NL division series opener. The right-hander was so efficient, he stayed in there long enough to earn his 19th victory, an RBI and a triumphant exit, too. "I wanted to stay sharp," Wainwright said after the St. Louis Cardinals showed no letup after clinching the NL Central, beating the Chicago Cubs 6-2 Saturday for their fifth straight win. "Ten days off is too much, I think, between starts. Its good to get in there, get some good work in, get a knock and get the win." Matt�Holliday homered for the second day in a row and Yadier�Molina drove in two runs for St. Louis (96-65), which entered the day tied with Atlanta for the NL lead in wins. All three of them were taken out before the finish and manager Mike�Matheny removed Wainwright (19-9) after getting the first out of the sixth so hed get an ovation. "Youve got to tiptoe around how you do that, we want to make sure we respect the other club," Matheny said. "It worked out fine." The start time was moved up three hours to avoid a forecast of storms. The Cardinals mailed vouchers to all ticket holders, whether they attended or not, for a game in 2014. The crowd of 42,520 was a few thousand shy of a sellout. Wainwright allowed two hits in 5 1-3 shutout innings and tied for the league lead in victories with Washingtons Jordan�Zimmermann, who lost his last scheduled start Wednesday in St. Louis. According to STATS, Wainwright is the third Cardinals pitcher to lead the league in victories twice, also doing it with 19 wins in 2009. Dizzy Dean (1934-35) and Mort Cooper (1942-43) are the other Cardinals pitchers to twice lead the league in wins. Bob Gibson did it once. The Cubs averted a second straight shutout loss by scoring twice in the ninth against former St. Louis closer Edward�Mujica. Anthony�Rizzo led off with a homer and Donnie�Murphy had an RBI double against Mujica, who has allowed 18 hits in 7 1-3 innings with two blown saves this month and lost his job to rookie Trevor�Rosenthal. Mujica has 37 saves but is in danger of getting left off the post-season roster for the first round. Matheny was noncommittal about using Mujica in the regular-season finale, saying hed see "how he feels." Seth Maness earned his first career save by getting Darwin�Barney on a double play ball. Edwin�Jackson (8-18) allowed six runs and eight hits in 2 2-3 innings before leaving with mild side discomfort that he said bothered him as the game went on. He leads the majors in losses. "At the end of the day Ive got three more years here to look forward to," Jackson said. "I definitely look forward to changing things and changing everything around." The Cubs have lost 11 of 14, scoring two or fewer runs nine times in that stretch. Wainwright got his sixth RBI of the season with a single off third baseman Donnie�Murphys glove in a four-run third. Wainwright entered 1-6 with a 5.16 ERA at home against the Cubs. Hes 6-0 with a 3.72 ERA at Wrigley Field. Holliday hit his 22nd homer, a two-run drive in the first that put his average at .300 and likely wont play Sunday to keep it there. The Cardinals broke away in the third when Holliday and Matt�Adams drew one-out walks ahead of Molinas two-run double, and Pete�Kozma had an RBI single. NOTES: Jake�Westbrook (7-8, 4.67) gets a spot start Sunday in place of Joe�Kelly (9-5, 2.81), wholl follow him in relief. Westbrook has battled elbow and back issues and has pitched once this month, and in his past four starts since July 29 has allowed 19 earned runs in 21 1-3 innings. "Im excited to get the opportunity," Westbrook said. "Ive been throwing, just not as fast as its going to be tomorrow. Hopefully itll be a good day." The Cardinals are unlikely to pick up a $9.75 million mutual option next year on the 36-year-old Westbrook. ... Jeff�Samardzija (8-12, 4.33) starts for the Cubs. ... Molina has four hits and five RBIs in the first two games of the series, giving him a team-leading 16 RBIs against the Cubs. ... According to STATS, Jackson is among four pitchers since 2000 to throw a no-hitter and later lose 17 or more games. Also on the list are Ubaldo�Jimenez last year, Derek�Lowe in 2011 and Justin�Verlander in 2008, all with 17 losses. Nelson Cruz Jersey .C. -- The Charlotte Bobcats said head coach Steve Clifford underwent a successful procedure Friday to have two stents placed in his heart. Eddie Murray Authentic Jersey . And former Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson certainly knows his pain. "Its pretty hard to coach there without allowing some of these things to kind of affect you," Wilson told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun in his ESPN.SAN FRANCISCO -- Warming up in the bullpen, Barry�Zito could hardly see when triple amputee Marine Cpl. Nick Kimmel hopped out of his wheelchair on a new pair of prosthetic legs to throw out the ceremonial first pitch with his right arm and lone remaining good limb. Matt�Cain provided the highlights of that emotional pregame Memorial Day moment for his fellow San Francisco starter, who has aided the young veteran with emotional and financial support through his Strikeouts for Troops foundation. Zito then took the mound himself and outpitched Trevor�Cahill in a matchup of former Oakland Athletics All-Stars, and Brandon�Belt helped back his day with an RBI triple in the Giants 4-2 win against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday. "It was kind of unfortunate I couldnt be a part of it. I couldnt really look down there and see what was going on," Zito said of watching Kimmel, who came to spring training this year with other Marines. "I talked to Cainer and he said he got up on his legs. That was pretty awesome to hear because Ive been watching his progress and getting the videos on the cellphone." Gregor�Blanco doubled twice and drove in a run for his second two-double game in four days and made a pretty game-ending catch on the warning track in right with two runners aboard. Blanco also scored on a double-steal to get things started in San Franciscos three-run first. Majors hits leader Melky�Cabrera followed up his four-hit day in Sundays 3-2 win at Miami with a 1-for-3 outing to push his total to 74 hits -- on an afternoon when home run king Barry�Bonds was among the sellout crowd of 42,295 and stopped by the clubhouse for a visit before the game. Cabrera singled in the sixth to give him 47 hits for May, tying him with Hall of Famer Orlando Cepeda for third-most hits in a month in San Francisco history. If he gets to 49, he would match Hall of Famer Willie Mays for second most. Zito (4-2) allowed two runs on seven hits in seven innings to win for the third time in four starts, bouncing back from an 8-5 loss at Milwaukee in which he was tagged for eight runs and five hits in three innings. Cahill (2-5), traded to the defending division champion D-backs in December by the rebuilding As, extended his winless stretch to five starts -- and is 0-3 during that span since winning at Washington on May 1. The right-hander struck out five and walked two, while allowing four runs and eight hits in six innings. Clay�Hensley struck out two in the eighth and Santiago�Casilla finished for his 13th save in 14 chances after surrendering a pair of singgles. Manny Machado Jersey. . The Giants held on while starting a stretch with 13 of 16 games at home. Cahill singled in the third for his second career hit and first since 2009 in his rookie season in Oakland. He snapped an 0-for-26 stretch. Pinch-hitter John�McDonald hit a solo home run in the eighth for Arizona as the last batter against Zito, who made his way from the mound to the dugout to a warm ovation for the second straight home start. It was McDonalds first career pinch-hit homer. Justin�Upton hit an RBI double for the Diamondbacks, but they missed other key opportunities, including stranding runners on second and third in the third inning. Arizona was looking to build some momentum after it took two of three from Milwaukee at home to end a string of six straight series losses at Chase Field. "There were too many mistakes to make up today," manager Kirk Gibson said. "It was my fault for not having them ready. We had opportunities. We hit the ball on the button but right at people. If we play better that should not make a difference." Zito will continue to monitor the progress of Kimmel, who served in Afghanistan and was injured by a roadside bomb. "The fact that he came up and did this was huge," Zito said. "Im just so happy for him." Everybody considered it a fitting day for Zito to pitch considering all of his assistance to service members and their families and injured military members. "Barry played a major role in that," manager Bruce Bochy said of Kimmel. Also Monday, the USS Nimitz air craft carrier could be seen beyond the right-field facade. NOTES: Injured Giants 3B Pablo�Sandoval, working back from a broken hamate bone in his left hand that required surgery, was examined by team orthopedist Dr. Ken Akizuki and all went well. He could be back playing for the Giants in a couple of weeks following a rehab assignment in the minors. ... Gibson celebrated his 55th birthday. ... The Diamondbacks made their first trip to AT&T Park of the year after the division rivals already played six games in Arizona. They wont meet again in San Franciscos waterfront ballpark until six games here in September. ... The Giants Emmanuel�Burriss singled in the second for his first hit of the year vs. Arizona after beginning 0 for 11. ... A moment of silence was held before the national anthem on Memorial Day for all of the fallen U.S. troops. ... Upton, 0 for 4 Sunday vs. the Brewers, has hit safely in 10 of his last 11 games. ... RHP Ryan�Vogelsong (3-2) pitches Tuesday night against LHP Joe�Saunders (3-3). cheap jerseys from china cheap jerseys ' ' '