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hris Doyle, Guillaume Goul

lingzi — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:23:18 -0400

Miami, FL (Sports Network) - Red-hot Andre Ethier went 2-for-5 with a solo homer in the 10th inning, as the Los Angeles Dodgers snuck past the Florida Marlins, 5-4, to avoid a three-game sweep. Andrew Luck Jersey . Ethier extended his MLB-best hitting streak to 24 games for the Dodgers, who went 3-3 on a six-game road trip. The last Dodger to hit safely in 24 straight games was Paul Lo Duca, who had a 25-game streak from May 17-June 18, 2003. Rod Barajas hit a three-run homer for Los Angeles, which got an RBI from Juan Uribe. This road trip was kind of a tough one to stay focused and keep the energy up, Ethier said. Chad Billingsley went six innings in the start, allowing four runs on five hits. Matt Guerrier (2-1) tossed a scoreless ninth to pick up the win. Chris Coghlan hit a three-run double for the Marlins, who havent swept the Dodgers since taking all three matchups from September 6-8 of the 1999 season in Florida. Anibal Sanchez gave up three runs on four hits over a five-inning start for Florida, which went 7-2 on a nine-game homestand. We had our chances, but it didnt happen today, Marlins manager Edwin Rodriguez said. That was a good game to play. They beat us today. With the score tied at 4-4, Ethier led off the 10th with a homer off Brian Sanches (3-1). The ball sailed over the wall in right for a 5-4 lead. Vicente Padilla pitched a perfect home 10th for his first save. The Marlins scored all four of their runs in the second. Three straight one- out singles from Mike Stanton, Greg Dobbs and Emilio Bonifacio loaded the bases. Brett Hayes followed with an RBI single off the wall in left. Two batters later, Coghlan drove in three runs with a double down the left field line. Los Angeles scored three times in the fourth. Ethier and James Loney singled to put men on the corners with two outs. Barajas then cleared the bases with a blast over the wall in left. The Dodgers tacked on a run in the seventh to make it a 4-4 game. Aaron Miles singled, moved to second on a sacrifice bunt, advanced to third on Ryan Webbs balk and crossed the plate on pinch-hitter Uribes double to left. Florida had a great chance to win the game in the ninth, putting runners on second and third with one out. But Guerrier struck out Scott Cousins and got John Buck to ground out. GAME NOTES:Dobbs and Bonifacio each had two hits for Florida, which went 3-for-9 with runners in scoring position...The Dodgers went 2-for-10 with RISP. Joe Thornton Jersey . Related readings: Senior gang protector to be prosecuted Ex-lawmaker in gang trial in SW China Ex-lawmaker faces court Judges, cops set to reveal assets The Chongqing No. Darrius Heyward-Bey Jersey . MLB.coms Jordan Bastian is reporting that the Blue Jays will shut down right handed pitcher Dustin McGowan for one week due to dead-arm. Ryan Kesler Jersey . The three agreements were reached on December 22 last year at talks between the mainlands Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits (ARATS) and Taiwans Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), which handle cross-Strait issues on behalf of their respective authorities, according to the ARATS. Ray Whitney Jersey . This it not the first time that two Chinese will meet in the Premiership. Sun Jihai confronted another compatriot, Li Tie in a Man City - Everton game in 2003. However, the Saturday game will be a significant battle as the two aces have found positions in the two teams: Zheng plays for Charlton as a playmaker, while Sun plays for Man City as a core in defense. Daniel Sedin Jersey . A veteran of seven CFL seasons, all with the BC Lions, Glatt was a 2008 CFL Western Division All-Star and a key member of BCs 2006 Grey Cup championship team. Gabriel Desjardins scored the winner in fourth round of the shootout and Halifaxs Peter Delmas stopped all four P.E.I shooters as the Mooseheads beat the Rocket 5-4 in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League play Wednesday. Tomas Knotek scored twice for Halifax (13-37-5) in regulation, while Brent Andrews and Linden Bahm had the other goals. Desjardins, Konrad Abeltshauser and Pascal Amyot each added two assists. Jordan Escott scored a pair for P.E.I (29-21-6), while Jonathan Bonneau and Benjamin Casavant each added a goal and an assist. Delmas made 31 saves in regulation and overtime to pick up the win. P.E.I.s Wendell Vye stopped 22 shots in defeat. Elsewhere in the QMJHL it was: Saint John 5 Acadie-Bathurst 1; Victoriaville 13 Baie-Comeau 3; and Lewiston 5 Moncton 4. At Halifax, tied 1-1 after the first period, Bahm gave the Mooseheads the lead at 2:35 of the second. Knoteks first of the night at 11:52 made it 3-1. Escott got one back for P.E.I. at 15:01 and tied things just 20 seconds later to send the teams to the third tied 3-3. Casavant gave the Rocket a 4-3 lead at 9:29 of the final period, but Knoteks second of the night at 16:40 tied it again. Seea Dogs 5 Titan 1 At Saint John, N. Colby Armstrong Jersey. B., Marco Cousineau made 24 saves as the Sea Dogs topped Acadie-Bathurst. Nicholas Petersen, Mike Hoffman, Tomas Jurco, Stanislav Galiev and Michael Kirkpatrick each had a goal and an assist for Saint John (45-8-1). David Gilbert had the only goal for the Titan (20-31-6). - Tigres 13 Drakkar 3 At Victoriaville, Que., the Tigres scored seven times during the second period in their rout of Baie-Comeau. Brandon Hynes scored three goals and two assists for Victoriaville (37-17-2), while Joel Champagne and Philip-Michael Devos each added two goals and two assists. Yannick Dube, Emmanuel Boudreau, Yanni Gourde, Chris Doyle, Guillaume Goulet and Tomas Kubalik also scored for the Tigres. Kevin Fiset, Marc-Olivier Mimar and Raphael Bussieres replied for the Drakkar (16-34-4). - Maineiacs 5 Wildcats 4 At Lewiston, Maine, Adrien Lemay made 35 saves as the Maineiacs fought off Moncton. Jess Tanguy, Billy Lacasse, Samuel Henley, Michael Chaput and Pierre-Olivier Morin scored for Lewiston (19-33-3). Nicolas Deschamps scored three times for the Wildcats (36-13-5), while Randy Cameron had the other goal. ' ' '

defensive backbone. The rece

lingzi — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:19:34 -0400

(Sports Network) - Its been two weeks since the Mets won consecutive games, but after getting one of Johan Santanas best outings of the season on Tuesday the club now turns to a pitcher who hasnt lost in nearly two months. Chris Neil Jersey . Jon Niese shoots for a third straight winning start and sixth consecutive victorious decision this evening when New York hosts the Cincinnati Reds in the rubber match of a three-game series at Citi Field. The Mets evened this series last night behind Santanas three-hit shutout, a 3-0 victory that also featured the left-handers first career home run. Santana struck out five and walked three in his sixth victory of the season. I am throwing my fastball much better, and for me, thats the key, said Santana, whose club remained two games back of the first-place Braves in the National League East. Thats what Im focusing on right now -- trying to be more consistent. Jason Bay later built on Santanas long ball with a two-run single in the sixth inning as the Mets have alternated wins and losses over their last eight games and havent won consecutive contests since June 22-23. They should feel good about their chances tonight seeing as Niese hasnt lost since May 16. He is 5-0 with a 2.43 earned run average in six starts since a stint on the disabled list, with the Mets winning all six of those games. The 23-year-old won his second start in a row on Friday, beating the Nationals with seven innings of one-run, six-hit ball to go along with eight strikeouts to improve to 6-2 on the season with a 3.62 ERA. Hes making the pitches when he has to make them, Mets manager Jerry Manuel said of Niese. Hopefully thats a sign that hes maturing right before our eyes. Niese, a left-hander, faced the Reds for the first time in his career on May 5 and did not factor into the decision of that outing after allowing four runs on a career-high 12 hits over six frames of work. Hell start opposite of Bronson Arroyo, who is 3-1 over his last four starts with a 2.42 ERA, having allowed two runs or fewer in each of the three victories. That includes Fridays victory over the Cubs as the 33-year-old righty hurled six scoreless innings of two-hit ball. Arroyo might have lasted longer in the 12-0 rout, but the Reds offense put together a 35-minute seventh inning that kept Arroyo in the dugout for a while. There was no reason for me to push it this time of year, said Arroyo, who is 8-4 with a 4.25 ERA this season, on the Reds website. Obviously were in a different position now than weve ever been in before since Ive been on this club. You have to think about further down the line. A little bit of rest could help in the future. Arroyo is 6-2 with a 3.54 ERA in 10 career starts versus the Mets, including a no-decision on May 4 in which he allowed four runs over seven innings. Arroyos teammate Aaron Harang was Mondays scheduled starter, but he had that outing pushed back to Tuesday. However, Harang was unable to go again and was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to lower back pain. Matt Maloney was recalled from Triple-A Louisville and took the loss, allowing three runs over 5 2/3 innings. Cincinnati, which still leads St. Louis by two games for first place in the NL Central, fell to 4-2 on an 11-game road trip and lost for just the second time in its last seven games. The Reds have dropped seven of their last 12 overall versus the Mets and three of the last four in New York. Wholesale NHL Jerseys . Terms of the contract were not disclosed. The durable Grant is a veteran of 10 NFL seasons and has started every game over the last nine for the fifth-longest streak among active players. Kevin Bieksa Jersey . Jake Delhomme was 15-of-24 for 195 yards and two touchdowns for the Panthers (4-5), who have won two of three. DeAngelo Williams led the rushing attack with 92 yards on 19 carries, while Steve Smith added a pair of TD receptions and Muhsin Muhammad caught six balls for 91 yards. Ilya Kovalchuk Jersey . Reed pleaded guilty to the two summary offenses, which are similar to traffic tickets, on Friday. He was fined $543.50. Police say Reed was infuriated Feb. 14 at a convenience store in New Alexandria, a tiny borough about 60 kilometres east of Pittsburgh, because its restroom didnt have any towels. Marc Staal Jersey . Wilson Ramos added two hits and a run scored for the Nationals, who took the final two games of the set after dropping their previous six contests. John Lannan (8-7) went six innings for the win, as he was charged with two runs on eight hits with three walks and six strikeouts. Daniel Sedin Jersey . Financial details of the contract were not released. McKenzie started at halfback in 14 regular season games last season, where he tallied 43 defensive tackles, five pass knockdowns and one fumble recovery.At the midpoint of the NBA season, there havent been a lot of dramatic changes to the award races, though the leader in the Most Improved Player race has come an especially long way in recent weeks. With the All-Star break upon us, here are leading candidates for All-Star teams, All-Defensive Team, MVP, Rookie, Sixth Man and Coach of the Year. MVP Winner: LeBron James, SF, MiamiRunners-up: Kevin Durant, SF, Oklahoma City; Dwight Howard, C, Orlando LeBron is having a fantastic season, averaging better than 27 points and nearly seven assists per game, grabbing a career-best 8.1 rebounds per game and shooting a career-high 54.7% from the field, including 41.3% from three-point range. Durant is likewise shooting a career-best 51.3% from the field, scoring nearly 28 points per game, which ranks second in the league and hes averaging career-highs in rebounds (8.0), assists (3.4) and blocked shots (1.4). All-NBA FIRST TEAMC - Dwight Howard, OrlandoPF - Kevin Love, MinnesotaSF - LeBron James, MiamiSG - Kobe Bryant, L.A. LakersPG - Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers All-NBA SECOND TEAMC - Marc Gasol, MemphisPF - LaMarcus Aldridge, PortlandSF - Kevin Durant, Oklahoma CitySG - Dwyane Wade, MiamiPG - Derrick Rose, Chicago All-NBA THIRD TEAMC - Andrew Bynum, L.A. LakersPF - Blake Griffin, L.A. ClippersSF - Paul Pierce, BostonSG - Monta Ellis, Golden StatePG - Steve Nash, Phoenix DEFENSIVE PLAYERWinner: Dwight Howard, C, OrlandoRunners-up: Serge Ibaka, PF, Oklahoma City; Luol Deng, ChicagoComment: Its difficult for anyone to match Howards defensive impact on the game, particularly in the paint. There are players that block more shots, but they dont dominate around the basket on a consistent basis like Howard. Ibaka is the league leader in blocks and Deng has been a lock-down defender on the perimeter. ALL-DEFENSIVE TEAMC - Dwight Howard, OrlandoPF - Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma CitySF - Luol Deng, ChicagoSG - Dwyane Wade, MiamiPG - Derrick Rose, Chicago ROOKIEWinner: Ricky Rubio, PG, MinnesotaRunners-up: Kyrie Irving, PG, Cleveland; Kemba& Walker, CharlotteComment: Rubios erratic shooting, coupled with Irvings tremendous shooting ways, makes the race much closer than might have been expected early in the year and both have created some separation from the rest of the rookie class. Ryane Clowe Jersey. . Scorers like Walker and MarShon Brooks are putting up some decent numbers on bad teams. SIXTH MANWinner: Louis Williams, G, PhiladelphiaRunners-up: James Harden, SG, Oklahoma City; Andre Miller, PG, Denver Comment: Few players can fill it up like Williams, who ranks tenth in the league in points per 48 minutes (28.4) and Harden isnt far behind (25.4), so theyre the ones making the most difference off the bench, while veteran point guard Miller is just ahead of a couple of Trail Blazers, Nicolas Batum and perennial contender Jamal Crawford. MOST IMPROVEDWinner: Jeremy Lin, New YorkRunners-up: Nikola Pekovic, C, Minnesota; Greg Monroe, C, DetroitComment: The phenomenal story of Lin has overshadowed a lot in the NBA lately, but his rise from obscurity (playing under 10 minutes per game in 29 games for Golden State last year) to stardom also puts him ahead of a terrific story like Pekovic, who played 14 minutes a game as a rookie and has averaged a double-double for the T-Wolves in February. Monroe, DeMarcus Cousins and Roy Hibbert are all young bigs that are starting to fulfill their considerable potential. COACHWinner: Tom Thibodeau, ChicagoRunners-up: Gregg Popovich, San Antonio; Doug Collins, PhiladelphiaComment: With the second-best record in the Eastern Conference despite missing Derrick Rose for ten games, the Bulls Thibodeau earns the honour by keeping things together with a strong defensive backbone. The recent slump from the Sixers drops Doug Collins a bit but, more importantly, the Spurs surprising excellence, with aging stars and in the face of injuries to Manu Ginobili, vaults Gregg Popovich right up there with Thibodeau for the honour. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. ' ' '

nsecutive season and have ha

lingzi — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:17:58 -0400

PHILADELPHIA - The way Tom Brady was getting everyone involved, its a surprise no linemen or linebackers caught passes. Wholesale NHL Jerseys . Brady threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns and the New England Patriots beat the Eagles 38-20 Sunday in a rematch of the 2005 Super Bowl. Filling in for the injured Michael Vick for the second straight game, Vince Young couldnt keep Philadelphias fading playoff hopes alive despite throwing for a career-best 400 yards passing. The AFC East-leading Patriots (8-3) stayed in the hunt for the No. 1 seed in the conference behind a surgical-like effort from Brady. The six-time Pro Bowl quarterback finished 24 of 34, Deion Branch had 125 yards receiving and Wes Welker caught eight passes for 115 yards and two TDs. Bradys favourite targets, tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, also chipped in. Gronkowski caught his 11th TD pass and Hernandez had six receptions. BenJarvus Green-Ellis scored twice on the ground. "It was more balanced today," Brady said. "Thats how it needs to be. You have to run it. You have to throw it to everybody. We did a good job maximizing all the guys." The Eagles (4-7) are all-but-mathematically eliminated from playoff contention in a season that began with Super Bowl expectations. Angry fans made their feelings known about coach Andy Reid, chanting "Fire Andy!" in the second half. "The way we played, I can understand," Reid said. The defending NFC East champions fell to 1-5 at home and have lost eight of nine at the Linc, including a playoff loss to Green Bay last January. Down 10-0 early, the Patriots rallied behind Brady. New England scored on five of its next six possessions, excluding a kneel-down at the end of the first half. "Overall we did a great job of staying composed on the sideline and making the right adjustments and doing pretty much what we game planned for," Branch said. Brady and coach Bill Belichick improved to 4-0 against Reids Eagles, including a 24-21 win for their third NFL title in four years after the 2004 season. "Tom did a good job really pressing the issue," Belichick said. "He felt he had them on the run with some of the mismatches. Tom kept pressing it, guys got open and Tom did what he does best, finding the open guys." Young led the Eagles to a 17-10 win against the New York Giants last week in his first start in nearly a year. He put up decent numbers against the worst-ranked defence in the league, but couldnt overcome another inept performance by the Eagles defence. Young finished 26 of 48. It was just his third career game over 300 yards. "Andys a tremendous guy," Young said, defending Reid. "I have the utmost respect for him. Fans dont understand some of the situations that goes on during the game. You cant put it all on Andy. Were going to always continue to keep fighting hard, playing hard for him." Michael Vick broke two lower ribs in a loss to Arizona on Nov. 13. He got hurt on the second play of that game and stayed in, but hasnt practised the past two weeks. Its uncertain whether Vick can play when Philadelphia visits Seattle on Thursday night. After a fast start, the Eagles fizzled. Brady engineered a 70-yard drive capped by Green-Ellis four-yard TD run to cut it to 10-7. The Pats converted two third downs on the drive, including two by penalty. Helped by a missed call, New Englands defence then forced a three-and-out. Young was sacked by Rob Ninkovich, who spun the quarterback down by pulling his facemask. But the referees didnt see it, eliciting loud boos from the crowd when the replay was shown on the video screen. One play after just-signed Tiquan Underwood dropped a wide-open pass, Brady connected with Branch for 63 yards to the Eagles 1 on a third-and-13. Green-Ellis scored on the next play to put the Patriots up 14-10. Antwaun Molden intercepted Youngs deep pass intended for DeSean Jackson on Philadelphias next play and returned it 27 yards to the Eagles 34. But the Patriots couldnt convert the turnover into points. Stephen Gostkowski missed a 39-yard field goal wide right. No problem for Brady and Co. The Eagles went three-and-out again, and the Patriots went to a no-huddle when they got the ball back. Welker blew past the secondary and Brady hit his wide-open target in stride for a 41-yard TD pass to give New England a 21-10 lead. "He said if he got a certain look he could get it," Brady said. "Afterward he came to the sideline and said, I told you! I told you! Its nice when they work out the way you talk about." Jackson dropped what couldve been a four-yard TD pass and the Eagles settled for a 22-yard field goal to get within 21-13. It was the second time in the first half that Jackson appeared to shy away from contact and dropped a pass across the middle. Fans let him hear it with a chorus of boos. Jackson, a two-time Pro Bowl pick, is in the final year of his rookie contract and has been unhappy that he didnt get a new deal. He dropped a deep pass that couldve been a TD in the third quarter, and was benched in the fourth quarter. The Patriots got the ball to start the second half and Brady led them into the end zone again, tossing a nine-yard TD pass to Welker for a 31-13 lead. Brady threw a 24-yard TD pass to Rob Gronkowski to extend it to 38-13 in the fourth quarter. Notes: Patriots WR Chad Ochocinco sat out with a hamstring injury. ... Gostkowskis miss was his second from under 40 yards in 14 attempts. ... McCoy has 11 TDs rushing, five shy of breaking the single-season team record held by Hall of Famer Steve Van Buren. ... Youngs last 300-yard game was against Arizona on Nov. 29, 2009. He threw for 387 yards in Tennessees 20-17 win. Shane Doan Jersey . Just one day after Carlos Zambranos first no-hitter for the Cubs in 36 years, Lilly (15-9) didnt give up a hit until Mark Loretta got Houstons only hit of the series, a single in the seventh inning. Joe Pavelski Jersey . [PhotoAgencies] MELBOURNE - Kim Clijsters advanced to the Australian Open final with a comfortable win over Vera Zvonareva and will play for the title against Li Na, who saved a match point en route to becoming the first Chinese player to reach a Grand Slam championship final. Jaromir Jagr Jersey . The same is true for many other European countries, and Switzerland is no exception. The core of the team changes very little between tournaments, and that speaks for Switzerland. In Vancouver, Swiss coach Ralph Krueger is closer to his birth province, Manitoba, than at the 2008 World Championships, and being in his last year, Krueger will be make sure his team will be ready to play. Dan Hamhuis Jersey . Brayan Pena, Alberto Callaspo and David DeJesus each hit a two-run homer, and Yuniesky Betancourt had a solo shot for the Royals, who had lost six of their previous seven games. Davies (5-9) allowed two runs on five hits and three walks while striking out five to record the victory. Manny Malhotra Jersey . Johnson (1-1) surrendered just one run on three hits, while walking two and fanning seven to earn his first win since June 10, 2007. Orlando Hudson went 2-for-5 with a run batted in and Chris Young doubled for Arizona, which has won two in a row, four of five, and eight of 10.GLENDALE, Ariz. - NHL commissioner Gary Bettman says the financially struggling Phoenix Coyotes are actively seeking investors or possibly new ownership, but reiterated that the team wont be relocated. "Our goal is to bring in new capital and make this franchise solvent," Bettman said Thursday night while attending the Coyotes game against the Edmonton Oilers. "Thats our direction, and at this point moving the franchise elsewhere is not on the table." The Coyotes have reportedly lost US$200 million since current owner Jerry Moyes brought the team in 2001, and are projecteed to lose another $30 million this season. Patrick Marleau Jersey. Bettman said the Coyotes are actively engaging with potential investors, whom he would not identify. The Coyotes will miss the playoffs for the sixth consecutive season and have had only two sellouts in 37 home games. In a recent survey, Glendale residents rejected the notion of taxpayer money to help provide financial assistance to the team. "Were looking for an infusion of capital and thinking about nothing else," Bettman said. "Were talking to a number of people, but theres no sense of urgency." ' ' '

that." NOTES: Nix said RB Fred Jackso

lingzi — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:16:04 -0400

The Tampa Bay Lightning have acquired defenceman Brian Lee from the Ottawa Senators in exchange for defenceman Matt Gilroy. Wholesale Jerseys . Lee. 24, has one goal and seven assists in 35 games with the Senators this season. Selected in the first round (ninth overall) by the Senators in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, Lee has scored five goals and 23 assists in 167 career games in Ottawa. He will become a restricted free agent at seasons end and is currently making $875,000. Gilroy, 27, has two goals and 15 assists in 53 games with the Lightning this season. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Boston University by the New York Rangers in 2009, Gilroy has scored nine goals and 34 assists in 180 career games with the Lightning and Rangers. The 2009 Hobey Baker Award winner will become an unrestricted free agent at seasons end. The Lightning signed him to a one-year deal worth $1 million prior to this season. Fred Jackson Jersey . "Im definitely recovering and the recent results of my checkups allowed me to make this long trip back to Shanghai from the U.S.," Yao said on Friday. Jonathan Quick Jersey . The Habs go for their third consecutive win and first place in the conference standings tonight when they host the Devils, who are just one point ahead. Jaromir Jagr Jersey . Related readings: China may spend $738b on clean energy projects China?denies top energy user tag China drafts alternative energy development plan CPC striving to be vanguard of new era with vibrant energy Li made the remarks when meeting with prize winners awarded for their contributions to Chinas energy science and technology advancements here in Beijing. Daniel Alfredsson Jersey . Marchand had six points (four goals, two assists) over two games last week. He recorded his first career hat trick and first five-point game in an 8-0 rout of the Florida Panthers on Friday. Kirk Mclean Jersey ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Re-opening contract talks with receiver Stevie Johnson and finding a pass rusher -- or two -- are among the Buffalo Bills top off-season priorities. General manager Buddy Nix outlined his plans during a wide-ranging, 45-minute news conference Monday, a week after the Bills (6-10) closed the season with their eighth loss in nine games -- and missed the playoffs for a 12th straight year. Waiting an additional week to address reporters after meeting with players, coaches and owner Ralph Wilson, Nix said his expectations are the team will "take a big step" next year. It starts with re-signing Johnson, whos led Buffalo in receiving in each of the past two seasons and has completed the final year of his contract. "He fits in," Nix said. "Yeah, we want him back." And he doesnt consider the receivers on-field transgressions to be a major concern. Johnson was penalized twice in five weeks for excessive touchdown celebrations -- the second leading to a benching by coach Chan Gailey for the final three quarters of a season-ending 49-21 loss at New England. "Obviously, were not happy about that, and I dont think Stevie is, either," said Nix, who then went on to defend the player. "He tries to do the right thing when hes playing, and he tries to do the right thing in practice and in the locker room. "Hes not a criminal. He made a mistake. It cost us, and he paid the price." Though Nix said theres been what he called "dialogue" between the two sides since the season ended, formal contract talks have not re-opened since negotiations broke down about six weeks ago when Johnson rejected the teams last offer. Nix didnt clarify what he meant by dialogue, except to say discussions will continue. In an email to The Associated Press, Johnsons agent C.J. Laboy wrote, "We have had no dialogue with the Bills in regards to Stevies contract." Looking forward to free agency and the draft, which the Bills open with the 10th overall selection, Nix identified a need to improve the pass rush after Buffalo finished tied for 30th in the NFL with 29 sacks. Nix said the lack of a consistent pass rush is something that dragged down the entire defence, whichh allowed a franchise-worst 5,938 yards and 434 points -- the second-most in team history. Torrey Smith jersey. The defence is already being shaken up after co-ordinator George Edwards was fired last week and replaced by Dave Wannstedt. "I think our secondary, everything, would look better if we had some pressure on the passer," he said. "We had some rookies that looked like Dan Marino, and we let them look like that because we let them stand there. Youve got to disrupt the quarterback." Rookie nose tackle Marcell Dareus, a first-round pick, led Buffalo with 5 1/2 sacks, followed by veteran outside linebacker Chris Kelsay with five. The Bills ability to pressure the quarterback took a big hit six weeks into the season after linebacker Shawne Merriman was sidelined due to right Achilles tendon and shoulder injuries. The Bills are open to Merriman returning to finish out the final year of his contract next season on the condition he passes his physical. Nix wouldnt go into detail, but said there will likely be changes to the defensive coaching staff. In going over other needs, Nix said hes looking to add at least one and potentially two receivers. Hes particularly looking for a tall player -- Nix used Detroit Lions star Calvin Johnson as a comparison -- who is capable of out-jumping and out-muscling defenders. Buffalo will also require a new quarterbacks coach after the departure of George Cortez to become the head coach of the CFLs Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Nix said he intends to draft an offensive tackle and noted a team cant have enough defensive backs. As for his future after completing his second year as the teams GM, the 72-year-old Nix said he has no plans to retire. "As long as my energy level stays where it is, then Im going to do it until the jobs done," Nix said. "Eventually, (retirement) comes to all of us, but Ive got no plans for that." NOTES: Nix said RB Fred Jackson has been re-assured the Bills will restructure his contract before the start of next season. Jackson has one year left on his deal. ... The Bills also stand to lose PK Rian Lindell, TE Scott Chandler, WR Roscoe Parrish and LT Demetrius Bell to free agency. ' ' '

help solidify our blue line, Wilson sai

lingzi — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:14:39 -0400

ALLEN PARK, Mich. Anze Kopitar Jersey . -- Shaun Hill is back as Detroits starting quarterback after another injury to Matthew Stafford. Coach Jim Schwartz says Hill will start Sunday at Buffalo. Stafford hurt his right shoulder last weekend against the New York Jets and will miss at least this weekends game against the Bills. Hill, who broke his left arm against the New York Giants on Oct. 17, worked with the first team Wednesday during the portion of practice open to reporters. He started five games earlier in the season after Stafford hurt the same shoulder in the opener. Drew Stanton is available as a backup, and the Lions claimed rookie quarterback Zac Robinson off waivers from Seattle. Stafford doesnt rule out a return this season, and Schwartz wasnt definitive either when discussing the injury. Shane Doan Jersey .m., ET, trade deadline. Following is a list of the transactions: Anaheim traded C Maxim Lapierre and C MacGregor Sharp to Vancouver for C Joel Perrault and Vancouvers 3rd-round pick in the 2012 Entry Draft. 2012 San Diego Chargers Nike Jersey . 1 Blue Devils dominated UNC Greensboro, 108-62. Coach K notched the 880th win of his career to move past the former North Carolina coach and now trails just Bob Knight, who sits at 902 wins, for tops in Division I mens basketball. Ray Whitney Jersey . The decision was made at the annual meeting of the ACSF standing committee on Wednesday. Xie, a much-denied head of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), took charge of the Chinese Football Administrative Center in 2005. Ryane Clowe Jersey . A sanitation worker wades through a heavily flooded road in Sao Paulo, Brazil, January 4, 2010. The continuous rainfall in recent days inundated many areas of the city. Ryan Fitzpatrick Jersey . Two days after ending top-ranked Justine Henins 32-match winning streak in the quarterfinals, Sharapova outclassed Jelena Jankovic 6-3, 6-1 on Thursday to advance to the final Saturday and a bid for her third Grand Slam singles title. SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) -The San Jose Sharks signed two more of their potential free agents Saturday before they hit the open market, agreeing to one-year deals with forward Scott Nichol and defenseman Niclas Wallin. General manager Doug Wilson wanted to lock up both players before they were eligible to become unrestricted free agents on July 1. The Sharks signed star forwards Patrick Marleau and Joe Pavelski to four-year deals earlier in the week. The team would still like to sign forward Manny Malhotra before he can become a free agent next week. The Sharks have decided to let one key free agent leave. Wilson announced earlier in the week that the team would not offer longtime goaltender Evgeni Nabokov a contract. Nichol quickly became a fan favorite in his one season in San Jose, playing a physical, gritty game that the Sharks had been lacking. He set career highs in points (19), assists (15) and games played (79) last season and finished first in the NHL by winning 60.6 percent of his faceoffs. He was also 12th in the League with 226 hits. We knew when we brought Scott in last season that he was ultra-competitive, Wilson said. Not only did he meet that expectation, but he also brought a very businesslike mentality to the rink each night, stepping up as a leader and an important centeerman for us. Ryan Kesler Jersey. Nichol, 35, had previously played with Nashville, Chicago, Calgary and Buffalo in his 10-year career. Wallin was acquired just before the Olympic break in a trade from Carolina to bolster the blue line for the postseason. Wallin sustained a lower body injury late in the regular season and was severely limited in the playoffs. He played just one game in each of the first two rounds before playing all four games in the Western Conference finals against Chicago. The Blackhawks swept the series and went on to win the Stanley Cup. With defenseman Rob Blake announcing his retirement earlier this month, the Sharks wanted to keep Wallin to make sure they had another physical defenseman next season. Niclas is a physical veteran presence and will help solidify our blue line, Wilson said. We were proud of the way he battled through a tough injury during the playoffs and are looking forward to having him at full health. Wallin, 35, had two assists in 23 regular season games with the Sharks and didnt score in the postseason. He helped Carolina win the Stanley Cup in 2006. San Jose also re-signed minor league center Andrew Desjardins to a one-year deal. Desjardins, 23, set career highs in goals (19) and assists (27) while appearing in 80 games for Worcester in the American Hockey League. ' ' '

ld continue to expand rapidly in 2

lingzi — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:12:47 -0400

KARLOVY VARY, Czech Republic -- Angel McCoughtry scored 18 points to lead the United States past the Czech Republic 89-69 in the womens basketball world championship final Sunday. Trevor Linden Jersey . Diana Taurasi added 16 points and Sue Bird had 11 points for the Americans, who now have won the world championship eight times. The victory provided redemption for the only blemish on Bird, Taurasi and Tamika Catchings U.S. basketball careers. They were on the team that finished a disappointing third in the 2006 worlds. The three were determined not to let that happen again. To win the gold, in a similar situation to the mens team that won in Turkey, the U.S. had to get past the host country in the final. Dan Hamhuis Jersey . Brian Ching tallied his first goal of the season shortly before halftime, but the Rapids answered midway through the second half from as Omar Cummings leveled the match with 20 minutes to play. However, Colorados Ugo Ihemelu was called for handling the ball inside his own area in the 85th minute, and De Rosario held his nerve from the spot to secure three points for the defending MLS champions. A.J. Green Nike Jersey . The new Toronto Raptors forward scored 39 points for Panama in a 91-89 win over Canada that dashed the national teams Olympic hopes and led to head coach Leo Rautins resignation. Ryan Callahan Jersey . Organizers said Wednesday they accidentally oversold 10,000 tickets for synchronized swimming because of human error in processing applications. As a result, customers have been offered the chance to exchange those tickets for other events which they also applied for but were unsuccessful -- including some of the most glamorous and coveted events. Mikhail Grabovski jersey .45 million tourist arrivals last year, a local tourism company said Tuesday.Xu Ting, assistant manager of the marketing department of the Yangtze River Three Gorges Tourism Development Co, said the figure was 26 percent higher than in 2009 and up 16 percent from the last record in 2007. Henrik Lundqvist Jersey . - Casey Cizikas scored a pair goals for the second game in a row and defenceman Cameron Gaunce had a goal and three assists as the Mississauga St. Chinese consumers enthusiasm for cars boosted auto sales in April, figures from the China Automotive Technology and Research Center (CATRC) showed Tuesday. Sales of domestically made vehicles (excluding exports) hit 1.39 million in April, up 9.8 percent from March and 40 percent from the same period last year, the CATRC statistics showed. Domestic auto makers produced 1.52 million vehicles in April, down 9.82 percent from March but still up 35.18 percent compared with the same period of 2009. Related readings: China auto sales jump 56% year-on-year in March Nations car sales will keep accelerating Chinas auto sales top 2.9m units in first two months? Chinas second-hand auto sales up 22% in 2009 We expect auto sales to be good in May, drriven by consumers increased enthusiasm for car-buying, auto makers promotional offers and the debut of dozens of new models at the Beijing Auto Show, said CATRC director Zhao Hang Zhao said Chinas auto industry would continue to expand rapidly in 2010, thanks to an improving economy, rapid growth in fixed asset investment and government incentives designed to boost auto consumption. Denarius Moore Jersey. The Chinese government introduced a series of tax cuts and subsidies to boost auto sales in 2009. According to the CATRC statistics, the number of domestically made autos climbed 60.69 percent year-on-year to 5.86 million in the January to April period while sales (excluding exports) rose to 4.86 million. The inventory of domestically made vehicles totaled about 1 million at the end of April. ' ' '

usten Lane and Aaron Morgan for playing time.

lingzi — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:11:22 -0400

Employment pressure for degree holders to peak in June Employment pressure for university graduates will peak in June, when 6. Shane Doan Jersey .3 million people graduate from the nations universities and colleges. Graduates hoping for a bright future attend a job fair on Jan 16 in Shenyang, Liaoning province. [China Daily] The latest data from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security suggests that the number of university graduates in 2010 will be 190,000 more than last year. High employment pressure is expected in the already-tight job markets around the country, the ministry has warned. Related readings: Local graduate employment now govt priority The climb in labor costs Job hunters outnumber openings in cities Govt helps college graduates get employmentLabor pains: Stabbing highlights need to protect migrant workers In 2000, there were 1.07 million college graduates. Since then, the number has jumped almost six-fold due to the college enrollment expansion plan, which came into effect in 1999. One aim of the expansion plan was to reach a 15 percent enrollment rate of higher education amongst school-age youths by 2010, Jinan Daily reported yesterday. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security said it aimed to achieve a 70 percent employment rate for college graduates later this year. Employment rates have struggled to keep up with the increasing number of graduates, resulting in a growing number of unemployed graduates over the years. Data from the Ministry of Education shows the employment rates for fresh college graduates have been floating around 70 percent over the past three years, which is close to the 70 percent rate in 2001. However, there is evidence to suggest a decline in the rocketing number of graduates. About 80,000 high school graduates in Shandong province abandoned preparations for the college entrance exam last year, local media reported. One reason was that students from rural areas were worried about their job prospects after graduation, the report said. Beijing also saw a decline in the number of students registering for the college entrance exam for three years in a row, the Beijing education examinations authority said in January. This year, 81,000 high school students have registered to take the exam. The number was 101,293 in 2009 and about 116,293 in 2008. The falling birth rate was cited as the main reason for the sharp fall in registration for the college entrance examination. Other reasons included affluent urban residents sending their children abroad for further education, as well as vocational schools attracting students who found tuition fees too expensive for higher education. A recent survey showed that Chinese urban residents place more importance on salaries and benefits in job hunting, compared to last year. In contrast, concerns over job pressures and the working environment have lowered, according to the report, which said the financial crisis was responsible for the changes. Ryan Kesler Jersey . Louis, MO (Sports Network) - An MRI scan on the right forearm of St. Mike Komisarek Jersey .C. -- Matt Kenseth won his only Cup title in 2003 and NASCAR immediately changed the championship rules. Jaromir Jagr Jersey . The team announced Wednesday that Phillips would take a medical leave to have a surgical procedure. The 64-year-old Phillips said after Wednesdays practice that he expected to miss a week to 10 days to recover. Henrik Lundqvist Jersey . More financial supports should be given to the adjustment and rejuvenation of the countrys key industries, and help curb overcapacity in some industries, said the statement, jointly issued by the PBOC, China Banking Regulatory Commission, China Securities Regulatory Commission and China Insurance Regulatory Commission. Ray Whitney Jersey . In Bangkok, 30 youth delegates from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam attended the Third Mekong Youth Forum, which opened on Oct 24 and will last for a week, exchanging views on human trafficking and migration. Related readings: Police break up drug trafficking ring in E China Women, children, men: all victims of human trafficking in East Africa 16,517 women, children rescued in anti-trafficking drive More convicted for human trafficking The Mekong region is an area with a high incidence of human trafficking, said Miah Gibson, regional communications officer of the United Nations Inter-Agency Project on Human Trafficking (UNIAP). JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Derrick Harveys production never matched his potential. So after 39 games, 32 starts and a meagre six sacks, the Jacksonville Jaguars finally decided to bench the former first-round draft pick. The eighth overall pick from Florida in 2008, Harvey started 26 consecutive games for the Jaguars (3-4). He moved from the right side to the left side this off-season, and coach Jack Del Rio even tried to lower expectations for the defensive MVP of the 2006 Bowl Championship Series title game. But nothing Del Rio said or did made a difference. The final blow came Sunday at Kansas City, when Harvey took the wrong angle on a running play. His miscue opened a huge hole for Thomas Jones, who scampered 70 yards to set up Kansas Citys first touchdown. "Its not that anybody in that group cant fight his way back into a more prominent role," said Del Rio, adding that the move was defensive line coach Joe Cullens call. "He just felt like it was the right thing. I said, If you feel that way about it, then go with it." Another third-year player from Florida, Jeremy Mincey, will replace Harvey at Dallas (1-5) on Sunday. It will be Minceys first career start. "It means a lot," said Mincey, a sixth-round pick by New England in 2006. "Everything I do, I do it with a passion. I come to work, Im passionate about my job. Im passionate about getting better. Hopefully I can get to where I leave a legacy in this league as well as any other player. Thats my goal, thats my dream, thats what I work on every day." Jacksonville gave up two third-round picks and a fourth-rounder to swap first-round selections with Baltimore and draft Harvey. The Ravens, meanwhile, chose franchise quarterback Joe Flacco with the 18th pick. Harvey signed a US$33.4 million, five-year contract that included $17.4 million guaranteedd after a 33-day holdout in training camp. Joe Pavelski Jersey. He intercepted a pass in his NFL debut, but hasnt done much since. He has 126 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two passes deflected and no forced fumbles. In 233 snaps this season, Harvey has 22 tackles and half a sack. "I love the guys I have and do the best I can to coach the heck out of them and squeeze what I can out of them," Del Rio said. "If youre not maximizing what you have to give, you leave the door open for somebody else to get some time at your position." Mincey has 18 tackles, a sacks and three pass deflected in 132 snaps this season. He probably would have gotten a shot sooner in his career, but he was hampered by a broken left wrist in 2007 and 2008 and a broken right hand last season. "Jeremys a hard-charging guy," Del Rio said. "He does bring energy and effort and desire. Hes got a little talent. He looks to maximize it ever play." Cullen said Harvey was upset with the benching and expects it to motivate him to work harder down the road. "To me, its a deciding moment in anybodys career when (they lose) their starting job," Cullen said. "Theres two things you can do: You can fight and get it back, or ... The guy that I think Derrick Harvey is, hes going to fight to get it back." Cullen, though, wasnt even sure Harvey would be active against the Cowboys. He said Harvey would vie with rookies Larry Hart, Austen Lane and Aaron Morgan for playing time. Cullen also hinted than Harvey has to want to get better before he can. "I dont quit on anybody," Cullen said. "I know theres something in there that Ive got to get out of him. Go back to the drawing board. It starts with youve got to want to do it and then have the willingness to continue to learn and continue to develop." ' ' '

o the owners, including Gearon, who will be

lingzi — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:09:36 -0400

(Sports Network) - The Texas Rangers take aim at a third straight win over the Kansas City Royals tonight, when the teams lock up in the third test of a four-game series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Ilya Kovalchuk Jersey . On Friday, C.J. Wilson gave up one run on five hits to record his first career nine-inning complete game as the Rangers downed the Royals, 4-1. Wilson (3-1) fanned four batters and walked two to pick up his second complete game of the season. The left-hander was credited with one during a rain- shortened contest against the Yankees on April 16. He pitched six innings that day. Vladimir Guerrero hit a solo homer and drove in a total of two runs for the Rangers, who took a wild 13-12 decision in Thursdays opener of this series and have won eight of 11. Michael Young had two hits and knocked in a run for the victors. When Vlad hit that home run I knew that was it, I knew we were going to win this game, said Wilson. When hes locked in it changes the whole complexion of the offense, and with the way the defense played [Friday], everything just came together for us. Yuniesky Betancourt had two of Kansas Citys five hits, but committed a costly error in the second inning that allowed the eventual game-winning run to score. The Royals have lost three in a row. Kansas Citys Zack Greinke (0-4) allowed four runs -- three earned -- on nine hits to take the loss. The reigning American League Cy Young Award winner has yet to win a game in seven starts this season despite a 2.51 ERA. This is quite a different scene from 2009, when Greinke went 6-0 with a 0.40 earned run average in his first six starts. It just seems like we give up the lead early and its not that we lose after that, were just not taking it back, said Greinke. I feel like weve been playing better and not just giving games away, were just getting beat. To make matters worse, Gil Meche will take the mound tonight, and the Royals are 0-5 in his starts this season. Meche has struggled greatly, as opposing batters are hitting .353 while drawing 18 walks in 23 2/3 innings against the right-hander. On Monday, the veteran yielded five earned runs and nine hits over five innings of a 5-1 loss at Chicago. Meche hasnt had much success against Texas either, boasting just a 5-9 record and 5.87 ERA in 17 career appearances (16 starts). Furthermore, he is 3-6 with a 6.96 ERA in nine career starts at Texas. Countering for the Rangers is Rich Harden, who is coming off his best start of the season. Harden tossed seven scoreless innings, allowing just two hits with nine strike outs, in a win at Oakland on Monday. He also did not issue any free passes after walking 23 batters over his first five starts. The hard-throwing right-hander has had success against the Royals in his career, having gone 2-0 with a glaring 1.42 ERA in four lifetime starts. He, however, hasnt faced Kansas City since 2005, while then a member of the Athletics. Kansas City split its six matchups with the Rangers last season, but Texas is 12-5 in the series since the start of the 2008 campaign. Jason Spezza Jersey . According to MLB.com, both sides have submitted paperwork to the Commissioners Office for a contract worth around $11 million. The agreement could pay the 28-year-old Greene even more through performance bonuses. Ray Rice Jersey . Parliament is to ask the government to adhere to the Great Ape Project, which would mean recognizing that our closest genetic relatives should be part of a community of equals with humans, supporters of the resolution said. Brandon Dubinsky Jersey . Indiana is eighth in the conference standings and Atlanta is nestled in at the No. 5 spot. The Hawks are aiming to sweep the season series from the Pacers for a second straight year and have won the first three meetings in 2010-11 and nine straight overall. Wes Welker Jersey . Thanks to great performances from two great players, both teams earned two big points. There were only two games (featuring four Western Conference teams) on the NHL schedule, but the League wasnt short on drama as Marian Hossa ended a back-and-forth affair in Detroit when he beat Joey MacDonald via the power play 51 seconds into overtime to lift Chicago to a 3-2 win against the Red Wings. Terrell Suggs Jersey . Thrash has spent 12 years in the NFL, nine with the Redskins in two different stints after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent in 1997.ATLANTA - Bernie Mullin resigned as president of the NBAs Atlanta Hawks and NHLs Atlanta Thrashers, and a member of the ownership group doesnt expect hell be replaced. Michael Gearon Jr., an Atlanta-based member of the ownership group, said Mullins resignation Tuesday will set up a more efficient management of the teams. Mullin had been president and chief executive officer of Atlanta Spirit, representing the ownership group for the Hawks, the Thrashers and Philips Arena, since 2004. "As far as the transition goes, its seamless," Gearon said. "Theres no impact at all to the operations." Gearon said the "mutual decision" for Mullin and chief financial officer Bill Duffy to resign "has nothing to do with the teams" but was a result of the owwnership groups active role in the operations of the teams. Antti Niemi Jersey. "Weve gotten to know the management team very well and were very comfortable with them and we dont need somebody between them and us," Gearon said. "Theres no negative feelings on either side." Executives who have reported directly to Mullin now will report to the owners, including Gearon, who will be the point man for the Hawks (17-20). Gearon already serves as the teams NBA governor, the member of the group who must sign off on all trades. The move comes as the Thrashers (23-24) are preparing to host the NHL all-star game Sunday. Mullin could not be reached for comment, and spokesmen for the Hawks and Thrashers said no official release on the resignation was expected Tuesday. ' ' '

over 40 shots in any game this se

lingzi — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:05:59 -0400

Indianapolis, IN (Sports Network) - Danny Granger scored 17 points and the Indiana Pacers saw a 14-point third quarter lead nearly erased, but held on to top the Milwaukee Bucks, 89-88. Ryan Kesler Jersey . Roy Hibbert posted 15 points and 11 rebounds while Brandon Rush scored 12 in a reserve role for Indiana, which extended its lead to two games over Charlotte for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference. We know we still have a lot of work to do, Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. We control our own destiny but we still have to win every game. Tyler Hansbrough and Darren Collison both finished with 11 points, while Collison dished out seven assists in the win, which completed a 3-0 homestand for the Pacers. We are a step closer and we control our own destiny, Granger said. Were playing pretty well right now, but we still have a lot of work to do to get into the playoffs. Brandon Jennings led Milwaukee with 20 points and seven rebounds. Andrew Bogut added 16 points before fouling out late in the game and Corey Maggette scored 13 off the bench for the Bucks, who have lost three of their last four to fall four games behind Indiana for the final playoff spot in the conference. Milwaukee had a chance to win at the buzzer, but Drew Gooden was off the mark on a three-point try. Wed like a better look at that, Bucks coach Scott Skiles said regarding the last shot. (The Pacers) did a nice job of defending. We werent supposed to exactly pop out there and end up with that one. Its the shot we got and we just didnt make it. The Pacers held a 67-53 lead with just 2:31 remaining in the third after a Hibbert jumper, and Keyon Dooling canned a three-pointer on the Bucks next possession to start a 7-2 run to end the quarter. Jennings and Gooden both made 1-of-2 from the line and Luc Mbah a Moutes jumper cut the Indiana lead to 69-60 entering the fourth. Dooling connected on another three to start the fourth quarter, and after a trifecta by Jennings with 6:44 remaining the Milwaukee deficit was down to 79-76. Maggettes layup a little later made in a one-point game, 81-80, but Hansbroughs three-point play on the Pacers next possession widened the gap. The teams kept it close in the closing minutes and a John Salmons jumper cut the Pacers lead to 87-86 with 1:29 remaining. After a Hibbert dunk on Indianas next trip down the court the Bucks called a timeout with 49 ticks remaining. Our of the break, Maggette tried a fade away jumper but it missed, and after Rush grabbed the rebound he threw the ball away on an outlet to Collison. The Bucks got the ball back with 38.3 remaining, and Salmons connected on a jumper to put the game at 89-88. Milwaukee called a timeout after a Collison miss to set up a final shot, and Goodens off balance three-pointer at the buzzer came up short. Milwaukee shot 53 percent from the field in the first quarter, taking a 22-14 lead into the second. The Bucks widened their lead to 26-15 with a Michael Redd jumper 1:04 into the second, and the Pacers responded with a 15-3 run, capped by a Granger three-pointer, to take the lead. The Pacers were unable to expand their lead greater than seven in the closing minutes, and a Hibbert 1-of-2 showing from the line and Collison jumper gave them a 46-39 lead at the break. GAME NOTES:Gooden finished with 10 rebounds and eight points for Milwaukee, which split the season-series with Indiana 2-2...The Pacers held a 47-39 rebounding advantage and made 14-of-19 from the line...Dooling connected on 3-of-5 from long range en route to nine points. Joe Flacco Jersey . As a follow-up, TSN.ca offers you the opportunity to chime in on all the big issues with our insiders. Read up on all the questions and answers from TSNs hockey experts, and put in your own two cents on our popular Your Call feature. Roberto Luongo Jersey . Marte was told by Dr. Timothy Kremchek, who performed the operation, that he will be able to start a throwing program after the All-Star break. Marte last pitched for the Yankees on July 7 with what was thought to be an inflamed pitching shoulder. Bobby Ryan Jersey . The team now has a 30-day window in which to sign Darvish to a major league contract. Dustin Brown Jersey . Dai replaces Xiang Huaicheng, a former finance minister. A brief statement from the fund on Wednesday did not say what new post, if any, Xiang was taking up. Daniel Sedin Jersey . Brad Marchand added two goals and a helper for the Bruins, who took a crucial first step towards erasing the memory of last years epic collapse against these same foes. Nathan Horton, Mark Recchi and Gregory Campbell also tallied to back 31 saves from Tim Thomas. The New York Islanders knew they needed to take advantage of the Atlanta Thrashers at home before heading out on a seven-game road trip. They did exactly that, generating season highs for goals and shots in a 6-3 victory over the Thrashers on Saturday night. After a couple of losses and going on the road and we have a couple of teams that are playing well, its big for us, said rookie centre John Tavares, who set up two goals. We needed this. Well have our confidence up the next couple of days, get our rest and get ready for some tough games to come. Sean Bergenheim, Blake Comeau and Jack Hillen each scored their first goals of the season for the Islanders (6-6-5), who had won four in a row before their two-game skid. Their 45 shots were six more than their previous season high. The Islanders got points from 13 players. Thats a feel-good for everybody, Islanders coach Scott Gordon said. If you can get balanced scoring, youre a lot harder to play against. New York came out aggressively against the Thrashers (6-6-1), outscoring them 3-1 in the first period on goals by Andy Sutton, Bergenheim and Hillen. The Islanders outshot Atlanta 21-11 in the opening frame. We just tried to simplify, get a good forecheck and put pucks to the net, Tavares said. Once we got to them early, we really started getting the confidence going and believe in what we were doing, and it was working. Tavares carried the puck across to the high slot and fed Sutton at the left doorstep, and the defenceman backhanded it past Ondrej Pavelec (39 saves) at 9:11 to make it 1-0. Zach Bogosian, Pavel Kubina, and Christoph Schubert scored for Atlanta. Bogosian beat Dwayne Roloson (31 saves) from the top of the right circle with 7:04 to go in the period. But Bergenheim put the Islanders ahead 38 seconds later, converting a rebound in front. Hillen scored from out near the left point with 1:04 remaining in the period to make it 3-1. The Islanders wasted no time in the second period. Comeau, chosen as first star of the game, carried the puck into the Atlanta zone and ripped a shot past Pavelecs glove just 22 seconds into the period. Comeauu also had an assist after having been a healthy scratch the previous six games. Ray Lewis Jersey. He was reinserted into the lineup because forward Doug Weight is expected to be out for a week due to an upper body injury. There were nerves, Comeau said. I was joking around with a couple of the guys that it felt like my first NHL game. I think once the puck dropped, I played the way I normally play. After Kubina cut it to 4-2 with a one-timer from the left dot, Tavares carried the puck behind the net and sent it to Matt Moulson between the circles. Moulson scored his team-high seventh of the season to make it a three-goal game again with 8:01 remaining in the period. Schubert scored his first of the season with 7:57 to go in regulation to cut the deficit to 5-3. But Josh Bailey increased the margin to three with a power-play goal with 4:25 left. It was like we had three or four guys show up and the rest of the guys didnt, Atlanta coach John Anderson said. Thats embarrassing. We cant play like that. Thats absolutely embarrassing. The Thrashers, 5-2-1 on the road compared to 1-4 at home, played again without their best player, Ilya Kovalchuk. The star forward was lost for about a month when he broke his right foot on Oct. 24. But the Islanders were without one of their best players, as well. The team announced before the game that top defenceman Radek Martinek would be out for the season because of a torn ligament in his right knee. Martinek was injured Friday night during a 2-1 loss at New Jersey. Martinek wasnt missed too much against the Thrashers. The Islanders havent had over 40 shots in any game this season, Anderson said. What does that tell you? I got to give them a lot of credit because they played hard after playing last night, took a hard defeat and came back and played very, very hard. They played a great game. That was the worst game Ive seen us play this year. NOTES: This was the Islanders final home game until Nov. 25. They have 12 of their next 14 games on the road, including the next seven, beginning Wednesday night at Washington. ... The Thrashers finish a back-to-back set at home on Sunday against the St. Louis Blues. ' ' '

lub will honour Adams and his mile

lingzi — Thu, 17 May 2012 01:59:37 -0400

Montreal Canadiens defenceman Andrei Markov continues to make progress in his comeback from knee surgery. Joe Pavelski Jersey . On Tuesday, the injured defencemen took to the ice at practice without a no-contact jersey. Its the first time he has been cleared for contact since he tore his anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments nearly a year ago in a game against the Carolina Hurricanes. Canadiens head coach Jacques Martin told reporters after practice that because of the clubs busy stretch of upcoming games, there wont be many opportunities for what he called "hard practices" in which Markov can engage in contact. Subsequently he doesnt have any clearer of an estimate of when Markov will return to game action. Martin said last Friday that the injured defenceman would not suit up for the team before December. The Canadiens re-signed Markov to a three-year contract worth $5.75 million per season last June. Brandon Dubinsky Jersey . Mayor Regis Labeaume said Friday that hes hired engineering firm SNC Lavalin to conduct a feasibility study. He hopes to see the arena built from 2010 to 2012. Maxim Lapierre Jersey . Colby was suspended for using his elbow to hit Washington Capitals forward Mathieu Perreault in the head during a game Thursday night. Armstrong wasnt penalized for the hit, which occurred at the 12:40 mark of the second period. Andrew Luck Jersey . The Brewers, who had scored eight total runs during their five-game skid coming in, posted a season-high 26 hits, 22 of which were singles. The 26 hits allowed tied a Cubs record, set on September 2, 1957 against the Milwaukee Braves. Wes Welker Jersey . UFC owner and CEO Lorenzo Fertitta spoke at the UFC Fan Expo prior to UFC 120 in London, England and revealed what the promotion is working on for its first fight card in the province, which will take place in Toronto. Brad Richards Jersey . La formation de la capitale américaine a été forcée de procéder à cette transaction puisque le gardien Semyon Varlamov souffre dune blessure au bas du corps.CLEVELAND -- Orlando Cabreras three-run double in the first inning made things easier for Cleveland starter Josh Tomlin and the AL Central-leading Indians won their ninth straight at home, 7-2 Wednesday night over the slumping Kansas City Royals. Cabrera hit a bases-loaded double off Canadian Jeff Francis (0-3) as the Indians jumped to a 5-0 lead. That was all the support Tomlin (4-0) would need in sending Kansas City to its fifth straight loss. Tomlin gave up solo homers to Jeff Francoeur and Mike Aviles in the second, but blanked Kansas City over the next four. The right-hander allowed five hits and has gone at least five innings in each of his first 17 appearances in the majors -- a club record. The Indians winning streak at Progressive Field is their longest since May 27-June 19, 2005. Cleveland hasnt won 10 in a row at home since 1996. Kansas Citys Alex Gordon was hitless in three at-bats, ending his hitting streak at 19 games. First baseman Shelley Duncan robbed him of a hit in the third with a leaping grab. The Royals have lost eight of 10 since a 10-4 start, and have fallen to just one game over .500. Every player in Clevelands starting lineup got at least one hit. It doesnt seem to matter who manager Manny Acta pencils in, all the Indians are producing, which is perhaps the biggest reason theyve been baseballs biggest surprise in April. Scoring early has been a key to the Indians strong start. They scored five times in the first off Francis, who needed 39 pitches to get three outs. Francis retired Grady Sizemore leading off but then gave up four straight singles, the last an RBI blooper by Travis Hafner. Cabrera followed with his three-run double, which centre fielderr Jarrod Dyson narrowly missed with a diving try in the gap in left-centre. Jaromir Jagr Jersey. One out later, Jack Hannahans single made it 5-0 and Francis gave up another single -- the Indians sixth of the inning -- before getting Sizemore again, this time on a grounder to second. The Royals cut it to 5-2 in the second on the homers by Francoeur and Aviles. Francoeurs leadoff shot into the left-field bleachers extended his hitting streak to 16 games, tying his career-best. But Kansas Citys hitters didnt threaten again against Tomlin, who doesnt have overpowering stuff but throws strikes and knows how to get outs. Of his 100 pitches, only 27 were out of the strike zone. The Indians tacked on an unearned run in the third to make it 6-2 and added another in the sixth on a passed ball. Francis gave up a leadoff double in the fourth, and the 30-year-old, signed by KC as a free agent in January after six seasons with Colorado, was pulled by manager Ned Yost. Francis allowed five runs and 10 hits in three innings and dropped to 0-6 in 11 starts since July 30. NOTES: Longtime fan John Adams, who has been pounding a large bass drum in the outfield bleachers at Indians games since the 1970s, attended his 3,000th game. The club will honour Adams and his milestone during pregame ceremonies on Saturday. ... The Royals and Indians are the respective second and third youngest teams in the majors. Kansas Citys average age on its 40-man roster is 26.73, and Cleveland is tied with Florida at 27.03. ... Aviles homer gave him 14 hits, 10 for extra bases. ... With Tomlin at 4-0 and Justin Masterson at 5-0, the Indians have two pitchers with at least 4-0 records since Greg Swindell and Tom Candiotti did it in 1988. ' ' '