NEW YORK – Colby Rasmus returned from a 33-game absence on Wednesday night and manager John Gibbons was eager to get another big bat in the lineup to provide his club a threat near the bottom of the order. “He gives us another power threat,” said Gibbons. “We havent had a whole lot of power lately.” The slumping Blue Jays, losers of seven of 10 entering Wednesdays play, activated Rasmus from the disabled list and sent his replacement, Anthony Gose, back to Triple-A Buffalo. It was a long road to recovery for Rasmus, whod been on the disabled list since May 13 with tightness in his right hamstring. Rasmus initially thought the injury would heal in a matter of days. “Its always a learning experience,” said Rasmus. “Pushing yourself too quick or too slow. Every injury is different. This is a different injury and I just had to learn what I did and, hopefully, next time Ill be able to correct it faster. But Im here now and ready to play.” Rasmus is one of the games streakier hitters. When hes hot, he hits home runs in bunches. When he slumps, he swings and misses a lot and strikes out often. In 37 games this season, Rasmus is hitting .222/.266/.489 (.755 OPS) with nine home runs. Twice this season, he has hit three home runs in a span of four games (April 10-13 and May 1-4), which account for six of his nine long balls. Still, Rasmus has struck out in 32.8 per cent of his plate appearances this season, compared to 29.5 per cent last year and 24.6 per cent for his career. “Yeah, I mean hes always been that way,” said Gibbons. “You wish it wasnt so often but, you know, I mean he can run into some balls too and make a difference that way.” LIND CONFIDENT HELL AVOID DISABLED LIST On Wednesday, the Blue Jays played a third consecutive game without the services of designated hitter/first baseman Adam Lind. Linds been down since fouling a ball off his right foot in Saturdays loss at Baltimore. He suffered a deep bone bruise and, on Sunday, was using crutches and wearing a walking boot. Hes since come out of the boot and hit off a tee on Wednesday afternoon. “Theres been improvements every day,” said Lind. “Now, were just working on a tape job to try and relieve as much stress or pain on my foot as we can so I can get in the lineup.” Lind wasnt sure whether he could pinch-hit on Wednesday night. Manager John Gibbons has a three-man bench, not including Lind, and the Blue Jays may be hesitant to use Lind in case he ultimately requires a trip to the disabled list. A DL stint, if needed, could be made retroactive to Sunday (making Lind eligible to return on June 30) as long as he doesnt appear in a game. Based on the progress hes made, Lind isnt planning on being placed on the disabled list. “Its not constant,” said Lind of the pain in his foot. “When I sit still it doesnt hurt. I have a tape job right now and its helped a lot. I hit with spikes, it wasnt so well. I hit with turfs and it was much better. If I pinch hit, Ill be in my turfs.” POWER OUTAGE The Blue Jays are slumping after winning 15 of 17 games. Theyve dropped seven of their last 10, thanks in part to a significant decrease in the number of home runs theyve been hitting. Toronto leads the major leagues with 93 home runs but has hit only four in the last 10 games. Jose Reyes (June 9, June 17) has two of them. The other two were hit by Edwin Encarnacion (June 9) and Juan Francisco (June 13). The Blue Jays won the June 9 game, 5-4 over Minnesota and the June 13 game, 4-0 over Baltimore but lost the June 17 game, 3-1 to New York. Entering Wednesdays play, Jose Bautista was without a home run in 10 games, his longest drought of the season. PRAY FOR NO RAIN The five-day forecast for New York City suggests the Yankees wont have a rainout during their three-game weekend series with the Baltimore Orioles. Thats important to the Blue Jays because right-hander Masahiro Tanaka, who beat Toronto on Tuesday night to improve his record to 11-1, is scheduled to start on Sunday. Naturally, the Blue Jays would like Tanaka to pitch against another divisional opponent. Add to that the fact the Yankees visit Toronto for three games starting on Monday. If the Yankees have a rainout this weekend, Tanakas start could be pushed back into the series with the Blue Jays. As it stands, Toronto is due to miss Tanaka next week. The Yankees are 12-2 in games Tanaka starts and 24-31 otherwise. TWO MORE DRAFT PICKS SIGN The Blue Jays formally announced the signings of third-round pick, left-handed pitcher Nick Wells (83rd overall) and sixth-round pick, left-handed pitcher Grayson Huffman (174th overall). Wells is 18 years old. Huffman is 19 years old. Kyle Seager Jersey . The 26-year-old Redditch, England, native played three of his past four seasons under Rennie with the Carolina RailHawks of the North American Soccer League. Art Warren Jersey . Like a magic trick, the puck popped out behind Stalock in the San Jose net. While Sharks coach Todd McLellan decried the legality of the tiebreaking goal, the Los Angeles Kings celebrated their latest, greatest escape yet. https://www.cheapmariners.com/1575k-tino-martinez-jersey-mariners.html .Stanton suffered fractures in his face and other injuries when he was hit by a pitch Sept. 11. The Marlins are confident hell fully recover and be ready for spring training, and they hope to reach a long-term agreement with him. Ichiro Suzuki Jersey . In a matchup of teams battling head-to-head for the final playoff spot in Major League Soccers Western Conference, the Whitecaps run to the post-season took a hard hit when FC Dallas blew open a tie game with two goals in the final minutes for a 3-1 victory Saturday night. Austin Adams Jersey .com) - Jahlil Okafor had 21 points, Tyus Jones scored 16 with 10 assists and No.PARIS -- Julien Benneteau and Edouard Roger-Vasselin won their first Grand Slam title by defeating Spaniards Marc Lopez and Marcel Granollers 6-3, 7-6 (1) in the mens doubles final of the French Open on Saturday. They became the first French team to win the mens doubles at Roland Garros since Yannick Noah and Henri Leconte in 1984. They broke for a 5-3 lead in the opening set.dddddddddddd They won the last four points in the tiebreaker and clinched the victory when Lopez netted a volley. Granollers and Lopez were bidding to become the first Spanish team to win the mens doubles at the French Open since Sergio Casal and Emilio Sanchez in 1990. ' ' '

The Winnipeg Jets will look to prevent the Minnesota Wild from clinching a playoff spot tonight at the MTS Centre. The game can be seen live regionally on TSN Jets and heard on TSN Radio 1290 starting at 6:30pm ct/7:30pm et. Forward Evander Kane, who was a healthy scratch Saturday night in Toronto, participated in the Jets morning skate today and will be back in the lineup tonight. "I was obviously disappointed but that was his decision and that was it," said Kane after the morning skate. Head coach Paul Maurice said it was a "coachs decision" to scratch the 22-year-old from the lineup. "Youll get no rationale from me. Youve seen me on TV before. Theres nothing rational out of my mouth," said Maurice after a 4-2 win against the Maple Leafs. Maurice also mentioned that Kane would have to "probably just come to the rink" to get back into the lineup. Last week, Kane was sued in British Columbia over an alleged assault from a incident in August 2013. Dustin Byfuglien will not play tonight and is done for the season with a torn muscle in his upper body. Winnipeg was recently eliminated from playoff contention, meaning the former Atlanta Thrashers franchise will miss the postseason for a seventh straight season. The Jets, however, did well in a spoiler role in their last game, recording a 4-2 home win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, a team currently fighting for its playoff lives in the Eastern Conference. Tobias Enstrom scored the game-winning goal late in the second period to help Winnipeg deal the Maple Leafs a costly setback. After Torontos Paul Ranger went off for holding Adam Pardy, the Jets took a 3-2 lead on the power play. Enstrom skated across the blue line and fired a shot past a screened James Reimer with 2:58 to go in the second. Bryan Little, Jacob Trouba, and Olli Jokinen also scored for the Jets, who have won two of their last three. Andrew Ladd, Michael Frolik and Blake Wheeler all supplied two helpers, while Ondrej Pavelec turned aside 23 shots in the win. "I thought it was a great effort, start to finish," said Ladd. The Jets are kicking off a two-game homestand tonight before capping their season Friday night in Calgary. Winnipeg is 17-16-6 at MTS Centre. Minnesota won the first three encounters against the Jets this season before Winnipeg recorded a 6-4 home win in the last meeting on Dec. 27. That victory halted a four-game slide in the series for the Jets, who are 2-0-1 at home against the Wild since relocating from Atlanta prior to the 2011-12 season. The Wild had missed the postseason four straight times before returning to the tournament last spring, when they were knocked out in the first round by Chicago. With 92 points through 78 games, Minnesota is likely headed back to the playoffs in 2014. Minnesota holds the first of two wild card spots in the Western Conference and is five points ahead of idle Dallas. The Wild are six points in front of the Phoenix Coyotes, who also are idle on Monday. Like the Stars and Wild, Phoenix has four games left on its regular-season schedule. The Wild have won three of their last four games, going 3-0-1 during that stretch. The club picked up a 4-0 win in Saturdays home test against the Pittsburgh Penguins, as Ilya Bryzgalov stopped all 20 shots he faced for his third shutout of the season. It was Bryzgalovs second shutout since being traded from Edmonton to Minnesota last month. The veteran netminder is 5-0-3 with a sparkling 1.87 goals against average in nine appearances with the Wild since the trade. "They did a tremendous job," Bryzgalov said. "Im just trying to enjoy the hockey and help the team and help the guys like they helping me to get these points and help to win the games." Bryzgalov will get the call again on Monday and is 6-2-2 with a 2.88 GAA in 10 career games against the Jets. Erik Haula, Mikko Koivu and Stephane Veilleux tallied in a strong first period for the Wild on Saturday. Cody McCormick added the other tally and Charlie Coyle supplied two assists. The Wild, who are 16-17-7 as the road team, will complete their regular season with a three-game homestand at Xcel Energy Center. Minnesota will host Boston, St. Louis and Nashville during the stay in St. Paul. Jackie Robinson Jersey . According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, it doesnt appear the offer was warmly received by the team. Blue Jackets director of hockey operations John Davidson and general manager Jarmo Kekalainen said on Wednesday the team has made offers of $6 million for two years, $32 million for six and $46 million over eight years but each one was refused by the restricted free agent centre and agent Kurt Overhardt. Roger Clemens Yankees Jersey .Mateo Kovacic and Andrea Ranocchia scored for Inter, which had goalkeeper Samir Handanovic to thank for several crucial saves.Its an important victory against a Chievo side which plays well, Mancini said. https://www.cheapyankees.com/1491g-giancarlo-stanton-jersey-yankees.html . Donald Young lost in straight sets to Israels Dudi Sela 6-3, 6-0. Querrey, ranked No. 61, is the second-highest ranked American, ahead of Johnson (64). Luis Cessa Yankees Jersey . - Loosening up for their first training camp practice, the Miami Dolphins high-stepped sideways up and down the field while House of Pains song "Jump Around" blared on the loudspeakers. Joe DiMaggio Jersey .85 million contract with the two-time Gold Glove outfielder. Parra earned his second Gold Glove last season when he set a club record with 17 outfield assists.Secaucus, NJ (SportsNetwork.com) - The Baseball Writers Association of America revealed the candidates for MLBs four major individual honors on Tuesday. Clayton Kershaw has a chance at joining elite company as the Dodgers ace is among the three NL MVP finalists. The last pitcher to win the MVP award in the Senior Circuit was Bob Gibson in 1968. Kershaw will almost certainly take home his third NL Cy Young Award in four years. The left-hander led the majors with 21 wins in just 27 starts, and his minuscule 1.77 ERA and 0.86 WHIP rank among the best of the last century. Johnny Cueto of the Reds and Adam Wainwright of the Cardinals are the other finalists for the NL Cy Young Award, while Giancarlo Stanton of the Marlins and Andrew McCutchen of the Pirates will battle Kershaw for MVP honors. McCutchen is trying to win the award in back-to-back seasons. Miguel Cabreras two-year reign as AL MVP has come to an end, as Angels outfielder Mike Trout, Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez and Indians outfieelder Michael Brantley were named this years finalists.dddddddddddd Trout was the runner-up to Cabrera each of the previous two seasons. Felix Hernandez of the Mariners, Corey Kluber of the Indians and Chris Sale of the White Sox were nominated on the AL Cy Young Award ballot. White Sox outfielder Jose Abreu, Yankees reliever Dellin Betances and Angels pitcher Matt Shoemaker were submitted for the AL Rookie of the Year Award, while Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom, Reds outfielder Billy Hamilton and Cardinals second baseman Kolten Wong are the NL rookie hopefuls. Baltimores Buck Showalter, the Angels Mike Scioscia and Ned Yost of the AL champion Royals were the nominees for the AL Manager of the Year Award. Showalter first won this award 20 years ago with the Yankees and added another 10 years later with the Rangers. Bruce Bochy of the World Series champion Giants, Washingtons Matt Williams and Pittsburghs Clint Hurdle comprise the field for the best NL skipper. The winners will be announced next week. ' ' '

SHERBROOKE, Que. - Defenceman Luke Green was taken first overall by the Saint John Sea Dogs on Saturday in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League Entry Draft. The 5-foot-11 16 year old played his midget hockey with the Newbridge Academy Gladiators in Dartmouth, N.S. Forward Pascal Laberge was drafted second by the Gatineau Olympiques, followed by defenceman Samuel Girard, who went to the Shawinigan Cataractes. Evan Fitzpatrick was the first goaltender taken in the draft, selected fourth overall by the Sherbrooke Phoenix. Forward Pierre-Luc Dubois went to the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles as the No. 5 pick. Forward Jordan Maher (Acadie-Bathurst), forward Mitchell Balmas (Charlottetown), defenceman Guillaume Beck (Victoriaville), forward Miguel Picard (Blainville-Biosbriand) and defenceman Jacob Neveu (Rouyn-Noranda) rounded out the top 10. Wholesale Shoes From China . The Leafs were back on the ice Wednesday following an 10-day break. It apparently wasnt long enough, as Team Canadas 2-1 win over Latvia didnt conclude before the Leafs began practice. "I was thinking we might get a little delay, but it was nice to get out there," said Tyler Bozak of watching Wednesdays game. Balenciaga Shoes Sale . Notes on Bergeron, Marchand, Gorges, Vanek, Gaborik, Doughty, Hiller and more. BRUINS STORM BACK TO TAKE GAME TWO The Boston Bruins rallied from a 3-1 deficit, scoring four unanswered goals, to win Game Two, 5-3 over the Montreal Canadiens. https://www.wholesaleshoesforcheap.com/air-max-plus-sale/ . Browns advice worked. Irving scored 20 points, including seven in the fourth quarter, and Cleveland defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 88-82 Saturday night. Irving made his first shot of the night on a layup a little over three minutes into the game. Wholesale Shoes . 9 Baylor Bears just needed some time to get on track in their first game after the Christmas break. Fake Wholesale Shoes . As deep as their roster is, they need their superstar. Rose scored 23 points in his return from a five-game absence due to back pain, and Chicago hung on to beat the struggling Atlanta Hawks 90-79 on Monday.With many NFL training camps underway, the league is abuzz with position battles, injury news and rookies making an immediate impact. Each day, TSN.ca provides the latest rumours, reports and speculation from around the NFL beat. Johnny Be Focused? Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine declared on Wednesday that Johnny Manziel needs to focus on football in order to have a chance to win the starting quarterback job. "I think he knows that in order for him to compete well, hes going to have to probably be more dedicated than ever," Pettine said via Tom Withers of the associated press. After a well-documented offseason, Manziel enters training camp behind incumbent Brian Hoyer at the quarterback position. The Browns report for training camp on Friday. Showing Up Injured Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart reported to training camp with a pulled hamstring and will miss the first one-to-two weeks of camp. Due to injury, Stewart appeared in only six games for the Panthers last season, rushing for 180 yards on 48 carries. Genos Job According to Brian Costello of the New York Post, New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith took 13 first-team reps on Thursday compared to Michael Vicks four. Throughout the offseason, the starting quarterback position has been reported to be Genos to lose. Entering his sophomore season, Smith threw 12 touchdowns and 21 interceptions in 16 games in 2013. Instant Starter? Eric Williams of ESPN reports that San Diego Chargers first-round pick Jason Verrett practiced at starting right cornerback on Thursday, while Richard Marshall lined up across from him. Free agent acquisition Brandon Flowers worked at left cornerback with the second team. The Chargers ranked fourth-worst in the NFL last season against the pass, averaging 258.7 yards allowed per game via the air. Riddickk in the Rotation? Kyle Meinke of MLive.ddddddddddddcom believes 2013 sixth-round draft pick Theo Riddick is a lock to make the Detroit Lions 53-man roster, while 2011 second-round pick Mikel Leshoure is on the roster bubble. Despite receiving only 13 offensive touches in his first year, Meinke notes that Riddick has drawn praise from both coaches and teammates this offseason. Meinke envisions Riddick filling a Darren Sproles-like type of role in the Lions offense and earning regular touches in the running back rotation. Leshoure faces an uphill battle to earn touches in the Lions offense. The 24-year-old played in just three games last season, receiving two carries for nine yards. He rushed for 798 yards on 215 carries with nine touchdowns in 2012. New Lead? Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle would be "surprised" if Maurice Jones-Drew was not the starting running back for the Oakland Raiders this season. Signed this offseason after spending eight seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Jones-Drew joins a backfield in Oakland that features former fourth-overall pick Darren McFadden, as well as Latavius Murray, Jeremy Stewart, rookie George Atkinson and former CFL standout Kory Sheets. Jones-Drew rushed for 803 yards on 234 carries in 15 games with the Jaguars in 2013. Exiting for Personal Reasons Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas is expected to miss the first four days of training camp for personal reasons. Mike Klis of the Denver Post reports that Thomas attended the teams camp-opening meeting but was then excused by coach John Fox to attend the funeral services of the grandmother who helped raise him in Georgia. Thomas led the Broncos with 92 catches for 1430 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2013. He also set a Super Bowl record with 13 catches in the Broncos loss to the Seattle Seahawks. ' ' '

After the Sebastian Giovinco press conference ended, I sat at the top table with Toronto FC head coach Greg Vanney. Yet this was no ordinary chat. It was men playing with toys. Out came the Subbuteo players, two teams on a fantasy field and away we went talking about tactics, formations and much more. Vanney, of course, was given the red team. Kristian Jack: Greg, you mentioned in the press conference you see Giovinco more centrally as a playmaker linking the central midfield with the forward. Is there a thought that you could play him more out wide in a front three? Greg Vanney: He could, yes, if we find a scenario where there isnt enough space. KJ: Thats my concern and why I brought it up. If someone plays a double pivot and they squeeze the space for him, you need him operating in space, surely? So maybe he could play further wide in a front three, like Alexis Sanchez, for example, at Arsenal? GV: Absolutely we could do that; take him out where there is more space on the field. It is very hard to man mark a player when he comes to the outside of the field so as we recognize a teams approach, if they look to man mark him then or crowd a space then, he comes out from the middle and the assignments become very unclear for the opposition, he could drift out and we could slide other pieces in. The objective is to get him the ball as much as possible when he is facing forward and going at the backline. I think he is as special an attacking midfielder as there has ever been in this league. He has a great combination of being able to set other people up but also create his own chance and thats invaluable in this league. We were looking for a number ten and I think he is a great hybrid of a number ten and a nine and a half where he can actually finish; he isnt just a setup guy. I am really excited in how these pieces are all coming together and also excited about the ones we are pursuing that we will add to our roster. Greg Vanney/Les Jones KJ: Lets get into some of the pieces you have now. I want to talk about Michael Bradleys role. We all know what happened last year under Jürgen. Sometimes too much of this. (At this stage I pick up Bradley from a central position, move him forward and turn his back to the attacking goal. Vanney nods his head). In a midfield three, do you always see him as a six, or an eight as well? GV: Six or an eight. I dont see him as a ten. KJ: So even before Giovinco arrives, Michael could play as often as a number eight (man centrally on the table ahead of the deepest midfielder) than a six? GV: Yes, we need to make sure who plays this role (pointing to the six), whether it is a guy we currently have, that they are complimentary pieces. The way our system will work is that it will free up either one of these guys at the right opportunity to go forward and when that happens, there needs to be discipline from the other one to stay. There has to be balance, we dont want to limit Michael from recognizing the opportunity to go forward and be a key factor but we also know that he can also really help us to create plays from that deeper position. But then what I think is his special quality is when he says I see a gap and I am going to drive for the gap and get involved in the attack and he needs the freedom to do that and we will cover him in behind. KJ: So what you are saying is if there is a collective balance and the team is playing well, he can be both a six and an eight? GV: Yes, thats part of the complimentary pieces of that midfield. Part of what I think happened last season is that we had such a short amount of time when I joined them and we tended to stay with what we had and in a shape where he was protecting us a little more and I think now as we evolve as a team and have more time in our system, I think he will, and we have talked through this, now have the confidence to go forward and well know who is responsible for covering that space instead of him feeling like he had to do that all the time to protect the defence. KJ: To the other DP. Jozy Altidore. How important is it, regardless of the system, to have strikers who can combine and play off others and am I right in saying that needed to be addressed this offseason with this team? GV: Yes, absolutely. They need to be complimentary pieces. Jozy is a big strong guy who can do a lot of different things; he can hold up the ball, get in behind, he can combine and I think he has been the most successful when the ball has been on the deck and he can combine with people, so having somebody who can understand that type of game and play off him is important. I think last year our two best forwards didnt combine well and it is no secret that they didnt love playing together so now finding guys that are complimentary to each other in the attacking third is critical to breaking down defences. KJ: In most of the games you took charge of last season, you played with two up front, mainly because of the cards you were dealt but Houston home, New York away, for examples, you asked a wide left midfielder to come in centrally to compensate. How vital is that in a 4-4-2? GV: There has to be some collaboration on the field in terms of who is getting into the gaps but you have to have players who are capable playing between the oppositions back line and midfield line where the pockets open up. A lot of times, when you have a player like Jozy, who can threaten the space in behind, defending groups will drop off to prevent you from getting in behind their backline, which is your objective because it is the clearest path to goal, so teams tend to drop off quickly but dont expose the space behind so then you have to play between the lines. So we needed guys who are comfortable in that, where they could receive the ball and face forward and then put the oppositions defence in crisis and make them make decisions. For us that works, at times, with a wide guy coming off who can receive on a half turn, face forward and combine off the strikers and that was something we looked at last year. The other option is with strikers and with two you can stack them where one can press high and one can play underneath and in the gap created by the high striker. The concept is you want to get into spaces between lines, facing forward and put the backline into some sort of decision-making crisis where somebody has to step out of line to close the ball, which then creates gaps for you to get into. Near the end of the year, we went to three in the middle, at times, to create an imbalance. KJ: With the 4-3-3, it often drops into a 4-1-4-1 without the ball, I know you like that system so talk to me about solving issues around that system. How do you stop your deepest midfielder being isolated where runs from deep positions can overload him centrally and from wide areas? GV: The shape of the midfield, in a 4-1-4-1 or 4-2-3-1, is situational and whats important is that players understand what shape you are in in any given situation. If you are against a transition and really pressing high, if you are ahead of the ball, its really difficult to press so you want to make sure you keep your shape behind the attack so if the ball turns over, players can then step from a position where they are protecting the goal but are also able to keep the ball in a smaller area where numbers can start to get around them. When we get into the attacking area, the shape alters when in possession, so we can swing the ball side-to-side to open up gaps, but also if the ball transitions, then you can step up and try and lock it in but if it transitions and you have too many numbers high, then you cant close the gap. At this stage Vanney talks at length to the table, moving three players in a triangle around often in the central zone about who should cover and recognize in certain areas. We discuss at length the role of full backs in transition and whether to track underlapping runs and what to do if up against a front man or strike partnership. As he moves the players around, you can hear the passion in his voice about defending transitions and why its vital for Toronto FC going forward. Its no secret last season it wasnt too much of a problem because they couldnt spend enough time dictating play in the final third. KJ: When you played last season and you got really deep defensively as a unit, when a team presses you, do you need a wing player high to stretch? GV: Yes, yes. Important. When we were looking to play out the back and set up our plays going forward, we are constantly looking to create situations where we have a number advantage. Ideally, we want to create 2vs1 in various points of the field. We have certain cues, as a team depending if they are pressing as two, or one, where is the next line of pressure coming from? Is it coming from a winger, central player, so then we can shift and use those gaps. We have our baseline for how we play out but really its also dictated on how the opposition is pressing us and that shifts us into our cues so then this guy should be able to shift into space. The opposition will always want to keep plus one at the back so if they do that, then we should always be plus one in our half so we just need to be able to shift the ball accordingly depending on where the pressure is coming from. KJ: I want to ask you about the clubs identity. People talk about Barcelona and how all the teams play a style. Marcelo Bielsa brought the 3-1-3-3 to Chiles domestic league by playing it with the national team. Do you look long-term and want to be the guy who starts something here that has all the teams, at different levels at Toronto FC, playing the same way and, if so, is it a hybrid of 4-3-3? GV: First of all, yes we want a system that goes from our top team to our young players. It gives an opportunity to our young players to come through and make a difference in the first team because its such a jump to go from the academy to a pro team and move into an improvisational system where there isnt any clarity is a big jump for a player. But if you come in and you say to them this is your role, here are the five things you have to do, then its an easier process and then they learn as they adapt and get their feet wet. That, to me, makes the most sense. In terms of how we want to play could vary but our principles of play will remain the same. We want to be in possession, dictate the game in possession, move the opposition into their half of the field. If we win the ball in moments, while the opposition is in crisis, then we want to attack quickly, get them while they are out of shape and get to goal. My opinion is counter-attacking is an opportunity, not something we want to be doing every single time. We want to be able to play both in possession and then recognize moments to hit opposition on the counter. Out of possession, by pushing teams into their own half, we want to be aggressive in getting the ball back quickly. If you have numbers in the opposing half, it makes sense to take those numbers and put pressure on the ball. Again, if you cant, in the moments the opposition has secured the ball and have time on it, we cant then press in those moments, we need to regain our shape, reorganize and have a collective understanding of where we want the opposition to play, and think where do we want to force them to try to recover the ball again? and start the process again. Starting processes is nothing new in Toronto FC land. Yet as we pack up our toys, Greg Vanney is still smiling. Im ready to prepare this team and I hope this offseason will never be this long again, he says. There is no question Vanney has put many of those spare hours into thinking just how his team will look in 2015. Paul Quantrill Blue Jays Jersey . The 18-year-old Januzaj has made his breakthrough at United this season, including scoring twice in a 2-1 win over Sunderland before the recent international break. His performances have sparked a debate about where his international future lies. Jimmy Key Blue Jays Jersey . You can catch all of the action LIVE on TSN2 at 6pm et/3pm pt. The Heat reached that mark Saturday night when they ruined the Philadelphia 76ers home opener. https://www.cheapbluejays.com/1226h-anthony-bass-jersey-blue-jays.html . -- Canada played to expectation up until halftime. Wilmer Font Blue Jays Jersey . After making his All-Star debut in Fridays Rising Stars Challenge, the Raptors sophomore centre wont be sticking around for the duration of the weekends festivities, thinking about the big picture instead. Ernie Whitt Jersey . And rest hardly led to rust for the two-time defending NBA champions.LONDON - Roberto Soldado scored his first Premier League goal in more than two months to give Tottenham a 1-0 victory over Cardiff on Sunday and keep the team in touch with the top four. Soldado completed a counterattack from close range in the 28th minute, netting just his 11th goal in 29 appearances since joining in August for 30 million euros (then $40 million). The goal drought has seen Soldado drop out of contention for Spain, having not appeared since the Confederations Cup last June before leaving Valencia. "He has not done it (scored much) in the Premier League, but you look at him scoree in a very, very top league in Spain and you know what he is capable of," Tottenham manager Tim Sherwood said.dddddddddddd "But if he wasnt showing desire in training and any real belief that he can turn it round, I would have left him out. "But he hasnt given me any reason to leave him out. I have stuck by him and I believe that he will come good." Although Tottenham is only four points from fourth place, Manchester City has two games in hand. Cardiff is sinking closer to the League Championship, sitting next from bottom in the standings, three points from safety. ' ' '

TSNs Jack Armstrong offers his thoughts on Phil Jackson in New York, Ray McCallums impressive play with the Kings, the reliable veteran in Memphis Mike Miller, Andrew Bynums debut with the Pacers and Anthony Bennetts injury. 1. PHIL JACKSON: Would be a major coup of the NY Knicks to get him as their President. Bottom line, owner James Dolan needs to stay out of the way. Jackson must have the ability to select his GM, front office staff, coaches, support staff and have final say on all player issues. If he wants to move current employees out, then he has carte blanche to do that as well. Anything less will be more of the same dysfunction. He needs to be the boss and the one who sets the tone with the folks he wants in place. 2. RAY MCCALLUM (Kings): Have been impressed with him in the last few games Ive seen him. Great energy and feel for the game. Played for his dad at the University of Detroit and you can tell hes grown up around the game. Getting a chance to get some second unit minutes right now and hes been respectable. 3. MIKE MILLER (Grizzlies): Even though hes five points off his career average (down from 12 to 7 ppg) he is still a reliable veteran who really makes the defense defend him behind the arc, thus opening up more space for his teammates to operate. When you shoot the ball from distance at 45 per cent and youre a good passer youll have a role and be counted on considerably. When you think back not too long ago there were major concerns due to his back issues about whether hed have to retire before this year. Hes beating the odds and even though hes not quite the same player - hes still a solid one. 4. ANDREW BYNUM (Pacers): Makes his debut with his new team and has a nice night with 8 and 10. If youre a Pacers fan you ask, Where can I sign up for that every night? At his stage, he was brought in to make sure Miami didnt get him and to provide the force in the lane. Those numbers would be more than adequate at this point in the season and where hes at with his game. 5. ANTHONY BENNETT (Cavs): Out three weeks with a knee injury. When it rains, it pours. Please give me rain!! Sure beats all the snow were getting!! Was starting to come around a bit and now this. His conditioning was a major issue for him and within three weeks on the shelf this is a setback in that area. Hopefully, he learns from his last rehab stint and approached his health/fitness routine in a more focused fashion. Larry Doby Jersey . - Urijah (The California Kid) Faber finds himself in an unaccustomed position Saturday night at UFC 175 — on the preliminary card. Carlos Carrasco Jersey . Halak, 28, split his eighth NHL seasons between the St. Louis Blues, Buffalo Sabres and Washington Capitals, compiling a 29-13-7 record in 52 games. https://www.cheapindiansonline.com/2988u-bradley-zimmer-jersey-indians.html . Each day, TSN.ca provides the latest rumours, reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. Duck Calling With several marquee centres available via trade and expected to be available via free agency, the Anaheim Ducks could be primed to be big players in the coming days. James Karinchak Jersey . -- Another baseball tradition is about to largely disappear: a manager, with a crazed look in his eyes, charging the field and getting into a face-to-face shouting match with an umpire. Sandy Alomar Jr. Jersey . Liriano pitched in and out of trouble in his duel with Josh Beckett, and Ike Davis homered to help the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 Friday night. MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- Phil Mickelson came to the St. Jude Classic wanting to tune up for the U.S. Open at Pinehurst by finishing strong. He did just that Thursday. Mickelson shot a 3-under 67, birdieing three of his final four holes in windy conditions before a thunderstorm softened up TPC Southwind. It was his first round in the 60s since the third round at the Wells Fargo Championship. He hadnt shot below 70 since. He missed the cut at The Players Championship and tied for 49th last week in the Memorial following a visit from FBI agents and lingering questions about an insider-trading investigation. Lefty hasnt won in 19 events dating to the British Open and is among the players in Tennessee tuning up for Pinehurst. "I did exactly what I need to do and some momentum that I need heading into the U.S. Open," Mickelson said. "Tomorrows round, the same thing. Finish strong and play a good round." Ben Crane shot a 7-under 63 giving him the lead in the suspended first round, taking advantage of the 3 1/2-hour delay that left nearly perfect scoring conditions with no wind and rain-softened greens. He had five of his seven birdies on his final nine, the last a few minutes before play was suspended because of darkness. Sixty players were unable to finish the round. Peter Malnati shot a 65, and Billy Horschel also was 5 under with two holes left to play. Retief Goosen and Joe Durant each had a 66, while Stuart Appleby, Zach Johnson and Jason Bohn were on the course at 4 under. Appleby had a hole-in-one on the 157-yard eighth hole, using a 7-iron. That was his 17th hole, and the last one he completed. Crane needed only 24 putts for his best round of the season, including a 27-footer for birdie on his final hole at No. 9 with only a handful of people watching because officials closed the course to spectators because of the high winds with the storm. "We caught a huge break being on this side of the wave," Crane said. "You know this is ideal Memphis weather. Its as good as it gets. It was calm, barrely any wind.dddddddddddd The greens softened up. We were able to attack some of the pins." Mickelelson, who tied for second at Southwind last year, was among the 53 players who finished before play was delayed. Even with tricky wind Thursday morning, Mickelson said his focus on each shot was much better. Hes trying to better visualize the shot and curve his irons so that his approach shots land closer to the hole, giving him more tap-in opportunities. Finishing with the three birdies in his final four holes was exactly what he wanted in a round with five birdies and two bogeys. He hit his approach from 135 yards on the par-4 sixth to 5 feet and rolled in the birdie putt. He left himself longer putts with a 7-footer on the par-3 eighth and an 11-footer on the par-4 ninth, but knocked them in for his strong finish. "Ive been struggling with finishing the round strong," Mickelson said. "I had a good round last week on Thursday and then played poorly. To birdie three of the last four made it a great round. Thats exactly what I need to do." Firm greens made it tough to land balls close, but Goosen credited them with helping him roll in some of his birdie putts. He sunk a couple from 5 feet or closer, but also had a couple birdie putts from 14 feet. Goosen also saved par on No. 7 with a 12-foot putt. "The greens are as good as greens as you can get," Goosen said. "The greens are rolling close to 13 on the stimpmeter. They are really good. You hit the right putt, they are going to go in." A seven-time winner on the PGA Tour, Goosen hasnt won on tour since 2009. He has two top-10 finishes this year as he continues his comeback from back surgery in August 2012. He tied for third in Memphis in 2011 and said he really likes the course. Divots: Robert Garrigus withdrew after hurting his wrist in the 18th fairway. He had a 79 that included three bogeys, a double and an 8 on the par-4 17th. ... Players will resume the second round at 7 a.m., with the second round starting approximately 40 minutes later. ' ' '

CLEVELAND - As Johnny Manziel waits to see if the Browns will make him their starting quarterback this week, Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis called the rookie a midget during a radio interview on Monday night.Speaking on a weekly Bengals show on WLW-AM in Cincinnati, Lewis was asked if the uncertainty about Clevelands quarterback situation affected their preparation for a game Sunday in Cleveland. Browns coach Mike Pettine hasnt decided if the 6-foot Manziel will replace struggling starter Brian Hoyer and make his first NFL start against the Bengals.No, it doesnt, Lewis said. It doesnt at all. Youll get a little bit more movement if Manziels the quarterback, the thing that they did against (last week against) Buffalo. But other than that, no, it doesnt impact you at all. Youve got to go defend the offence, you dont defend the player.As one of the programs hosts began asking another question, Lewis interrupted and said, particularly a midget.Through the teams publicity department, Lewis later apologized for the comment.I apologize to Johnny, the Browns and to all the fans in Cleveland, Lewis said in his statement. It was just a poor remark. I really didnt mean anything by it.A message was left seeking comment from the Browns.The Bengals (8-4-1) lead the AFC North by a half-game over Pittsburgh and Baltimore following a 42-21 loss to the Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on Sunday. The Browns beat the Bengals 24-3 in a Thursday night game on Nov. 6, with Hoyer completing 15 of 23 passes for 198 yards.Pettine said Monday that he might be leaning toward switching to Manziel, who came off the bench two weeks ago against the Bills. Hoyer has thrown just one touchdown pass and eight interceptions in his last four games.Pettine considered a switch last week but decided to stick with Hoyer, the Cleveland-area native who had the Browns (7-6) in the hunt for their first playoff appearance since 2002.___AP Sports Writer Joe Kay in Cincinnati contributed to this report.___Online:AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Vapormax 2019 Discount . Neither made it that far in 2013. Not even close. Federer lost his second match at the All England Club. Nadal exited in the first round, a year after bowing out in the second. Discount Vapormax . Ricciardos exclusion from the results tarnished what had been a day of celebration for local fans, who were jubilant that the Red Bull driver had apparently become the first Australian to finish on the podium at his home race. However just before midnight, stewards ruled that Ricciardos car had "exceeded consistently the maximum allowed fuel flow" and that the team refused an instruction from the races technical delegate Charlie Whiting to change the fuel-flow sensor before the race and a further request during the race to reduce the fuel flow. http://www.brandshoescheaponline.com/wholesale-air-max-china.html . The Americans, skipped by John Shuster, seized the advantage in the eighth end by scoring five points for a 7-3 lead. The Czechs pulled two back in the ninth, but Shusters team of third Jeff Isaacson, second Jared Zezel and lead John Landsteiner ended with another point to secure the last Olympic berth on offer. Air Jordan Wholesale China . Team officials travelled to Los Angeles on Thursday night to meet with the free agent, a person with knowledge of the plans said. Nike Vapormax 97 Sale . - Ryan Spooner scored twice to lead the Boston Bruins to a 6-1 victory over the New York Islanders in a preseason game Friday night.COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Derick Brassard and Derek Stepan scored third-period goals, and Henrik Lundqvist made 25 saves to lead the New York Rangers to a 3-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets on Friday night. It was the first game back in Columbus for Rangers star Rick Nash, the Blue Jackets franchise leader in goals, assists and games. He was given a standing ovation during a video tribute in the first period, but was booed loud and long after a second-period, two-handed shove up high on Columbus goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. Carl Hagelin added an empty-net goal, and defenceman Anton Stralman had two assists for the Rangers, who moved two points ahead of the Blue Jackets in the tight Metropolitan Division and Eastern Conference playoff races. Nick Foligno scored for Columbus, 7-2-2 in its last 11 games. Bobrovsky made 29 saves. Both teams came in with 78 points, the third most in the Metropolitan. The Blue Jackets have played one fewer game. After two scoreless periods, Columbus took a 1-0 lead when Foligno intercepted Benoit Pouilots pass and scored his 18th goal of the season with a wrist shot from the high slot at 1:12. Just 44 seconds later, the Rangers countered when Ryan McDonagh carried the puck along the back wall and then fed Stepan for his 14th goal. With 8:29 left, Brassard -- who played his first five NHL seasons with the Blue Jackets -- took a pass along the back wall from Stralman and flipped the puck between his legs to the doorstep. Brassard then pivoted and jammed a shot in off Bobrovskys pad. Nash, then the Blue Jackets captain, requested a trade in early 2012 and was finally dealt on July 23, 2012. Nash was sent along with a minor-league defenceman and a 2013 third-round draft pick to the Rangers for centres Artem Anisimov and Brandon ;Dubinsky, defenceman Tim Erixon and a 2013 first-round pick (Kerby Rychel).dddddddddddd Nash is Columbus franchise leader in games with 674 (next on the list is 131 games behind), goals with 289 (by 169), assists with 258 (by 54) and points with 547 (by 230). Most of the capacity crowd of 18,513 gave him a standing ovation during the video tribute, although there were still some boos. All of that good will evaporated in the second period after Nash rushed the net and had a goal disallowed for interfering with Bobrovsky. As Nash went to get his stick, Bobrovsky picked it up with his stick and then dropped it as Nash reached for it. Nash then hit Bobrovsky high with both hands. That touched off five two-man scuffles and sent Nash to the box for roughing. When the cameras showed him in the penalty box, the majority of the crowd booed loudly. The crowd roared early when Nash was hit and dumped to the ice by rising young star, Ryan Johansen. Another time, Bobrovsky appeared to slip his stick between Nashs skates to knock him down. There was also a fight, some chippiness on both sides, and one two-man penalty-kill by the Blue Jackets. The Rangers had 30 seconds of a 5 on 3 advantage and got off two shots, but Bobrovsky turned both aside. In the opening seconds of the third, Nash held onto the stick of Matt Calvert for several seconds. That led to a fight as the crowd roared. NOTES: The Blue Jackets have 12 regular-season games left. ... Former Columbus RW Derek Dorsett was a late addition to the Rangers lineup in place of Daniel Carcillo, who was a healthy scratch. ... The Rangers are 6-5-1 since the Olympic break, 18-10-2 in 2014. ... The Rangers had been in Columbus since Tuesday night while the Blue Jackets played at Montreal on Thursday night, winning 3-2. ' ' '

OTTAWA -- For the past month the Ottawa Senators have been focusing on playing better hockey while keeping a close eye on the Eastern Conference playoff race. And with one game remaining before the Olympic break, Ottawa finally has a chance to crack the top eight in the conference standings. Ottawa (26-21-11) visits the Boston Bruins (36-16-4) on Saturday afternoon hopeful theyll have a hold on a playoff spot once the dust settles. Trouble is, the Senators are in a very tight race and winning still might not be enough. Ottawa has 63 points heading into Fridays action, one behind Detroit for the final wildcard spot. But the Columbus Blue Jackets also have 63 points and more wins. Columbus faces San Jose on Friday night and a Blue Jackets win will leave Ottawa outside the top eight regardless of Saturdays outcome in Boston. And theres also the matter of the Red Wings, who face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night. So should either Detroit or Columbus win, nothing would change for Ottawa. "Its a competitive group of teams thats fighting for that spot," said Ottawa defenceman Marc Methot. "It keeps you honest. I like it. "It makes it competitive and it makes every game that much more important and those are easy games to get up for. Its going to be competitive and I bet its going to get right down to the last week of the season." Ottawa is in playoff contention thanks to posting a 9-3-4 mark so far in 2014. The Senators feel as long as they can remain competitive they should find themselves in good standing at seasons end. "Were playing better hockey, were playing more consistent," said captain Jason Spezza. "A win in Boston would go a long way for us to keep moving in the right direction so its a good opportunity for us to win another game and keep grabbing points." Spezza finds himself on a nice roll, having recorded seven points (one goal, six assists) in his last five games. While the Olympic break might not be ideal, the Senators feel they can take advantage of the practice time and return to action with confidence. "Im real proud of the little stretch of good hockey that weve been playing lately," said Methot. "If theres any way to go into the break its playing properly and good structured hockey and as a team right now were clicking. "You just hope after a little bit of a layover with the break, so to speak, well come back just as strong. Im sure well be putting the work in as soon as were all back together." While holding down a top-eight spot by the Olympic break would be satisfying, centre Zack Smith believes even being within reach is a positive sign. "Weve come a long way in the last month and a half or so," said Smith. "Weve won some big games and theres a few that obviously wed like to have back. "Theyre all emotional games right now so its nice to get points and stay in." But with the teams Ottawa is chasing also winning, that makes the Senators task that much more difficult. "Theres not much separation or breathing room it seems," said Smith. "Everything can change within a few hours so you have to wait and check scores to see whats going on." But one benefit of a tight race is it makes every game important. "Every night youre playing for something and you know the points are that much more important," said Smith. "Its exciting to. "Win or lose you know it has a lot of influence on where your spot is and what position youre in." Should Ottawa be unable to crack the top eight by the break, Smith said there will still be plenty of time for the team to make a move. "When it comes down to it, theres still a lot of games left after the break," said Smith. "Its still a long season. "If we dont win a game or say we lose two games in a row were still not out of it by any means. Its good for motivation." NOTES -- Craig Anderson will start in goal against Boston . . . Forward Stephane DaCosta was re-assigned to the AHLs Binghamton Senators on Friday. In eight games, DaCosta had three goals and an assists . . . Defenceman Chris Phillips will miss his seventh straight game with a lower-body injury Saturday. Phillips skated on his own prior to practice . . . Defenceman Erik Karlsson was given a maintenance day Friday . . . Head coach Paul MacLean shuffled all of his lines at practice. But he said not much should be read into it as he was just having some fun . . . Most of the Senators said theyd be keeping a close eye on the Olympic action but also were looking forward to having a little down time. Vapormax Prezzo Basso . Bryant, who signed a five-year, $34 million contract as a free agent with Cleveland in March, reported symptoms on Monday morning, a team spokesman said. Air Max 98 Scontate . A rainy day saw the former champion Djokovic handle 14th-seeded Frenchman Jo- Wilfried Tsonga 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) under the roof on the famed Centre Court. http://www.airmaxscarpescontate.it/scarpe-air-max-97-prezzo-basso.html . -- Justin Verlander took a no-hit bid into the sixth inning and won his fourth straight decision, leading Detroit over the Kansas City Royals 9-4 Sunday and extending the Tigers winning streak to a season-high five games. Nike Air Max 95 Prezzi Bassi . The Miami Heat star tops the leagues global list of top-selling jerseys for the 2012-13 season, edging Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers, Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder and James Heat teammate Dwyane Wade for the No. Nike Air Max Italia . - Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II says the NFL has told the team it will not be docked a pick in this years draft for coach Mike Tomlins foray onto the field against Baltimore last November.ARLINGTON, Texas - The Rangers avoided arbitration with Ross Detwiler, agreeing to one-year contract for $3,450,000 with the left-hander, a candidate for their rotation.Detwiler was acquired last month from the Washington Nationals, who used him exclusively as a reliever last season for the first time in his career. He wants to be a starter again.The deal Friday, which gives Detwiler a $450,000 raise and is guaranteed, leaves designated hitter Mitch Moreland as the only remaining Texas player in arbitration.Moreland is asking for $$3/35 million, and the Rangers have countered with $2.dddddddddddd75. He made $2.65 million last season, when he hit .246 with two home runs and 23 RBIs in 52 games before season-ending surgery on his left ankle.Detwiler worked mostly in long relief last year, going 2-3 with a 4.00 ERA in 63 innings over a career-high 47 appearances. He was left off Washingtons post-season roster for an NL division series loss to San Francisco.In six seasons with the Nationals, Detwiler was 20-32 with a 3.82 ERA. He made 69 starts. ' ' '

Its no secret, when Ive been asked if I had to build a goaltender, what would it look like, the simplest reply I can offer is: Pekka Rinne. - 65 - unreal flexibility - elite lateral movement - great puckhandling - the Finnish relaxed but intense mental makeup - durability (can play 70 games in a season) - structure, but worries about stopping the puck by any means necessary - elite rebound control because he catches pucks - and this is why I believe Pekka and most Finnish goalies work to give themselves the edge There are a few reasons I am biased, one being I had the great fortune of playing with one of the most talented goaltenders Ive ever come across in Miikka Kiprusoff. Second, I had the opportunity to go to Finland three summers in a row and work with some of their goaltenders and the coaches involved in their development, and watch firsthand the philosophy and thought process behind what they believe to be important in the mechanics of goaltending. Its such an athletic position now. We know structure, patience, reads off the rush, every detail of goaltending is being worked on by every country, goaltender coach, and goaltender in todays world. Thats no secret. But after witnessing it firsthand, I understood the thought process behind a Finnish goaltender after seeing what was important to them during practice and development. When Miikka invited me over to Finland to work with him and his longtime goaltender coach Upi Ylonen, I jumped at the chance not only to work with Miikka in his summertime training regimen, but to see whats been ingrained in him and other Finnish goalies through their practice habits. In watching a lot of the movement drills early on, the emphasis certainly was on edge work, mechanics of moving in and out of your net, giving yourself a chance to make the save through angles and movement. But the single most important thing I learned about the thought process of Finnish goaltenders was rebound control. Every drill, every sequence, the focus was on limiting a second shot, no matter where it came from. The coaches were quite vocal and adamant that it was the goaltenders responsibility to not have any second chances on them. That meant catching everything that came near you, regardless of puck placement, whether it was close to the ice, high glove or cross-body blocker. The message was loud and clear. Most Finnish goaltenders are known for their great glove hands, and now I know why it is stressed. Every drill was executed with no second shot in mind, their movement was worked on separately with the thought process on movement before the shot, giving yourself a chance to be set, then the reactionary play with the glove; to catch it and control the play. One training session on the ice was with Mikko and Saku Koivu as well as Lauri Korpikoski literally taking one-timer slapshots from just above the hash marks on Kiprusoff, Antero Niittymaki and Fredrik Norrena. The whole time, Upi was in the background yelling in Finnish to catch pucks and limit rebounds. I remember asking Kipper, what is this guy yelling about, and he told me he was mad because we werent catching enough pucks. As an NHL goalie at that time, I remember thinking they were just lucky to get in the way of the one-timers, let alone catch them and control where the puck placement would be. The whole week I was there, every time we worked with the goaltender coaches, there was always some form in the drill that was designed so that catching the puck was involved. So in todays games, when I watch Pekka Rinne, Tuukka Rask, Antti Niemi, Kari Lehtonen, Niklas Backstrom, Antti Raanta or Kari Ramo try and make a cross-body catch that most goalies would use their blocker, or a save where the puck is close to the ice, I will hear in my head that goalie coach screaming in Finnish to catch pucks. I often wonder the impact catching pucks has on a goalies save percentage, when there are limited rebounds to be had, there is a lot less second shots and chances against, but that is another discussion altogether. Although I have talked about my Finnish experience, the NHL is full of goalies who incorporate the mindset. Here are my top 5 goalies who catch pucks consistently: Rinne, Jonathan Quick, Rask, Carey Price and Marc-Andre Fleury. Kd Basket Italia .com) - Damian Lillard poured in 40 points on 11-of-21 shooting to go along with 11 assists, and the Portland Trail Blazers stunned the Oklahoma City Thunder, 115-111, in overtime on Tuesday. Air Max 720 Edizione Limitata . Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist stood tall with 41 saves between the pipes, but it was defenceman Ryan McDonagh who got the first star of the game as he had a goal and an assist and now has two goals and four assists for six points in two games. http://www.airmaxshoponlineitalia.it/scontate-max-plus-outlet.html . "I knew it was gone. I mean, I felt it," the 2012 NL Rookie of the Year said. "I havent felt like that in a while. I havent got extension on a ball in a pretty long time. Air Max Plus Near Me . -- Arizona came out of its last meeting with California a bit discombobulated, hurting from its first loss and the loss of forward Brandon Ashley for the rest of the season. Scarpe Air Max Plus In Offerta . As the schedule flipped from November to December, they would go on to drop five straight, falling six games below the .500 mark before a franchise-altering trade turned them into an unrecognizable team. WASHINGTON -- Josh Smith overcame a slow start to score 22 points and Rodney Stuckey added 20 as the Detroit Pistons beat the Washington Wizards 104-98 on Saturday night. Greg Monroe had 12 points and 10 rebounds and Andre Drummond added 10 points and a game-high 13 boards as the Pistons outrebounded the Wizards 44-35. John Wall scored 34 points, including Washingtons last 10 over the final 6 minutes, as the Wizards snapped a three-game winning streak and failed to move past .500 for the first time in more than four years. It was the third time this year they lost at home with a chance to get over the .500 mark. Martell Webster had 15 points and Marcin Gortat added 10 points and 12 rebounds for Washington. The score was tied at 88-all when Wizards forward Nene hit two free throws with six minutes left. But Stuckey followed with a three-point play as the Pistons took the lead for good. He added two free throws and his jumper with 2:23 left put Detroit in charge, 97-90. Washington got no closer than three after that. It was a tale of two halves for Smith, who went 0 for 6 from the field in the first two quarters and then scored 20 in the second half. He also had eight boards for the NBAs top rebounding squad. Washinggton hit 10 of its first 15 shots and sprinted to a 26-16 lead.dddddddddddd. However, Detroit held Washington without a field goal in a 5:35 span of the second quarter and Stuckey scored eight points in a 16-3 run. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope hit a 3-pointer to give the Pistons a 38-34 lead. The Wizards responded with two 3s from Webster and one from Wall over the final 2:08 of the half to regain the advantage, 54-46. Washington pushed its edge to 12 early in the third quarter. Smith then scored 12 points in the third to help Detroit move back ahead, 79-76. NOTES: Washington reserve Trevor Booker went to the locker room early in the second quarter with a sprained left ankle and didnt return. ... After sitting out the last two games, Jan Vesely was pressed into service and gave the Wizards a lift in the second quarter with six of his seven points. He also hit his first free throw since Dec. 2 ending a streak of 14 misses. ... Washington had reached the .500 mark two other times this season, but followed with losing streaks of four and three games, with only one of those games away from Verizon Center. ... The teams split the four-game season series. Detroit hasnt lost a series to Washington since 2005-06. ' ' '

There are very few rinks in the NHL that can match the energy and excitement level of the Bell Centre which can make for a hostile environment for the visiting team especially during the playoffs. The Canadiens will look to take advantage of that as they get set to host the Tampa Bay Lightning in their first home playoff game of the season. "Once you get into the playoffs you can really feel the excitement of the crowd and it gives us that extra boost we need," Brendan Gallagher said following the morning skate at the Canadiens practice facility in Brossard. Michel Therrien would like to see his team make use of that energy in a positive way. "Players will feed from the crowd but they need to keep their composure and play the way theyre suppose to" the head coach told the media. A two-game lead doesnt guarantee anything and the Canadiens know that all too well. Most recently in 2011 the Habs were up 2-0 coming home from Boston only to lose in the first round to the Bruins in overtime of Game 7. "We talk about past experiences and take what we can from it but we have to remember its a whole new season," Josh Gorges said reflecting on that 2011 first-round exit. Anders Lindback will start in goal for the Lightning despite getting pulled last game. Ondrej Palat, who got hurt in Game 1 and hasnt played since, will be a game-time decision. Nike Air Max Pas Cher . - The Carolina Panthers believe Steve Smith lost "top-end" speed, a big reason the franchise parted ways with its all-time leading receiver. Air Max 270 Homme Soldes . The redshirt freshman finished the regular season with nearly 3,500 passing yards, and 35 touchdowns with another three on the ground while leading the Seminoles to the top of the BCS Rankings. http://www.maxnikepascher.fr/grossiste-air-max-90-chine/max-90-2019.html . The biggest collapse in franchise history was a long time ago, and he was too busy trying to make sure it didnt happen again. Air Max 720 Homme Pas Cher . - Free agent defensive end Will Smith has signed with the New England Patriots. Air Max Pas Cher Chine . The 29-year-old from Port Colborne, Ont., who trains out of San Diego, will fight bantamweight champion (Rowdy) Ronda Rousey on July 5 in the co-main event of UFC 175 in Las Vegas.TORONTO -- Ricky Ray and Curtis Steele proved to be too much for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Ray threw four TD passes while Steele ran for 92 yards and scored two touchdowns to power the Toronto Argonauts to a 38-21 home win over Winnipeg on Tuesday night. Ray finished 26-of-33 passing for 297 yards to earn Toronto (3-4) its second straight victory for a four-point lead atop the East Division. Steele anchored a solid ground attack that recorded 174 yards against a Winnipeg defence playing its second game in five nights. "It (rushing attack) was big," Ray said. "They were coming off a short week . . . at the end of the game when it was still tight, for us to be able to run like we did and kind of wear them out really helped us." Steele ran 10 times and had a 19-yard touchdown and also added two catches for 27 yards, including a 15-yard TD grab. He platooned with former NFLer Steve Slaton, who added 66 yards rushing but also lost two fumbles. "We went into the game thinking it was going to be a battle between the lines," Argos head coach Scott Milanovich said. "It was great to be able to run the football like we did. "We felt like we needed that to win the game." Steele, in his second season with Toronto, has been a solid runner with 318 yards on just 35 carries (9.0-yard average) with three TDs. But the Argos cant move him into the backfield full-time because hes also a contributor on special teams. "Man, thats tough," Steele said when asked if hed like more carries. "Im a valuable player on the special-teams unit and I take pride in that . . . but yeah, Id like more carries as a running back. "But Im OK, I know my role . . . we have a package deal going with me and Steve and I just really try to take advantage of my opportunity." However it was sweet redemption for Toronto, which dropped a season-opening 45-21 loss in Winnipeg. And Ray engineered the impressive victory without regular receivers Andre Durie (clavicle), Chad Owens (foot), Jason Barnes (knee), John Chiles (hamstring) and heralded rookie Anthony Coombs (shoulder). Ray threw to 10 different receivers Tuesday night with newcomer Robert Gill having the most catches (six) and veteran Spencer Watt recording the most yards (56). "The thing is weve been playing together for a few weeks now and its really starting to show," Ray said. "I just feel like our execution has been getting better in practice and guys are getting a little bit more comfortable with each other and were able to execute." Toronto doesnt have much time to relish the victory, before an announced season-high Rogers Centre gathering of 18,106. The Argos return to action Sunday night hosting the B.C. Lions (4-3). Milanovich said it was important his team build off its 31-5 road win over Montreal on Aug. 1. However, Milanovich wasnt pleased the Argos were flagged 17 times for 122 yards in penalties. Winnipeg wasnt much better, called 14 times for 114 yards in a very chippy contest. "Its very difficult particularly when youre banged up because what youd love to do is replace guys and send the neext guy in but theres no one to put in," Milanovich said.dddddddddddd "You expect some of that from (new) guys who are playing but I dont expect that from our veterans and there were a number of them that were our veterans. "If we continue to do it were not going to be a good football team. All I know is to keep coaching it and if someone needs to be replaced well deal with it." Winnipeg (5-3) suffered its second straight loss following a 23-17 home defeat to Saskatchewan on Thursday. The result also spoiled Bombers coach Mike OSheas return to Rogers Centre. OShea spent 16 seasons as a player and coach with Toronto -- winning four Grey Cups -- before being hired by Winnipeg in the off-season. But OShea also was unhappy with how many penalties his team took. "Its an easy answer, you dont want to give up those yards," he said. "Those hurt you." Ray cemented the victory with a 32-yard touchdown pass to Watt that rounded out the scoring at 11:35 of the fourth. Ray put Toronto ahead 28-21 just 58 seconds into the quarter with a 15-yard toss to Steele after Cleyon Laing recovered former Argo Romby Bryants fumble at the Winnipeg 49-yard line. Winnipeg quarterback Drew Willy hit Bryant on a 76-yard touchdown pass the very next series but it was negated by a hands-to-the-face penalty on the Bombers. Willy didnt feel that call was the difference even though Swayze Waters 18-yard field goal at 6:51 boosted Torontos head to 31-21. "Its just one of those plays, you have to rebound better from adversity," he said. "Anytime you go up against Ricky Ray, youve got to put up the yards." Neither Willy nor Winnipegs defence did that. Willy finished 23-of-31 passing for 193 yards and two TDs despite being sacked five times while the Bombers finished with 232 net yards, compared to 462 yards for Toronto. "Torontos defence is a talented group, Im not sure how they were coming at me," Willy said. "There were times I didnt get the ball out quicker and others when the 12 of us werent on the same page." Nic Grigsbys eight-yard TD run at 6:32 of the third pulled Winnipeg into a 21-21 tie, set up by the Bombers recovering the first Slaton fumble at the Toronto 20-yard line. Maurice Mann and Zander Robinson also had TDs for Toronto. Waters kicked four converts and a field goal. Cory Watson and Rory Kohlert had other Winnipegs touchdowns. Lirim Hajrullahu added three converts. Two late Ray TD strikes 1:18 apart anchored a 21-point second-quarter outburst that earned Toronto a 21-14 half-time advantage. Ray hit Robinson with a six-yard touchdown pass at 14:57, set up by a 26-yard Hajrullahu punt that put Toronto at the Winnipeg 43-yard line. Rays 15-yard TD pass to Mann at 13:39 made it 14-14, capping a six-play, 62-yard march. It was a solid answer to Kohlerts sensational 21-yard touchdown grab at 10:45, set up by Troy Stoudemires 61-yard punt return. Steele made it 7-7 at 3:06 with his 19-yard TD run. Winnipeg took its opening possession 63 yards on six plays, with Willy hitting Watson with an eight--yard scoring strike at 6:06 of the first. ' ' '

The Toronto Maple Leafs continued to trim their roster Monday, assigning forwards Petri Kontiola and Sam Carrick as well as defenceman Petter Granberg and goaltender Antoine Bibeau to the Toronto Marlies of the American Hockey League. The Leafs also placed forward Troy Bodie on waivers for the purpose of assigning him to the minors. Kontiola signed a $1.1 million contract with the Leafs in July. The Finnish centre had to pay 20 million Russian rubles -- roughly $620,297 Canadian -- to get out of the final season of his KHL deal. Kontiola, 29, spent the last five seasons in the Kontinental Hockey League. Before that he played 12 games for the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2007-08 season, recording five assists. He helped Finland win a bronze medal at the Sochi Olympics with five points in six games. Granberg and Carrick were selected in the fourth round and fifth round of the 2010 NHL Draft, respectively. Bodie played in 47 games with the Maple Leafs last season, scoring three goals and 10 points. Non-roster players Frederik Gauthier and Rinat Valiev were both sent back to their CHL clubs to rehab injuries. Gauthier has a rib injury, while Valiev suffered a knee injury. Gauthier was the Leafs first-round pick in 2013. The Leafs roster currently stands at 29 players. Air Max 98 Scontate .The league also seems to have a fairly active Twitter account www.twitter.com/bikinihockey that features the description “We provide a positive alternative to the hockey community and a venue for adult female hockey athletes to continue in their sport. Air Max 720 Italia . Lack made 20 saves for his third shutout of the season as the Canucks blanked the St. Louis Blues 1-0 in the first post-Olympic game for both teams night. http://www.airmaxscarpescontate.it/scarpe-air-max-270-prezzo-basso.html .C. -- Authorities say the brother of Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White has been shot and killed outside a South Carolina nightclub. Nike Air Max Vendita Online . The Brazilian-born strikers brace drew him level with Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo as the leagues leading scorers with 17 goals apiece through 16 rounds. "The important thing is to help the team win, not the goals," Diego Costa said. After a first half dominated by defence, Atletico pressed Valencia into its area and Diego Costa did the rest. Air Max 720 Saldi . Englands only win in the four most recent trips north had been tight, and Scotland was expected after losing 28-6 to Ireland six days ago to show some venom against its archrival.The Washington Capitals are enjoying their best stretch of the season, but most of that success has come on the road. Success is not a word theyve been able to use regarding recent matchups with the Ottawa Senators. The Capitals will try to take advantage of their only home game in a two-week span and end a seven-game skid against the Senators tonight. Viewers in the Senators region can watch the game on TSN5 at 7pm et/8pm at, or you can listen live on TSN Radio 1200 Ottawa. Ottawa (14-13-6) was unable to win a third straight game, falling 4-1 at Montreal on Saturday after setting a season high in goals in a 6-2 victory over league-leading Anaheim one night earlier. The loss dropped the Senators to 3-2-1 since Dave Cameron replaced Paul MacLean as head coach. I thought the compete level was really good and we worked hard in a good building against a good team, Cameron said. That gave us a chance, we just werent able to pull it out. After Robin Lehner got the start Saturday, Craig Anderson figures to be back in net for this game. Anderson has been among the biggest keys behind Ottawas win streak against Washington, winning all seven starts with a 1.57 GAA. Defenseman Erik Karlsson has two goals and 10 assists during an eight-game point streak in the series. Washington extended its season-best points streak to eight games (6-0-2) Saturday with a strong all-around performance in New Jersey. Braden Holtby needed to stop only 21 shots and Nicklas Backstrom had two goals and an assist in a 4-0 victory. Holtby has been in net for each of the last eight games, posting a 1.84 goals-against average. Hes had plenty of help from his teammates, facing an average of 25.4 shots in the past five games. I think were doing what weve wanted to do all season, but were now finding a way to do it consistently, Holtby said. Were using our speed and size to our advantage. There arent a lot of teamms who can match up with us there.dddddddddddd We now know its our strength. Saturdays win improved the Capitals to 5-0-1 on the road during their eight-game streak. Their 10 road wins ties them with New York Islanders for the most in the Eastern Conference. Conversely, Washington (16-10-6) has won six of 15 home games (6-5-4), with only New Jersey (four) owning fewer home victories in the East. Weve got to be good at home, coach Barry Trotz told the teams official website. Our fans deserve that. Whatever it is, we need their energy and weve got to give them some energy and play well at home and establish the home turf. This is the Capitals only home contest in a seven-game span before they host Chicago at Nationals Park in the Winter Classic on New Years Day. Perhaps the best news for Washington is the recent play of Alex Ovechkin, who scored a highlight-reel goal Saturday. Though he only has three goals and six points during the 6-0-2 surge, the superstar forward has five or more shots in a season-high five consecutive games. Hes had a couple of games when he hasnt scored and you look at the scoresheet and hes got seven or eight shots, good looks too, Trotz said. Ive never seen a guy hit the post so much. I swear hes hit 15 or 20 goal posts this year. Ovechkin, like the rest of his teammates, hasnt had much success against the Senators lately. The Capitals have lost the last seven meetings, scoring one goal or none in four of the last five. Ovechkin has played in five of those losses, totaling two points with a minus-five. Game Notes: OTT was 3-0-0 vs WSH last season OTT has won 7 straight vs WSH Washington: 6-0-2 past 8 games, outscoring opponent 27-15, 18/21 on PK 15-1-2 when scoring first Green (1G, 2A) past 2 games Ottawa: dropped last game, have not lost back to back past 7 games 2-1-1 past 4 road games, 2/13 on PP Karlsson (3A) past 3 games ' ' '