CHICAGO -- Yadier Molina had a simple goal for his ninth-inning at-bat with the bases loaded and the score tied on Sunday. "I was looking not to strike out," he said. After fouling off some tough two-strike pitches, Molina hit a ground-ball single up the middle to drive in two runs and the St. Louis Cardinals snapped out of an offensive funk with a 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs. "I got a little lucky that they were playing me to pull," Molina said. "It was a good at-bat. I was able to put the ball in play and good things happened." The defending National League champions had lost four of five to fall a game below .500. The Cardinals scored all their runs with two outs. Molina, moved into the No. 2 spot to jump start the lineup, was 0 for 4 before coming through in the ninth. But it was a wild pitch in the seventh inning that allowed the Cubs to tie the score at 3 that had Molina more frustrated. The pitch from reliever Carlos Martinez was in the dirt and trickled through Molinas legs, allowing Luis Valbuena to score. "I was there," Molina said. "I dont know. Its one of those things. I was ready for it and the ball still goes through my legs." Kevin Siegrist (1-1) got the win in relief, while Trevor Rosenthal picked up his eighth save in as many opportunities despite a scare in the ninth inning. Hector Randon (0-1) took the loss for the Cubs, who were attempting to win four straight games for the first time since July. While Cardinals manager Mike Matheny had looked for Molina, one of his hottest hitters, to get the offence going, it was a couple of struggling batters at the bottom of the lineup that got things started early. With two outs in the second inning and Jhonny Peralta on first base, Randal Grichuk drilled a triple into the right-centre field gap for a 1-0 lead. Mark Ellis, who went 3 for 4, followed with a double to left-centre to make it 2-0. Both Grichuk (.167) and Ellis (.143) entered hitting well below .200. St. Louis stretched the lead to 3-0 in the third as Matt Adams doubled home Matt Holiday. The Cubs pulled within 3-2 in the fourth with some clutch two-out hitting. With one out, Ryan Kalish singled and John Baker walked. After a groundout moved the runners to second and third, Cubs starter Jason Hammel singled to right to drive in both. Molinas go-ahead single to centre came on the sixth pitch of the at-bat from Randon. "I thought I made a good pitch today, but something happened," Randon said. Molina seemed more relieved that the wild pitch wasnt a factor than he drove in the game-deciding runs. "(Molina) does a good job of not wearing his emotions and how frustrating that is for him," Matheny said. "Its hard to count the number of balls he keeps in front of him, the number of runs he saves. Its something we dont take for granted." Valbuena doubled in a run with two outs in the ninth to make it 5-4, but Rosenthal got Anthony Rizzo to ground out to end the game. "Guys kept grinding it out," Cubs manager Rick Renteria said. "We just fell a little short." NOTES: The ESPN broadcast team of Dan Shulman and John Kruk worked from the bleachers. ... While making a rehab start Sunday with Double A Springfield, LHP Jaime Garcia (shoulder) was hit by a pitch on the left elbow and left after two innings and 28 pitches. "I think they went in and took precautionary X-rays," Matheny said. "I havent heard anything back yet." ... In the same game, RHP Jason Motte threw a scoreless inning, striking out three, in his first rehab outing. ... Rizzo entered with a .429 on-base percentage, which was fifth-best in the National League. ... The Cards open a series in Atlanta on Monday, with RHP Shelby Miller (3-2) facing RHP Aaron Harang, while the Cubs host the crosstown White Sox with RHP Jeff Samardzija (0-3) going up against LHP Jose Quintana (1-2). Kobe Bryant Shoes From China . Perhaps as important, shes sending a message to 17-year-old gold medal favourite Sara Takanashi of Japan. Iraschko-Stolz relegated Takanashi, who has 10 World Cup victories this season, to second place in two of three training jumps Saturday. Kobe Bryant Shoes Deals . "Weve given ourselves now a tougher task," said Carlyle after the Friday practice, the Toronto head coach notably chipper and upbeat throughout. "But the bottom line is we just have to win our share of games [and] not worry about what anybody else is doing. https://www.cheapkobebryantshoes.com/. Wade is posting a short film on his website next week, with a sneak preview scheduled to come out Wednesday. Kobe Bryant Shoes Free Shipping . Kadri was dressed in a green jersey at Thursdays practice and skated as an extra forward on the teams fourth line as the Leafs. Kobe Bryant Shoes For Sale . Ted Ligety, Mikaela Shiffrin, Bode Miller and Tim Jitloff underlined the squads enormous potential on the Rettenbach glacier in Austria.LONDON - Former champion Maria Sharapova saved six match points before falling to Angelique Kerber in the fourth round at Wimbledon on Tuesday, ending her bid to win a second title at the All England Club a decade after her first. Five-time champion Serena Williams, meanwhile, struggled to even hit the ball over the net in a doubles match with sister Venus and pulled out after only three games with what officials called a viral illness. Sharapova, a five-time major champion, saved one match point at 5-2 down in the third set and five more in the final game before hitting a backhand long on the seventh. That gave the ninth-seeded Kerber a stirring 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-4 win on Centre Court in a match that lasted 2 hours, 37 minutes. "Its unbelievable," said the German, a semifinalist two years ago. "It was so tough (a) match. Every single set was so close. Marias a great player. I was just fighting, concentrating and focusing on myself. Im so happy to be in the quarters now." Kerber will next face 20-year-old Canadian star Eugenie Bouchard, the only woman to reach the semifinals this year at both the Australian Open and French Open. Bouchard beat Kerber in the fourth round at the French. Sharapova, who won her first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of 17, was coming off her latest major championship at the French Open last month. "Its absolutely normal for people to have high expectations of me doing well in Grand Slam stages," Sharapova said. "I certainly do, as well. Today could have gone either way, and it didnt go my way." On a day when seven-time mens champion Roger Federer sailed into the quarterfinals, Serena was out of sorts from the moment the pre-match warmup began. She had trouble collecting tennis balls from the ball kids and missed completely on some practice strokes. The start of the second-round doubles against Kristina Barrois and Stefanie Voegele was put off for about 10 minutes while Serena sat in her chair and was examined by medical staff. In the third game, Serena hit four double-faults. She hit serves that bounced before reaching the net. Umpire Kader Nouni climbed down from his chair and walked over to speak to Serena. Thee sisters walked to the sideline holding hands, and the match was stopped.dddddddddddd Serena wiped away tears as she left the court. The Wimbledon referees office and WTA said Serena had a viral illness. She left the grounds a few hours later in a tournament car with Venus. While Sharapova sought to dictate play with her big-swinging groundstrokes, Kerber played counter-attacking tennis and went for her shots when the opportunities came. The match featured high tension and intensity. Sharapovas shrieks grew louder and louder as the match wore on. Kerber went up 4-1 and saved two break points to lead 5-2 in the final set. She held a match point on Sharapovas serve, but the Russian hit a deep backhand that she couldnt handle. With Kerber serving for the match in the next game, Sharapova broke for 5-4. Then Kerber went up 0-40 on Sharapovas serve, but the Russian erased those three match points. Two more came and went. Sharapova twice earned game points but couldnt convert. Finally, on the sixth match point of the game, it ended with Sharapovas backhand error. Federer kept up his bid for a record eighth Wimbledon title by beating Tommy Robredo to reach the quarterfinals for the 12th time. Federer, who has not dropped a set in the tournament, overwhelmed the Spaniard 6-1, 6-1, 6-4 in just over 90 minutes. "All the things are happening that need to be happening to go deep in this tournament again," he said. Federers win set up an all-Swiss duel with Australian Open champion Stan Wawrinka, who beat Feliciano Lopez 7-6 (5), 7-6 (7), 6-3 to make it to the quarterfinals for the first time. Eighth-seeded Milos Raonic became the first Canadian man to reach the Wimbledon quarterfinals since Robert Powell in 1912, beating No. 10 Kei Nishikori of Japan 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (4) 6-3. The first woman into the semifinals was No. 23 Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic, who beat Ekaterina Makarova of Russia, 6-3 6-1. French Open runner-up Simona Halep breezed into the quarterfinals with a 6-3, 6-0 win over Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan. Her next opponent will be 2013 finalist Sabine Lisicki of Germany, who overcame shoulder trouble to defeat Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. ___ ' ' '

CHICAGO -- The Blackhawks top line of Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp and Marian Hossa is proving to be quite a challenge for the rest of the NHL these days. Just ask the Winnipeg Jets. Toews scored in the first period and Sharp had a goal and an assist, leading the Blackhawks to a 4-1 victory over the Jets on Wednesday night. "Weve had a couple games where we didnt click as much as we want to, but I think we got back to where we support each other, being in the right areas, and you saw the chances we got," Toews said. "The more we do that, the more chances we get to score." Fellow Winnipeg native Duncan Keith added two assists in Chicagos fourth win in five games. Patrick Kane scored in the final seconds of the first period and Brandon Pirri added his third of the season on a breakaway in the second. Sharp also scored in his hometown of Winnipeg during Saturdays 5-1 win. Toews is tied with Kane for the team lead with 14 points, and Sharp has three multipoint games this season. "Three players that want to hold onto the puck and make plays," Sharp said, explaining the recent success of his line. "You dont see anybody trying to beat people 1-on-1. Its getting goals by moving the puck back and forth, and all three guys like to score." Winnipeg forward Michael Frolik received a standing ovation when he was recognized during a break in the first period in his first game in Chicago since he helped the Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup in June. Frolik, who played a pivotal role on Chicagos penalty-kill unit last season, was traded to the Jets for draft picks at the beginning of the off-season. Frolik stood in front of the Winnipeg bench and waved as the crowd cheered after the Blackhawks showed some of his highlights from his time in Chicago. "It was awesome. The fans are great here," Frolik said. "Theyre one of the best in the league and I really appreciate what they did. Its something very special and will never forget it." With the game in hand with 6:22 left in the third, Blackhawks forward Brandon Bollig got a big cheer from the sellout crowd when he drove Jets defenceman Adam Pardy through a glass panel in Winnipegs end of the ice. Pardy then was leaning over the boards and into the crowd when a fan took his helmet off and put it on. A woman also dumped her beer on Pardy before the officials were able to break up the scrum. "I dont know what happened to my stick, either. It got lost in the crowd somewhere, too," Pardy said. "Just a little insult to the injury, I guess. It was a tough night for all of us. "It was tough enough to get put through the glass, but then to get a beer thrown on my head, too, it wasnt a good thing." Devin Setoguchi scored his third goal for the Jets in the third period of his 400th career game. Al Montoya had 24 stops in his second career game in his native Chicago. The Blackhawks grabbed control at the end of the first, jumping ahead 2-0 in a span of 2:25 while bouncing back from Sundays 3-2 overtime loss to Calgary. Toews provided a spark when he set up Kane with a nice spinning pass on a 2-on-1. Kane was stopped by Montoya, but Toews skated around to the front of the net, got a pass from Sharp and stuffed it home at 17:29. Kane then skated through much of Winnipegs end before beating Montoya with a wrist shot for his team-best ninth goal of the season with 6 seconds left in the first. Kane also had a dizzying skating stretch in the second that led to a tripping penalty on Jets forward Eric Tangradi. "He had a couple of shifts when he was putting on a show," Toews said. "That was old-fashioned Kaner there. When he gets it going -- I think that one play when he drew the penalty, it was pretty fun to watch." Sharp made it 4-0 when he beat Montoya on the glove side at 4:00 in the third period. Crawford was working on his first shutout of the season before Setoguchi scored on a rebound at 8:40 of the third. Former Blackhawks defenceman Dustin Byfuglien got an assist on the play. "I thought the game was pretty much what we anticipated," Winnipeg coach Claude Noel said. "Thats a team that can really hurt you, and we made some of the mistakes we made the previous time we played these guys." NOTES: Jets LW Evander Kane missed his second straight game with an unspecified injury. D Zach Redmond also was scratched. ... Fs Michal Handzus, Jeremy Morin and Brad Mills were scratched for the Blackhawks. Handzus has missed six straight games with an upper-body injury. ... It was Winnipegs first game in Chicago since a 4-3 loss to the Blackhawks on Oct. 13, 2011. Fake Jerseys Online . He had spent 16 days on the disabled list before being activated Thursday. He was batting just .203 when he came to bat in the 11th inning on Sunday. Wholesale Fake Jerseys . -- Patrick Kueng of Switzerland was nearly flawless as he captured his first World Cup and halted Aksel Lund Svindals streak of four straight super-G victories on Saturday. https://www.fakejersey.com/. Head coach Randy Carlyle confirmed the news after the Leafs morning skate on Monday. Kozun was hurt during Friday nights home game against the Red Wings and did not make the return trip to Detroit for Saturdays game. Fake Jerseys For Sale .com) - Real Madrid claimed its 16th consecutive victory across all competitions on Saturday after earning a 2-1 win over Malaga at the Estadio La Rosaleda. Fake Jerseys . Tony Parker had 33 points and nine assists and San Antonio never trailed in a resounding 116-92 victory over Portland, bullying the younger Trail Blazers in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.NEWARK, N.J. -- Jaromir Jagr has moved into some rarefied company with a deft scoring touch over 20 NHL seasons. Rookie Reid Boucher is impressing people with his ability to find the net. Jagrs 693rd career goal was his 122nd game-winner, passing Gordie Howe for most in NHL history, and the New Jersey Devils beat the Ottawa Senators 5-2 Wednesday night. Jagr also moved past Steve Yzerman and into sole possession of eighth place on the NHL goals list, one behind Mark Messier. The 41-year-old Jagrs first power-play goal of the season was his team-leading 12th. "Its an unbelievable feat, especially with the names on the list hes around and passing," Devils coach Pete DeBoer said. "Its an unbelievable accomplishment." Boucher netted his first in the NHL and Stephen Gionta scored a short-handed goal during his first shift for the Devils (14-15-6) after an 11-game absence because of an ankle injury. Damien Brunner scored in the second and Eric Gelinas tallied in the third for New Jersey. "He has instincts you cant teach," DeBoer said of Boucher. "I like a lot of things about him. He creates." Jagr made it 3-0 at 2:08 of the second period on the power play. Andy Greene had the puck against the boards when he slipped it out to Travis Zajac, who quickly fed Jagr in front for a shot into the far side of the net. Ottawas players called a closed-door meeting after the game. "Totally frustrated with our lack to string together another win," Ottawa captain Jason Spezza said. "We gave up a short-handed goal. Your power play is supposed to gain momentum for you. We gave up another pretty quick. Its tough to come back on the road, especially against a team like New Jersey." Martin Brodeur won his 10th game of the year by making 23 saves against Ottawa (14-16-6). Brunner scored a brilliant goal at 19:32 of the second to make it 4-1 for the Devils. The winger stripped Ottawa defenceman Jared Cowen of both the puck and his stick, then started left, deked right and came back left to slide the puck past Senator goalie Robin Lehner for his eighth goal.dddddddddddd "It might have looked like a slash, but he lets his stick go pretty easy," Bruner said. "I scored before like that, but not in the NHL. Its just instincts in front of the net and Im lucky it went in." On the final play of the second period, Ottawas Clark MacArthur was assessed a double-minor for boarding and roughing, giving the Devils a four-minute power play to start the third. MacArthur tried to draw Anton Volchenkov into a fight, but he resisted, straight-arming MacArthur to keep him away. The second period featured two sparkling saves by Brodeur, the first a glove save on a point-blank shot by Colin Greening and then another on a shot by Kyle Turris that he managed to cradle with his elbow and chest. Gionta made an immediate impact upon his return, scoring his first goal of the season in his first shift in the opening period. Volchenkov passed the puck to Adam Henrique for a 2-on-1 break. Henrique sent the puck to his right, where Gionta met it at the right circle for a shot that beat Lehner just 2:02 into the action. Boucher drew cheers of "Bou-cher!" when he scored his first goal at 12:08 of the first period to make it 2-0. Gelinas, a fellow rookie, blasted a slap shot that bounced off the boards to the right of the net and rebounded in front, where Boucher scooped it in. Ottawa got one back on a power play at 5:30 of the second when Greening redirected a slap shot by Eric Karlsson, which lifted up and over the shoulder of a screened Brodeur. Milan Michalek scored for Ottawa at 8:35 of the third, but Gelinas responded when he put in a shot off a pass from behind by Brunner at 9:20. NOTES: Gionta scored the first short-handed goal for New Jersey in 23 games. Henrique scored the previous short-handed goal on Oct. 29 vs. Tampa Bay . Gelinas picked up his 11th assist. He had come in tied for first in assists among NHL rookie defencemen. . Milan Michaleks power-play goal in the third period gave him eight goals in 15 games vs. the Devils. ' ' '

Here are some of the photos that have been released so far: Larry Fitzgerald – Football (Richard Phibbs/ESPN) Venus Williams – Tennis (Williams+Hirakawa/ESPN) Michael Phelps – Swimming (Carlos Serrao/ESPN) Jamie Anderson – Snowboarding (Peggy Sirota/ESPN) Marshawn Lynch – Football (Carlos Serrao/ESPN) Megan Rapinoe – Soccer (Peter Hapak/ESPN) Serge Ibaka – Basketball (Peter Hapak/ESPN) Travis and Lyn-Z Pastrana – X-Games (Martin Schoeller/ESPN) Bernard Hopkins – Boxing (Max Vandukul/ESPN) Then again I guess not everyone thinks Prince looks like athletic royalty: "@BleacherNation Prince Fielder is in ESPNs body issue this year. pic.twitter.com/K1KW1arozM” no wonder he has a bad back. — Mike Modano (@9modano) July 8, 2014 China Shoes Nike . A little more than one year after missing a last-second tip-in that would have given the Wolverines a share of the Big Ten regular-season title, the 6-foot-8 forward scored on a layup with 7. Cheap Shoes From China . Austin does not believe the game-time temperature is going to be an advantage for either side heading into the Grey Cup. "We dont think about (the cold)," said Austin. "Im not even sure how you would determine an advantage. https://www.chinashoesshop.com/. Anderson shook off some unusually poor shooting and hit two clutch 3-pointers in overtime that carried the New Orleans Pelicans to a 111-106 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night. China Shoes Free Shipping . 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. China Shoes Cheap . A knee to the thigh might have stung him the most, but his sixth straight double-double made up for the brief burst of pain.LAKE LOUISE, Alta. -- A woman can sweep the World Cup ski races at Lake Louise, Alta., yet again, but its not Lindsey Vonn on the cusp of a hat trick this time. Maria Hoefl-Riesch of Germany won her second downhill in as many days with Saturdays victory at the Alberta resort. The 29-year-old from Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a contender to win Sundays super-G, although downhill is more her strength. "Im not as strong in super-G as I am in downhill, but the two races gave me lots of confidence," Hoefl-Riesch said. Vonn won all three races at Lake Louise in 2011 and 2012 and owns a record 14 victories at the venue. The U.S. ski star finished 11th Saturday, but felt she took a step forward from Fridays downhill when she finished 40th. Prior to her arrival, Vonn hadnt raced since crashing and suffering a severe right knee injury at the world championship in February. "I was more aggressive and just more confident and comfortable," the Olympic womens downhill champion said. "My whole body language was different. I still made mistakes and it wasnt my best skiing, but its a long ways from where I was yesterday." Hoefl-Rieschs time of one minute 55.09 seconds was over a second faster than in her first win. Tina Weirather of Liechtenstein was second in 1:55.43 and Austrias Anna Fenninger third in 1:55.56. Larisa Yurkiw of Owen Sound, Ont., was 26th after a career-best seventh in the first downhill Friday. "I think because I had such a rocking day yesterday, I was almost a little bit depleted," Yurkiw said. "I wanted it pretty bad and I had intensity in places I didnt necessarily need it. "Anyone would want to repeat a performance like yesterday in front of a home crowd. Im still really pleased with the way the momentum is going." Conditions were clear and sunny, but bitterly cold for a second straight day with a temperature of minus-28. FIS, the world governing body of skiing, doesnt set a minimum temperature for races. The decision rests with the race jury made up of the a FIS delegate, race referee and assistant referee and chief of race. The women wore masks or covered exposed parts of their faces with brightly coloured tape to protect themselves from frostbite as they rocketed down the mountain. Five of Hoefl-Rieschs 26 career wins have come at Lake Louise. She took both downhills in 2010 with Vonn finishinng second.dddddddddddd But Vonn beat Hoefl-Riesch in the super-G that year to kick off a run of seven straight wins. The women dont get training runs for super-G, which is shorter than downhill but has more turns. They get a single course inspection the morning of the race. "I will try to inspect very well and I hope my coaches will tell me a really good line," Hoefl-Riesch said. "Super-G is always a big challenge to be fast because sometimes you cant really know how fast you get to the rolls and turns. "Thats the art of super-G, to make a very good first run and I will try this tomorrow." The six-foot-two German felt short on speed training heading into the World Cup season. She concentrated more on slalom and giant slalom in preparation for World Cups in Soelden, Austria and Levi, Finland. Hoefl-Riesch is the reigning Olympic champion in slalom. She finished seventh in downhill and eighth in super-G in Beaver Creek, Colo., last week. "With less downhill and super-G training, I was having some troubles there," Hoefl-Riesch said. "Thats why I love Lake Louise. I think its a perfect downhill to begin the season especially when you dont have the chance for so much training. "Im really happy I had a strong comeback here with two wins." Weirather was disqualified from fifth place Friday for wearing a plastic arm protector on the outside of her suit, instead of on the inside. "I had a really bad day yesterday," Weirather said. "I was skiing well and then I got disqualified so I had some anger in myself. I tried to take it into the start house and put it into my skiing today and it worked really well." Vonn tore two ligaments in her knee and broke a bone in her lower leg at the world championships. Her comeback was on track until she partially tore a reconstructed ligament while training in Colorado last month. The 29-year-old needs surgery again, but wants to postpone it until after the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Lake Louise is a first test of how a knee that is not completely healthy will stand up to racing this winter. Vonn wasnt sure how many World Cups shell compete in this season. "My focus is Sochi and however I can come into the those Olympics the most prepared is what Im going to do," Vonn said. "Im trying to save my knee as best I can." ' ' '

MONTREAL - After last years roaring success, playing more pre-season games in Montreal was an easy choice for the Toronto Blue Jays.The ball club and co-promoter Evenko announced Tuesday that Joey Votto and the Cincinnati Reds will face the Blue Jays in exhibition games April 3-4 at Olympic Stadium.Toronto hopes to duplicate the frenzy last year when 96,350 fans turned out to see the Blue Jays sweep a pair of exhibition games from the New York Mets, although the turnout was spurred mostly by the fans wish to bring Major League Baseball back to Montreal.The fans of Montreal, the way they welcomed us, it was a no brainer for us to come back here again this year, Blue Jays president and CEO Paul Beeston said at a news conference. I dont think we could ever have expected what we received last year.There was an atmosphere in there you cant describe. I said to the commissioner You had to be there and feel it. It may not be a World Series game, but it certainly had the feel of a playoff game.General manager Alex Anthopoulos said he hopes to play at the Big O every year until Montreal lands its own team.The event will include tributes to former Blue Jays star Roberto Alomar and manager Cito Gaston as well as Tony Perez, who starred for the Reds and the Expos.Turning out in large numbers is viewed as a means to show the city is ready to have a team again. The Montreal Expos, who played in the National League from 1969 to 2004, moved to Washington to become the Nationals.It would require finding an owner and a building a new stadium, likely at public expense, but Mayor Denis Coderre backs the idea and there is an organization called the Montreal Baseball Project led by former Expo Warren Cromartie working on building support and trying to land a franchise.Beeston said the Blue Jays would welcome a rival in Montreal. Moreso if they played in the same division in the AL.It would be the best that could happen, he said. Hockey (is) six games a year, that would be 18, it would be a weekend.And now, with interleague play, its not like you can say we need the two leagues represented in the country. It would just make it more exciting. I would endorse that in a heartbeat.Reports said the Tampa Bay Rays, who play in Torontos division, may be looking to move if they dont get a new downtown stadium, but Beeston was not about to endorse the relocation of any team.Theyve had a lot of success on the field and maybe, with a new stadium in a new location, the game can grow there, he said.Coderre said Montreal will make an action plan to help land a team. We need to send a clear message, he said. Everyone has to do their part for baseball.The Blue Jays had several requests from teams interested in being their opponents at the Big O. Beeston said the Votto factor was part of the decision to play the Reds. Votto, a Toronto native, was National League MVP in 2010.The games will be Torontos last before their regular-season opener on April 6 against the Yankees in New York. Instead of playing before a few thousand fans at a spring training game, they expect a boisterous throng in the domed Big O.But rather than seeing it as a distraction, Anthopoulos calls it an ideal tune-up for the regular season.You cant ask for anything better, he said. Thats why so many clubs reached out to us.The game was watched across the league. It was an event. Olympic Stadium, packed house. In spring training games, you dont have that type of environment. It was a great way to get your team ready.Anthopoulos said the Blue Jays plan to be aggressive in the free agent and trade markets in the off-season, but did not get into the specifics of his plans.We think were very close, he said. We were in first place last year for quite a while. We were eliminated with for or five games to go. We just need that one little push to get us over the top.Im as excited about this off-season as Ive been. Vapormax Plus Ale . In the days leading up to the draft, TSN.ca and TSN Radio basketball analyst Duane Watson looks at some of the names that will be headlining the event. Tonight, Michigans Nik Stauskas of Mississauga, Ontario. Nike Vapormax Tukku .com) - Wimbledon runner-up Eugenie Bouchard notched a win, while second-seeded two-time champion Ana Ivanovic, third- seeded Australian Open runner-up Dominika Cibulkova and fifth seed Sabine Lisicki all exited the draw at the Generali Ladies Linz tennis event. http://www.vapormaxsuomi.com/.ca NHL Power Rankings, ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks, St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks. Moving up, from 10 to seven this week, the Pittsburgh Penguins have won seven straight despite a depleted lineup. Vapormax 2020 . Toronto (11-12) gave up leads in 10-8 and 11-4 losses to the Baltimore Orioles this week. It was never close Friday as the Boston Red Sox got to Mark Buehrle early en route to an 8-1 win. Vapormax Flyknit 3 Suomi . But that changed when he committed a five-minute major penalty and helped pave the way for a comeback by the Philadelphia Flyers. Vincent Lecavalier scored at 2:45 of overtime and the Flyers rallied from a two-goal deficit for a 5-4 victory on Sunday.DUNEDIN, Florida - Blue Jays players assembled Monday afternoon for their annual spring meeting with the Players Association, the first gathering chaired by new executive director Tony Clark. Just as the meeting was beginning, Major League Baseball unveiled Rule 7.13, an experimental rule for the 2014 season aimed at eliminating what the league calls “egregious” runner/catcher collisions at home plate. See a full explanation of the rule here: http://tinyurl.com/l4zaqo5 Here is a link to a play at the plate last season, involving Phillies base runner Chase Utley and former Cubs catcher Dioner Navarro, now with the Blue Jays. Watch the clip, keeping in mind the new rule didnt exist, and guess based on the new rule whether Utley would be safe or out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0Qe310Bn4g Assembled media, waiting for Clark to emerge from his seminar with the Jays, couldnt agree on the call. Some saw fault with Utley for initiating contact with Navarro. Others believed Utley would be called safe because Navarro blocked the pathway of the runner to the plate prior to receiving the baseball. If you think Utley is safe, based on the new rule, Clark agrees with you. “My guess is, according to the rule, (Navarro) cant be sitting on the plate without the ball,” said Clark. “Its one thing to catch it and then move and block the baseline. Its another thing to block the baseline and not having the ball.” Blue Jays catchers hadnt seen the new rule as of Mondays availability and had plenty of questions, including the wisdom of asking an umpire to make a split-second determination about more than whether a runner is safe or out. “I think its tough to make that out/safe call at home and theyre always trying to get good positioning,” said Erik Kratz. “Now, is their positioning going to have to change? Are they going to have to talk about that? Are they going to have to look at the runner as hes running, ‘I saw the runners eyes, he was looking at the catcher. You did? What about the ball? What about the catchers eyes? Did he have his fist clenched?” “Im going to do you one better,” said Clark. “During a play on the field you may also have a rotation component here where youve got the home plate umpire running to third and the first base umpire running to home. Its a tough enough play as it is as hes running to try and call a close play but now youre also talking about trying to determine intent and where guys are positioned. Its difficult.” Many other nuances were discussed, which is why, according to Clark, the rule has been made public and is being explained to players only two days before Grapefruit League play is scheduled to begin. A Major League Baseball representative and an umpire will be visiting all 30 teams during spring training to further explain the rule. Manager John Gibbons has met with MLB Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Joe Torre and his right-hand man, Tony La Russa. The intent of the rule is to make close plays at the plate safer for both the catcher and the runner. A catcher in his playing days, Gibbons is skeptical. “I dont know about that,” said Gibbons. “I think when you start trying to mess with the game too much, I mean, youre going to run into problems. Its a big part of the game. The game on the line, thats the winning run or something, guys are trying to stop that run. Instinct tells them to do one thing. But if thats the rule then we live with that. Nothing we can do about that.” Clark of Free Agency Ervin Santana and Stephen Drew are two high-profile free agents whove yet to find work, in large part because there is draft pick compensation tied to their next contracts.dddddddddddd “As a union its our responsibility to make sure that player rights are defended, protected and advanced,” said Clark. When asked over the course of the winter about the Blue Jays interest in select free agents, general manager Alex Anthopoulos repeatedly opined that market prices were too high and that the club was willing to wait for player demands to come down. Clark, speaking in general terms, not specifically about Anthopoulos or the Blue Jays, says the union will review the offseasons free agency activity. “If the free agent market as a whole is being manipulated on some level and we have an opportunity to reflect on this offseason, comments that were made, where those comments came from and how they may have affected the free agent market then it is a conversation were going to have going forward to make sure the integrity of the Collective Bargaining Agreement is upheld and that we dont find ourselves in a place where certain information is lending itself to certain understandings and appreciations publicly with respect to free agents,” said Clark. Clark on A-Rod Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez wont play in 2014, suspended for his role in the Biogenesis performance enhancing drug scandal. Rodriguez has since dropped a lawsuit which named, among others, the Major League Baseball Players Association. Clark says if A-Rod is playing in 2015, hell be welcomed back into the union he briefly considered taking to court. “Over the course of 140 years there have been, I believe, a little less than 20-thousand players who have ever worn a major league uniform for one day,” said Clark. “If you have worn a major league uniform for one day then you are part of that fraternity. There are guys that make decisions that guys dont appreciate, that guys dont like, but after Alex serves his suspension he will come back as a member of that fraternity and we expect to see him in 2015.” Clark on an openly gay player Jason Collins is back in the NBA, making history on Sunday night as the first openly gay athlete in the leagues history. Michael Sam appears poised to become the first openly gay player in the NFL. Is baseball ready for such a scenario? “I dont see it being an issue,” said Clark. “Our locker rooms are more diverse than most and as youve heard with a lot of the leagues, whether its the NFL or any other place, inevitably its going to come down to can you help us win ballgames?” Pitching Schedule Manager John Gibbons has drawn up his pitching schedule for the first five Grapefruit League games. Here it is: Wednesday at Phillies: J.A. Happ (2 innings,) Todd Redmond (2,) Kyle Drabek (1-2,) Chad Jenkins (1,) Neil Wagner (1,) Mickey Storey (1.) Thursday vs. Phillies: R.A. Dickey (2,) Esmil Rogers (1,) Dustin McGowan (1,) Brett Cecil (1,) Aaron Loup (1,) Jeremy Jeffress (1,) Rob Rasmussen (1,) Marcus Walden (1.) Friday vs. Pirates: Mark Buehrle (1-2,) Brandon Morrow (1-2,) Steve Delabar (1,) Sergio Santos (1,) Liam Hendriks (1,) Sean Nolin (1,) Aaron Sanchez (1,) Juan Perez (1.) Saturday at Orioles: Drew Hutchison (2,) Ricky Romero (1-2,) Marcus Stroman (2,) Tomo Ohka (1-2,) Deck McGuire (1-2,) Mickey Storey (1.) Sunday vs. Yankees: Esmil Rogers (2,) Todd Redmond (1-2,) Brett Cecil (1,) Aaron Loup (1,) Jeremy Jeffress (1,) Chad Jenkins (1,) Neil Wagner (1,) Casey Janssen (1.) NOTE: Brandon Morrow experienced tightness in his calf on Monday. Gibbons says there is no concern the injury is serious and the plan is for Morrow to pitch on Friday. ' ' '

SAN FRANCISCO -- The San Francisco 49ers are keeping another key member of their ball-hawking defence for the long haul. The reigning NFC champions have signed cornerback Tramaine Brock to a $16 million, four-year contract extension that takes him through the 2017 season. The deal includes $7 million in guaranteed money. The Niners (6-4) announced the deal late Friday, and Brock is expected to move into the starting lineup for Monday nights game at Washington in place of the injured Tarell Brown. It would be the second career start for Brock after he also started against Houston on Oct. 6. Brock has shined in an increased role this season, making a team-leading four interceptions to go with 18 tackles. "Tramaine is a great example of what hard work and dedication can lead to," 49ers general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement. "He has taken advantage of his opportunities since signing with our team as an undrafted free agent in 2010 and has certainly earned this extension. Extending the contracts of our young and talented players has always been, and will continue to be, one of our primary goals." He had 16 tackles and a forced fumble last season and shared the team lead with 15 tackles on special teams. His primary role was a special-teams standout until he has recently received more responsibility in the secondary. The 25-year-old Brock made two interceptions in 11 games in 2011. He signed a one-year tender in April for this season. Baalke and coach Jim Harbaugh have worked to retain their talented young players for the long haul, something they feel is essential to sustaining the franchises recent success. The 49ers talented linebacking corps of NaVorro Bowman, Patrick Willis, Ahmad Brooks and Aldon Smith are signed long-term. Last November, Bowman received a five-year contract extension through the 2018 season, Willis is signed through 2016, Brooks through 2017 and Smith through 2015. Cornerback Carlos Rogers received a $31.3 million, four-year contract in March 2012. With Brock now signed for the immediate future, the 49ers can allow Chris Culliver -- the teams No. 3 cornerback last season -- plenty of time to recover from a season-ending knee injury suffered in August during training camp. Brown sustained a rib injury during last Sundays 23-20 loss at New Orleans. "Hes just got to be ready to play every play not knowing hes got built in breaks when were in base like he had for the first however many games he was playing," defensive co-ordinator Vic Fangio said Friday of Brock. "There is a change, but its just got to be a mental adjustment for him." Vapormax Plus Womens Ireland . A steady downpour and low temperatures were predicted for much of the night. No makeup date was immediately announced, although it was determined that the game will not be part of a doubleheader on Wednesday. Vapormax Plus Wholesale . Louis Cardinals, the team will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the opening of the SkyDome. Jays legends Jimmy Key and Ernie Whitt, members of playoff and World Series-winning teams of the past, will be on hand for the festivities to look back at what was the beginning of the Jays halcyon years. http://www.outletvapormaxireland.com/vap...sale-china.html. -- New York Yankees centre fielder Jacoby Ellsbury was sent for an MRI Thursday of his ailing right calf, which was negative. Vapormax Flyknit Womens Ireland . - Josh Sterk scored twice to lead the Oshawa Generals to a 7-1 rout of the Ottawa 67s in Mondays Ontario Hockey League action. Vapormax Plus Mens Ireland . -- Canadian womens amateur golf champion Brooke Henderson is a little less starstruck as she prepares for her second career appearance at an LPGA Tour major event.TOKYO -- The Czech Republic advanced to the semifinals of the Davis Cup on Saturday, beating Japan in the doubles match to give the defending champions an insurmountable 3-0 lead. Radek Stepanek and Lukas Rosol backed up their wins in Fridays singles by combining to beat Tatsuma Ito and Yasutaka Uchiyama 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 at Ariake Colisseum. "This was our first Davis Cup doubles together," Stepanek said. "We did well and found our range together. We had it under control from the first set." The reverse singles matches are played on Sunday. The Czech Republic will playy the winner of the quarterfinal match between France and Germany in the last four in September.dddddddddddd Both teams were without their top players. Tomas Berdych sat out following two tough tournaments in the United States, while Kei Nishikori was sidelined after hurting his groin in a quarterfinal victory over Roger Federer in the Sony Open in Miami last week. The meeting between Japan and the Czech Republic is the first since 1935 and third in total. The nations split their two previous matches that were both played in Prague, with Japan winning the first in 1930. ' ' '

ATLANTA -- One year ago, the Falcons 0-4 preseason record set the stage for coach Mike Smiths first losing record in six seasons in Atlanta. Smith was more than ready for a positive start to Atlantas 2014 preseason. Matt Ryan was sharp in leading Atlanta to a touchdown on the teams first possession and the Falcons recovered a late fumble for the games only turnover to hold off the Miami Dolphins 16-10 on Friday night in the preseason opener for both teams. "Individually and collectively, I thought the first impression was good," Smith said. "We want to be a physical football team and I thought we showed that." Rookie quarterback Seth Lobato led Miami to the Atlanta 5-yard line with less than 3 minutes remaining before fumbling a shotgun snap. Defensive end Nosa Eguae recovered for Atlanta. "As a quarterback, I have to make that play and cant let the ball get on the ground in that situation," said Lobato, who took over after Ryan Tannehill opened the game with a touchdown drive. Tannehill was 6 for 6 for 62 yards, including a 6-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Gibson, to open the game. Ryan was just as strong, completing each of his seven attempts for 53 yards on Atlantas opening drive. Jacquizz Rodgers capped the drive with a 2-yard scoring run. Rodgers started as Steven Jackson continued to recover from a left hamstring injury. Ryan completed passes of 17 yards to Harry Douglas and 5 and 12 yards to Roddy White on the drive. Ryan called the opening possession -- 15 plays for 77 yards -- "exactly what you want for your first drive of the year." "We were able to run the ball pretty effectively, and when we did have the opportunity to throw, we were able to move the chains," Ryan said. "We were able to overcome a couple of penalties, we were able to keep going, and punch the ball into the end zone." Smith said it was important for Ryan to have a strong answer to Miamis touchdown drive. "I like the way our first-team offence came back and answered the opening drive the Dolphins were able to put together," Smith said. "We had three other opportunities in the red zone where we did not finish the drive. Those are things we definitely need to be addressing and talking about." Lobato, an undrafted rookie from Northern Colorado, completed 14 of 28 passes for 124 yards. "I felt really comfortable and thought the line did a great job protecting me," Lobato said. "I thought that we did some pretty good things as an offence and made some plays. We just didnt make enough plays." Matt Bryant closed the first half with a 21-yard field goal. Danny Hrapmann kicked a 42-yarder in the second quarter for Miami. Sergio Castillo added field goals of 21 and 34 yards in the second half for Atlanta. T.J. Yates, the favourite to win the job as Ryans top backup, looked poised in Atlantas two-minute offence to set up Bryants field goal. Yates completed 7 of 16 passes for 123 yards. Yates is competing with Sean Renfree, who led field-goal drives in the third and fourth quarters. Renfree, a second-year player from Duke, completed 6 of 15 passes for 108 yards. Falcons rookie running back Devonta Freeman had 10 carries for 50 yards and one catch for 57 yards. Another rookie, Bernard Reedy, caught two passes for 61 yards. Atlanta running back Antone Smith had two big plays negated by penalties. On Atlantas opening drive, Ryan dumped a short pass to Smith from the Miami 46. Smith took off for an apparent big gain to the Dolphins 11, but an illegal formation penalty brought the play back. In the second quarter, Smith broke free on what appeared to be a 76-yard touchdown run, but a holding penalty against Falcons rookie right tackle Jake Matthews wiped out the play. NOTES: Miami QBs Matt Moore (shoulder) and Pat Devlin (hamstring) were held out. ... Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said he had no update on RB Damien Williams, who was carted off the field with an undisclosed injury late in the game. ... Miami S Reshad Jones, who on Friday was suspended for the first four games of the regular season for violating the NFL policy on performance-enhancing substances, played with the other defensive starters. Nike Air Vapormax Damen Billig . -- Claudio Bieler hadnt scored since early September, and not from the run of play since mid-July. Nike Vapormax Herren Billig . -- Damian Lillard couldnt believe when he got a clear look at the rim. http://www.vapormaxschuhe.de/vapormax-he...eutschland.html. Both sides came closest to scoring in the first half, when Roma had a goal from Mattia Destro waved off for offside and Inters Rodrigo Palacio headed high. "A draw was a fair result. Neither squad had many chances," Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic said. Vapormax Weiß Damen . -- Lindsey Vonn squeezed in a little freeskiing on Thanksgiving morning, a step in the right direction for a return to racing after reinjuring her right knee in a recent training crash. Nike Vapormax Fake Kaufen . Burkes Flames are one of several teams involved in heavy trade speculation going into next Wednesdays 3pm et deadline, with the most prominent name in play being forward Michael Cammalleri.Defending champion Michael van Gerwen has been drawn in the same group as two-time BDO king Martin Adams in the Grand Slam of Darts at the Wolverhampton Civic Hall. Top seed Van Gerwen will take on Adams - Lakeside champ in 2010 and 2011 - in a Group A also featuring Brendan Dolan and Max Hopp. Live Grand Slam of Darts November 12, 2016, 1:00pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass The Dutchmans beaten opponent in last years final, Phil Taylor, is up against Ian White, Darren Webster and the BDOs Darryl Fitton in the round robin stage of the cross-organisation event, live on Sky Sports from November 12. Martin Adams will relish tackling the PDCs main man Current PDC world champ Gary Anderson is in the same group as Glen Durrant, who tops the latest BDO rankings, while BDO world title-holder Scott Waites is in Grooup B with Robert Thornton, Gerwyn Price and Dimitir Van den Bergh.dddddddddddd.The tournament features 32 players - eight from the BDO - and the top two in each group make it to the knockout phase. Watch NOW TV Watch Sky Sports for just ￡6.99. No contract. Group A: Michael van Gerwen (1), Brendan Dolan, Max Hopp, Martin AdamsGroup B: Robert Thornton (8), Gerwyn Price, Dimitri Van den Bergh, Scott WaitesGroup C: Peter Wright (5), Simon Whitlock, Ted Evetts, Jeff SmithGroup D: Phil Taylor (4), Ian White, Darren Webster, Darryl FittonGroup E: Gary Anderson (2), Alan Norris, Nathan Derry, Glen DurrantGroup F: Mensur Suljovic (7), Raymond van Barneveld, Nathan Aspinall, Danny NoppertGroup G: James Wade (6), Dave Chisnall, Jame Wilson, Jamie HughesGroup H: Adrian Lewis (3), Benito van de Pas, Chris Dobey, Scott MitchellCheck out daily Darts news on skysports.com/darts, our app for mobile devices and iPad and our Twitter account @skysportsdarts. Also See: Sky Bets darts odds On Sky TV Schedule/Results Features Get Sky Sports ' ' '

Former Tottenham Hotspur, Jermain Defoe - in hopes of making Englands squad for the upcoming World Cup - saw MLS as his best showcase. Michael Bradley, who some argue to be the strongest American player in the world, also left soccers more glamorous European stage, departing AS Roma for more playing time in preparation for Brazil this coming summer. This weekend saw both players delivering on their marquee reputations in front of a sold out crowd at TFCs BMO Field. Defoe maintained his status as the sole goal scorer of the team, netting his third of the season, while Bradleys midfield presence and decisive passing continues to impress. A second-half collision forced Bradley to leave the field, only to return with his head semi- mummified with blood soaked bandages, displaying a trait that will undoubtedly endear him to Canadian fans. BarDown went to the game to bring the sights both on and off the field. Take a look. (All photos by Paul Harrington for TSN/BarDown) 1. Fans watch TFC players warm up before the teams home opener at Torontos BMO Field, Saturday, March 22nd, 2014. 2. Dwayne De Rosario puts hand-to-heart while the national anthem plays, in preparation for the home opener to start. 3. Coaching staff cheer on players as the home opener kicks off against DC United. 4. The off-seasons roster additions and a successful first away-game bring a sold-out crowd of 22,591 to the first home game of TFCs 2014 campaign. 5. Brazilian striker Gilberto participates in his TFC debut after missing the season starter with a leg injury. Gilberto brought speed and was an integral contributor to the one goal of the day. 6. TFCs English Premier League import, Jermain Defoe, takes the ball upfield. 7. Jermain Defoe fights Perry Kitchen for a header while TFCs Michael Bradley and DC Uniteds Nick DeLeon watch on. 8. The scoreless first half comes to a close as fans in the North East section of BMO Field endure cool temperatures to support the home team. 9. TFCs Michael Bradley takes a kick from midfield. Bradley came to the team via Roma of the Serie A, and has so far performed as advertised, being a dominant midfielder. 10. DC Uniteds goalkeeper, Bill Hamid, lunges to launch the ball back into play. Defoe described Hamids play during the home opener as "amazing," stopping 13 of the 14 shots he faced. 11. Players from both teams gather as TFCs Doneil Henry argues with the referee during the teams home opener. 12/13. Fans of the south side stands enjoy the second half. 14. The sun makes its appearance as TFCs Jermain Defoe watches the ball roll past DC Uniteds goalkeeper, Bill Hamid, and defenders Sean Franklin and Bobby Boswell. Defoe leads the team with all three goals scored so far in the 2014 season and was credited with half the 14 shots taken by TFC in the game. 15. Fans of the south east corner of BMO Field known as the Red Patch Boys celebrate Defoes goal by throwing fake money in the air, a means of representing the big money the team spent on bringing in imported talent at any cost. 16. Players gather to celebrate the first and only goal of the game. 17. South end supporters rejoice after the home squad takes a 1-0 lead by unleashing red smoke. 18. Hometown favourite, Dwayne De Rosario, is subbed into the game in the second half. De Rosario is a former TFC player who re-signed with the team early this year after stops in New York, playing for the Red Bulls, as well as DC United. 19. Players gather on the field and celebrate with fans after the game ends with a 1-0 win. 20. Michael Bradley leaves the field applauding an enthusiastic fan-base. A head-to-head collision with DCs Davy Arnaud led to a wound later repaired with staples. After the game, Defoe said of Bradley, "He gives everything, every game. Mikes winning mentality and his energy lifts the team…" 21. TFCs Jermain Defoe speaks with a reporter after the game. His legs display a hard played game, having taken 7 shots and netting a goal, his third in two games of the 2014 season. Wholesale Shoes UK Free Shipping . Mike Ribeiro had a goal and an assist as Phoenix held on to snap a two-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over the Edmonton Oilers on Friday. Shoes UK Online Cheap . Maximilian Arnold put Wolfsburg ahead in the eighth minute, when the stationary Fallou Diagne allowed him to guide Patrick Ochs cross beyond the helpless Freiburg goalkeeper, and Ivica Olic doubled the lead three minutes later after Luiz Gustavo did well to set him up. https://www.shoesukonline.com/. But San Diego had even more trouble against right-hander Tanner Roark, who pitched a three-hitter for the first complete game of his career as the Nationals shut out the Padres 4-0. The 27-year-old set down the first 16 batters before San Diego catcher Rene Rivera, an . Wholesale Shoes UK . TSN 1290s Jordan Cieciwa, Big Marv and Toby are here to give their predictions on who will leave with the belt and who will take some of the other key bouts on the card. Johny Hendricks vs. Fake Shoes UK . The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no announcement was made. By releasing Bailey, the Broncos would open up cap space with the 12-time Pro Bowl player scheduled to make around $10 million next season.EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Drew Doughty had just played more than 39 minutes in a double-overtime playoff game, and he still couldnt sleep on the Kings flight back to Los Angeles. The Western Conference finals have ascended to a new level of tension after the Blackhawks dodged Los Angeles first attempt to eliminate them. Chicago trimmed its series deficit to 3-2 in an extra-time thriller in Game 5, while the Kings got a sleepless trip home. Los Angeles gets another chance to advance in Game 6 on Friday night. While the Kings have been incredible in elimination games this spring, Doughty realizes they cant sleep on the opportunity before them at Staples Center. "We know we cant let it go to a Game 7," Doughty said Thursday at the Kings training complex. "No matter what, this game has to be ours. Its so important for us to advance to the Stanley Cup Final that we win this game. If we give them this game, theyre going to have so much more life, and theyre going to be a different team. We need to take that and deal with it." Doughtys fellow Kings largely agreed with the star defencemans pointed declarations as they recovered from their worst defensive performance in 16 games. Jonathan Quick and the NHLs best defensive team gave up five goals to the Blackhawks, who survived despite Corey Crawfords fourth straight unimpressive effort in Chicagos net. Los Angeles, which blew a lead heading to the third period for the first time this spring, has mostly downplayed the notion of payback for last seasons conference finals loss to Chicago. But Doughty thinks it should be on the Kings minds before what might be the defining game of their season. "They know how to win," Doughty said. "We also know that they took our Cup back from us last year, so now its our turn. We want to eliminate this team. They eliminated us last year, and its our turn to return the favour. We need to go into Staples believing that we can eliminate this team, and do just that." While Doughty attempts to keep the Kings focused on Game 6, the Blackhawks intend to remember what got them off the canvas in Game 5 after the previous seven periods of the series were largely dominated by Los Angeles. Before Game 5, the Blackhawks curiously insisted alll the pressure in the series rested on the Kings, not the team facing three straight elimination games.dddddddddddd. Whether the facile psychological ploy helped or not, the champions still seem to think Los Angeles is the team in trouble. "We want to stay with the mentality that were putting all the pressure on them," Chicago captain Jonathan Toews said before the clubs flight to the West Coast. "Its going to be tough for them to close it out and win that fourth game against us." But the road has been tough on the Blackhawks, who are just 2-6 away from home in the post-season. Chicago was outscored 9-5 and beaten convincingly twice at Staples Center in this series, showing little of the offensive potency that got them to this point. Coach Joel Quenneville made another round of lineup adjustments to spark his team, and the Blackhawks had immediate success teaming Brandon Saad, Patrick Kane and Andrew Shaw on a new line for Game 5. Kane, a ghost for much of the series, contributed four assists. "We have our backs against the wall here and face elimination, but were staying relaxed," said Saad, who had three points. "Weve been through it before, and it definitely helps. Weve had success on the road before, and L.A. is definitely tough, but were not going to let that end the season. We cant make any excuses whether were playing at home or away." The Kings spent much of the past month avoiding playoff elimination, already winning six games with their season in the balance, so they can appreciate the Blackhawks resilience. Chicago produced a three-goal first period and a third-period tying goal before Michal Handzus overtime winner capped one of the most entertaining NHL post-season games in recent history. Back home for Game 6, the Kings want their own defining victory. "I think for the fans, it was unbelievable to watch," said Marian Gaborik, who scored his 11th goal of a spectacular post-season. "But for us, it wasnt the type of game we want to play. You know, trade chances, trade odd-man rushes. "I think were going to have a lot of energy (in Game 6). If we win, we can be in the Stanley Cup Final. That itself should give you plenty of energy." ' ' '

BROSSARD, Que. -- Alex Galchenyuk feels it is time to step up and become a dominant player, whether it is at centre or on left wing. The 20-year-old will be tried out at centre during the Montreal Canadiens pre-season after spending most of his first two NHL seasons on the wing. "The main thing is I want to prove to myself that I can take that extra step to be a more productive player, because I truly believe I can be that player," Galchenyuk said Thursday as the Canadiens opened camp with medical and fitness testing. "I pushed myself hard in the summer and I just cant wait to get it started." Galchenyuk was mainly a centre for the Sarnia Sting of the Ontario Hockey League when the Canadiens drafted him third overall in 2012, citing his flashy skills as a scorer and playmaker as well as his six-foot-two, 205-pound frame. General manager Marc Bergevin said this week it was time to see if he can adapt to the centremans position at the NHL level, particularly with its defensive demands. "Im really confident playing on the wing," Galchenyuk said. "I like the position. "Ive played it a lot. But I dont know if Id be better playing at centre or wing. Its for the coaches to decide. Centre in the NHL is a way different game than centre in junior. Everything has to click. But Im excited for the challenge. Well see where it takes me." If he makes the move, one of the four incumbent centres will be bumped to the wing. The four in place are David Desharnais, Tomas Plekanec, Lars Eller and newcomer Manny Malhotra. Some feel Eller is most likely to move if Galchenyuk shows hes ready. "I think of myself as a centre," said Eller. "Well see what happens." Galchenyuk had nine goals and 27 points in 45 games as a rookie in 2012-13 and added 13 goals and 31 points in 65 games last season. They were decent numbers for a teenager whose ice time was carefully managed by coach Michel Therrien, but now they want to see how he handles more responsibility. Eller, who signed a four-year contract extension in the off-season, was not surprised Galchenyuk will get a look. "Theyve been saying since they drafted him that they will try him at centre at some point," he said. "Thats why they drafted him. "Things have a way of falling into place. Things can change quickly, one way or the other." The Canadiens have 64 players in camp, and there have been changes to the team that surprised many by reaching the Eastern Conference final last season. Gone are captain Brian Gionta and veteran defenceman Josh Gorges, both now with the Buffalo Sabres. Tough guy George Parros is gone. Rearguard Douglas Murray was let go, and veteran Francis Bouillon was not signed but was invited to camp on a try-out. Newcomers include Malhotra, right winger Pierre-Alexandre Parenteau and defenceman Tom Gilbert. There will be competition in camp for the job of backup goalie to Carey Price between incumbent Peter Budaj and Dustin Tokarski. Tokarski looked good late in the season and Therrien opted to put him in when Price was injured in the opening game of the conference final against the New York Rangers. That decision seemed to hang Budaj out to dry, but he has a year left on a contract that pays US$1.4 million while Tokarski is on a two-way deal, although both would have the clear waivers if sent to AHL Hamilton. There is also a battle for one or perhaps two spots on defence, with youngsters Nathan Beaulieu, Jarred Tinordi and Greg Pateryn the leading candidates. The 21-year-old Beaulieu may have the edge with a strong showing in the conference final after a call-up from Hamilton, but the rushing defenceman is not taking anything for granted. "The time to step up is now," said Beaulieu, who has adopted No. 28, which he wore in junior hockey with the Saint John Sea Dogs. "Theyre going to give me every opportunity and Ive got to show Im ready. "They did their part by giving me an opportunity at the end of last season and now its my turn to reward them." Beaulieu, drafted 17th overall in 2011, played 17 regular season NHL games and seven more in the playoffs in 2013-14. The six-foot-six Tinordi, picked 22nd overall in 2010, spent 22 games in Montreal last season, but sat out the post-season. The 24-year-old Pateryn had a good year in Hamilton with 15 goals and 19 assists. Trading Gorges will allow Alexei Emelin to move to the left side, likely with Gilbert. P.K. Subban, armed with his new eight-year $72 million contract, and Andrei Markov should be the first pair. There could be an opening for a young defenceman on the third pairing with veteran Mike Weaver, and for the seventh defencemans job. If they can show theyre better than 38-year-old Bouillon. Another spot that may be up for grabs is on right wing, where Parenteau, Brendan Gallagher and Dale Weise are the regulars. Jiri Sekac, a much sought-after 22-year-old Czech who signed as a free agent, has a shot at a job, along with hot Swedish prospect Jacob de la Rose and 2014 first-rounder Nikita Scherbak. The Canadiens are calling it a transition year in which they hope leadership shifts to younger stars like Price, Subban and goal-scoring leader Max Pacioretty. They opted for four alternates rather than replace Gionta as captain, with Subban and Pacioretty sharing an A along with veterans Markov and Plekanec. The team begins on-ice workouts Friday. Cheap NMDs Australia . 17.A string of English Premier League teams, most in the lower end of the standings, has been linked to the 32-year-old forward but most have seemingly balked at the cost given his wages and transfer fee. NMD Racer Australia . The Swiss won on the fastest run-time tiebreaker after the four-racer teams tied 2-2. Wendy Holdener and Reto Schmidiger won their final heats against Julia Mancuso and Tim Jitloff, respectively. http://www.nmdaustraliasale.com/. -- 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. Ultra Boost Australia Online . -- Andrew Wiggins is from Canada, Wayne Selden from Massachusetts and Joel Embiid from the African nation of Cameroon. Ultra Boost Australia Sale .com) - Ryan Miller made 28 saves to record his fifth shutout of the season and second in as many nights as the Vancouver Canucks defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0 on Friday.Indianapolis, IN (SportsNetwork.com) - The Indianapolis Colts will be without four key players for Thursday nights game against the Houston Texans. Starting left guard Jack Mewhort (ankle), starting right guard Hugh Thornton (back),, nickel corner Darius Butler (ankle) and starting defensive end Arthur Jones (ankle) are all out Thursday night.dddddddddddd In addition, starting inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman (hamstring) is questionable. ' ' '