CLEVELAND -- Cleveland Cavaliers forward Anthony Bennett had his tonsils and adenoids removed to help improve a sleep condition. Bennett, the No. 1 overall pick in last years draft, underwent successful tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures at the Cleveland Clinic on Tuesday, the team said. Bennett had a disappointing rookie season with the Cavs, averaging just 4.2 points and 3.0 rebounds in 52 games. He got off to a slow start after missing most of last summer as he recovered from shoulder surgery. He began the season out of shape and then it was revealed Bennett suffers from sleep apnea and asthma. The 21-year-old Brampton, Ont., native is expected to make a full recovery in time to play on the Cavs summer league team in Las Vegas. Cleveland is looking for a new coach after Mike Brown was fired Monday for the second time by owner Dan Gilbert. Houston Astros Jerseys . The teams were scoreless for most of the first two periods before Canada scored three times in a span of less than four minutes. Sarah Potomak opened the scoring on the power play. Justin Verlander Astros Jersey . Virtanen opened the scoring at 6:45 of the first period, then gave Canada a two-goal lead with a power-play goal 1:03 into the second. Sweden cut the lead in half when Daniel Muzito Bagenda scored a power-play goal at 10:57 of the second. http://www.baseballastrosproshop.com/nol...-astros-jersey/. LeBron James and Chris Bosh didnt need any more. Williams scored 11 points in 10 minutes, Alan Anderson scored 17 points, and the Brooklyn Nets finished the exhibition season with a 108-87 win over the Miami Heat on Friday night. Jose Altuve Jersey . Not because it was right, but because referees werent allowed to determine it was wrong. Yuli Gurriel Astros Jersey . Thats what he did over the past 2 1/2 years with the Washington Wizards. Wittmans approach helped turn the Wizards from pushover to playoff winners.GREENWOOD, S.C. -- Taiwans Wei-Ling Hsu won the Symetra Tours Self Regional Healthcare Foundation Womens Health Charity Classic on Sunday, closing with an eagle for a 4-under 68 and a five-stroke victory. The 19-year-old Hsu had an 8-under 280 total at The Links at Stoney Point and earned a tour-record $30,000 to jump from 81st to fourth on the money list with $31,810. The final top 10 will earn 2015 LPGA Tour cards. "Its very exciting to win this tournament," Wei-Ling Hsu said. "The big prize is very good. ... A four-day event is very tough and everybody knows how important the money list is on the Symetra Tourr.dddddddddddd We also have to travel a lot and spend a lot of money and the money is very important for me and my family." If she also wins the Friends of Mission Charity Classic next week in Asheville, North Carolina, and the Symetra Classic in Charlotte, North Carolina, in two weeks, she will receive $1 million. Hsu won the Credit Union Challenge last year in Albany, New York, and finished 15th on the money list. Spains Marta Silva, Frances Joanna Klatten and South Koreas Min Seo Kwak tied for second. Silva and Klatten shot 71, and Kwak had a 72. Kwak won the Patty Berg Memorial last week in Florida. ' ' '

The Minnesota Wild aim to stay alive in their Western Conference first round series on Monday, as they host the Colorado Avalanche in Game 6 at Xcel Energy Center. You can watch the game on TSN and TSN GO at 8:30pm et/5:30pm pt. Florida Panthers goaltender Roberto Luongo joins the NHL on TSN Panel to offer his analysis on the game. Playing at home has meant everything so far in this best-of-seven series, with the host winning the first five tests. Colorado broke a 2-2 deadlock with an OT win in Saturdays Game 6 at the Pepsi Center, and the Wild hope the trend holds true again tonight. If Minnesota can extend the series on Monday, a decisive Game 7 will be played Wednesday in Denver. Colorado, however, could have star forward Matt Duchene back in Game 6. Duchene, who has been sidelined since March 29 with an injured left knee, practiced Sunday and will be a game-time decision on Monday. "If he is back its a huge addition for us," Avs forward Ryan OReilly said. "Hes been one of our best players all year, and for me, he really helps create offense playing on a line. He brings so much to the table it makes it a lot difficult for them (opponents)." Duchene led the Avs with 70 points (23 goals, 47 assists) in 71 games this season. The 23-year-old centermans only career playoff action came in a six- game run with Colorado against San Jose in the 2010 conference quarterfinals. Duchene had three assists in those six games. After winning the first two games on home ice, Colorado allowed Minnesota to tie the series at 2-2 with two straight victories in St. Paul. However, the Avalanche were able to regain their advantage on Saturday with a comeback victory. Nathan MacKinnons terrific rookie season continued, as the leading candidate for the Calder Trophy scored 3:27 into OT to lift Colorado to a 4-3 win in Game 5. MacKinnon also added two assists after being held without a point in consecutive losses at Minnesota. He had a goal and six assists in the first two games at Pepsi Center. Before getting the game-winning marker from MacKinnon, Colorado had to tie the game late in the third period. In a bad break for the Wild, the game-tying goal shouldnt have counted based on video review as Paul Stastny narrowly beat a puck-carrying MacKinnon into the Minnesota zone. However, the play wasnt blown dead for an offside. With play allowed to continue, MacKinnon chipped the puck ahead to Stastny, who snapped a shot from below the left circle that Wild goaltender Darcy Kuemper turned away. Stastny then gathered the rebound and slipped the puck into the slot, where P.A. Parenteau fired the puck home with 1:14 remaining in regulation for his first career playoff goal. "It is what it is, but to sit here and dwell on it, I dont think is going to do us any good," said Wild head coach Mike Yeo. "Obviously frustrating, obviously disappointing, but bottom line is, its not going to do us any good." In overtime, MacKinnon handled a pass from Gabriel Landeskog in the left circle, made a move around Wild defenseman Marco Scandella and scored on a shot to the top right corner. "I was kind of screaming for the puck from Landy. He obviously made a good heads-up play to me," MacKinnon said. "(Stastny) looked great on the forecheck. I kind of just fired it to the net and I dont know if it tipped off one of their defenders or not, but Im definitely very fortunate for the win." MacKinnon (18 years, 237 days) is the second-youngest player in NHL history to score an overtime goal in the playoffs. Don Gallinger was 17 years, 339 days when he scored an OT winner for Boston on March 21, 1943 against Montreal "We knew when we drafted him what kind of player we were drafting, and he had a solid game again tonight," Colorado head coach Patrick Roy said about MacKinnon. Semyon Varlamov made 29 saves for Colorado, but the best save belonged to Avalanche defenseman Nick Holden, who prevented a goal in the extra session by blocking a Matt Moulson shot. Kuemper surrendered four goals on 35 shots after facing a combined 34 shots in the previous two games. This is the third all-time playoff meeting between the clubs. The Wild won a 2003 conference quarterfinals matchup in seven games, while the Avalanche knocked off Minnesota in six games during the same round in 2008. Thirteen of the 18 all-time playoff games between Colorado and Minnesota have been decided by one goal. Nike Blazer Norge .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. Air Force 1 07 Norge . Cleary also had two assists and Patrick Eaves added two goals for the Red Wings, who also ousted Phoenix in seven games during the first round of the 2010 postseason. Todd Bertuzzi had a goal and an assist for Detroit, which got a goal apiece from Tomas Holmstrom and Niklas Kronwall and suffered no shortage of offense despite the absences of Henrik Zetterberg and Johan Franzen. http://www.airforce1norge.com/. Rosbergs time of 1 minute, 33.185 seconds at the Bahrain International Circuit was a quarter of a second faster than Hamilton, who had to abandon his final flying lap after running wide at the first corner. Air Force 1 Herre Norge . The team reported the signing on its website Thursday, but said Friday the deal was off in "a mutual parting of the ways that had to do with the language of the contract. Nike Sf Air Force 1 Norge . Coach Jorge Sampaoli resisted naming any major surprises in the list published Tuesday at the site of Chiles football association. Chile is pinning its hopes on the recovery of Vidal.CLEVELAND - The Oakland Athletics showed off their offensive prowess all weekend at Progressive Field. Sundays 13-3 win gave Oakland a three-game sweep over slumping Cleveland, a series in which the Athletics outscored the Indians 30-6. Yoenis Cespedes drove in a career-high five runs and Brandon Moss had three RBIs to pace Oaklands offence that began with an eight-run second inning Friday night and never let up. "I would just use the word confident," Moss said of his teams offence. "Everybodys going up there and taking good swings. We have guys who put together some good at-bats who have some pop. That usually leads to runs." The Athletics, who have won nine of 10, saved their best for the final game, pounding out 12 hits, including seven doubles, and drawing nine walks. Cespedes two-run double was the key hit in Oaklands four-run fifth. He also drove in two runs with another double in the eighth. Moss was 3 for 3 with two walks and scored four runs. He had an RBI double in the fifth, a two-run double in the sixth and a triple in the second. John Jasos RBI double in the fourth put Oakland ahead for good while Josh Donaldson, who drove in seven runs in the series, had an RBI single in the fifth and scored four runs. "All the guys we rely on to knock in runs are doing exactly what theyre supposed to do," Oakland manager Bob Melvin said. "Thats when were at our best." Jesse Chavez (4-1) gave up solo homers to Michael Bourn in the first and Michael Brantley in the fifth, accounting for both runs the right-hander allowed in five innings. Cleveland has dropped four straight and six of eight. The Indians scored first in all three games, but were no match for Oakland, which leads the AL West with a 28-16 record. Indians manager Terry Francona is impressed with the Athletics. "They got it working right now," he said. "They have good starting pitching, theyve got a very good bullpen and they are swinging it from one through nine." Justin Masterson (2-3) allowed seven runs, seven hits and five walks in 4 1-3 innings. Francona moved Nick Swisher and Carlos Santana, who hhave battled season-long slumps, down in the batting order, but the changes didnt help the struggling offence, which has scored three runs or fewer 24 times in 44 games.dddddddddddd Santana, moved from cleanup to seventh, was hitless in four at-bats while Swisher, switched from second to sixth, was 0 for 5 and committed an error in the seventh. Swisher fielded a routine grounder to end the inning and was given a sarcastic cheer by the small crowd of 14,872. Third baseman Lonnie Chisenhall also had an error, giving the Indians a major-league high 45. Bourn led off the game with a home run to centre that landed in Clevelands bullpen, but the lead didnt last long. Moss started the second with a triple. Chisenhall fielded Cespedes ground ball and his throw landed in the camera bay behind first base. Cespedes was given an RBI. Masterson walked Donaldson and Moss to start the fourth. Jasos one-out double put Oakland ahead and Josh Reddick followed with a single for a 3-1 lead. Oakland put the game away in the fifth, stringing together four hits and a walk off Masterson. Following Donaldsons RBI single, Moss drove in a run with a double and Cespedes double scored two more. Jaso and Reddick also drove in two runs apiece. "Obviously, we got a lot of guys on base this series," Donaldson said. "From top to bottom, we had guys having really good at-bats." Oakland shortstop Jed Lowrie left the game in the second inning because of a strained neck and was replaced by Nick Punto. NOTES: The Athletics announced following the game they claimed LHP Jeff Francis off waivers from Cincinnati and he will join the team for its series at the Rays that begins Tuesday. ... LHP Joe Savery, who was expected to go on the paternity list, was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento instead. He pitched two scoreless innings Sunday. SS Jake Elmore (strained left quad) has been moved to the 60-day disabled list. ... 2B Eric Sogard was removed in the eighth inning after fouling a ball off his knee. ... Melvin said LHP Scott Kazmir, ejected in the second inning Saturday, will likely stay on his regular turn and start Friday in Toronto. ' ' '

TORONTO -- James Reimer wanted to keep things simple. It had been a while since he started a game for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and his return came against Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and the potent Pittsburgh Penguins. "Maybe there was some circumstances surrounding the game, but honestly I didnt really pay much attention to them or think about them much," Reimer said. "It was just the Toronto Maple Leafs playing the Pittsburgh Penguins, and I was trying to get in the way of pucks." Reimer got in the way of a lot of pucks Saturday night as he was the backbone of the Leafs 4-1 victory over the Penguins at Air Canada Centre. The 26-year-old made 37 saves to give Nazem Kadri the chance to score the game winner, and many of his stops came when the majority of the action was in the Leafs zone. "You dont win in this league without goaltending that gives you a chance, and Reims gives us a chance," coach Randy Carlyle said. Reimer hadnt started since Oct. 17 when he left 32 seconds into Torontos game against the Carolina Hurricanes after a collision with winger Josh Leivo. The long layoff didnt bother him. "I felt normal right from the get-go," Reimer said. "I didnt feel any uneasiness or uncertainty, really. The puck dropped, and I was ready to stop it." Reimer gave up a power-play goal to Kris Letang, the Penguins defencemans first of the season, 6:52 in but shut the door from there. One of his more memorable saves came on Malkin a few minutes later, and Dave Bolland went right down the ice and tied it up for the Leafs shorthanded. But Reimer was really tested in the second period when the Penguins turned up the heat on him and outshot the Leafs 16-4. He made a couple of stops on two-on-one rushes, denied Crosby of a one-timer goal at the side of the net and flashed his glove against Matt DAgostini to the delight of many of the 19,539 fans in attendance. "I thought he was outstanding," Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma said. "There was flurries and pucks around his net he was strong on. ... He certainly was the difference in the second period." Had Reimer cracked even once, the Penguins mightve been able to ride some momentum and cruise past the Leafs. Instead, Toronto still had hope at the second intermission. "I think thats been the story of our season, for the most part," said James van Riemsdyk, who assisted on Kadris goal and Phil Kessels later in the third. "Theres been stretches where we get outshot, but our goaltending is making big saves for us. Theyve gave us a chance almost every night. Thats all you can ask for out of your goalies." All Reimer and Jonathan Bernier seemingly need is a little goal support. Reimer got it Saturday night in the form of a strong third period led by the new-look first line. Kadri replaced Tyler Bozak between van Riemsdyk and Kessel, and Carlyle said after the victory that Bozak would miss at least 7-10 days with a lower-body injury. Kadri beat Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury 1:26 into the third after smart passes from van Riemsdyk and Kessel but took more pride in stopping Malkins line. "Were all on the same page offensively. It was great," Kadri said. "Its not just the offensive side of things, we took care of the D-zone. We were able to shut down a few of their key players." Bolland, David Clarkson and Mason Raymond also did a good job against Crosby, Pascal Dupuis and Chris Kunitz. Malkin finished the night with a minus-3 rating, while Crosby was a minus-2. As much credit as captain Dion Phaneuf and those forwards got for their defensive play, it eventually came down to Reimer, who didnt fold under a lot of pressure. "James played great. Both tenders all season have been unbelievable," Clarkson said. "Its always good when you can have that confidence in your goaltending. No matter who goes in net there we have confidence that if were getting outshot or outplayed, then we know what we can do." Reimer frustrated the Penguins all night and improved to 4-0-2 in his career against Pittsburgh. But he wasnt crowing about that success. "They have arguably the best players in the world, and they bring it every time they come and play," Reimer said. "Im just lucky enough to have teammates step up and play big games. I dont know if it has much to do with me more than the guys in front of me working their butts off. Again tonight I thought they worked as hard as they could, and they really earned it." Follow Stephen Whyno on Twitter at (at)SWhyno NOTES -- A CT scan revealed Leafs winger Joffrey Lupul did not have a fracture in his right foot and he will travel with the team on their Western Canadian road trip, according to Carlyle. The team hopes Lupul, who has missed two games after taking a shot off the foot in practice Thursday, will be able to play Tuesday at the Edmonton Oilers. ... Penguins defenceman Rob Scuderi left the game with a lower-body injury late in the first period after taking a hit from Clarkson along the boards. Bylsma did not have an update, saying only that Scuderi would be re-evaluated Sunday. Nicolas Batum Hornets Jersey .C. -- When Michael Jordan speaks, people still listen. Percy Miller Jersey . This week they discuss Russias mens hockey team, the ineptitude of the IOC handling the Nicklas Backstrom situation, John Tortorellas many apologies, and Canadas strong showing in curling. http://www.hornetsteamproshop.com/Cheap-...Hornets-Jersey/. The Oilers will try to get back in the win column on Monday when they continue a four-game road trip with a battle against the Buffalo Sabres. Edmonton won its third straight game last Wednesday against visiting San Jose, beating the Sharks 3-0 as Scrivens stopped 59 shots to set an NHL record for saves in a regular-season shutout. Cody Zeller Jersey . Certainly not Monday night. George Hill took care of the early work, scoring a season-high 26 points, and Paul George closed it out by scoring 11 of his 26 points during a decisive second-half stretch that finally allowed Indiana to pull away from Minnesota 98-84 for yet another win. Miles Bridges Jersey . Moments after scoring and setting off another wild celebration at Minsk arena, Platt leapt into the arms of Belarusian captain Alexei Kalyuzhny.REGINA -- Tino Sunseri turned the boos he heard at halftime into a standing ovation at the end of the game. In just his second start in the CFL, the second-year quarterback rallied the Saskatchewan Roughriders to a thrilling 35-32 victory in overtime over the Ottawa Redblacks at a sold-out Mosaic Stadium on Sunday. Sunseri engineered a last-minute touchdown drive that tied the game at 32-32 and then set up the winning field goal by Chris Milo in overtime. "I never saw doubt in his eyes," Riders head coach Corey Chamblin said of his quarterback. Milos game-winning kick in overtime was a 22-yard boot and it was his second opportunity to win the game. On the Riders first overtime possession, he had to deal with a bad snap and his 37-yard attempt sailed wide. Redblacks kicker Kicker Brett Maher had his game-tying, 37-yard field goal attempt blocked. "We came in here at halftime and looked each other in the eye and said, Shoot, thats not how we wanted the first half to go," Sunseri said. "But we had 30 more minutes to put our statement on this game." The Riders mustered just 26 yards passing in the first half and were booed off the field as they trailed 22-10 at halftime. In his first start a week ago in Hamilton, Sunseri struggled mightily. He managed just nine completions and 88 yards on 22 pass attempts in a 28-3 loss to the Tiger-Cats. But Sunseri found a groove in the second half on Sunday. On his teams first possession of the third quarter, Sunseri hooked up with Will Ford on a 23-yard touchdown strike. Sunseris second touchdown toss of the second half came early in the fourth quarter and stirred talk of a possible comeback by the home team. A 60-yard passing play to Weston Dressler pulled the Riders to within five at 29-24. After a late field goal from Maher that pushed the Ottawa lead to 32-24, Sunseris stage was set for a thrilling, last-minute scoring drive. Sunseri completed passes to Dressler, Brett Swain and Chris Getzlaf before a pass interference penalty moved the Riders to the Ottawa one-yard line with 54 seconds remaining in regulation. One play later, running back Anthony Alllen plunged ahead for a one-yard touchdown run to pull the Riders to within two at 32-30.dddddddddddd Dressler caught the two-point convert to pull the Riders even. "Whatever game you put us in, were going to keep fighting," Riders defensive lineman Tearrius George said after his team improved to 9-3. "Thats why I love playing with these guys. "And its a big thing for (Sunseri), especially after that first week. Everybody had worries, but we see him play every day and Im glad he had a big game. Some starting quarterbacks wouldnt have been able to do what he did today, pulling out the win late like he did." Serenaded by the fans with chants of "Hen-ry, Hen-ry," former Roughriders quarterback Henry Burris was a one-man offensive show for the Redblacks. Burris was 23-for-38 passing for 282 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 22 yards and a touchdown. The 32 points scored was a season-high for the Redblacks. Their previous high came in Week 2 in a 36-28 loss to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. But Burris effort on this day was overshadowed by that of Sunseris. "It stings because we had this game won," Burris said, after his team fell to 1-10 on the season. "We took it down to the wire and we just have to be a better team in the fourth quarter and be able to finish things off. That comes with learning how to win games." Wallace Miles caught two touchdowns for Ottawa as the team built a commanding 22-10 lead in the first half. Jeremiah Johnson also caught a touchdown pass from Burris, which restored a 12-point advantage at 29-17 midway through the third quarter. Dressler had two touchdowns on the day, both of the big-play variety. His 78-yard punt return for a major was his second touchdown of the season on special teams. His 60-yard catch and run saw him break four tackles along the sideline before he raced into the end zone. The veteran slotback finished the day with seven receptions for 125 yards. The Riders will travel to Edmonton on Friday to take on the Eskimos. Meanwhile, the Redblacks will play host to the Montreal Alouettes later this week. ' ' '

TORONTO -- At the world figure skating championships last spring, Piper Gilles wore a bejewelled Canadian flag that shed crafted herself on the right shoulder of her bodysuit. She wasnt a Canadian yet, but had fingers crossed her citizenship would come through in time to compete at the Sochi Olympics with ice dance partner Paul Poirier. Her dream was realized Tuesday at a citizenship ceremony in Toronto. "I have felt like a Canadian citizen for some time and I am extremely excited that it is now official," Gilles said in a release. "Ive dreamed about competing in the Olympics my whole life and hope to be in Sochi next year. There is no bigger stage than the Olympics and it would be an honour to represent Canada in front of the entire world." Gilles, whose mom Bonnie is a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S., was born in Illinois and moved to Canada in 2011 to train with Poirier, a native of Unionville, Ont. They were second at the Canadian championships last winter in a field missing Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje, who were fourth at the 2012 world championships. Gilles and Poirier will try to earn one of Canadas three ice dance spots for the Sochi Olympics at the Canadian figure skating championships Jan. 9-15 in Ottawa. Barring any major mishaps, Olympic champions Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir and Weaver and Poje will be locks to secure the first two berths. "This sets up an exciting battle in ice dance at the upcoming 2014 Canadian Tire National Skating Championships," Skate Canadas CEO Dan Thompson said in a release. "This adds one more team into the very strong ice dance field competing for those spots." Weaver also moved north for her figure skating career. The Houston-born skater became a Canadian citizen on June 22, 2009. Canadas figure skating team will be announced on Jan. 12. Mark Messier Jersey . In the other Group A game, the Czech Republic stunned Canada, 5-4 in a shootout. Dominik Simon scored the deciding goal in the tiebreaker. The United States scored its first three goals on power plays. "Overall, I love to see the power-play goals we were able to get tonight," said U. Oscar Klefbom Jersey . I wondered how NHL coaches would feel about a playoff schedule that allowed them to open a best-of-seven series on the road, which many claim to favour, yet still gave them the precious home-ice edge for a seventh game. http://www.hockeyoilersshop.com/mark-messier-jersey/. - Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis said Wednesday hes "nodded off" during meetings, but he said its something every player does. Milan Lucic Oilers Jersey . While Minnesota takes aim at its eighth win of November, the Canadiens will try to post just their third victory in nine games this month. Jari Kurri Jersey . Gomes drove in all three runs, including a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning, and Cleveland rallied for a 3-2 win over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday.BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox are still looking for a position for Brock Holt. The versatile rookie has made the search difficult by playing well wherever the club has put him. Holt made his first professional start in centre field and he appeared perfectly comfortable in his fifth position this season. He made a sensational diving catch to end the third inning and scored both Boston runs in the Red Soxs 2-1 win over the Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Tuesday night. "It seems like Brock at some point in each game has an effect on whats going on," said Jon Lester, who weathered a shaky start and pitched six-plus strong innings. "Im sure well see him with catchers gear or on the mound at some point this year. The guys done an unbelievable job." Holt ended the third inning with a diving catch on a ball that left fielder Jonny Gomes lost in the twilight. Gomes signalled with his hands that he couldnt see it, but Holt was already on the move and lunged just in time to complete the catch. "Fortunately I was able to get over there and make a play," Holt said. Boston fans gave him a long ovation during his entire trot to the dugout, and teammates waited with high-fives and pats on the back on the way. Holt happened to be up next and led off with a double off the Green Monster, stole third and scored on a sacrifice fly to put the Red Sox up 2-0. "He comes out of nowhere and makes a diving catch. In a way, he took over the inning," Boston manager John Farrell said. "He doesnt get hung up on moving to a position for the first time. He goes out and plays." Holt scored Bostons first run after he singled and then came in on an RBI double by Dustin Pedroia. Lester (8-7) needed 33 pitches to get out of the first inning on a hot, muggy night, then settled down and took a shutout into the sixth. He left with one out in the seventh after striking out six and holding the Twins to one run, four hits and a walk. Edward Mujica pitched the ninth annd earned his second save.dddddddddddd Phil Hughes (7-3) took the loss for the Twins, who have dropped four straight. The Red Sox have held Minnesota to one run and seven hits in the first two games of the series. Hughes gave up two runs and eight hits in eight innings and struck out six. "He did all he could do. He gave us a great opportunity to win. We just couldnt come up with enough big hits," manager Ron Gardenhire said. After Danny Santana opened the game with a single,, Lester retired 13 of the next 14 batters and didnt allow another hit until Kurt Suzuki singled with one out in the fifth. Minnesota cut it to 2-1 in the sixth when Santana led off with a double, moved to third on a bunt by Brian Dozier, and scored on Joe Mauers double. "We need to knock in some runs," Gardenhire said. "We need more of them." Pedroia nearly broke open the game on a fly ball to left that was inches short of a two-run homer. Instead, it was a single, and Pedroia was caught in a rundown. The play was reviewed for several minutes, and the call on the field stood. NOTES: Holt played centre field on Tuesday and has made starts in all three outfield positions, as well as first and third base. ... Lester struck out Eduardo Escobar in the fifth inning for his 1,342nd career strikeout, passing Cy Young for fourth place on Bostons career strikeout list. ... Lester threw nearly one-third of his 109 pitches in the first inning. ... Before the game, the Red Sox designated outfielder Grady Sizemore for assignment. Sizemore returned from injuries that sidelined him between September 2011 and this season. He hit .333 in spring training, but struggled lately. In 52 games, he hit .216 with two homers and 15 RBIs. ... Minnesota RF Oswaldo Arcia went 0-for-4 and is hitless in 20 at-bats. ... Minnesota RHP Kyle Gibson (6-5, 3.55) will face Boston RHP John Lackey (8-4, 3.24) in the finale of the three-game series on Wednesday afternoon. ' ' '

MADRID, Spain -- Roger Federer withdrew from the Madrid Open on Tuesday to welcome the birth of his second set of twins. Federer said on his webpage early Tuesday he was pulling out of the tournament "to be with my wife Mirka during these next few exciting weeks for our family." The fourth-ranked Swiss player, who already has twins, said he would "rejoin the tour soon." Later, Federer tweeted: "Mirka and I are so incredibly happy to share that Leo and Lenny were born this evening! .TwinsAgain .Miracle" Federer and his wife Mirka are already parents to twin daughters. Federer had said last month he was prepared to skip tournaments to be with his wife when she gave birth. The 32-year-old Federer did not specify if he would return for the Rome Masters next week, with the French Open beginning on May 25. Federer, a three-time winner in Madrid, hasnt missed a Grand Slam tournament since 2000. Federers 28-5 record on the season is the ATPs best, with the former No. 1 having won a title in Dubai. Polish player Lukasz Kubot took Federers place in the Madrid draw, and will face Gilles Simon of France in a second-round match. Second-ranked Novak Djokovic also withdrew from Madrid because of a long-term wrist injury. Walter Payton Youth Jersey . -- Jonathan Diaz is easy to spot in the Blue Jays clubhouse. Roquan Smith Womens Jersey . Wheeler scored two goals, including the winner, as the Winnipeg Jets beat the Minnesota Wild 6-4 on Friday in a game that featured a seven-goal first period. http://www.bearsfootballpro.com/Authenti...k_Bears_Jersey/. Minutes before the final whistle of Sporting Kansas Citys 3-0 victory over a shorthanded Montreal Impact squad on Saturday afternoon, Saputo tweeted: "Our fans deserve better. Mike Ditka Jersey . Pominville scored in all three of Minnesotas games last week to help the Wild (8-4-3, 19 points) earn four out of a possible six points. His best performance was in a 4-3 win over Montreal on Friday, where he posted a season-high three points (two goals, one assist), including the game-winning goal. Tom Waddle Youth Jersey . Gorges is believed to have suffered the injury while blocking a shot with a hand during Montreals win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday. The Canadiens added to their defensive depth this week by acquiring veteran Mike Weaver from the Florida Panthers.BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Boston Bruins forward Loui Eriksson is staying behind in Buffalo for precautionary reasons after being blindsided by a check to the head by Sabres enforcer John Scott. Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli provided the update a few hours after the Bruins 5-2 victory Wednesday night. Chiarelli said Eriksson was staying in Buffalo overnight and was expected to return to Boston oon Thursday.dddddddddddd Eriksson was dazed and had to be helped off the ice after being hurt 5:49 into the third period. Skating through the neutral zone, Eriksson had dumped the puck into the Sabres end. Thats when Scott skated in from Erikssons right and levelled him with a shoulder to the face. Scott was ejected, and is expected to face a disciplinary hearing with the NHL. ' ' '

NASHVILLE -- Titans running back Chris Johnson says surgery to repair torn meniscus in his knee went perfectly. Johnson shared an update after his surgery Tuesday on Twitter. He also wrote, "now lets get on the grind." The running back told The Tennessean he was having surgery in Pensacola, Fla., with Dr. James Andrews to repair Johnsons knee. He hurt his knee in a win over San Diego in September. Johnson didnt miss a game in 2013 and sat out only one practice late in the season. He rushed for 1,077 yards, the second-lowest total of his six-year career. Johnson is due $8 million in 2014 and has said he wont take a pay cut. Also Tuesday, the Titans announced that Mike Sullivan had agreed to join new coach Ken Whisenhunts staff as an assistant offensive line coach. Jason Kidd Mavericks Jersey . -- Nelson Cruz has only two hits in 15 at-bats against the Kansas City Royals this season. Kostas Antetokounmpo Mavericks Jersey http://www.mavericksteamofficial.info/ja...vericks-jersey/. Hes recovered from a scary injury and cleared to play. Mingo, who was hospitalized with a bruised lung he sustained in an Aug. Dallas Mavericks Jerseys . -- Jake Paterson made 39 saves as the Saginaw Spirit halted the Guelph Storms seven-game win streak with a 6-3 victory on Sunday in Ontario Hockey League action. Dirk Nowitzki Jersey .com) - The surprising Calgary Flames host the winless New Jersey Devils at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday.SAUCIER, Miss. - Jeff Maggert admitted his decisive putt on No. 17 at Fallen Oak wasnt supposed to be one that actually dropped. He was just trying to get it close. So when the 50-foot putt rolled up and down a big ridge as it broke from left to right — and then fell into the hole — the Champions Tour rookie was as surprised as anyone. He had been consistent all week. Now just a little bit of luck had pushed him to victory at the Mississippi Gulf Resort Classic at Fallen Oak on Sunday. "You cant count on those going in very often," Maggert said with a grin. Maggert became the 17th player in Champions Tour history to win in his debut, shooting a 4-under 68 to capture his first victory since the 2006 St. Judes Classic on the PGA Tour. The 50-year-old fell into a tie for the lead with Billy Andrade after making bogey on No. 16, but responded with the astonishing putt that pushed him back ahead. "I was just trying to hit an easy lag putt," Maggert said. "I wanted an easy tap-in for par and it was just one of those things — the ball found the hole." When it dropped, Maggert shook his head in disbelief. He finished the tournament with an 11-under 205. Maggert is a three-time PGA Tour winner who turned 50 in February. His consistent weekend included a 68 on Friday, a 69 on Saturday and he capped his debut performance at Fallen Oak with four birdies on the back nine on Sunday to earn the $240,000 paycheque. "I had expectations to play well, but I didnt know if I would play well enough to win," Maggert said. "Id been struggling a little with my game, but eeverything just kind of came together.dddddddddddd It was one of the best tournaments, as far as ball striking, that Ive had in a few years in any event. That really carried me through." Andrade, who started the day tied with Fred Funk for the lead, shot a 71 to finish in second two strokes back. Andrade and Funk started the final round on top of a tight leaderboard, with a one-stroke lead over Fred Couples, Jay Haas and Maggert. The round was pushed back two hours because of rain, but the slightly soggy course didnt affect scoring much. Funk fell off the pace quickly, finishing with a 75. Haas was steady, but could never get on a roll and shot a 71 to finish tied for third with Bernhard Langer, who jumped up the leaderboard with a 68. Couples — who won the Toshiba Classic last week — faded after shooting a 66 to take a two-stroke lead in the opening round. He shot a 72 on Sunday to finish fifth. That left Andrade as Maggerts biggest challenger. The 50-year-old was playing in just his fourth Champions Tour event and had the lead at the turn, but made three bogeys on the back nine to fall out of contention. Andrade hasnt played much the past four years while working part-time as an analyst for The Golf Channel. He said Sundays back nine was frustrating, but that the weekend had shown him "that I still do have a little talent and I can play with these guys." "I havent been in this type of situation in a long time," Andrade said. "Its probably going to take me a little while to get the rust off when it comes to nerves and being in the hunt." ' ' '

DENVER -- Mark Trumbo homered for the fourth straight game, and the Arizona Diamondbacks averted a sweep by beating Colorado 5-3 on Sunday. Wade Miley pitched eight strong innings to extend his mastery over the Rockies. He also had a career-best three hits, including an RBI single and benefited from a defence that turned five double plays as the Diamondbacks won for just the second time in nine games this season. Miley improved to 7-0 with a 2.52 ERA in 10 career games (nine starts) against the Rockies, matching the longest winning streak against Colorado to start a career. The winning pitcher in Arizonas only other victory this season, Miley (2-1) allowed two runs and seven hits. Addison Reed gave up a leadoff single to Carlos Gonzalez in the ninth and Gonzalez stole second and went to third on catcher Miguel Monteros throwing error. Troy Tulowitzki walked to put runners on the corners. But Reed induced Wilin Rosario to ground into a run-scoring double play and then got Nolan Arenado to fly out to left for his second save in as many chances. Trumbo, who walked in his first two plate appearances, connected off Brett Anderson (0-2) for his fifth home run of the season, a two-run shot in the fifth that sailed into the left field bleachers and stretched Arizonas lead to 5-0. Anderson went six innings and allowed five runs and 10 hits. Colorado got on the scoreboard with sacrifice flies by Drew Stubbs in the fifth and Arenado in the sixth. A rare error by Arenado, last seasons Gold Glove winner at third base, opened the door to a pair of unearned runs for the Diamondbacks in the third inning. Paul Goldschmidts hard grounder kicked off his glove, allowing A.J. Pollock and Aaron Hill, who were aboard with singles, to score. Chris Owings doubled and scored on Mileys fourth-inning single. The new replay rule figured in a reversed call in the first inning. First base ump Mike Muchlinski called Colorado leadoff batter Charlie Blackmon out, but the replay showed Blackmon beat first baseman Goldschmidts flip to Miley, covering the bag, getting his hand on the base with a headfirst slide just ahead of Miley stepping on the bag. NOTES: The five double plays tied an Arizona club record. ... Brett Myers (April 23, 2003-April 11, 2009) and John Smoltz (May 6, 1993-Aug. 11, 1996) also had seven-game winning streaks against the Rockies to start their careers. ... Rockies 1B Justin Morneau had a designated day off on Sunday. ... The Diamondbacks have a day off before opening a three-game set at San Francisco on Tuesday. RHP Trevor Cahill (0-2) is set to go for the Diamondbacks against the Giants RHP Tim Hudson (1-0). ... The Rockies open an interleague series Monday against the Chicago White Sox with RHP Jordan Lyles (1-0) facing Chicagos RHP Felipe Paulino (0-0). ... Total time for the replay review, initiated by Rockies manager Walt Weiss, was 2 minutes, 14 seconds. ... Trumbo has five home runs and 13 RBIs in six career games at Coors Field. Corey Seager Dodgers Jersey . Pace had a career-high 10 sacks for Rex Ryans defence-- second only to Muhammad Wilkersons 10 1/2 -- in his sixth season with the Jets. The 33-year-old outside linebacker was an unrestricted free agent. Justin Turner Womens Jersey .J. -- Having Ondrej Pavelec earn his 100th NHL win and seeing Mark Scheifele and Evander Kane break goal droughts were nice highlights for the Winnipeg Jets. http://www.ladodgersprostore.us/Jackie-R...dodgers-jersey/. - All-Pro quarterback Aaron Rodgers looked spry enough in pregame warmups Sunday for Green Bays divisional playoff game against Dallas. Jackie Robinson Dodgers Jersey . “The shootout, theres nothing wrong with it, I think its an exciting part of the game but its just one small aspect,” said Chicago Blackhawks GM Stan Bowman. “Its a skill exhibition. If you can get it back closer to regular hockey and have it decided that way; that would be my preference.” “I dont think its a knock on the shootout, I think more of the managers would like to see it end in overtime,” added Washington Capitals GM George McPhee. Clayton Kershaw Womens Jersey .com) - Lloyd Sam struck in stoppage time on Wednesday as Red Bull New York hung on for a crucial 1-0 win over Atlantic Cup rivals D.TAMPA, Fla. - Steven Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning were too much again at home for the Philadelphia Flyers to handle.Stamkos had two goals and an assist, and the Lightning beat the Flyers 4-3 on Thursday night.I didnt think we had our best game, but we found a way to win, Stamkos said. Thats a good characteristic to have.Vladislav Namestnikov and Jason Garrison scored the other goals for the Lightning. Tampa Bay has beaten the Flyers seven straight times at home, dating to February 2011.Wayne Simmonds, Jakub Voracek and Michael Raffl netted goals for the Flyers, who had won three in a row.The Lightning were 2 of 5 on the power play. Philadelphia failed to score on two chances.Weve been a disciplined team all year, Flyers coach Craig Berube said. All of a sudden we become an undisciplined team tonight. You take seven penalties, youre going to have a tough time.After Stamkos gave Tampa Bay a 3-1 lead with his eighth goal this season from the left circle at 5:30 of the third, Voraceks in-close shot made it a one-goal game again 68 seconds later.Garrison made it 4-2, snapping his 28-game goal drought, on the power play with 3:12 to play. Valtteri Filppula earned his third assist of the game on the goal.Raffl cut the Flyers deficit back to one in the final minute.We bent a little, but didnt break, Tampa Bay coach Jon Cooper said. It was good to see.Stamkos put the Lightning ahead 2-1 during a power play with 45.7 seconds remaining in the second period. He has 16 gooals and 25 points in 21 games against Philadelphia.ddddddddddddThey have a good power play with Stamkos shooting everything, Voracek said. Dangerous. I would say it was a couple of tough goals, but thats the way they saw it. We could do nothing about it, just maybe focus, try to kill it.Namestnikov redirected Anton Stralmans blue line shot past goalie Ray Emery for a 1-0 lead 3:29 into the game. Stralman has eight assists and nine points in 11 games this season after getting 13 points over 81 games last season with the New York Rangers.The Flyers went almost 10 minutes before Claude Giroux got their initial shot on goal. Simmonds tied it 1-1 and stopped his five-game point drought when he beat Ben Bishop on a rebound goal with 7:17 left in the first.Tampa Bays Tyler Johnson had his seven-game assist streak end. The centre had 11 assists over the stretch.NOTES: After the game the Flyers announced that they had signed 31-year old unrestricted free agent defenceman Carlo Colaiacovo. The team is without injured defencemen Braydon Coburn and Andrew MacDonald. ... Flyers C Vincent Lecavalier said he is close to returning from a foot injury that has sidelined him seven games. ... Tampa Bay RW Ryan Callahan, who has missed five games due to a lower body injury, could play Saturday against Washington. ... Philadelphia D Brandon Manning, recalled Wednesday from Lehigh Valley of the AHL, played in his first NHL game since the 2012-13 season and had an assist. ' ' '

LOS ANGELES -- Brandon Phillips gets as much of a charge out of making a defensive gem to save a run as he does hitting a home run. Wednesday night, he was able to do both in the same inning to help the Cincinnati Reds pin a frustrating loss on two-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw. Phillips and Homer Baileys seven effective innings led the Reds to a 3-2 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night. "Regardless of who was pitching, it feels good just to come through for the team and do something positive to get us going in the right direction," Phillips said. "We havent been really scoring that many runs and havent been getting many clutch hits. Kershaws one of the best pitchers in the game, but tonight we just hit some mistakes." Phillips, a four-time Gold Glove second baseman, robbed Andre Ethier of an RBI single when he made a diving stop of his grounder in the hole and threw him out after a leadoff double by Dee Gordon. Bailey escaped the inning unscathed by striking out Yasiel Puig and Hanley Ramirez. "I feel like defence wins championships and offence sells tickets," Phillips said. "That defensive play I made really saved the game. Im surprised I got to that ball. I didnt really see it come off the bat really good." Bailey (5-3) allowed two runs and five hits while striking out six. The right-hander has won consecutive starts for the first time this season following his 5-3 victory over St. Louis last Friday. "It was good for me, especially with the April I had," Bailey said. "Obviously its not how I wanted to start the season. It took a little while to get my legs underneath me. I would have liked to put up a few more zeros, but doing it against Clayton -- and the fact that we scored three runs -- you just make sure you lock them down. It was a really big win. We needed that one. You dont ever want to get swept. I dont care where youre at or who youre playing." Ethier, who drove in a season-high four runs Tuesday night, was 0 for 3 against Bailey and is hitless in 21 career at-bats against him with seven strikeouts. "He was just moving the ball so well," Ethier said. "Hes one of those guys who can be wildly effective at times, and other times he can spot up a pitch and throw something in there at 93-94 -- then reach back for 96-97 -- and its moving all over the place. He can throw his other pitches for strikes, too, so its a tough combination. In the past, Ive seen a lot of cutters from him, and tonight I didnt see one. It was all two-seam fastballs and one breaking ball." Puig, who has reached base safely in 29 straight games, led off the Dodgers sixth with an opposite-field homer to right-centre that narrowed the gap to 3-2. But former Dodgers closer Jonathan Broxton retired Puig and Ramirez on flyballs for the last two outs in the eighth after replacing Manny Parra with a runner at second, and Aroldis Chapman pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth save. Kershaw (3-2) allowed three runs and seven hits in seven innings and struck out nine. He retired 14 of his next 16 batters after Phillips homer. The left-hander, who led the majors in ERA in each of the previous three seasons, has a 3.57 mark through his first six starts this year. He missed all of April because of a strained muscle in his back, after beating Arizona March 22 during the Dodgers season-opening two-game trip to Australia. Matt Kemp, who hadnt started a game in left field since his rookie year, was back there Wednesday on the eighth anniversary of his major league debut. It was his eighth career start in left, and first since June 21, 2006. Todd Frazier doubled over Matt Kemps head leading off the sixth and scored on a wild pitch to give Cincinnati a 3-1 lead. Only one of the last 34 home runs Kershaw has given up has been with more than one man on base. That was a three-run shot by former Seattle catcher Miguel Olivo, who eventually joined the Dodgers in January as a free agent -- and was released last week after biting off a piece of Triple-A Albuquerque teammate Alex Guerreros left ear during a dugout brawl. NOTES: Hall of Fame broadcaster Vin Scully was back in the Dodgers TV booth after missing two games because of a chest cold. ... Canadian-born OF Jamie Romak, promoted from Triple-A Albuquerque because of Crawfords injury, pinch-hit for Kershaw in the seventh and grounded out to second on the first pitch he saw in the major leagues. ... Dodgers RHP Brandon League retired both batters he faced. He hasnt allowed an earned run in a career-best 22 innings spanning his last 16 appearances. Julian Love Giants Jersey . Yet coming off consecutive series losses at St. Louis and Pittsburgh, Los Angeles needed some sort of spark as August approaches. The Dodgers found it in the ballpark of their biggest rival, and left the Bay Area in first place following an emphatic three-game swing. Mark Bavaro Giants Jersey . The government says top golfers are expected to compete in the PGA Tour event at the Ashburn Golf Club in the suburb of Fall River from July 3-6 and again next year. http://www.giantsonlineteamshop.com/lawr...rsey-cheap.html. Johan Franzen had two goals and two assists, Gustav Nyquist a goal and three assists and David Legwand a goal and two assists in the Red Wings 7-4 win over the New Jersey Devils. Deandre Baker Jersey . Starting from pole, the 26-year-old Vettel turned in a trademark clinical performance to win the Indian Grand Prix on Sunday and join F1 greats Juan Manuel Fangio and Michael Schumacher as just the third driver to win four consecutive championships. Harry Carson Giants Jersey . -- The Tampa Bay Lightning are disappointed, though not discouraged.Safe to say, Raptors fans were not pleased... @cchredden agreed. Its a shame — BarDown (@BarDown) January 19, 2015 @cchredden @BarDown I think all 29k should get to punch justin Beiber in the face. Kyle Lowry IS an Allstar, lets get him there #NBABallot — Todd Larsen (@Toddgak19) January 19, 2015 @Toddgak19 @BarDown ha! I would be mad if Kyle Lowry lost by that margin. Its creating some buzz, if theres any consolation #NBABallot — Charlie Redden (@cchredden) JJanuary 20, 2015 @cchredden @Toddgak19 will be interesting to see what the margin ends up being — BarDown (@BarDown) January 20, 2015If Kyle Lowry ends up missing out by anything less than 30k votes, look out.dddddddddddd Chances are Bieber will be seeing this look directed at him by Raptors fans for the rest of the year. Just crossin my bro @mackmaineymcmb ? Un vídeo publicado por Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) el Ene 22, 2014 at 7:46 PST ' ' '

DENVER – Fear consumed the Maple Leafs bench as they stood nervously by with Daniel Winnik lying motionless on the Pepsi Center ice. One of the most scary things that Ive been a part of and watched live, said Dion Phaneuf afterward. Though requiring a fine performance in goal and one unlikely hero, Toronto managed to rally in their fallen teammates absence. They scored a single point during a wild night in Denver, one that saw the Avalanche eventually emerge behind their young guns in a shootout. It was only 45 seconds into the action when Winnik was stood up at the Colorado blue-line by Jan Hejda. He fell backwards uncontrollably from the thunderous collision, his head and neck crunching violently against the ice. Laying there motionless and seemingly knocked out for an entirely uncomfortable stretch, Winnik was eventually carted off the ice on a stretcher, his eyes open and fingers moving. The bad part about it was he was out of it, said head coach, Randy Carlyle of Winnik, who played two seasons in Colorado. After reviewing it, yeah he did twist his neck, but the weight of his body seemed to roll on his shoulder more and into his back. He was lucky in that situation. Amazingly (and almost unbelievably so) Winnik is apparently okay. Hes 100 per cent fine, said Carlyle. He says theres nothing wrong with him. That may be hard to believe, but encouragingly given how devastating the injury appeared, Winnik was even up and walking around the dressing room during the first intermission. He offered his team a rallying cry in the process. Finish the game hard, he said. That was a relief because we were pretty bothered as a team when you have a teammate like that get hurt, Phaneuf said. That was a boost for us when we came in and saw him after the first. They rallied around his presence. Even on the scoreboard after that nervous opening period, the Leafs traded goals with the Avalanche in the middle frame, tying it up one more time in the final moments of regulation on an unlikely marker from the previously little-used, Richard Panik. They needed more than a few heroics from Jonathan Bernier to even get to that point, the 26-year-old making his first start in nearly a week. Carlyle called it a reckless game, one that saw chances galore from a pair of shaky defensive squads. Im sure it was exciting for the fans, but its never exciting for coaches, he said. Given the circumstance – Jake Gardiner was also lost to injury early leaving the visitors with 16 skaters – the Leafs were happy to snatch a point, though its clear they have much to improve upon after dropping both games of a brief stint on the road. We definitely deserved that point, Bernier said, and probably more. Five Points 1. Statement in Goal Bernier wasnt too thrilled not to get the start Tuesday in Phoenix – that was the original plan – and he responded with another fine effort. If not for him the Leafs likely get nothing in Denver. There were the back-to-back stops on Matt Duchene during a wave of Avs domination in the first. There was the glove snatch of Jamie McGinns point-blank attempt in the middle frame. There was the two-pad stack on Tanguay all alone in front early in the third. I think Im seeing the puck well, he said. Im fighting to see it as well. Obviously you want to make at least one save in the shootout, you had a chance to get more [points], but thats the way it goes sometimes. Bernier owns a .925 save percentage in his last five starts. 2. First Periods Much like a year ago, first periods have been a dud for the Leafs this fall. Outscoring opponents in both the second and third, Toronto has managed eight first period goals to 14 for the opposition. The trend continued Thursday night. Colorado struck on the very shift of the game on a goal from Nick Holden – ending the period with 19 shots. Carlyle has taken measures to fix the wobbly starts, intent on easing the tension before puck-drop. Those measures even include the odd hula-hoop contest, yes, hula-hoop. Ive found that it always works, Carlyle said of playing games and contests before puck-drop. It lightens your group up and it eases the pressure that comes with it. Despite another troubled start that saw Colorado outshooting them 12-4 at one point, the Leafs did rebound in the back half of the first, evening the score on the seventh this season for Phil Kessel. (Kessel missed the first six minutes of the third with an undisclosed ailment, but managed to return for the remainder of the game.) Toronto was one of the worst starters in the league last season, outscored 76-56 in first periods – those 76 goals against the fifth-most of any team. 3. Scoring First Inextricably linked to those first periods has been the matter of scoring first. Like most teams, the Leafs arent faring well at all when they fail to score the first goal. And they gave up the first one for the eighth time in 13 games against the Avalanche. I guess you could say that everybody would love to score the first goal, Carlyle said before the game. If you look at the statistics and the league historically…the team that scores the first goal I think their winning percentage is over 70 per cent. I guess everybody would want to score the first goal. The Leafs are now 1-5-2 when theyre forced to come from behind, 5-0-0 when they score first. 4. Young D Jake Gardiner was sporting a mean limp in the Toronto dressing room after the shootout loss. Gardiner was stung on the left knee by a Jarome Iginla shot early in the first, wobbling around for the remainder of what was a troubled 50-second shift. He tested the knee during a TV timeout, but clearly felt some discomfort. X-rays revealed no break, but a deep bone bruise. Hit him in a spot where no equipment was, Carlyle said. Morgan Rielly, meanwhile, sat as a healthy scratch for the first time all season – replaced by Stuart Percy. He and Carlyle had a brief exchange at the morning skate. We felt that Morgan needed to improve in some areas of his game, Carlyle said. We think theres more for Morgan to give. Morgans got to use his skating ability to play the game to a higher level. 5. Suspended Carter Ashtons NHL career was dealt a harsh blow Thursday. The 23-year-old, still searching for his first goal in the league, was suspended 20 games, without pay, for violating the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program. Ashton claims the detection came from an inhaler (not his own) he used during a pair of asthma attacks before the start of the regular season. Unfortunately, I incorrectly assumed that there were no problems associated with the use of this inhaler and I used it without checking to see whether its contents were permissible under the NHL/NHLPA Performance Enhancing Substances Program, Ashton said in a statement, recognizing Clenbuterol as the offending substance. However, at no time was I seeking to gain an athletic advantage or to knowingly violate the terms of the program. Ashton will forfeit $169,185 as a result of the suspension. Already on the fringes of the Leafs roster and just starting to play recently – he was a healthy scratch in the first nine games – this was not what Ashton needed, a mistake that could trouble his chances of getting back in the lineup. A lot can change in the more than six weeks hell miss and given his limited track record he is by no means guaranteed a spot when he becomes eligible to return on Dec. 20 when the Leafs host the Flyers. Stats-Pack 5 games – Point streak for Phil Kessel, who has three goals and 10 points in that span. 1-5-2 – Leafs record when failing to score first this season. 14-8 – Mark by which Toronto has been outscored in first periods this season. 2 – Points for Richard Panik on Thursday, his first multi-point effort as a Leaf. 31:07 – Ice-time for Dion Phaneuf against the Avalanche, his highest of the season. Special Teams Capsule PP: 1-2 Season: 20.4% PK: 3-3 Season: 83.7% Quote of the Night One of the most scary things that Ive been a part of and watched live. -Dion Phaneuf, on the Daniel Winnik incident. Up Next The Leafs return home to host the Rangers on Saturday. Brian Bellows Jersey . Its a blessing and a burden for nine sons of former NHL players who are all expected to be taken in the first four rounds of the draft this weekend. Jon Casey Stars Jersey . The club announced Friday that Mauro Biello will be kept on as an assistant to coach Jesse Marsch when the Impact join the MLS in 2012. http://www.thedallasstarshockey.com/tyle...-hockey-jersey/. -- The Phoenix Coyotes have won three in a row for the first time in 4 1/2 months, and theyve done it just in time for the stretch run to the playoffs. Jon Casey Jersey . The club announced on Wednesday that Malhotra signed a 25-game professional tryout contract. The 33-year-old suffered a serious eye injury when struck by a puck during a game versus Colorado in March of 2011. Brett Hull Stars Jersey . "I could have been equipment manager but nooooo" from Lisa on Ice. Season 6, Episode 8.ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- The Broncos placed safety Rahim Moore on recallable injured reserve Tuesday and signed veteran Michael Huff to take his place. Moore underwent emergency surgery to stop bleeding in a muscle in his left leg Monday. By placing him on recallable IR, the Broncos can bring Moore back to practice in six weeks and onto the active roster if theyre playing in eight weeks, which would be tthe week of the AFC title game in January.dddddddddddd Broncos executive vice-president of football operations John Elway said, "obviously it hurts to lose Rahim, hed been playing so well." Huff was the seventh pick of the 2006 draft by the Raiders. He signed as a free agent with Baltimore last off-season but played sparingly in seven games this year before the Ravens released him. ' ' '

OAKLAND, Calif. - Andrew Bogut saw Marreese Speights driving to the rim during a pickup game at the Golden State Warriors practice facility a couple weeks ago and never second-guessed what to do next.Bogut moved in Speights path, held his position and took a charge.Im not going to change the way I play, Bogut said. The way I play is I take charges, I block shots, I set hard screens. Unfortunately, we dont wear padding or anything like that, and every now and then were going to get a knock.Golden States centre and big difference maker has taken more than a few knocks in his career. Hes healthy again for training camp, and he knows that the Warriors will need him to stay that way to contend for anything this season.The fractured rib that sidelined him for the first-round loss to the Los Angeles Clippers is healed, he said, but the mental anguish of missing the playoffs has left another kind of scar.Since Milwaukee made him the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft, Boguts injuries include a dislocated right elbow, broken right hand, sprained right wrist, broken left ankle and fractured rib. He also has battled back discomfort on occasion.Bogut has never been bothered by those who believe hes injury prone. The only thing that bugs Bogut is not being able to play when his teammates need him most.The 7-foot Australian centre said he did everything he could to return sooner from his latest freak injury, which started after he took a hit against Denver and worsened when he was sandwiched by two Portland defenders a few days later. He said he had trouble breathing and could barely move, let alone battle Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan under the basket.Bogut popped pain-killing pills and laid on his stomach for nearly 24 hours a day following the fracture. He had a rib-protecting vest made in case he could return, but he was unable to even sit on the bench.Bogut said the rib might have calcified enough for him to play at some point in the second round had the Warriors advanced. Instead, they lost in a decisive Game 7 against a Clippers team that controlled the paint.I did everything like I was going to play. But in reality, Id rather be called soft and injury prone by every fan, blogger and media person out there than puncture my lung, Bogut said. Because they wouldnt be sending me a get-well card when Im in the hospital.When Bogut has played, he has played well.He dominated down low to propel the Warriors to the second round of the playoffs two seasons ago, even while nursing a sore left ankle that had him limping out of the locker room each time. He played 67 of 82 games last season, averaging 10 rebounds, 7.3 points and 1.7 assists.But his biggest impact has come on defence. Bogut has ranked among the NBAs best in defensive ratings and is the primary reason a franchise long known for offence has been transformed into a defensive leader, which makes the times he injured so difficult to overcome.Its having one of the best defensive centres in the league there versus not having him there. Its daylight and darkness, Warriors forward Harrison Barnes said. When hes healthy, he can pass, he can move. It just changes our whole dynamic.Unlike during Mark Jacksons tenure, new Warriors coach Steve Kerr is leaning on Bogut to be a focal point on both sides of the floor.During a visit to Australia this summer, Kerr brought a video that featured clips of offensive plays for Bogut. Some highlights were from Boguts time in Milwaukee. Others came from Kerrs days playing in the triangle offence for Phil Jacksons Chicago Bulls in the 1990s, when another Australian centre, Luc Longley, often helped initiate the offence.Andrews one of the best passing centres in the league. Hes one of the best Ive ever seen, and so for us to get him the ball on the elbows as a dribble-handoff guy, backdoor-pass guy, that will be emphasized, Kerr said.Bogut is embracing the challenge to feed Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and the rest of Golden States sharpshooters. He said he will play smarter, picking his spots when to put his body in harms way.But wont play afraid, he said, because thats just not the way he plays.It doesnt really worry me. Im still kicking and breathing. Im still playing basketball and doing what I love, Bogut said. Theres going to be obstacles everybody faces in their life. Its just unfortunate injuries for me. I could say its bad luck or somebody put a hex on me, but you cant control it.___Antonio Gonzalez can be reached at: www.twitter.com/agonzalezAP Steven Stamkos Jersey . -- During Kansas shootaround on Wednesday before the Jayhawks faced Oklahoma, coach Bill Self told Wayne Selden Jr. Mikhail Sergachev Jersey .com) - On the bright side, either the Minnesota Wild or Buffalo Sabres will end their losing streak on Thursday night. http://www.lightninghockeystore.us/Cedric-Paquette-Jersey/. And follow TSN.ca right through Wednesdays 3pm et trade deadline for all the updates. Blue line help for Red Wings? In addition to what he reported in Insider Trading, TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun wrote on ESPN. Louis Domingue Lightning Jersey . Zimmermann became the National Leagues first 16-game winner, pitching seven solid innings to lead the Washington Nationals past the Philadelphia Phillies 3-2 Wednesday night. Cedric Paquette Lightning Jersey . David Perron had a career high four-point night with two goals and two assists as the Oilers experienced an offensive explosion, blasting the Columbus Blue Jackets 7-0 to record a rare home win for their second victory in a row. DAVIE, Fla. -- Dion Jordan of the Miami Dolphins has been suspended for the first four games of the season after testing positive for a stimulant prohibited under the NFLs policy on use of performance-enhancing substances. The Dolphins announced the suspension Thursday. In a statement released by the team, Jordan took "full responsibility" for the positive test. "I recently learned from the NFL that I tested positive for stimulants that are banned under the NFL policy," Jordans statement read. "I worked carefully with my advisors and the union to investigate the test results, and I take full responsibility for the test results." Jordans statement also included an apology for the "impact of this situation" on his teammates, coaches, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, his fans and family. "We were disappointed to learn about Dions suspension," Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said through the team. "Dion has accepted responsibility for his actions and is committed to improving, both on and off the field, in preparation for the upcoming year.dddddddddddd" Jordan was the third overall pick in the 2013 draft out of Oregon. He says he added more than 15 pounds of bulk this off-season in an effort to improve his game, earning praise from Philbin for being able to play faster as well. "I would never sacrifice my speed for weight," Jordan said last month. He played in all 16 games with Miami a year ago, with 26 tackles and two sacks. Jordan will be able to participate in training camp and preseason games. Once the regular season starts he will not be permitted to be part of the Dolphins active roster until Sept. 29, according to an NFL spokesman. Jordan will miss games against AFC East rivals New England and Buffalo, as well as matchups with Kansas City and Oakland. The first game he would be eligible for would be Oct. 12 against Green Bay, a game that follows the Dolphins bye week. "I will continue to work extremely hard during training camp and preseason," Jordan said. "During the suspension, I will stay in top shape and will be ready to contribute upon my return." ' ' '