San Jose, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - Antti Niemi made 25 saves and six different Sharks scored as San Jose used a five-goal second period to ease past the Anaheim Ducks, 6-3, on Thursday. Patrick Marleau, Barclay Goodrow and James Sheppard each tallied a goal and an assist and Brenden Dillon, Matt Irwin and Joe Pavelski also scored for the Sharks, who have won seven straight home games against the Ducks. Andrew Cogliano, Patrick Maroon and Matt Beleskey all lit the lamp for the Ducks, who had their six-game winning streak come to a screeching halt. Ilya Bryzgalov gave up all six goals on 25 shots and Frederik Andersen turned aside eight shots fired his way in relief of Bryzgalov. The Sharks seized control with five goals during the middle stanza. Goodrow started the drastic momentum shift 2:15 into the frame as he shot the puck through Bryzgalovs pads and Marleau made it a 3-1 game four minutes later after he deflected Brent Burns point shot. Irwin stepped up into the slot and wristed a shot past a screened Bryzgalov at 12:37, Sheppard found twine with a wrister off the rush two minutes later and Dillon made it a 6-1 game after his cross-ice feed on a short-handed two-on- one went in off a sliding Beleskey with 3:53 left in the second. Anaheim got one back after Beleskeys fluttering backhander fooled Niemi just 1:23 into the third and Maroon accounted for the final score with 1:10 to play as he took Hampus Lindholms cross-ice pass and ripped a wrister short side. Cogliano gave the Ducks an early lead after he deposited a rebound in front just 4:57 into the game. San Jose tied the game less than three minutes later as Pavelski redirected Joe Thorntons offering past Bryzgalov during a power play. Game Notes The Ducks last won in San Jose on March 19, 2012 ... Pavelski and Maroon each scored in a third straight game for their respective teams ... The Ducks suffered their first regulation loss when scoring first. They entered the game with a 23-0-5 record when doing so ... The Sharks improved to 3-1-1 on a seven-game homestand. Cheap Air Max 95 Wholesale . Kuznetsov, who was selected by the Capitals in the first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, has been playing for his hometown team Chelyabinsk Traktor of the KHL. Air Max 95 Cheap Sale . A broadcast source said the deal is for five years. The agreement calls for a minimum of 17 regular-season games as well as the East and West Division finals being broadcast annually on ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPNEWS. http://www.discountairmax95.com/.com) - The Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics both entered Wednesday nights game riding lengthy losing streaks. Air Max 95 Clearance . The Rangers announced after Thursdays 4-2 loss to the New York Yankees that they would purchase Williams contract from Triple-A Round Rock. The 32-year-old Williams was released by Houston earlier this month after going 1-4 with a 6. Cheap Air Max 95 China . -- Jake Peavy arrived at Bostons spring training complex on Monday with a large white bandage covering his left index finger, the result of a weekend accident.PHOENIX - NFL Players Association President Eric Winston says the leagues new personal conduct policy violates the CBA in several ways and were going to be grieving this as far as we can.The union filed a grievance against the NFL last week over changes to the policy. NFL owners unanimously approved the changes in December.We have an agreement with the league and they have an agreement with us, Winston said. Were going to hold them to that agreement. Many aspects of this policy fall outside of the CBA and were going to continue fighting it going forward.The union and the league have been at odds over the personal conduct policy since both groups began navigating the Ray Rice domestic violence case and later Adrian Petersons child abuse case.After dealing with both issues, a more extensive list of prohibited conduct will be included in the policy, as well as specific criteria for paid leave for anyone charged with a violent crime.A suspension of six games without pay for violations involving assault, sexual assault, battery, domestic violence, child abuse and other forms of family violence will be in effect, but with consideration given to mitigating or aggravating circumstances.The leagues revised conduct policy was the product of a tremendoous amount of analysis and work and is based on input from a broad and diverse group of experts within and outside of football, including current players, former players, and the NFL Players Association, the league said in a statement last week.ddddddddddddWe and the public firmly believe that all NFL personnel should be held accountable to a stronger, more effective conduct policy. Clearly, the union does not share that belief.Other items from the NFLPAs news conference on Thursday:— NFLPA Executive Director DeMaurice Smith said the union will issue its own salary cap projections for the first time. They want to counter inaccurate NFL projections. The projections are expected to be released before the scouting combine next month.— Smith said no players on the New England Patriots were interviewed regarding the deflated footballs incident because the league wanted to wait until after the Super Bowl. He said each player will have a union lawyer with them.— Winston said the union will discuss agent regulation at its meeting in March. He said the union needs to do a better job of deciding who they want representing their players.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org___Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_RobMaaddi ' ' '

MARSEILLE, France -- Mark Cavendish will never be the greatest Tour de France rider, because he will never win the race five times like Eddy Merkcx of Belgium and Frenchman Bernard Hinault. Still, the sprinter with thighs like thick hams could outdo both of those legends -- by winning more stages than them at cyclings premier race. By Cavendishs warp-speed standards, his 24th stage win on Wednesday was like taking candy from a baby. The teammates who led Cavendish to the finish, sucking him along in their wheels, building up his speed, were toiling like clockwork. Stamping on his pedals, head down, thighs pumping like pistons, Cavendish then whooshed off alone for the last 150 metres (yards), leaving everyone else in his wake. Cavendish was carrying so much momentum and this win in Marseille, Frances second-largest city, was so comfortable that he was able to sit up in the saddle and make a hand motion like cracking a whip as he crossed the line. One more stage win will tie Cavendish with Andre Leducq, the Frenchman who got 25 stage wins in the 1920s and 1930s, putting him third on the all-time list. Beyond Leducq is Hinault, who notched up 28 wins in the 1970s and 80s. Merckxs monument is 34, won from 1969 to 1975. Jacques Anquetil and Miguel Indurain also won five Tours, but didnt win as many stages as Hinault and Merckx. Anquetil won 16; Indurain got 12. All seven of Lance Armstrong Tour wins were stripped from him for doping. This 100th Tour is the first since Armstrongs fall last year. Victorias Ryder Hesjedal was the top Canadian in the fifth stage, finishing 103rd. Hesjedal, who confirmed Wednesday that hes racing with a broken rib, is 14th in the overall classification, 17 seconds behind Gerrans. Quebec Citys David Veilleux is 143rd, 25 minutes and 28 seconds off the pace, while Svein Tuft of Langley, B.C., is 169th, 33:23 off the pace. Cavendish makes out that he isnt fixated on Hinault or Merckxs numbers. He notes that for many riders, winning just one stage at the 110-year-old Tour -- let alone the 11 he needs to overhaul Merckx -- is a career-defining feat. "You have to show the Tour de France the respect it deserves," he said. But then Cavendish isnt any other rider. Before this edition, he collected on average nearly five wins at every Tour since 2008. In 2009, he got six. He won the last four sprint finishes on the Champs-Elysees in Paris, where he is unbeaten since 2009. While Merckxs record is still a way off, Hinault and most certainly Leducq look within Cavendishs grasp. "Obviously I aim to win multiple stages each year. But to set any goals, any number ... it does one of two things: It sets you up to fail for something or it puts like a mark on what you want to achieve and it can kind of stop you trying to move forward," he said. Were Cavendish to overtake Hinault, it wouldnt mean he is a better overall rider than the famously bad-tempered "Badger," who was strong on every terrain. But in a sprint, Cavendish has no equal, at least in this generation. Although Cavendish downplays the chase for stage-win milestones, he is certainly very aware of them. The Tour director, Christian Prudhomme, says that more than a year ago, at the Tour of Oman, he quietly tested Cavendishs knowledge of Tour de France history and was delighted when he rattled off the names of Andre Darrigade, who won 22 stages in the 1950s and 60s, as well as Leducq, Hinault, Merckx and their respective totals. "He is aware of what does it take ... to become No. 1 on the list of most winning riders ever," confirmed Rolf Aldag, one of the managers of Cavendishs Omega Pharma-Quick Step team. "He has a chance to make history," he said. "Its a goal, its a target." Cavendish would be the first to note that, unlike Merckx, he doesnt win alone. His teammates worked tirelessly to manoeuvre him into place in Marseille. They helped reel in breakaway riders who scooted off ahead and then delivered him like express mail to within sight of the line. Omegas Italian rider, Matteo Trentin, surged to the front and pedalled as hard as he could up to and around the final left-hand bend, pulling Gert Steegmans and Cavendish behind him. Exhausted, Trentin then made way for Steegmans, who led Cavendish at top speed to the signboard marking 150 metres to go. From there, the man known as the "Manx Missile," because he comes from the Isle of Man, did the rest. "Perfect, man, perfect," Trentin said. "The basic plan never changes," Aldag said. "The basic plan is always we believe hes the fastest sprinter and we do everything that needs to be done to try to make him win." "I didnt do anything," Cavendish said. "Gert went with such speed that I could accelerate off his wheel and just carried on the speed he delivered me at." Stage 6 on Thursday -- 176.5 kilometres (110 miles) from Aix-en-Provence to Montpellier -- should also suit Cavendish, because it is flat. With his short, muscular frame, he doesnt like steep climbs. Simon Gerrans of Australia will again wear the yellow jersey, after keeping the race lead on Wednesdays bumpy 228.5-kilometre (142-mile) trek from the beach resort of Cagnes-sur-Mer. Air Force 1 Descuentos . - New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis says the club has an agreement to bring back outside linebacker Parys Haralson on a one-year deal. Air Force 1 Baratas España . On paper, it looks a little like Andre the Giant taking on a midget wrestler. It has all the makings of a rout with the Americans adding an eighth win in nine outings of this biennial event. The Yanks have eight players in the top 15 in the world while the Internationals have just one. http://www.airforce1baratas.es/.Tzavelas opened the scoring in the 11th and Pereyra added another in the 51st. Emmanuel Kone pulled one back in the 80th and Levadiakos missed several chances to level in the last 10 minutes. Air Force 1 Baratas Rebajas . Today, well look at five frontcourt players today, here from the Bay Area. 1. AMIR JOHNSON (Raptors): I cant figure out what the issue or problem is, but based upon what Im seeing, hes not right. Air Force 1 Rebajas . Levante, which had lost five straight including a Copa del Rey game last weekend, fell behind at its Ciutat de Valencia stadium when Ionut Sapanura opened the scoring for Elche in the 26th minute.ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - The physical scar serves as Rahim Moores motivation. So, too, the emotional one.But the Broncos free safety doesnt want to ponder either one this weekend in his first playoff game since his infamous gaffe two years ago, which led to a franchise-jolting, double-overtime loss to Baltimore.Moore missed Denvers drive to the Super Bowl last year after a rare muscle condition cut short his eye-catching comeback at midseason and sent him to the hospital where surgeons saved his left leg.When he returned to the practice field this spring, sporting a 13-inch scar that serpentines down his left calf, he cried.Moore doesnt expect the tears to flow when the Broncos (12-4) face the Indianapolis Colts (12-5) on Sunday, one day shy of the two-year anniversary of his blunder against Baltimore and 14 months after his emergency operation.Im not anxious about anything, Moore said, pledging to stay even-keeled until the game clock hits all zeros.Dont dwell on the past, youve got to be futuristic, Moore said. Im going to go out there and do what Ive been doing all year.What he did was have another solid season, this time in the shadows of the Broncos three Pro Bowl defensive backs: Aqib Talib, T.J. Ward and Chris Harris Jr.In the hushed locker room following his ball-through-Buckners-legs moment against Baltimore, Moore promised next time to make the play and make up for his mistake — going for the ball instead of the tackle at the 30, then mistiming his jump.To do that, he knows he cant let his thirst for redemption get in the way.He said he plans to just go out there and act like its a normal game, still keep the same preparations, still get after it, still work hard, dont try to say, Oh, you have this bad taste in your mouth. No, just go out there and make a play. When you make a play, all that stufff is over.ddddddddddddIn Andrew Luck, Moore will be facing another quarterback who can sling it just like Joe Flacco did when he hit Jacoby Jones for that 70-yard TD in the final minute of regulation. Luck also brings mobility and size.Andrew Luck has elite speed and then when you try to tackle him, he may run you over, he may sidestep you, Moore said. Hes tough, too. Hes got good size. Hes one of those guys where you watch him on film, youre like, Man, hes fantastic. But you hope hes not fantastic versus you.Two of Moores four interceptions this season came against Luck in the opener, which Denver won 31-24 after going up 24-0 at halftime and 31-10 in the fourth quarter.Moore also collected 50 tackles this season, broke up five passes, forced two fumbles and recovered one.Hes done a tremendous job, coach John Fox said. You bring up (his bouncing back) from that particular play, it speaks a lot for the kind of young man and human being he is as well as a football player. Hes played good football for us. Hes had a very good season. Hes a big reason why were where we are defensively.According to the advanced statistics of Pro Football Focus, Moore had one of the best seasons of any safety in the NFL, leading the league in coverage snaps (688) and cover snaps per target (31.1) and ranking third in yards per cover snap (0.27) and cover snaps per reception (40.5).So, his pledge to just keep doing what hes doing could prove crucial and might even provide a dollop of redemption.Im not eager. Im not anxious, Moore said. I just want to go out there and have fun and just play as a team. And if we do that, man, I think well be fine.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL___Follow AP Pro Football Writer Arnie Melendrez Stapleton on Twitter: http://twitter.com/arniestapleton ' ' '

DENVER - Kobe Bryant will be in the Los Angeles Lakers lineup for a second straight game after taking time off to rest.Coach Byron Scott said Bryant will be available Tuesday night against Denver.Bryant returned Sunday against Phoenix and scored 10 points in 32 minutes. Before that, he missed three games around Christmas because of overall soreness.Scott said Bryant came in for treatment and stretching Tuesday morning. Scott added that Bryant will arrive for the game early to get some shots up and hell be ready to go.For now, Scott will limit Bryant to 32 or 33 minutes. Its a fluid situation because, its kind of hard to say, OK, youre at 32 and we have five minutes in OT so Im going to sit you, Scott joked. Basketball Shoes Outlet Online . Observant Muslims avoid food and liquids from dawn to dusk during Ramadan but can, and often do, skip it if travelling or doing hard physical labour. Some devout Muslim athletes choose to fast during training or competition, but it can create selection difficulties for the coaches in team sports. Basketball Shoes From China . Louis Blues and Buffalo Sabres came to an agreement on a big trade that may only offer incremental improvement to the Blues in their quest for a Stanley Cup. http://www.clearancebasketballshoes.com/. MacLean clocked 8:24.91 seconds, eclipsing the previous mark of 8:27.59 set by Brittany Reimer of Victoria at the 2005 FINA World Championships in Montreal. MacLean and Tabitha Baumann of Ottawa -- second in 8:32.37 -- both went under the qualifying standard to be nominated to the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacific teams. Discount Basketball Shoes . In mens doubles, Vancouvers Vasek Pospisil and American Jack Sock reached the quarter-finals with a 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3), 6-4 win over Croatian Mate Pavic and Andre Sa of Brazil. Cheap Basketball Shoes Authentic . Mauer struck out to end the inning, with a runner on third base in the seventh on Wednesday and the Twins trailing 1-0. Everybody does this, of course, in a sport with a 30 per cent success rate at the plate long proven to be a benchmark of excellence.Alex Noren stormed into a two-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Nedbank Golf Challenge after a historic second day at the Gary Player Country Club. Leaderboard Nedbank Golf Challenge Fabrizio Zanotti made the first ace in the 35-year history of the tournament, and that achievement was soon followed by the events first albatross courtesy of Lasse Jensen, but it was the red-hot Noren who ended the round in the outright lead. Alex Noren put himself on course for a fourth win of the season Noren, who became the first three-time winner on the European Tour this season at last months British Masters, fired a 67 to reach eight under par, while home favourite Louis Oosthuizen carded a best-of-the-week 66 to earn a share of second with compatriots George Coetzee, Jaco Van Zyl, Chris Wood and Zanotti. Henrik Stenson slipped to one under as he returned an erratic 74, but the Race to Dubai leader retained his six-shot advantage over nearest challenger Danny Willett after the Englishman was also two over for the day and five over for the tournament. Noren fired a superb 67 to earn a two-shot lead The second round finished in darkness following an earlier delay of an hour and 42 minutes due to the threat of lightning, and Noren came out firing on the resumption as he made five birdies on the back nine to romp home in 32.The in-form Swede picked up three shots in four holes immediately after the turn, although he did blot his card with a bogey at the 12th, and further gains at 15 and 17 lifted him to the top of the field. Highlights of the second round at the Gary Player Country Club in Sun City. Noren took over the clubhouse lead from Oosthuizen, who made the biggest move of the day after producing the first bogey-free round of the week to vault 19 places up the leaderboard.The former Open champion birdied the fourth and sixth and then reeled off three in a row around the turn and, although the putts dried up down the stretch, he managed to get one to drop for another birdie at the 17th to move to six under par. Henrik Stenson remains six clear of Danny Willett despite an erratic 72 Coetzee made his fourth birdie of the round at the closing hole to cap a second straight 69, while Zanotti provided the early fireworks when he followed birdies at the opening two holes with his perfect blow at the fourth - holing his seven-iron at the 210-yard par-three to register the 40th ace of the European Tour season. Watch NOW TV Watch Sky Sports for just ￡6.dddddddddddd9. No contract. The Paraguayan looked certain to be in the lead by the close of play when he birdied 10 and 14 to get to eight under, but he dropped shots at each of the final two holes to sign for a 68. Louis Oosthuizen produced the first flawless round of the tournament Wood, like Oosthuizen, kept a bogey off his card and picked up three birdies in five holes to close out a front-nine 33 before he parred every hole of the inward half in a resolute 69, while Van Zyl made it a five-way tie for second after mixing four birdies with a lone bogey.Alejandro Canizares birdied the final two holes to card a 68 to earn solo seventh on five under, but Ross Fisher dropped to four under after a poor finish in the fading light. Fabrizio Zanotti enjoyed the first hole-in-one in the events history The Englishman moved to within two of the lead after making three straight birdies from the eighth, and he responded to a bogey at 12 with a good putt for a three at 17 before he pulled his second into the hazard at the last and ran up a double-bogey six for a 72.Fisher is alongside Matthew Southgate, who also birdied eight, nine and 10 and picked up two more at the 16th and 18th to return a 68, while Branden Grace moved into the top 10 with a five-birdie 69. Italys Fabrizio Zanotti holes out at the fourth in Sun City to take the lead in the Nedbank golf Challenge Ryder Cup star Andy Sullivan is a further stroke adrift as he also fired a 69, and Jensen produced the shot of the day shortly after dropping shots at the 10th and 12th holes.The young Dane struck a mighty three-iron from 240 yards out at the long 14th, and his ball took a kindly bounce in the fringe and rolled into the cup for the third albatross on the European Tour this season.New on-air time: Due to the threat of bad weather on Saturday, live coverage of the third round will now start at 7am on Sky Sports 4 - your home of golf. Also See: Nedbank leaderboard Zanottis historic ace Fan falls into hazard Danger at Lost City ' ' '

BRASILIA, Brazil -- Starved of the World Cup action for 16 years, Colombia -- and its fanatical travelling supporters -- are certainly making the most of being back on footballs biggest stage. Driven on by a partisan pro-Colombian crowd that turned the Estadio Nacional into a sea of yellow, the South Americans scored through James Rodriguez and substitute Juan Quintero in a devastating six-minute spell in the second half to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 on Thursday. A second victory in Group C, following a 3-0 win over Greece, leaves Colombia on the verge of qualifying for a place in the last 16. Since 1998, every team that has earned six points in the group stage has advanced. "We have had two wins with players who are playing their first World Cup," Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said. "Were happy to have defeated such a good opponent. We have a lot of young players, and this is going to help them grow." Known for his midfield artistry, playmaker Rodriguez showed his prowess in the air by getting clear of Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba -- again only used as a substitute -- at a corner to head in Colombias opener in the 64th minute, lighting up a disappointing match. The celebrations had hardly died down among the vast hordes of Colombia supporters by the time a defensive mistake by Ivory Coast midfielder Serey Die allowed Teofilo Gutierrez to play in Quintero, and the midfielder slotted home a low finish. Ivory Coast replied with a brilliant 73rd-minute solo goal by Gervinho, his second of the World Cup, but couldnt find a second despite a strong finish. The Ivorians remain on three points after their 2-1 opening win over Japan. Instead of Radamel Falcao, the countrys star striker who was ruled out through injury before the tournament, the most important factor in Colombias march through the group stage has arguably been its amazing support. With supporters wearing yellow shirts dominating the stadium, it was effectively an away game for the Ivorians. "It was extraordinary," Rodriguez said, "it was very much in our favour that Colombia could win." The crowd roared with relief at the final whistle, with Drogbas introduction in the 60th minute helping pep up Ivory Coasts attack that had previously looked rudderless with Wilfried Bony as the lone striker. "I must say that we didnt deserve to lose," Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi said. "It was very experienced Colombia team who waited for us to make mistakes." The Ivorians may still need to beat Greece in their last group game to reach the knockout stage for the first time at a World Cup. Drogba may now start that match but Lamouchi will also be looking for more from the squads top player, Yaya Toure, who seems like a shadow of the player who starred for Manchester City in the English Premier League last season. There was no mistaking the passion of the Ivory Coast lineup -- Die was in tears during the national anthem -- but the teams undoubted attacking quality has been lacking so far at this World Cup and Colombia looked more threatening going forward. The best chance of a cagey first half was spurned by Gutierrez, who miscued a volley with the goal at his mercy after being perfectly set up by Rodriguezs left-wing cross in the 28th. Otherwise, the highlight of the first 45 minutes came when a large inflatable ball bounced onto the playing surface, causing a brief stoppage. Tricky winger Juan Cuadrado struck the bar with a fierce, angled shot before teammate Rodriguez, named man of the match, broke the deadlock with the kind of header that Drogba -- the player supposed to be marking the Monaco playmaker -- has been used to delivering. Quinteros side-footed finish gave Colombia breathing space, meaning that Gervinhos goal -- he jinked through two defenders, beat another and shot inside goalkeeper David Ospinas near post -- proved to be just a consolation. Wholesale Shoes Near Me . Numbers Game looks into the Canadiens securing the services of Thomas Vanek in a trade with the New York Islanders. The Canadiens Get: LW Thomas Vanek and a conditional fifth-round pick. Cheap Shoes USA . However, Therrien added that Galchenyuks status for next Wednesdays game against the Detroit Red Wings is questionable. Galchenyuk has been out since Jan. 6 with a broken right hand. http://www.discountshoescheap.com/. The Canadian Football Leagues all-time passing leader said he has not made a final decision, but he will discuss his future with Montreal Alouettes owner Bob Wetenhall on the weekend. Cheap Shoes Free Shipping .Hammel pitched inside more and it helped him get into the seventh inning as the Colorado Rockies beat the San Diego Padres 3-2 on Friday night. Discount Shoes Online . The young man, never lacking confidence, thought he could be really good. WASHINGTON -- By the time Danny Espinosa hit his two-run homer in the eighth inning, there were only a couple of hundred fans left in the ballpark, almost all of them congregated behind the two dugouts. A couple of times there was an ad hoc chant-off between the ones in red down the first base line and those in blue on the other side. "You can hear every word at that point," Espinosa said. "Its like a back-field spring training game." Anthony Rendon hit a two-run homer in the first inning Monday night, and -- thanks to an odd-moving storm that produced an interminable rain delay -- Espinosa and the Washington Nationals didnt finish off the Los Angeles Dodgers until some six hours later on Tuesday morning, holding on for a 4-0 victory and gaining sole possession of first place in the NL East. Jordan Zimmerman pitched four shutout innings before the game was halted, and five relievers threw an inning apiece after play resumed. In between, there was an interruption of 3 hours, 17 minutes while a narrow, cigar-shaped storm took its time soaking D.C. and not much else. "You certainly wait around that long, you want to win the game," Nationals manager Matt Williams said. Aaron Barrett (2-0) got the win mainly because he happened to be Washingtons first reliever when play resumed. Zack Greinke (5-1) got a hard-luck first loss of the season, and plate umpire John Tumpane became the MVP for calling strikes and getting the game done in a reasonable hurry once the tarp was removed. There were four strikeouts before the delay, 16 after it. "We dont get off to a good start, they get a couple quick runs, and then obviously a three-hour delay in there and lose Zack," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "Really, we had chances, we just didnt do anything." The rain limited Greinke to three innings, ending a streak that had been unmatched for a century. He had 18 consecutive regular-season starts of at least five innings while allowing two runs or fewer -- the longest such run in the majors since 1914. "Its not really like its an important streak; no one really cares about it anyway," Greinke said. "If it was like a consecutive win streak or something more important than that, it would mean a little more." Dodgers slugger Yasiel Puig sat out the marathon, still sore after crashing into an outfield wall in the ninth inning of Sundays 5-4 road loss to thee Miami Marlins.dddddddddddd Manager Don Mattingly said Puig remained day to day and declined to say directly whether a concussion has been ruled out. Nationals left fielder Nate McLouth had his own crash-into-wall injury in the eighth inning, when he made a sliding backhand catch of a foul ball. Both hands and both knees hit the wall hard, and his right hand was bleeding as he walked off the field. Williams said McLouth wasnt seriously hurt. The cut didnt require stitches, although a banged-up knee will almost certainly be sore for a while. Zimmermann held the fort until the middle of the fourth, when the dozens of bags of sands poured on the infield by the grounds crew were no longer a match for the weather. The fans who stayed behind were treated to a scoreboard broadcast of their city-sports-brethren Washington Wizards winning an NBA playoff game. Also shown during the delay was the Atlanta Braves loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, which helBRASILIA, Brazil -- Starved of the World Cup action for 16 years, Colombia -- and its fanatical travelling supporters -- are certainly making the most of being back on footballs biggest stage. Driven on by a partisan pro-Colombian crowd that turned the Estadio Nacional into a sea of yellow, the South Americans scored through James Rodriguez and substitute Juan Quintero in a devastating six-minute spell in the second half to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 on Thursday. A second victory in Group C, following a 3-0 win over Greece, leaves Colombia on the verge of qualifying for a place in the last 16. Since 1998, every team that has earned six points in the group stage has advanced. "We have had two wins with players who are playing their first World Cup," Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said. "Were happy to have defeated such a good opponent. We have a lot of young players, and this is going to help them grow." Known for his midfield artistry, playmaker Rodriguez showed his prowess in the air by getting clear of Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba -- again only used as a substitute -- at a corner to head in Colombias opener in the 64th minute, lighting up a disappointing match. The celebrations had hardly died down among the vast hordes of Colombia supporters by the time a defensive mistake by Ivory Coast midfielder Serey Die allowed Teofilo Gutierrez to play in Quintero, and the midfielder slotted home a low finish. Ivory Coast replied with a brilliant 73rd-minute solo goal by Gervinho, his second of the World Cup, but couldnt find a second despite a strong finish. The Ivorians remain on three points after their 2-1 opening win over Japan. Instead of Radamel Falcao, the countrys star striker who was ruled out through injury before the tournament, the most important factor in Colombias march through the group stage has arguably been its amazing support. With supporters wearing yellow shirts dominating the stadium, it was effectively an away game for the Ivorians. "It was extraordinary," Rodriguez said, "it was very much in our favour that Colombia could win." The crowd roared with relief at the final whistle, with Drogbas introduction in the 60th minute helping pep up Ivory Coasts attack that had previously looked rudderless with Wilfried Bony as the lone striker. "I must say that we didnt deserve to lose," Ivory Coast coach Sabri Lamouchi said. "It was very experienced Colombia team who waited for us to make mistakes." The Ivorians may still need to beat Greece in their last group game to reach the knockout stage for the first time at a World Cup. Drogba may now start that match but Lamouchi will also be looking for more from the squads top player, Yaya Toure, who seems like a shadow of the player who starred for Manchester City in the English Premier League last season. There was no mistaking the passion of the Ivory Coast lineup -- Die was in tears during the national anthem -- but the teams undoubted attacking quality has been lacking so far at this World Cup and Colombia looked more threatening going forward. The best chance of a cagey first half was spurned by Gutierrez, who miscued a volley with the goal at his mercy after being perfectly set up by Rodriguezs left-wing cross in the 28th. Otherwise, the highlight of the first 45 minutes came when a large inflatable ball bounced onto the playing surface, causing a brief stoppage. Tricky winger Juan Cuadrado struck the bar with a fierce, angled shot before teammate Rodriguez, named man of the match, broke the deadlock with the kind of header that Drogba -- the player supposed to be marking the Monaco playmaker -- has been used to delivering. Quinteros side-footed finish gave Colombia breathing space, meaning that Gervinhos goal -- he jinked through two defenders, beat another and shot inside goalkeeper David Ospinas near post -- proved to be just a consolation. Wholesale Shoes Near Me . Numbers Game looks into the Canadiens securing the services of Thomas Vanek in a trade with the New York Islanders. The Canadiens Get: LW Thomas Vanek and a conditional fifth-round pick. Cheap Shoes USA . However, Therrien added that Galchenyuks status for next Wednesdays game against the Detroit Red Wings is questionable. Galchenyuk has been out since Jan. 6 with a broken right hand. http://www.discountshoescheap.com/. The Canadian Football Leagues all-time passing leader said he has not made a final decision, but he will discuss his future with Montreal Alouettes owner Bob Wetenhall on the weekend. Cheap Shoes Free Shipping .Hammel pitched inside more and it helped him get into the seventh inning as the Colorado Rockies beat the San Diego Padres 3-2 on Friday night. Discount Shoes Online . The young man, never lacking confidence, thought he could be really good. WASHINGTON -- By the time Danny Espinosa hit his two-run homer in the eighth inning, there were only a couple of hundred fans left in the ballpark, almost all of them congregated behind the two dugouts. A couple of times there was an ad hoc chant-off between the ones in red down the first base line and those in blue on the other side. "You can hear every word at that point," Espinosa said. "Its like a back-field spring training game." Anthony Rendon hit a two-run homer in the first inning Monday night, and -- thanks to an odd-moving storm that produced an interminable rain delay -- Espinosa and the Washington Nationals didnt finish off the Los Angeles Dodgers until some six hours later on Tuesday morning, holding on for a 4-0 victory and gaining sole possession of first place in the NL East. Jordan Zimmerman pitched four shutout innings before the game was halted, and five relievers threw an inning apiece after play resumed. In between, there was an interruption of 3 hours, 17 minutes while a narrow, cigar-shaped storm took its time soaking D.C. and not much else. "You certainly wait around that long, you want to win the game," Nationals manager Matt Williams said. Aaron Barrett (2-0) got the win mainly because he happened to be Washingtons first reliever when play resumed. Zack Greinke (5-1) got a hard-luck first loss of the season, and plate umpire John Tumpane became the MVP for calling strikes and getting the game done in a reasonable hurry once the tarp was removed. There were four strikeouts before the delay, 16 after it. "We dont get off to a good start, they get a couple quick runs, and then obviously a three-hour delay in there and lose Zack," Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said. "Really, we had chances, we just didnt do anything." The rain limited Greinke to three innings, ending a streak that had been unmatched for a century. He had 18 consecutive regular-season starts of at least five innings while allowing two runs or fewer -- the longest such run in the majors since 1914. "Its not really like its an important streak; no one really cares about it anyway," Greinke said. "If it was like a consecutive win streak or something more important than that, it would mean a little more." Dodgers slugger Yasiel Puig sat out the marathon, still sore after crashing into an outfield wall in the ninth inning of Sundays 5-4 road loss to thee Miami Marlins.dddddddddddd Manager Don Mattingly said Puig remained day to day and declined to say directly whether a concussion has been ruled out. Nationals left fielder Nate McLouth had his own crash-into-wall injury in the eighth inning, when he made a sliding backhand catch of a foul ball. Both hands and both knees hit the wall hard, and his right hand was bleeding as he walked off the field. Williams said McLouth wasnt seriously hurt. The cut didnt require stitches, although a banged-up knee will almost certainly be sore for a while. Zimmermann held the fort until the middle of the fourth, when the dozens of bags of sands poured on the infield by the grounds crew were no longer a match for the weather. The fans who stayed behind were treated to a scoreboard broadcast of their city-sports-brethren Washington Wizards winning an NBA playoff game. Also shown during the delay was the Atlanta Braves loss to the St. Louis Cardinals, which helped the Nationals vault into first in the division. The fans who remained when play resumed had unusually good odds when it came to chasing a foul ball, or catching a T-shirt tossed into the stands as part of a standard promotion. "Fans are going crazy," Zimmermann said. "Its a game, you have to play no matter how many fans are out there. The place wasnt exactly rocking, but it was a game we had to play." NOTES: Greinke had been unbeaten in his previous 13 starts (9-0) vs. NL East teams. ... The Nationals plan to promote RHP Blake Treinen from Triple-A Syracuse to start Tuesdays game. RHP Ryan Mattheus will be optioned to Syracuse. ... Clayton Kershaw (strained back) is scheduled to come off the disabled list Tuesday and start for the Dodgers. ... Kershaw is expected to take the roster spot held for a day by RHP Pedro Baez, who was recalled Monday from Double-A Chattanooga and made his major league debut in the eighth inning. RHP Stephen Fife, who started Sundays game, was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque. ... Mattingly said LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu, who missed Sundays start with a sore shoulder, did not need an MRI and would resume throwing Tuesday. ... Washington reinstated OF Scott Hairston (strained side muscle) from the 15-day DL and optioned OF Steven Souza Jr. to Triple-A Syracuse. ... Washington C Wilson Ramos (hand) caught nine innings for Double-A Harrisburg on Monday and could rejoin the team later this week. ' ' 'ped the Nationals vault into first in the division. The fans who remained when play resumed had unusually good odds when it came to chasing a foul ball, or catching a T-shirt tossed into the stands as part of a standard promotion. "Fans are going crazy," Zimmermann said. "Its a game, you have to play no matter how many fans are out there. The place wasnt exactly rocking, but it was a game we had to play." NOTES: Greinke had been unbeaten in his previous 13 starts (9-0) vs. NL East teams. ... The Nationals plan to promote RHP Blake Treinen from Triple-A Syracuse to start Tuesdays game. RHP Ryan Mattheus will be optioned to Syracuse. ... Clayton Kershaw (strained back) is scheduled to come off the disabled list Tuesday and start for the Dodgers. ... Kershaw is expected to take the roster spot held for a day by RHP Pedro Baez, who was recalled Monday from Double-A Chattanooga and made his major league debut in the eighth inning. RHP Stephen Fife, who started Sundays game, was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque. ... Mattingly said LHP Hyun-Jin Ryu, who missed Sundays start with a sore shoulder, did not need an MRI and would resume throwing Tuesday. ... Washington reinstated OF Scott Hairston (strained side muscle) from the 15-day DL and optioned OF Steven Souza Jr. to Triple-A Syracuse. ... Washington C Wilson Ramos (hand) caught nine innings for Double-A Harrisburg on Monday and could rejoin the team later this week. ' ' '

BARCELONA, Spain - Barcelona says defender Javier Mascherano will be sidelined with injury for up to two weeks and is likely to miss next weeks Champions League match against Celtic. The club says its first-choice centre back "underwent medical tests on Wednesday morning" which confirmed he has injured his right hamstring. The injury was caused in the second minute of Tuesdays 4-1 league win over Real Sociedad in the Camp Nou when teammate Sergio Busquets accidentally struck Mascherano just above the knee with an outstretched boot. Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino is currently without captain Carles Puyol, who has yet to return following knee surgery, and left back Jordi Alba. Barcelona faces Group H rival Celtic on Tuesday and has upcoming league matches against Almeria and Real Valladolid. Wholesale Real Nike Zoom .C. - Blair Jones scored the eventual winner in the third period as the Abbotsford Heat defeated the Oklahoma City Oil Barons 3-2 in American Hockey League action on Friday. Clearance Nike Zoom Shoes . - Pierre-Maxime Poudrier scored twice and added an assist, and Antoine Bibeau made 43 saves as the Val-dOr Foreur downed the Baie-Comeau Drakkar 6-3 on Sunday to force Game 7 in their Quebec Major Junior Hockey League final series. http://www.nikezoomcheap.com/. - Benched Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh Freeman said he has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and voluntarily entered the NFL substance abuse program more than a year ago after mistakenly taking a medication to treat the condition. Wholesale Nike Zoom . Fielder has been out with a herniated disk in his neck, and surgery was recommended after a follow-up exam and another scan Thursday with Dr. Cheap Nike Zoom Free Shipping . On Wednesday night, they showed that stellar defence and a little small ball can get the job done too. With pinch-runner Kevin Pillar aboard after Dioner Navarro opened the bottom of the ninth with a single, Anthony Gose dropped down an excellent bunt along the first-base line.The San Antonio Spurs fought off a valiant effort from the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of their Western Conference quarterfinal and will go for a 2-0 series lead Wednesday night when the two long-time rivals clash at AT&T Center. On Sunday afternoon, the Spurs trailed 81-71 with 7:45 to play, but closed the game on a 19-4 run. They finished with a 90-85 victory and a 10-game winning streak against their Texas neighbors. "Made some stops, that generates offense. We needed it," San Antonios All- Star guard Tony Parker said of the run. San Antonio couldnt buy a 3-pointer as Manu Ginobili was the only Spur to convert one in Game 1. He went 3-of-6 from 3-point range, but the Spurs went just 3-of-17 (17.6 percent) as a team. It shot a blistering 43.3 percent (42- of-97) from downtown in four games against Dallas this season. The difference on Sunday was Tim Duncan. The future Hall of Famer finished with 27 points and seven rebounds. "We got killed on threes in the first four outings this year," Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki said. "We stayed home a little more on 3-point shooters, but youve got to give them something, and Duncan in there is obviously still solid." Parker posted 21 points, six assists and four rebounds for the top-seeded Spurs, who finished with the NBAs best record at 62-20. Ginobili finished with 17 points and six rebounds, while Kawhi Leonard registered a double- double with 11 points and 10 boards. Devin Harris led Dallas with 19 points, followed by 11 apiece from Nowitzzki, Monta Ellis and Brandan Wright.dddddddddddd Vince Carter chipped in 10 off the bench. The late-game run was sparked by, of course, Duncan. He banked in a turnaround and then put in a runner to begin the surge before Tiago Splitter tied the game at 81-81 with a layup with 4:54 remaining. Consecutive Parker baskets gave the Spurs their first lead since it was 50-49 when there was 8:14 left in the third. Wright split a pair of foul shots to pull Dallas within 86-82 with 2:05 on the clock, but it never got any closer. Splitter sunk two foul shots at the other end and the Mavericks missed three of their final four shots from the field. "Its obvious that we did a lot of great things," Dallas head coach Rick Carlisle told the teams website. "We built a lead, but 7 1/2 minutes is a long time in an NBA game and youve got to be able to sustain. Weve got to work on getting another lead in Game 2 and then closing." The Spurs received some good news on Tuesday when Gregg Popovich was named Coach of the Year. He became the third coach to earn the honor three times, joining Pat Riley and Don Nelson. "I feel very honored for a whole lot of reasons," said Popovich. "First, there were so many coaches that did such a great job this year. To be singled out is pretty humbling. "When you win an award, it comes down to the players. Theyve been unbelievable for me. Without their play, diligence and professionalism, I know this wouldnt happen." Game 3 will be Saturday evening in Dallas. ' ' '

NEW YORK, N.Y. - His opponent couldnt stop him, and LeBron James didnt quite know what to think when his coach tried. Erik Spoelstra asked James about taking a fourth-quarter rest, but the game was too important to sit. So the answer was no — just not said so politely. "He asked me and I didnt know if he was serious or not, and what I told him I cannot say again," James said. "So I wanted to finish out the game. I felt like it was a must-win for us." James tied his playoff career high with 49 points, Chris Bosh made the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 57 seconds left, and the Miami Heat beat the Brooklyn Nets 102-96 Monday night for a 3-1 lead in the Eastern Conference semifinals. James carried the Heat nearly the entire way until Bosh hit the basket that put Miami ahead for good — a play where James resisted the temptation to force a shot, instead passing to Mario Chalmers, who swung it to a wide-open Bosh. Ray Allen followed with four free throws and James finished it off with one more, putting the Heat in position to wrap it up at home Wednesday in Game 5. James was 16 of 24 from the field and 14 of 19 from the free throw line in matching the 49 points he scored for Cleveland against Orlando in the 2009 Eastern Conference finals. He missed his second free throw with 1.1 seconds left, muttering to himself after. "Thats the first time Ive been disappointed in myself in a win," James said before smiling, realizing his performance left nothing to complain about. "He was what was needed on the road and thats what makes him the best player in the game," Spoelstra said. Joe Johnson scored 18 points for the Nets, who were 15 of 25 from 3-point range in their Game 3 victory but only 5 of 22 in this one. Paul Pierce added 16 points. "This is very difficult to swallow," Nets centre Kevin Garnett said. "Hard to take, but its what it is. Coulda, shoulda, woulda doesnt help us at this point." Dwyane Wade scored 15 points on the night his Heat post-season record of 46 points was shattered. Bosh finished with 12. Miami pulled out a thrilling victory in a game in which neither team led by double digits and has won at least one road game in 14 straight series, breaking the record set by the Chicago Bulls from 1991-94. Garnetts two free throws tied it with 2:30 remaining. Bosh then missed a pair of 3-pointers before getting a third crack at it in the corner in front of the Brooklyn bench for a 97-94 lead. Johnson then missed a jumper while trying to draw James sixth foul — Johnson said afterward James "flopped" — and Allens free throws put it away. "Obviously the series is not over but we really have to have some urgency going to Miami and weve got to come out of there with one," Johnson said. Wade scored 46 points against Boston in the 2010 playoffs, and James best in a Heat uniform had also come against the Celtics, his memorable 45-point performance that saved Miamis season in Game 6 of the 2012 Eastern Conference finals. Pierce, who asked to guard James after Game 1, was on the wrong end of this LeBron masterpiece. James and the Heat had shrugged off a couple days of chatter from Pierce, who said the Nets werent afraid of them. But things were testy at the start, with first-quarter technical fouls for James, Pierce, Shane Battier and Alan Anderson. Miami started quickly again and led 27-22 after one behind 12 points from James. He opened the second on the bench and Brooklyn started with a 9-2 spurt to take its first lead at 31-29. James was a force once he returned — especially after a second foul against him seemed to get James more annoyed than any of Pierces talking did. James gave Pierce a glare after a thunderous slam later in the period, when he had 13 points in 7 1/2 minutes, and the Heat led 56-49. James had 13 straight Miami points in the third, but Brooklyn cut it to one on a few occasions before he made a pair of free throws to give Miami a 79-76 lead. NOTES: Mirza Teletovic was held to four points and missed all three 3-point attempts. He had been 11 of 19 in the series, Wade saying before the game it was "red alert" when he entered. ... As they have during post-season home games, the Nets had a Brooklyn-based entertainer announce their starting lineups. On Monday it was Mike D of the Beastie Boys. Denzel Washington, Spike Lee and Floyd Mayweather Jr. were also in the crowd. Joe Crede Jersey . On paper, it looks a little like Andre the Giant taking on a midget wrestler. It has all the makings of a rout with the Americans adding an eighth win in nine outings of this biennial event. The Yanks have eight players in the top 15 in the world while the Internationals have just one. Yolmer Sanchez Jersey . He still wanted out. "It just seemed like the direction they were going didnt fit what I thought my career was going to be," Kesler said. "At the end of the day I want to win a championship and I want to win it now, and four years is a little too long for me. http://www.whitesoxteamshop.com/White-So...on-Kids-Jersey/. on the 15-day disabled Monday list because of a strained right hamstring. Nellie Fox Jersey .com) - The Carolina Panthers won for the first time in seven games last week, were without Cam Newton due to a car accident this week, but somehow sit atop the much-maligned NFC South. Robin Ventura Jersey .Kessy tried to show what he can do playing left wing for the Oilers in 5-0 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday in pre-season action.BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Sabres are moving on without the longtime face of their franchise. And they know the experience will be anything but ordinary. "When a guy like Ryan Miller gets traded, thats not a normal player getting traded," interim head coach Ted Nolan said. "He was the face of the organization for a long, long time. To lose a player like him, its tough." Tough, yes, but perhaps good practice for a team that could be offloading several more veterans before Wednesdays trade deadline, as general manager Tim Murray continues efforts to fix the NHLs worst team. Murray traded Miller and captain Steve Ott to St. Louis on Friday. Buffalo acquired goaltender Jaroslav Halak, right wing Chris Stewart, prospect William Carrier, a 2015 first-round draft pick and a conditional pick. Its unlikely to end there. Christian Ehrhoff said Friday that he recently complied with the Sabres request to submit a list of eight teams that would make up the no-trade clause of his contract. Soon-to-be unrestricted free agents Matt Moulson and Henrik Tallinder could also move, and Murray has said contract status doesnt dictate availability. Even Halak or Stewart could be traded. "Theyre pieces that will be Buffalo Sabres when they pass their physicals and after that its the same as everybody else," Murray said. "And what I said, if it makes sense it makes sense. ... If theyre Buffalo Sabres, they play here and were happy with them." The overhaul began under Murrays predecessor, Darcy Regier, who was fired in November. The Sabres traded numerous high-priced veterans last season, including captain Jason Pominville. It continued into October, when Thomas Vanek was traded to the New York Islanders for Moulson and two high draft picks. The Sabres, as a result, have stockpiled picks. They could have as many as two first-round and three second-round selections in this years draft, with 10 total picks over the first two rounds of the next two drafts. Buffalo also has a solid group of prospeccts in its farm system, including defencemen Rasmus Ristolainen and Nikita Zadorov, who were both drafted in the first round in June.dddddddddddd Murrays objective is to add more draft picks or young prospects, and hes been clear about his intentions to make the team better regardless of cost. "Theres no untouchables," Murray said before the Miller trade. "Its a rebuild." And for the players remaining on the team, its a big opportunity to take a leadership role. In the case of Enroth, its a chance to become a teams No. 1 goaltender for the first time in his career. "If you dont call this a chance, I dont know what a chance is," Enroth said, later adding, "I truly believe I can be a No. 1 guy here." Nolan noticed changes almost immediately after the trade was announced, as Ott and Miller said their goodbyes to teammates. "You could really see it on Drew Staffords face the most," Nolan said Friday. "Him and Matt Moulson really took over the leadership tonight with this young group." Stafford is now the longest-tenured Sabre and the only player left from the 2006-07 team that won the Presidents Trophy, though Tallinder left as a free agent before being reacquired this summer. The general managers goals arent lost on the players in the room, and Tyler Myers has expressed confidence in the direction of the team in general. "You have to look at what we got, too," Myers said. "I think its good for both sides. Im happy for Ott and Miller." Murray said the timing of the deal was not ideal for his roster, but the 22-year-old Marcus Foligno and other young teammates almost immediately recognized the bittersweet chance to drive the team into the future. "I looked around with (Brian) Flynn and (Zemgus) Girgensons, and we just said we gotta step up," Foligno said. "This is a game where we have to play well and this is something where we lost them and now hopefully were here for the long run and were players that they count on." ' ' '

CINCINNATI, Ohio -- Nobody on the current Villanova roster had even been born the last time the Wildcats stood alone atop the Big East. The 32-year drought ended Thursday night when Darrun Hilliard scored 19 points and No. 6 Villanova clinched the outright Big East championship for the first time since the 1981-82 season by holding off undermanned Xavier 77-70. The Wildcats, playing before a hostile standing-room only crowd of 10,340 in their first visit to Cintas Center, overcame a determined Musketeers team in what Villanova coach Jay Wright described as a "great, intense college basketball environment." "Youre not going to win championships unless you win on the road," Wright said. "We have great respect for this league. To win this league is a hell of an accomplishment." JayVaughn Pinkston added 15 points -- eight in the last 3:20 -- James Bell finished with 12 and Ryan Arcidiacono chipped in 11 as the Wildcats (27-3, 15-2 Big East) extended their school record for regular-season wins with their fifth straight and 11th in their last 12 games. They also clinched the top seed in the Big East tournament, which starts Wednesday at Madison Square Garden in New York. "This is a big accomplishment," Bell said. "Its a testament to how hard weve worked, but we cant stop there." The Wildcats went into the night with a 1 1-2 game lead over No. 13 Creighton in the Big East and two games remaining. The Bluejays have one game to play. Villanova, which last shared the title in a co-championship with Syracuse in 2005-06, wraps up its regular season Saturday at home against Georgetown. Justin Martin had 20 points for Xavier (20-11, 10-8) while Semaj Christon added 18 points and Isaiah Philmore finished with 15. The Musketeers ended the regular season with consecutive losses. Xavier struggled from 3-point range finishing 6 of 23, while Villanova was 9 for 23. The game was Xaviers first without 6-foot-10 junior centre Matt Stainbrook, who started each of the Musketeers previous 30 before straining the medial collateral ligament in his left knee in their 71-62 loss at Seton Hall on Monday. Stainbrook watched the game from the bench wearing a tan suit and bow tie. "Us not having Matt was tough, but I think we learned more about each other," Philmore said. "It didnt turn out the way we wanted it to, obviously, but we stuck together. It just wasnt enough. Sometimes, its not always enough." Xaviers regular-season finale was its second consecutive home game against a Top 10 team and the second straight to attract a standing-room only crowd. The Wildcats never trailed after Arcidiacono made two free throws for a 29-28 lead with 5:11 left in the first half. Villanova, which beat Xavier 81-58 on Feb. 3 for the Musketeers worst loss of the season, led by as many as 12 points. The lead dwindled to three before Josh Hart and Bell made two free throws each in the final 19.4 seconds. "We knew they wouldnt go away," Wright said. "They played without one of their best players. We caught a break there." The Wildcats had no surprises, Musketeers coach Chris Mack said. "They were what we saw on film," he said. "This was our first game without Matt, so that was a little bit different, but we competed. We didnt quite have enough to beat Villanova." Hilliard, averaging 14.1 points per game, had 15 to help the Wildcats take a 41-36 halftime lead. Martin, who went into the game averaging 11.2 points, scored 12 in the first half for Xavier. Kirk Gibson Jersey . Josh Bailey had a goal and an assist as the New York Islanders earned a 2-1 win over Ottawa Wednesday, leaving the Senators five points out of a playoff spot with just five games to play and four teams ahead of them. Justin Turner Jersey .com) - A pair of Eastern Conference rivals will meet on Saturday as D. http://www.cheapdodgersjerseys.com/. He, the 25-year-old Toronto backup net-minder and Manitoba native, would be making just his fourth start in the past 16 games against the Jets the following evening. It was the word of opportunity for Reimer, who has fallen into the role of backup, outmatched in recent weeks by Jonathan Bernier, his Quebec counterpart. Mark Lowe Jersey . Wawrinka, who is seeded fourth, is in the top half of the draw with Serbian Novak Djokovic. The Swiss star outlasted Djokovic in a five-set quarterfinal thriller last year and stunned Spaniard Rafael Nadal in the final to capture his first-ever Grand Slam title. Jackie Robinson Jersey . Villar connected off Joe Saunders (11-14), sending a drive well over the left-field fence for his first career homer. The Astros scored six times in the first three innings to chase Saunders.UNIONDALE, N.Y. - Islanders captain John Tavares had the puck on his stick late in overtime, hesitated to force Washington defenceman Karl Alzner out of position, then whipped the puck past goaltender Braden Holtby as New York won another nail-biter.When I got it there, I had a good feeling their defence was in a tough spot, said Tavares, who heard chants of MVP, MVP from the sellout crowd of 16,170 at Nassau Coliseum. I kind of froze them and created an angle. It felt good to see it go in.The 3-2 victory Wednesday night over the Capitals was the fifth straight for the Islanders and moved them to 16-6-0. Theyve won 10 of 11 to tie Pittsburgh for first place in the Metropolitan Division, though the Penguins have a game in hand.The goal was the ninth this season for Tavares, set up on a cross-ice feed from Ryan Strome. It came at 4:36 with two seconds left on a penalty to Washingtons Nicklas Backstrom for holding the stick.Tavares was mobbed by teammates as roars cascaded down from the rafters. New York is 8-2-0 at home thus far in their final season on Long Island before moving to Brooklyn in 2015.The Islanders also won for the seventh time in extra time — twice in overtime. Coach Jack Capuano had a hard time explaining why his team is perfect past regulation — though five of the victories are in shootouts.New York had all five shots in overtime.All I can say is that guys want the puck on their sticks in those stages of the game, he said.The Islanders have set a franchise record by winning 16 of their first 22 games.Jaroslav Halak made 25 saves for his eighth straight win. He has allowed only 10 goals in those eight wins.Everyone has played well for us, added Tavares, who leads the team with 21 points. At any point in time, any guy can step up. And obviously Jaro is playing great. We just want to keep it going.Anders Lee and Travis Hamonic scored first-period goals for the Islanders, while Alex Ovechkiin scored two power-play goals for the Capitals in his 700th NHL game.ddddddddddddWe played a great game, but they got a power play in overtime and that was the difference, Ovechkin said.New York is 10-2 in November. Last season the Islanders were 4-10-1 during the month and didnt win their 16th game until Jan. 7. The boisterous home crowd certainly provides a boost.We can all feel it on the bench, Capuano said. The energy is awesome.The Capitals (9-8-4) have been inconsistent under new coach Barry Trotz, the teams fourth coach in four seasons, and fell behind early.Lee opened the scoring at 5:11, tapping a rebound past Holtby for his fourth goal. Strome and Brock Nelson assisted.Ovechkin tied the game at 1-1 at 13:46 of the first on a one-timer from the left circle for his 10th of the season. He scored again at 18:47 of the second to tie the game again after Lee received an extra two minutes for roughing during a fight with Washingtons Tom Wilson. The goal was the 433rd for the Russian forward.Hamonic had given New York a 2-1 lead at 17:38 of the first with a power-play goal off assists from Cal Clutterbuck and Casey Cizikas. The Islanders have 12 goals from their defence this season. They had 23 goals from the defence all of last season.The Islanders, coming off a 1-0 home shootout win over Philadelphia on Monday, improved to 8-1 against Metropolitan Division opponents and are 10-1-0 in games decided by a single goal.The teams complete a home-and-home series in Washington on Friday.I think the next game will be different for them and for us as well, Ovechkin said.NOTES: Islanders defencemen Thomas Hickey and Calvin de Haan returned after one-game absences because of illness. . New York scratched reserve defencemen Matt Donovan and Brian Strait plus forward Cory Conacher. . The Capitals scratched injured defenceman Mike Green (upper body) and forwards Brooks Laich and Michael Latta. ' ' '

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The ball seldom hit the ground, regardless of which Alabama quarterback was throwing the passes. The top-ranked Crimson Tides defence also held its third straight opponent out of the end zone. AJ McCarron completed 15 of 16 passes for 166 yards and four touchdowns in the first half and Alabama was brutally efficient in rolling to a 45-3 victory over Georgia State on Saturday. "Thats what we were looking for," Tide wide receiver DeAndrew White said. "We try to play a perfect game. Special teams, offence, defence coming together, thats what we want." The Tide (5-0) jumped ahead 38-0 by halftime in what might have turned into a name-your-score game against the Panthers (0-5), a first-year Football Bowl Subdivision team. McCarron led Alabama to touchdowns on each of his five possessions before leaving and set the school record for completion percentage in a game with a minimum of 15 passes. He completed his first 12 passes, putting him in a three-way tie for the Tides third-longest streak. The four touchdown passes matched his career high and was the seventh time McCarron has reached that number. Alabama outgained the Panthers 477-175 and held them to 15 yards on 22 rushes. Tide coach Nick Sabans summation of the offence: "I thought our efficiency was really good." The defence was equally effective. Alabama has allowed only three field goals in the past three games. "Its a lot of pride," safety Landon Collins said. "Thats our defence. Thats what we live upon. Thats what we pride (ourselves) on: No offence can score on us, and thats what we try to do every game we come into." Georgia State ended Alabamas bid for a second straight shutout with Wil Lutzs school-record 53-yard field goal to cap the second halfs opening drive. Ronnie Bells 34-yard pass to Albert Wilson put the Panthers across midfield for the first time and helped set up the score. Bell completed 11 of 20 passes for 146 yards. Albert Wilson gained 60 yards on four catches. "They did a great job of doing what they wanted to do, when they wanted to do it," Georgia State coach Trent Miles said. "I thought our young men competed hard. When youre playing the No. 1 team in the nation at their place and youre a major underdog, you cant help them and we went out there and helped them early in the game. We went out and fumbled a kickoff return, we missed tackles, and we had some young guys not line up right. "Im not sure if they were nervous or what, but it just made their job a little easier." Collins started in place of Tide safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who was suspended indefinitely for violating team rules. He reportedly accepted a short-term loan from an assistant, but the stars absence wasnt a problem in the mismatch. Clinton-Dixs status remains uncertain for next weeks game at Kentucky. "I dont have any new information and when we get new information, well certainly pass it along to you," Saban said. The Tide scored on every possession until freshman sub Adam Griffith missed a 30-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter and only punted once. Numerous subs played on both sides of the ball for Alabama, starting before the half. Backup quarterback Blake Sims wasnt far behind McCarrons accuracy. He completed 14 of 18 passes for 130 yards and his second career touchdown, a 10-yard pass to Chris Black that was the games final score with 6:18 left in the third quarter. Alabama scored three touchdowns in the first quarter, capping it with Whites one-handed grab for an 11-yard scoring catch one play after the Tide recovered a fumbled punt return. Backup tailback Kenyan Drake added a 23-yard catch on a swing pass early in the second quarter. He bounced off a defender near the line of scrimmage and dove into end zone. Starter T.J. Yeldon ran for 28 yards on the games first play and finished with six carries for 51 yards. Drake finished with five carries for 40 yards. Freshman Derrick Henry gained 50 yards on five carries. Alabama freshman defensive end AShawn Robinson made his first career start in place of Jeoffrey Pagan (shoulder), but plenty of other youngsters and reserves saw significant action. The defence didnt miss a beat. "They got to the ball very fast, which got us to play faster," Bell said. "So when we get into competition with the Sun Belt, then well play faster." TreQuan Smith Jersey . MLB.com reported that the Dodgers locked the left-hander in for one year at $10 million with up to $4 million in incentives. DeMario Davis Saints Jersey .75 million contract for the 2014 season and avoided arbitration. The team announced the agreement on Tuesday. http://www.authenticfootballshopsaints.c...ite-Jersey/.com) - Richard Shermans two interceptions highlighted a dominant defensive effort, as the Seattle Seahawks routed the San Francisco 49ers in a highly anticipated NFC West Thanksgiving clash. Custom New Orleans Saints Jerseys . On the eve of the 2013-14 NBA season, he can finally take a step back and allow his team to do the talking. Marcus Davenport Saints Jersey . -- LeGarrette Blount made one last big splash into a soggy end zone. OKLAHOMA CITY -- Russell Westbrook wouldnt say he wanted payback against Patrick Beverley. His play said otherwise. During last years playoffs, Beverley dived for the ball and ran into Westbrooks right knee as a timeout was being called, causing the injury that ended Westbrooks season and cost him about half of this season. In their first meeting since the incident, Westbrook had 24 points, seven assists and four steals to help the Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the Houston Rockets 106-98 on Tuesday night. Beverley finished with two points and five fouls in 25 minutes while being booed by a spirited crowd. His matchup with Westbrook highlighted a game filled with shoving, technical fouls, talking and even a flagrant foul. "Two great teams that want to win: Its that simple," Houstons James Harden, who scored 28 points, said. "When you get that anytime in the NBA, things are going to get physical." The chippiness started early. Beverley swiped the ball away from Westbrook after a timeout with 6:10 left in the first quarter. Beverley and Westbrook had to be separated, and Beverley issued a technical foul. Beverley and Westbrook got tangled up again about a minute later, but again, Westbrook kept his cool. Durant said Westbrooks ability to turn the energy into a strong performance was impressive. "He just went out there and played to win," Durant said. "Thats how Russell always plays -- with an edge, with that intensity, and tonight was no different." Beverley said he wasnt trying to get inside of Westbrooks head. "Thats how I play against everybody," he said. "No personal battles out there today. I had to go out there and fight and do what I do to try to help our team win a basketball game today." If anything, the intensity initiated by the Rockets worked against them. "I think if we just stick to what we do and do it to the best of our abilities, no matter whats going on, well be good," Harden said. "Sometimes we kind of veer off, kind of get distracted a little bit." Durant scored 42 points and Serge Ibaka had 12 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks for the Thunder, who had lost two straight. Chandler Parsons scored 19 and Dwight Howard had nine points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets. Houston had won five straight, iincluding victories over Miami, Indiana and Portland.dddddddddddd Midway through the second quarter, Harden and backup Oklahoma City point guard Reggie Jackson had to be separated. Westbrook spent the rest of the second quarter dominating Beverley. Westbrook blew past him for a layup, then lost him on a screen and made a 3-pointer to put the Thunder up 49-32. Westbrook drew Beverleys third foul on a 3-point attempt with 2:50 left in the first half. Westbrook scored 11 points in the final 6:19 of the quarter to help the Thunder take a 56-41 lead at the break. Oklahoma City held Houston to 35 per cent shooting in the first half. Howard committed his third and fourth fouls in the first two minutes of the third quarter, and Beverley committed his fourth with 8:52 left in the third as the Thunder maintained control. Oklahoma City led by 18 at one point in the third quarter, but the Rockets chipped away late in the period and trailed 77-67 heading into the fourth. Houston rallied, and a 3-pointer by Francisco Garcia and a dunk by Omer Asik cut Oklahoma Citys lead to 77-72 early in the fourth. Durant answered with five straight points to put the Thunder back in control. The game remained chippy. Garcia got hit in the face by Durant, drawing a technical. Harden hit a 3-pointer with Derek Fisher in his face to trim Oklahoma Citys lead to 97-92 with 2:23 to go. Westbrook drew Beverleys fifth foul on a 3-point attempt, drawing a cheer from the crowd. Westbrook drained all three free throws to put the Thunder up 102-94 with 1:31 to play. Durant said the Thunder closed the game the right way after Houstons surge. "Stay calm," he said. "Stay cool. Try not to panic." NOTES: Thunder coach Scott Brooks said before the game that C Kendrick Perkins (left groin strain) and Thabo Sefolosha (left calf strain) are a ways from being ready to play. Perkins was hurt Feb. 20 against Miami. Sefolosha was injured Feb. 28 against Memphis. ... Durant scored 12 points in the first quarter. ... Oklahoma Citys post players combined to commit seven fouls in the first quarter. ... Howard was called for a technical foul in the second quarter after disagreeing with an offensive foul call. ... Oklahoma City centre Steven Adams was called for a flagrant 1 for making contact with Hardens head. Wholesale Hoodies NFL Shirts Outlet Jerseys NFL Wholesale Cheap NFL Jerseys Free Shipping Wholesale Jerseys Cheap Cheap NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '

SAN FRANCISCO -- It didnt take Tim Hudson very long to establish himself as the ace of the San Francisco Giants rotation. One month into the season, the three-time All-Star is looking just as sharp and crisp as ever. Not even a close play at first base that was eerily reminiscent to the one that resulted in a shattered right ankle last July was enough to rattle the right-hander. Hudson and Sergio Romo combined on a five-hitter and the Giants beat the San Diego Padres 3-2 on Wednesday night. "He just put on a clinic," San Francisco manager Bruce Bochy said. "He stayed down the whole game, had good movement, changed speeds and threw strike one. If you want to show young pitchers how to do it, thats how you do it." Hudson (4-1) struck out six and didnt walk a batter for the fourth time in five starts this season. The Giants most consistent starter in his first season with the club, Hudson has walked two batters in 46 innings. The 38-year-old was one pitch from recording his first shutout in nearly two years before Yasmani Grandals two-out home run in the ninth. "It was definitely an economical night," Hudson said after throwing 89 pitches. "I was able to get down in the strike zone and stay down in the zone, work ahead in the count. Guys were making some good plays behind me. It was a fun night for us." Brandon Hicks homered and Michael Morse drove in his team-leading 20th RBI for the Giants, who finished 5-1 on their homestand. Cameron Maybin doubled and scored for San Diego, which has lost 10 consecutive series at AT&T Park. Hudson allowed only one runner past second base until Grandals home run in the ninth, and had two stretches where he retired nine straight batters. The right-hander helped his cause at the plate with a single in the second and a key sacrifice bunt in the seventh that put the eventual winning run in scoring position. He also survived a scare while covering first base to take the throw from Brandon Belt and retire Jace Peterson to end the fifth. The play brought back memories of last season when Hudson collided with Eric Young of the New York Mets and suffered a gruesome season-ending ankle injury. "Im not as quick as I used to be getting to first," Hudson said. "That kid was getting down the line pretty good. The old guy had to put it into overdrive to beat him." Hudson was sharp early and needed only 19 pitches to retire the first seven batters. After giving up a one-out single to Peterson in the third, the three-time All-Star struck out San Diego pitcher Robbie Erlin and Everth Cabrera. The only other hits the Padres managed came on a two-out double by Grandal in the fourth, a single by Jedd Gyorko in the seventh and a leadoff double by Maybin in the eighth. Maybin scored on Alexi Amaristas groundout. "You cant let a guy like that get ahead in the count," Padres manager Bud Black said. "Hell really give you fits. Those pitches that were early count swings looked to me as though they were in good spots today. We just didnt hit them." The Giants, playing without leadoff hitter Angel Pagan and third baseman Pablo Sandoval, backed Hudson with just enough offence. Every starter except leadoff man Juan Perez had at least one hit. Hunter Pence singled, stole second and scored on Morses two-out double off the wall in right in the first. Hicks fifth home run of the season leading off the second made it 2-0. Erlin (1-4) pitched out of jams in the third and fourth but lost his fourth straight start. He left with two outs in the seventh, struck out five and walked one. Buster Poseys RBI single off reliever Dale Thayer drove in Joaquin Arias to put the Giants up 3-0. After Grandals homer cut San Franciscos lead to 3-2, Romo retired pinch-hitter Chris Denorfia for his seventh save. Pagan was given the night off to rest his sore right knee while the slumping Sandoval also rested. Sandoval went into the night batting just .177 with only six RBIs. NOTES: Gyorko was reinstated from the paternity leave list before the game. To make room, San Diego optioned Tommy Medica to Triple-A El Paso. ... Padres LF Carlos Quentin, on the 15-day DL with a bone bruise in his left knee, will re-join the big league club for a workout at Petco Park before Fridays game against Arizona. The team will then determine where Quentin goes to begin a rehab assignment. ... RHP Tim Lincecum (1-1), who starts the series opener, has a 2.99 ERA in 13 career starts against the Braves. ... RHP Andrew Cashner, San Diegos starter against Arizona, has a 0.81 ERA at Petco Park this season. Nike Running Shoes Clearance .com) - Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett is active for Sundays matchup with the Miami Dolphins. Nike Running Shoes For Sale Cheap . MLB.com reported that the Dodgers locked the left-hander in for one year at $10 million with up to $4 million in incentives. http://www.cheapnikerunningshoes.com/. "Last year we were in a ton of situations, late-game situations we couldnt pull out. Wed kind of fold under the pressure, get frustrated or let a big shot frustrate us," guard DeMar DeRozan said. Cheap Nike Running Shoes China .200. His solution to his hitting woes was business in the front and a party in the back."That would be a mullet," Norris says. Wholesale Nike Running Shoes . Before that, Rousey needed a total 23 minutes and 26 seconds to take care of her last eight opponents - and one of those fights lasted 10 minutes and 58 seconds.Brooklyn, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Avery Bradley scored 21 points and the Boston Celtics beat the Brooklyn Nets, 89-81. Tyler Zeller gave 18 points for Boston, which won on the road for the first time since trading longtime point guard Rajon Rondo to Dallas on Dec. 18. Evan Turner onlly scored six points but posted team highs of eight rebounds and seven assists, and five Celtics reserves scored between five and nine points.dddddddddddd. Brooklyn got 16 points and 12 rebounds from Mason Plumlee and 17 points from Joe Johnson in its third straight defeat. Wholesale Hoodies NFL Shirts Outlet Jerseys NFL Wholesale Cheap NFL Jerseys Free Shipping Wholesale Jerseys Cheap Cheap NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '

MINNEAPOLIS -- Kevin Love landed hard on his hip after a foul late in the game. His head snapped back from the impact and hit the floor. The All-Star power forward was all right afterward, a relief for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The win over the languishing Los Angeles Lakers was nice, too. Love had 31 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Timberwolves to 109-99 victory on Tuesday that spoiled Steve Nashs return and stuck the Lakers with their seventh straight defeat. "I just want to continue to keep playing and give this team all that I can," Love said. "Yeah, Ive taken a physical beating, but youve got to expect being one of the top guys that theyre going to come at you." Kevin Martin helped the Timberwolves get off to a fast start, scoring 14 of his season-high-tying 32 points in the opening 10 minutes as the NBAs highest-scoring first-quarter team surged to a 25-point lead midway through the second period. They stumbled some after halftime, letting the Lakers pull within seven points early in the fourth quarter. "Its just one of those things where the game isnt going to be as easy as you think," coach Rick Adelman said. "You just have to persevere." With Nikola Pekovic likely out through the All-Star break, the Wolves started a difficult week, a theme of Adelmans pregame message. They play at Oklahoma City on Wednesday and New Orleans on Friday before hosting Portland on Saturday, a crucial stretch for a team running out of time to climb back into the playoff picture. But Love picked up the Wolves and carried them to an important win, playing the part of the burly Pekovic by throwing his body at the basket as often as he could. He made it to the line for 18 free throws, making 13. "We realize how good he is. He has incredible toughness," Martin said, adding: "He gets dirty down there. Thats why we pay him the big bucks and thats why hes an All-Star starter, to do things like that." Nash had been sidelined since Nov. 10 because of nerve problems in his back. The soon-to-be-40-year-old two-time league MVP had seven points and nine assists in 25 minutes, about 10 more than he was supposed to play. "I feel a bit selfish in that we lost but it felt great just to play in the NBA again," Nash said, smiling. "Obviously the game didnt go as we hoped, but for me personally thats pretty cool to be back out there." Coach Mike DAntoni was pleased. "I thought he competed, and weve got to have everybody compete that way," DAntoni said. Steve Blake also returned, coming back from a torn ligament in his right elbow that had shelved him since Dec. 10. He ruptured his eardrum during the game but kept playing on another night of bad luck and bad defence for the fallen franchise. Blake was scoreless in 31 minutes and took only two shots. Fittingly, as soon as two guys came back, two more went out. Jodie Meeks (sprained right ankle, first quarter) and backup Jordan Hill (headache and neck strain, first quarter) were hurt for the Lakers, who have been without star Kobe Bryant for most of the season. Pau Gasol also sat out with a strained right groin and could be out until after the All-Star break. DAntoni said Meeks wont play the rest of the road trip at Cleveland on Wednesday or at Philadelphia on Friday. Hill was walking stiffly in the locker room after the game but was held out as a precaution, the coach said. "I just feel for those guys. I just was in their position," Blake said. "Unfortunately its a part of the game, and the rest of us have to pick it up." The Lakers reserves had a whopping 70 points, with Nick Young (24 points), Manny Harris (17 points) and former Timberwolves first-round draft pick Wes Johnson (15 points and nine rebounds) leading the way. But the Lakers still lost for the 19th time in their last 22 games and fell into a tie for last place in the Western Conference with Utah and Sacramento. This was also their first loss at Target Center in almost seven years, ending an 11-game run. NOTES: This was the league-high seventh time this season that Love had at least 30 points and 15 rebounds. He has 25 for his career, one more than Kevin Garnett on the franchises career list. ... The Lakers have allowed 100-plus points in 15 straight games, their longest such streak since 17 in a row during the 1986-87 season. Matteo Darmian Jersey . Both moves were announced Tuesday. The Titans had waived Matthews on Saturday when they promoted wide receiver Michael Preston from the practice squad. Luke Shaw Jersey . The NFL announced Friday that the Texans sixth-year veteran offensive lineman will replace Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jason Peters in the Jan. http://www.manunitedfcpro.com/Kids-Sergio-Romero-Jersey/. - The width of Alec Martinezs shin guard was the difference between the Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Ducks in their playoff series opener. David Beckham Jersey . Smith has spent the last three seasons with the Rockies, playing both left and right field, and has a .275 batting average with 51 homers and 181 RBIs in 487 major league games. Axel Tuanzebe Jersey . He will play 10th-seeded Feliciano Lopez in Sundays final, after the Spanish left-hander defeated Radek Stepanek of the Czech Republic 7-6 (7), 6-4.ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Blues placed star forward Alex Steen on the injured list Saturday because of a concussion and are cautiously optimistic. General manager Doug Armstrong said the NHLs No. 2 goal scorer will be out indefinitely. Armstrong announced the move, made retroactive to Dec. 21, in a statement before the teams game with Chicago. "I say indefinitely because it could be day to day or week to week," Armstrong said during the morning skate. "Theres no set timetable, but he is exercising and we hope he has a speedy recovery." Steen hasnt played since he left a game against Edmonton on Dec. 21 with what the team called an "upper-body injury." Its the second concussion with the Blues for Steen, who will not accompany the team on a two-game trip to Dallas and Minnesota. "Were going to want to take our time," Armstrong said. "Were hoping that its not a long-term thing." Steen is the Blues leading scorer with 24 goals and 38 points in 35 games. He has six game-winning goals, second most in the league. The Blues believe Steens symptoms began with a hit by Ottawas Zack Smith on Dec. 16. Smith was penalized for an illegal check tto the head but the NHL did not review the play.dddddddddddd Steen also took a high hit from the Canadiens Douglas Murray on Dec. 19 and the last came from former teammate David Perron of Edmonton. "Hes such a big part of our team," said forward Jaden Schwartz, who has taken Steens spot on the Blues top line with David Backes and T.J. Oshie. "He plays in all situations, hes a big leader, so its definitely tough." The Swede is in his ninth season. He signed a three-year $17.4 million contract extension this month. Forward Sergey Andronov was recalled under emergency conditions from Chicago (AHL). The 24-year-old Andronov was a third-round pick in the 2009 draft has 13 points on seven goals and six assists in 28 games. Steen missed 39 games with a concussion in 2011-12 from a hit against the Phoenix Coyotes on Dec. 23, 2011. "I think wed be just as careful if it was his first one," Armstrong said. "Any time you deal with a head injury, you want to be cautious and thats what we want to do with Alexander." The Blues anticipated forward Vladimir Sobotka would return Saturday from an upper-body injury. Wholesale Hoodies NFL Shirts Outlet Jerseys NFL Wholesale Cheap NFL Jerseys Free Shipping Wholesale Jerseys Cheap Cheap NFL Jerseys China Wholesale Jerseys Wholesale NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '