miaowang123's Blog

SAN ANTONIO -- Marcos Maidana overpowered heavily favoured Adrien Broner to take the WBA welterweight championship, knocking him down twice in a unanimous decision Saturday night at the Alamodome. Grant Dayton Jersey . The target of heavy trash talking leading up to the fight, Maidana was dominant in handing the brash Broner his first loss in 28 bouts. After the judges scores of 115-110, 116-109 and 117-109 were announced in favour of the Argentine star, Broner ran out of the ring. "I had to show a lot of heart to win this fight," Maidana said. "I did what I had to do to win." Broner is nicknamed "The Problem," but Maidana (35-3) had the answer with power that the three-time world champion had never faced before. With the victory, Maidana set up a possible fight against Keith Thurman. On the undercard, Thurman stopped Jesus Soto Karass in the ninth round. Maidana left little question of what he wanted to do, landing 231 of 663 power punches while connecting on only 38 jabs. The power stunned the confident Broner, who was unable to use the fluid counter-punching that had resulted in 22 knockouts. "Ill tell you one thing, make a rematch," Broner said. "I dont need a warm-up fight. I want a rematch," Maidana staggered Broner early in the opening round with an overhand right to the back of the head, causing the Cincinnati fighter to stumble trying to regain his footing. Broner attempted to wrap up Maidana as Broner attempted to wrestle free to land more power punches. Maidana spent the entire opening round charging at Broner, trapping him against the ropes and throwing powerful combinations. Maidana sent Broner tumbling into the ropes early in the second round with a lunging left hook to the chin. After a standing eight count, Broner charged and wrapped up Maidanas upper legs in an attempt to recover. Maidana landed 57 punches in the opening two rounds to only 13 for Broner, according to Showtime. Broner regained his balance after the second round, spending the next five rounds trading punches and clenches before Maidana regained control. "Broner is a very good puncher," Maidana said. "Hes a very good boxer, very good puncher. Yes, I felt his blows." Maidana floored Broner in the eighth round with a left to the midsection and an overhand right. After a standing eight count, Broner again went to the canvas after taking a head-butt to the jaw. Amid heavy booing, Broner remained on the canvas and in a corner for about 3 minutes before returning to action. In the ninth round, Maidana again stunned Broner, unleashing combination after combination that Broner was struggling to avoid. Broner again regained his feet in the 10th round, but was only able to exchange blows with Maidana the remainder of the fight. "I dont think he was on today," said Broners trainer, Mike Stafford. "I thought it was a little closer than (the judges) had it, but I just dont think he was on tonight." On the undercard, Thurman (22-0) stunned Soto Karass (28-9-3) with a left hook to the chin that had the Mexican fighter out on his feet. Defenceless, Soto Karass took four more heavy blows before the referee stopped the bout. Soto Karass caught Thurman with an overhand right to the chin in the opening minute of the bout, staggering the Clearwater, Fla., fighter. Soto Karass followed it with another crushing right, but Thurman withstood the flurry and delivered his own staggering shots to the body and head to close the round. "He made me bring it out from round one," Thurman said. "He was ready Round 1. I was dilly dallying in Round 1 and he turned the lights on and woke me up." Earlier, Leo Santa Cruz (26-0-1) successfully defended his WBC super bantamweight championship, unanimously outpointing Cesar Seda. The judges scored the bout 116-111, 115-112, 117-110 for Santa Cruz, who landed 43 per cent of his power punches in handing Seda his second loss in 27 fights. Also, Beibut Shumenov stopped Tomas Kovacs in the third round to retain his WBA super light-heavyweight championship. Shumenov, from Kazakhstan, improved to 14-1. Kovacs, from Slovakia, dropped to 23-1. Nick Markakis Jersey . Diego Costa headed in Gabis corner seven minutes from time to secure victory ahead of the return match in Madrid on March 11. "We know that at Madrid it will be another game, which will also be important and very difficult," Milan coach Clarence Seedorf said. Luis Polonia Jersey . -- The Chicago Bears have agreed to terms with safety Brock Vereen and QB David Fales on four-year contracts.OAKLAND, Calif. - The Golden State Warriors wanted Steve Kerr from the start but still wondered about his ability to coach. Kerr had his own questions for the Warriors before being convinced to take the job, notably what led to the bitter divorce between the team and Mark Jackson. Both got the answers that they had hoped for. Now each is counting on even better results to follow. The Warriors introduced Kerr as their new coach Tuesday at a packed news conference at the teams downtown Oakland headquarters. Kerr signed with the Warriors for five years and about $25 million after rejecting an offer from mentor Phil Jackson to coach the New York Knicks. "Im convinced Phil is going to make it work in New York, but when I sat down with the Warriors, it just clicked," Kerr said. "I think its the right fit for me." Kerr plans to finish his duties broadcasting the Western Conference finals for TNT before starting with the Warriors. The former NBA guard cited Golden States rapid rise the past three seasons and his family in California as his main reasons for taking the job. He replaces Mark Jackson, who was fired by the Warriors on May 6 after a 51-win season and back-to-back playoff appearances in large part because of his sour relationship with team management. Warriors general manager Bob Myers said the team identified Kerr and former Miami Heat and Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy at the beginning of their search. He said Kerr already was too deep in talks with the Knicks, where Phil Jackson took over as team president in March. "We were really just hoping to get an interview with Steve. And he rebuffed us in a very polite way," Myers said, chuckling. Then Van Gundy agreed to a $35 million, five-year deal with Detroit last week to coach the Pistons and oversee basketball operations. Shortly thereafter, Kerrs agent, Mike Tannenbaum, called the Warriors and asked for a meeting. Myers, Warriors co-owner Joe Lacob, assistant GM Kirk Lacob, and director of player personnel Travis Schlenk met with Kerr for more than three hours last Tuesday in Oklahoma City, where Kerr was calling the Thunder-Clippers game. Myers and Lacob said the teams biggest questioons were about Kerrs lack of coaching experience, which he outlined during a PowerPoint presentation. Jacob Webb Jersey. "He blew our socks off," Lacob said. "Steve Kerr and Bob Myers together is my dream team. That is a dream team." Kerr still had questions about why Jackson was fired after improving in each of his three seasons. He said it was refreshing to hear Lacob and Myers both admit mistakes, which he could relate to from his time as general manager of the Phoenix Suns from 2007-10. "I felt like I got a lot of clarity on the circumstances on the situation," Kerr said, declining to elaborate. Kerr, 48, helped Arizona to its first Final Four appearance in 1988. He won three titles for Phil Jackson in Chicago and another two under Gregg Popovich in San Antonio during his 15-year NBA playing career. Kerrs former coach at Arizona, Lute Olson, sat in the front row at his news conference. Lacob and Warriors co-owner Peter Guber also sat in the front row alongside Kerrs wife, Margot, and two of their three children, Nick and Madeline, who plays volleyball nearby at the University of California, Berkeley. The Warriors had a video display of "Kerrs Legendary Coaches," showing pictures of Jackson, Popovich, Olson, Lenny Wilkens and Cotton Fitzsimmons. Kerr said he will take the knowledge and experience from them — and other coaches he met with before games as a TNT broadcaster — and employ them with the Warriors. Kerr said his system will have principles of the Triangle Offense that won Jackson an NBA-record 11 titles as coach of the Bulls and Lakers but "will not be the Bulls of the 1990s." He said it will be more tailored to suit star Stephen Currys pick-and-roll abilities while adding some of the off-the-ball movement the Spurs do so well. Kerr has yet to hire a staff. He said he reached out to every Warriors player — almost all of whom publicly said they wanted Jackson to return — and has spoken with all but two of them so far. He said the feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive. "I think theyre excited to get back to work," Kerr said. "And Im excited to get started." ' ' '

BOSTON -- The Boston Red Sox have placed first baseman/catcher Ryan Lavarnway on the 15-day disabled list with a broken bone in his left hand. George Kittle Super Bowl Jersey . The Red Sox said Lavarnway fractured his hamate bone in Thursday nights win over Atlanta. He left the game in the fifth inning with what was originally called a sore wrist. To take his spot on the roster, Boston recalled outfielder/first baseman Alex Hassan from Triple-A Pawtucket. The 26-year old Lavarnway was recalled earlier in the week and went 0 for 4 in four games. Hussan, 26, was promoted to the majors for the first time. In 45 games with Pawtucket this season, he hit .217 with one homer and 19 RBIs. He was born about 10 miles from Fenway Park, in Quincy, Massachusetts. Jimmy Garoppolo Super Bowl Jersey . Cruz set the tone with a two-run homer in the first inning, and Baltimore scored eight times in the eighth to pull away for a 12-3 victory in Game 1. The major league leader with 40 homers during the regular season, Cruz added an RBI single to his early blast off Max Scherzer. Trent Taylor Super Bowl Jersey . The Blue Jays lost to the New York Yankees 3-1 Tuesday night, their seventh defeat in 10 games. Rasmus was put on the 15-day DL on May 15 because of a sore right hamstring. Hes hitting .222 with nine home runs and 19 RBIs.Every night of the Stanley Cup playoffs, TSN hockey analyst and former NHL goaltender Jamie McLennan breaks down each goalies performance. Jamies number grades given are out of five, with five being the best mark. Carey Price, Montreal (3) - On the second Lightning goal, he overplayed the post and on the third, it went through his body. He was good when it mattered with good saves on Steven Stamkos and Ondrej Palat and, most importantly, the only number that matters is four wins, which Price was instrumental in delivering Anders Lindback, Tampa Bay (1) - He got the gate halfway through the game and Lindback certainly did not have a lot of help as the Lightning was grossly outplayed, but he got beat twice on straight shots that were stoppable and had angle issues on them. Lindback looked erratic and overactive. Kristers Gudlevskis, Tampa Bay (3) - He came in and was very good, especially on Brendan Gallagher and Rene Bourque and he helped change the tide for Tampa. The game-winning goal went through his body and was a squeaker. It was tough finish for a real nice performance. Tuukka Rask, Boston (5) -  It was a solid effort. Rask wasnt tested too much, but he made big saves on Johan Franzen and Gustav Nyqvist in close in the second period and a monster save on Justin Abdelkader in the 3rd. Rask is playing so poised and positionally sound right now that he makes it look easy in the net. Jimmy Howard, Detroit (3) - The Dougie Hamilton goal was a shortside, stoppable puck. Howard didnt get a lot of help on the second Boston ggoal. Kyle Juszczyk Super Bowl Jersey. He fought to find pucks through lots of traffic on the penalty kill and made big saves on Brad Marchand and Jarome Iginla. Ray Emery, Philadelphia (2) - Emery was not overly sharp this game. He gave up a bad rebound on the Derek Stepan goal and he was beat clean on the Dan Girardi goal from far out. He made a couple of big saves on Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis in close in the second period, but was lifted after the Dan Carcillo goal to give Steve Mason some minutes. Steve Mason, Philadelphia (N/A) Henrik Lundqvist, Rangers (4) He had no chance on the Mark Streit goal in what was a back door play. He fought hard in the crease tonight as Philly really crashed the net on him and made nice saves on Jake Voracek and Scott Hartnell.  Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles (3) - It was a seeing-eye shot that he didnt see on Patrick Marleaus OT winner. Quick let in three weird goals tonight. He over-pushed through the screen on the first goal and had no chance on the second goal because he was run into by Robyn Regehr. He made big saves, though, on Tomas Hertl, Brent Burns, Raffi Torres, Joe Pavelski and Logan Couture. It was a good response game from Quicks prior two, but not enough as the Kings go down 3 to 0. Antti Niemi, San Jose (4) - He made a big save on Jordan Nolan in the third and great saves on Mike Richards and Marian Gaborik in overtime. Niemi was outstanding in tight and found a way to keep the puck out at critical times. ' ' '

The Hamilton Tiger-Cats acquired import running back/kick returner Isi Sofele from the BC Lions on Thursday in exchange for future considerations. Blake Martinez Super Bowl Jersey . Sofele spent the 2013 season on the Lions practice roster. In 50 games over four seasons at California, Sofele ran for 2,619 yards and 15 touchdowns while returning 24 kickoffs for 480 yards. The Ticats also announced that import defensive lineman Joseph LeBeau has been released. Jason Spriggs Super Bowl Jersey . Seth Smith hit a towering drive for a tying homer leading off the eighth and Chris Denorfia singled home two runs to give the Padres a 3-1 victory against the rival Dodgers in baseballs North American opener Sunday night. Marcedes Lewis Super Bowl Jersey . Meeks has agreed to a $19.5 million, three-year deal with Detroit, a person familiar with the situation said Tuesday night. The person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because free agents cant sign contracts until the leagues moratorium ends July 10, also said Cartier Martin had agreed to a one-year contract with the rebuilding franchise.WINNIPEG -- Olympic medallist Jennifer Abel of Laval, Que., produced her best performance of the season on Friday to win gold in the womens three-metre springboard at the 2014 summer senior national diving competition. Abel collected 8.0s and higher on all five of her dives in the final to finish with 372.90 points. World championship bronze medallist and defending champion Pamela Ware of Beloeil, Que., placed second at 348.90. Emma Friesen of North Vancouver, B.C., was third at 300.00. "Im really happy to get my title back with 372 points," said Abel, who was just 2.55 points short of her ppersonal best score set at last years summer nationals in Quebec City. Packers Super Bowl Jerseys. Philippe Gagne of Montreal is in first place after the mens 10-metre preliminaries and semifinals with 449.70 points. Defending Canadian champion Maxim Bouchard of St-Constant, Que., is second at 405.45, and Edmontons Tyler Roberge is third at 399.80. Competition continues Saturday with the mens three-metre and the prelims and semis on the womens 10-tower. The two tower finals are on Sunday. The competition is also the last team selection event for the FINA World Cup and Commonwealth Games this summer. ' ' '

The St. Tony Gonzalez Jersey . Louis Cardinals are heading to the National League Championship series for a fourth-straight year. Matt Adams hit a game-winning three-run home run off of Clayton Kershaw (0-2) in the seventh inning to give the Cards a 3-2 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers and a 3-1 NLDS victory. Marco Gonzales (1-0) got the win in relief for the Cards. Shelby Miller started for St. Louis. He went 5.2 innings, allowing one run (none earned) on five hits. He walked four and struck out three on 82 pitches. Kershaw was lifted from the game after Adamss at-bat in the seventh. He went 6+ innings, allowing three runs on four hits. He struck out nine and walked a pair. The Cardinals will meet either the San Francisco Giants or the Washington Nationals in the NLCS. That series will get underway on Saturday night at 8pm et/5pm pt. More to come. Patrick Mahomes Jersey . As future stars prepare to make the big leap to the professional ranks, TSNs Draft Week delivers wall-to-wall coverage of both the NHL and NBA Entry Drafts, highlighted by exclusive live coverage of both events. Nick Lowery Jersey . Jonathan Crompton led the team to a 40-9 win over the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Crompton threw three touchdown passes - two to Duron Carter and one to Brandon London - and Sean Whyte connected on four field goals to power the Alouettes to the win.A high-profile benching, Maple Leafs have finishers on the left, hot starts for Crosby and Ovechkin and lots of line juggling in Scott Cullens latest NHL blog. 1. Oilers RW Nail Yakupov scratched Saturday night at Toronto and Monday at Washington. Back-to-back healthy scratches for a player that didnt miss a game as a rookie last season. No one gets a free pass in the NHL and when youre a scorer that isnt scoring (Yakupov had no points in four games to start the year), its understandable enough that he would come under criticism. At the same time, his most common linemates were Boyd Gordon and Jesse Joensuu, not exactly proven offensive performers. The contrast, compared to expectations in the offseason, is that Ales Hemsky is still getting prominent ice time -- Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins are his most common linemates -- which leaves Yakupov outside the proverbial top six forwards. It would seem outrageous for the Oilers to move Yakupov so early in his career, but theyve made a bold statement already with back-to-back healthy scratches. The message has been sent and if Yakupov doesnt perform better quickly, its going to be difficult to watch this play out. While were on the subject, here some other notable healthy scratches early in the season: Young defencemen Dougie Hamilton, Adam Larsson, Ryan Ellis, Brendan Smith, Tyson Barrie and Jake Muzzin. Old defencemen Derek Morris and Andrej Meszaros as well as veteran wingers Dustin Penner and Pierre-Marc Bouchard. 2. Amid early-season disappointment in Edmonton, rookie C Mark Arcobello (0 G, 5 A, +4, 6 GP) is making a smooth transition to the league. The 25-year-old scored 88 points in 91 (regular season plus playoff) games for Oklahoma City in the AHL last season, which figured to earn him an NHL look. With Sam Gagner suffering a broken jaw in the preseaon, Arcobello not only made the team, but hes skating in an offensive role, playing mostly with Jordan Eberle and a rotating cast of left wingers. When Gagner returns, there may not be the same kind of room for Arcobello, but hes playing too well to just get shuffled into a depth role. 3. Part of the reason that the Toronto Maple Leafs have defied the advanced stats projections (all of six games into the year) is that they have players who finish at a high percentage. Left wingers Joffrey Lupul and James van Riemsdyk have combined to score 10 goals on 47 shots (21.2 SH%). Lupul has 16 goals on 66 shots over the last two seasons (24.2 SH%), the best finishing rate of anyone with at least 10 goals. Dallas Alex Chiasson, who has nine goals on 24 shots (37.5 SH%) just missed the cutoff. Part of the deal with high percentages, however, is that they are difficult to maintain, so it will be interesting to see if Lupul and JvR can maintain a higher shooting percentage over the long haul. 4. Philadelphia is having problems at full strength, but now they are missing Scott Hartnell and Vincent Lecavalier for at least a week due to injuries. Tye McGinn was called up from the AHL and immediately inserted onto a line with Claude Giroux and Jakub Voracek, which is obviously a plum assignment for McGinn, but also a better chance for Voracek to be reunited with Giroux. 5. Detroit shuffled up lines recently, moving Todd Bertuzzi to the right wing with Pavel Datsyuk and Henrik Zetterberg, dropping Justin Abdelkader to play with Stephen Weiss and Johan Franzen on the second line and Daniel Alfredsson to skate with Joakim Andersson and Dan Cleary on the third line. Alfredsson still gets first unit power play time, so its not as if the change in role will altogether eliminate his value. On the other hand, it was easy enough to overlook Bertuzzi before, but anyone skating with Datsyuk and Zetterberg deserves consideration. 6. Penguins C Sidney Crosby (5 G, 5 A, +1, 5 GP) is tied for the league lead in scoring with Capitals RW Alex Ovechkin (6 G, 3 A, minus-4, 6 GP), great starts for two of the biggest names in the game. Crosby has better points-per-game production (1.80 to 1.50) and a lower percentage of power play points (44.4% to 66.7%), so he may be more likely to sustain this start. Whats at least a little bit interesting is that both have relatively low on-ice shooting percentages, so they havent been so outrageously fortunate, at least not at 5-on-5. 7. Lightning LW Alex Killorn (2 G, 4 A, plus-2, 5 GP) has been a quality secondary scoring option for Tampa Bay, ranking fourth among the teams forwards in ice time (17:54 per game), but exercise caution. His possession numbers arent good and his on-ice shooting percentage (16.0%) is due to regress. 8. Avalanche D Andre Benoit (0 G, 3 A, plus-5, 5 GP) was the big offseason addition to the Colorado blueline and the journeyman with 41 career NHL games to his credit prior to this season has played 21:41 per game, falling just between Jan Hejda (21:47) and Erik Johnson (21:39) for most ice time on the team. Benoit does have an offensive track record, scoring 80 points in 107 AHL games in the 2012-13 and 2010-2011 seasons combined and he was a productive scorer in his junior days with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League, but his early puck possession numbers dont suggest that he should keep getting this much work. 9. Blues LW Alexander Steen (4 G, 4 A, plus-5, 4 GP) has taken well to his spot on the number one line, playing with David Backes and T.J. Oshie on a unit that tends to take on the toughest defensive assignments (zone starts, quality of competition) while also producing offensively. While their on-ice shooting percentage is unsustainably high, it never would be reasonable to expect Steen to keep scoring at a two-points-per-game pace. What their success should indicate, however, is that the trio could have some offensive value in addition to strong defensive play. 10. Stars RW Rich Peverley, who missed time in training camp due to an irregular heart beat, has replaced Erik Cole on the Stars top line with LW Jamie Benn and C Tyler Seguin. Good opportunity for a player who had a terrible 2013 season, but has scored as many as 55 points in a season. 11. Ottawas defensive play has been a disaster thus far, allowing 43.0 shots against per game. Dallas (36.2) and the New York Rangers (35.8) are next highest. LW Clarke MacArthur and C Kyle Turris are the only Senators that have been on for more shots for than against when it comes to 5-on-5 play. 12. Hurricanes LW Jiri Tlusty (0 G, 0 A, minus-3, 6 GP), who had a breakout season alongsidee Eric Staal and Alexander Semin last season, is off to a slow start this year, with horrific possession numbers underlying the lack of overall production. Tanoh Kpassagnon Jersey. Thats cause for concern, because it could get him bumped from that spot. 13. Anaheim has been leaning on rookie defencemen. Hampus Lindholm (0 G, 2 A, +6, 3 GP) and Sami Vatanen ( G, 1 A, plus-3, 5 GP) are both playing more than 19 minutes per game. 14. Odds would have been pretty high coming into the season that, at any point, Oilers C Boyd Gordon would be the teams leading goal-scorer. On a team with lauded young scoring forwards, Gordon leads with four goals in six games and, with injuries down the middle, has seen enough time with scoring wingers. At the same time, Gordon has never scored more than eight goals in a season and his 1.50 shots per game is merely near the best of his career, so hes much more likely to have regression hit and hit hard rather than have a dramatic offensive breakthrough in a season during which he turns 30-years-old. 15. Wild D Jonas Brodin was praised heavily in his rookie season, for handling tough assignments alongside Ryan Suter and playing like a seasoned vet. He also scored 11 points in 45 games, which didnt plant the seed for big offensive numbers. His start to this season, however, includes two goals and five points, with a plus-3 rating in six games, while playing a couple minutes more per game, upt to 25:11. Hes had some good fortune, relative to his defensive teammates, but its also fair to say that, with as much as he plays, that Brodin could score enough in his sophomore season to have fantasy value. 16. The revolving door at left wing on the Anaheim Ducks top line has opened for Patrick Maroon, the latest to get a shot with Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. Marron has two goals and four points in 20 career NHL games, but hes a power forward who has 79 goals and 172 points (with 327 penalty minutes) in 196 AHL games over the last three seasons. 17. In an attempt to shake up their forward lines, the Boston Bruins have flipped Reilly Smith and Brad Marchand, taking Marchand off the wing with Patrice Bergeron and Loui Eriksson. Marchands ice time (15:36 per game) is also at its lowest level since 2010-2011. 18. Edmontons woes arent only attributable to goaltending, but theres no denying that Devan Dubnyk (5.43 GAA, .829 SV% in 4 GP) has struggled early and that will prompt change if it doesnt turn around dramatically. Jason LaBarbera is a veteran backup, who has played more than 40 games once in his career, so if Dubnyk isnt the answer, the Oilers will likely have to find an external solution. 19. Minnesota has given Nino Niederreiter a chance to play with Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu on the top line. After being buried in the minors last season, Niederreiter has three points, and a minus-2 rating, in six games so far this season. Thats not terribly exciting on its own, but with first line minutes, El Nino could be much more interesting. 20. The line shake-up in New Jersey has seen Dainius Zubrus joining Patrik Elias and Jaromir Jagr. Zubrus and Jagr arent winning a lot of races at this point in their respective careers, but both have such great size that they should be able to control the puck once they get it. 21. Trying to get Mike Ribeiro (0G, 3 A, minus-2, 6 GP) going, the Coyotes have been playing him on the wing with Martin Hanzal and Radim Vrbata. 22. Injuries to James Neal and then Beau Bennett have opened the door for Chuck Kobasew to join Evgeni Malkin and Jussi Jokinen on Pittsburghs second line. 23. The Jets have moved LW Evander Kane (3 G, 2 A, plus-3, 6 GP) to the top line in place of Andrew Ladd with C Bryan Little and RW Blake Wheeler. Kane has 30 shots on goal in six games, including 15 in the last two games, so hes doing what he needs to in order to have a big offensive season. Ladd also has three goals, but only 10 shots on goal; his 1.67 shots per game is his lowest rate since 2005-2006 when he was a rookie, and hes been getting eaten up, possession-wise, at even strength. 24. One player getting hard minutes, in terms of defensive zone starts, is Montreal RW Daniel Briere (35.7% O-Zone starts). Expectations had to be limited coming into the year, given his drop in production last year, but if Briere isnt getting a favourable tilt towards the offensive zone, its hard to imagine hes going to be productive. 25. Gord Miller tweeted this Tuesday, setting off the latest advanced stats debate online. My position on advanced stats is probably known well enough by now, and I may get into it more tomorrow (when I dont have NHL Power Rankings to write) but, at the very least, I appreciated this comment by Arpon Basu, of LNH.com. FIRST NHL GAMES Michael Raffl, LW, Philadelphia - The injuries to Hartnell and Lecavalier which prompted the recall of McGinn, also brought up Raffl, the 24-year-old who was signed as a free agent out of Swedens Allsvenskan league (one below the Elite League), where he had 46 points in 49 games with Leksands last season. Raffl had three points in two AHL games to get recalled and skated on a line with Brayden Schenn and Wayne Simmonds in his debut. Luke Glendening, C, Detroit - An undrafted forward who wasnt a big scorer at the University of Michigan, putting up 70 points in 165 games over four years, Glendening played in both the ECHL and AHL last season, kicking his game up a notch in Grand Rapids run to the Calder Cup last year, scoring 16 points in 21 playoff games. He opened the season with two points and a plus-3 rating in two AHL games before he pulled ahead of Cory Emmerton for Detroits fourth-line centre spot, where he played between Drew Miller and Jordin Tootoo. Nate Schmidt, D, Washington - An offensive defenceman who scored 73 points in 82 games for the University of Minnesota over the past two seasons, Schmidt was signed as a free agent last spring and finished the year in Hershey, adding six points in 13 (regular season plus playoff) games in the AHL. Schmidt has paired with Steve Oleksy and the early returns have been positive when it comes to puck possession. CHIRPING "Were not very good. We need to go back to square one and find something to hang our hat on. Right now the only thing we have is goaltenders, and we make them work too hard." - Senators coach Paul MacLean Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. ' ' '

HOUSTON -- Jeff Samardzija was determined to get back on track Monday night after a couple of bad starts, so he was thrilled to see Josh Donaldson back in the Oakland lineup. Anthony Sherman Super Bowl Jersey . Samardzija pitched eight solid innings and Donaldson drove in three runs after sitting out Sunday with a knee injury to lead the Athletics over the Houston Astros 8-2. "I told him theres no chance hes not starting the day I pitch. So Ill give him a massage on his knee if I have to, to get him in there," Samardzija said, joking. It didnt come to that, but Donaldson acknowledged after the game hes still feeling pretty banged up despite returning to the lineup. "Its not something I think about too much," he said. "Its just one of those things, 126 games now. You learn how to play with stuff." Samardzija (4-3) allowed six hits, two runs and tied a season high with 10 strikeouts to bounce back from a two-game skid in which he yielded 11 runs combined. The right-hander was 2-7 with the Chicago Cubs before getting traded in early July. "I took that last one pretty personally and I wanted to come out and have a good one and get back into my groove and how I do things," Samardzija said. Josh Reddick hit a two-run homer and Donaldson had three hits. Donaldson doubled twice for his first extra-base hits and RBIs in his last nine games. Reddicks 10th home run sailed into the seats in right field to push Oaklands lead to 3-0 in the fourth. Chris Carter hit an opposite-field, two-run homer in the eighth to pull the Astros within one, but the As added five runs in the ninth to extend the lead to 8-2. Houston manager Bo Porter was disappointed that his bullpen let a close game get away. "Getting an opportunity to come up in the ninth inning of a one-run game is completely different than coming up down by six," he said. "The whole object is to keep the game right there." Scott Feldman (7-10) allowed seven hits and three runs in seven innings. The Astros couldnt string anything together against Samardzija through the first seven innings. They didnt have more than one hit in an inning until the eighth, when Jose Altuve singled before Carters homer. Houston reliever Tony Sipp, who had allowed just 10 walks in his previous 41 innings, walked all four batters he faced in the ninth to push Oaklands lead to 4-2. Donaldsons bases-loaded double off Jose Veras sent two more home, and Derek Norris wrapped up the scoring with a two-run single. Eric Sogard doubled to start the third and scored on Donaldsons first hit -- a two-out double -- to put Oakland up 1-0. Brandon Moss singled in the fourth before Reddick homered. Carters 31 home runs rank third in the American League, and his 18 homers and 44 RBIs since July 1 lead the majors. Altuves hit gave him 179 this season, which leads the AL. The pair has carried Houstons offence since the All-Star break while the Astros have dealt with numerous injuries. TRAINERS ROOM Athletics: Manager Bob Melvin said INF Nick Punto (hamstring) is making progress and has been taking grounders. Melvin didnt give a timetable on Puntos return, but said hes "starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel with him." Astros: RHP Brad Peacock, who left his most recent start after five innings because of a sore forearm, will take his scheduled turn Wednesday. Porter said Peacock is fine and was removed mostly as a precaution. BEHIND THE PLATE Melvin said hell probably start new catcher Geovany Soto on Tuesday night and put Norris at DH. Soto was acquired from Texas for cash on Sunday, with C John Jaso on the seven-day concussion disabled list. Soto has appeared in only 10 games this season after starting the year on the disabled list following knee surgery in March before another stint on the DL because of a groin injury. UP NEXT Oakland RHP Jason Hammel is scheduled to start Tuesday after his previous turn in the rotation was skipped because of two off days last week. Hammel is 1-5 with a 6.75 ERA in seven starts since being traded from the Cubs on July 5. Houston LHP Dallas Keuchel looks for his first win since July 30. Mecole Hardman Super Bowl Jersey . The mixed zone is not a place to make friends. Juan Thornhill Super Bowl Jersey .C. -- The Carolina Panthers announced Thursday theyve signed free agent wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery to a two-year contract, helping rebuild a depleted wide receiving corps.The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced the contract of left-handed pitcher Kyle Anderson has been sold to the Arizona Diamondbacks. Anderson, 24, is third in the American Association with a 1.64 ERA in eight appearances, including seven starts. His last six outings have been quality starts. Hes surrendered just one home run and nine walks in 49 1/3 innings pitched. Anderson, who is expected to be assigned to Class A SSouth Bend of the Midwest League, becomes the 63rd Goldeyes player to have his contract sold to a Major League organization and the first to the Diamondbacks. Martinas Rankin Super Bowl Jersey. After they finish a 10-game road trip tonight against the Trois-Rivieres Aigles, the Goldeyes return to Shaw Park tomorrow night to begin a seven-game homestand with the first of four games against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. ' ' '

RED DEER, Alta. Nick Bosa Super Bowl Jersey . - Jack Rodewald scored three times, including the eventual winner, and set up one more as the Moose Jaw Warriors edged the host Red Deer Rebels 4-3 on Sunday in Western Hockey League action. Rodewalds power-play goal 50 seconds into the third period stood up as the winner for the Warriors (13-24-6), who won for the first time in three outings, while Brayden Point chipped in with three assists. Tanner Eberle had a goal and an assist to round out his clubs offence. Matt Bellerive, Vukie Mpofu and Lukas Sutter supplied the scoring for the Rebels (20-18-2) and Conner Bleackley and Rhyse Dieno each tacked on two assists. Moose Jaws Justin Paulic made 36 saves for the win as Patrik Bartosak turned aside 35-of-39 shots for Red Deer. The Warriors went 2 for 7 on the power play while the Rebels scored twice on six chances with the man advantage. --- HITMEN 10 THUNDERBIRDS 2 CALGARY — Chris Driedger made 26 saves and 10 different players scored for the Hitmen en route to their fifth straight victory. Alex Roach and Jake Virtanen each had a goal and two assists for Calgary (27-8-5) while Kenton Halgesen, Chase Lang, Brady Brassart, Pavel Padakin, Joe Mahon, Greg Chase, Zane Jones and Travis Sanheim scored the others. Calvin Spencer and Ryan Gropp scored for Seattle (22-14-5), which is winless in five contests. Danny Mumaugh started in net for the Thunderbirds but was pulled after giving up five goals on 16 shots. Justin Myles replaced Mumaugh and stopped 12-of-17 shots in 23 minutes of relief. --- ICE 4 TIGERS 3 CRANBROOK, B.C. — Mackenzie Skapski stopped 51 shots and Jaedon Descheneau scored twice as Kootenay toppled Medicine Hat. Jon Martin and Zak Zborosky each had a goal and an assist for the Ice (21-19-3), while Matt Alfaro added two assists. Jacob Doty, Chad Labelle and Tommy Vanelli scored for the Tigers (23-14-3). Daniel Wapple kicked out 16-of-20 shots for Medicine Hat. --- GIANTS 4 AMERICANS 2 VANCOUVER — Jackson Houck set up two goals and then capped the game with an empty-net goal as the Giants doubled up Tri-City. Alex Baer, Dalton Thrower and Rob Trzonkowski also scored for Vancouver (21-15-7), which improved to 7-3-0 in its last 10 games. The Americans (18-19-4) got goals from Lucas Nickles and Philip Tot. Jared Rathjen made 17 saves for the Giants as Eric Comrie turned away 31-of-34 shots for Tri-City. --- Richard Sherman Super Bowl Jersey . Walcott is available for Saturdays home match against Southampton as Arsenal looks to extend its two-point lead at the top of the Premier League. The Gunners are currently the second highest scorers in the league but Wenger insists Walcott will add something extra to his team. Steve Young Super Bowl Jersey .9 million deal Thursday. The 25-year McGinn had 19 goals and 19 assists in 79 games last season in helping the Avalanche tie a franchise record with 52 wins.Despite losing their top goal-scorer for more than half the season and trading away their leading point producer, the Tampa Bay Lightning reached the playoffs for the second time in the past seven years and, with a young roster, appear to be moving in the right direction. Off-Season Game Plan looks at a Tampa Bay Lightning club that, because of all their young players, has lots of flexibility. Veteran defenceman Eric Brewer is in his mid-30s, as is winger Ryan Malone (and who knows what his future holds?), but with Sami Salo headed for free agency, and Martin St. Louis traded, the Lightning have turned to the next generation. That generation is led by 24-year-old Steven Stamkos, one of the games brightest offensive talents, and 23-year-old Victor Hedman, a rising star on the blueline. This past season saw rookies Ondrej Palat, Tyler Johnson, Radko Gudas, J.T. Brown, Nikita Kucherov, Richard Panik, Mark Barberio and Andrej Sustr all play more than 600 minutes for Tampa Bay. Thats some solid foundation building. Not all of those young players are going to be what the Lightning hope, but a lot of them could be contributors and they already provide a competent and inexpensive supporting cast. The Lightning have to go into next season with their eyes wide open, recognizing that part of their success last season was due to Ben Bishops terrific goaltending and if that regresses, as sometimes happens with goaltenders, there will be some statistical challenges to overcome, but there are options available to improve the goaltending if need be. They are an above-average possession team and have a roster of young players that offer potential for internal improvement. Maybe that next generation isnt quite Cup-ready, but the Lightning have lots of reasons to be hopeful for their future. The TSN.ca Rating is an efficiency rating based on per-game statistics including goals and assists -- weighted for strength (ie. power play, even, shorthanded) -- Corsi, adjusted for zone starts, quality of competition and quality of teammates, hits, blocked shots, penalty differential and faceoffs. Generally, a replacement-level player is around a 60, a top six forward and top four defenceman will be around 70, stars will be over 80 and MVP candidates could go over 90. Sidney Crosby finished at the top of the 2013-2014 regular season ratings at 87.12. Salary cap information all comes from the indispensable www.capgeek.com. CF% = Corsi percentage (ie. percentage of 5-on-5 shot attempts), via www.extraskater.com. GM/COACHSteve Yzerman/Jon Cooper Returning Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Cap Hit Steven Stamkos 85.38 37 25 15 40 52.4% $7.5M Valtteri Filppula 73.22 75 25 33 58 52.4% $5.0M Tyler Johnson 70.92 82 24 26 50 51.0% $3.333M Teddy Purcell 65.98 81 12 30 42 53.6% $4.5M Nikita Kucherov 64.18 52 9 9 18 53.8% $712K Ryan Malone 60.76 57 5 10 15 50.4% $4.5M Nate Thompson 60.32 81 9 7 16 51.0% $1.6M B.J. Crombeen 57.78 55 3 7 10 48.4% $1.15M Free Agent Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Class 13-14 Cap Hit Ondrej Palat 74.07 81 23 36 59 50.9% RFA $579K Ryan Callahan 68.18 65 17 19 36 50.7% UFA $4.275M Alex Killorn 67.21 82 17 24 41 51.7% RFA $875K J.T. Brown 62.01 63 4 15 19 51.8% RFA $874K Richard Panik 58.79 50 3 10 13 48.3% RFA $900K Tom Pyatt 56.36 27 3 4 7 48.4% UFA $600K A fractured tibia caused Steven Stamkos to miss 45 games, the first games he missed since his rookie season, and even if he wasnt 100% when he returned to the lineup, Stamkos is a finisher with few, if any, peers. No one has scored more goals in the past five seasons, and he does it with a ridiculous 18.2% shooting percentage, also the best in the league. The challenge for Stamkos, going forward, is that he wont have Martin St. Louis on his wing and after Stamkos returned from his injury -- at a point once St. Louis had been traded to the New York Rangers -- he managed 21 points (8 G, 13 A) in 24 (regular season plus playoff) games. A healthy Stamkos is an elite performer, but the Lightning will need to provide support that will allow him to produce at his customary high level. Signed as a free agent last summer, following a season in which he had a career-low on-ice shooting percentage, Valtteri Filppula bounced back with the second-best offensive production of his season, playing a career-high 19:59 per game. He had solid possession stats while facing quality opposition, just the kind of results teams like to get out of a second-line centre. A lack of size may have made the climb more difficult for Tyler Johnson, but he established his place as an NHLer last season, playing every game and taking on big minutes once Stamkos was hurt. Johnson played in all situations, tied for the rookie goal-scoring lead, with 24 goals, and ranked third among freshmen with 50 points. Not bad for an undrafted free agent. Despite having the best possession stats among Lightning forwards last season, Teddy Purcell had his least productive season in four years with the Lightning. Over the past four seasons, though, Purcell has scored 194 points, which ranks 57th among NHL forwards, so he can certainly take a spot among Tampa Bays top six forwards. Skilled winger Nikita Kucherov had an impressive rookie season, even if his offensive production was relatively modest. He had a low on-ice shooting percentage, but his possession stats were great. After 24 points in 17 AHL games and 87 points in 47 (regular season plus playoff) games in the QMJHL the year before, Kucherov has the pedigree of a scorer. Injuries have been catching up to LW Ryan Malone, who has missed 116 games in six seasons with the Lightning, and he saw his role drastically reduced last season, playing a career-low 11:47 per game. Busted for DUI and cocaine possession at the end of the regular season, Malone could have the final year of his contract bought out. A gritty checker who starts a disproportionate percentage of his shifts in the defensive zone, Nate Thompson doesnt produce much offence, though his ice time was down to 12:52 per game last season, his lowest since 2008-2009. B.J. Crombeen is one of the leagues more prolific fighters in the league, with 90 fights in 387 career games, and while hes scored only five goals in the past three seasons, he does get more ice time than the typical one-dimensional pugilist. A seventh-round pick in 2011, Ondrej Palat had a phenomenal rookie season, handling more responsibility as the year went on, scoring 47 points in his last 45 games. He was fortunate, in terms of percentages, at both ends of the rink, so its quite possible that Palat could regress next season, but a two-way player with skill should be a big part of the Lightnings plans. Alex Killorn is a nice complementary piece, a winger with size and skill who can play on a scoring line and put up adequate possession stats in that role, though he slumped in the second half of the year, scoring five goals in the last 34 games. Statistically, J.T. Brown may be something of Palats opposite. Brown had solid possession stats as a rookie, but was one of the lowest-percentage finishers in the league last season and his combined on-ice shooting and save percentages (PDO) were at the low end. Even if Brown isnt necessarily going to be a big scorer in the NHL (he has 38 points in 64 AHL games), he is effectively due for better luck in the future. Similarly, Richard Panik had the lowest PDO among Lightning skaters (minimum 25 games) last season, so hes due for some bounceback, but he also had poor possession stats, so the 23-year-old is still battling for a regular spot in the lineup.   Returning Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Cap Hit Victor Hedman 78.51 75 13 42 55 53.9% $4.0M Matt Carle 65.69 82 2 29 31 47.8% $5.5M Radko Gudas 65.39 73 3 19 22 49.1% $992K Eric Brewer 62.60 77 4 13 17 50.3% $3.875M Mattias Ohlund             $3. Dre Greenlaw Super Bowl Jersey. 607M Free Agent Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS CF% Class 13-14 Cap Hit Mike Kostka 70.39 28 4 7 11 52.2% UFA $625K Mark Barberio 62.30 49 5 5 10 53.0% RFA $605K Sami Salo 62.04 71 4 13 17 52.0% UFA $3.75M Andrej Sustr 60.99 43 1 7 8 50.5% RFA $1.35M Keith Aulie 57.23 15 0 1 1 41.6% RFA $975K While the Swedish Olympic team didnt see fit to select Victor Hedman last season, he performed at a very high level last season, like a Norris-Trophy-candidate level, setting career-highs in goals (13), assists (42) and points (55) during a season in which the Lightnings most skilled forward missed more than half the year and their second-best offensive threat was traded at the deadline. Matt Carle is very durable puck-moving blueliner, having not missed a game in the past four seasons, though his relative possession numbers declined sharply after taking on more difficult competition last season. No defenceman in the league had more combined hits and blocked shots than the 411 registered by Radko Gudas, who also led all defencemen with 152 penalty minutes. Hes a battler, but his relative possession stats could use some improvement, especially considering that he started more shifts in the offensive zone. Now 35-years-old, veteran Eric Brewer had his role decrease last season, playing 17:33 per game, his lowest average time on ice since his rookie year of 1998-1999, but he works in that third-pair role. Hes 35 games away from reaching 1,000 for his career. Though he couldnt earn a regular spot on the Lightning blueline, Mark Barberio was effective when he played. If he could build on that rookie season, then Barberio may be able to fit into the top six next season. A free agent signing out of the University of Nebraska-Omaha in 2013, Andrej Sustr played more in the NHL during his first pro season. The 6-foot-8 defender could still use further seasoning, but also has a chance to land a spot on the Tampa Bay blueline for next season. 6-foot-6 blueliner Keith Aulie has provided ample evidence that hes not capable of handling regular duty in the NHL. Over the past four seasons, his puck possession numbers are near the worst among NHL defencemen. If the Lightning lose Sami Salo as a free agent, thats a hole that ought to be addressed. Other free agents, like Anton Stralman, Tom Gilbert or Stephane Robidas would be viable options to come in and play top-four minutes.   Returning Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Cap Hit Ben Bishop 73.49 63 37 14 7 2.23 .924 $2.3M Free Agent Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Class 13-14 Cap Hit Anders Lindback 60.81 28 9 12 2 2.96 .903 UFA $1.8M 27-year-old Ben Bishop had a phenomenal year in his first season as an NHL starting goaltender, his .934 even-strength save percentage ranking fourth in the league (his .924 overall save percentage also ranked fourth). The issue, of course, is that goaltender performance tends to be highly variable, and goaltenders that exceed previous norms one year are likely to experience regression the next year. If Bishop were to regress to league average, would the Lightning still be a playoff team? The wildcard when it comes to the Tampa Bay goaltending situation is top prospect Andrei Vasilevski, the 19-year-old who has thrived in international play and posted a .923 save percentage in 28 KHL games last season. If Vasilevski doesnt start in the NHL, then Latvian prospect Kristers Gudlevskis could get a crack at the job. Top Prospects Player Pos. Team/League Stats Jonathan Drouin LW Halifax (QMJHL) 29-79-108, +50, 46 GP Andrei Vasilevskiy G Ufa Salavat Yulayev (KHL) 2.21 GAA, .923 SV%, 28 GP Vladislav Namestnikov C Syracuse (AHL) 19-29-48, -1, 56 GP Slater Koekkoek D Windsor (OHL) 15-38-53, +44, 62 GP Brett Connolly RW Syracuse (AHL) 21-36-57, -6, 66 GP Adam Erne LW Syracuse (AHL) 21-41-62, -3, 48 GP Cedric Paquette C Syracuse (AHL) 20-24-44, even, 70 GP Kristers Gudlevskis G Syracuse (AHL) 2.68 GAA, .901 SV%, 34 GP Nikita Nesterov D Syracuse (AHL) 4-12-16, -2, 54 GP Dmitry Korobov C Syracuse (AHL) 3-23-26, -12, 71 GP Henri Ikonen LW Kingston (OHL) 25-45-70, +17, 54 GP Adam Wilcox G Minnesota (Big 10) 1.97 GAA, .932 SV%, 38 GP The third pick in last summers draft, Jonathan Drouin has been destroying the competition in the QMJHL over the past couple seasons. In 128 (regular season plus playoff games), hes scored 95 goals and 289 points (2.26 points per game). Hes surely going to be a part of the Lightning lineup next season and if he plays in a top line role, he should be the Calder Trophy favourite. Drafted 19th overall in 2012, Andrei Vasilevskiy is one of, if not the, premier goaltending prospects, having played well at every level and responding to every new challenge. The decision for the Lightning next season will be whether it makes more sense for Vasilevski to handle a starters workload in the AHL or start his North American career as a backup to Bishop. A skilled forward plucked with the 27th pick in 2011, Vladislav Namestnikov plays both ends of the rink and should be knocking on the door for an NHL job, though its not easy to make this club as a centre and there are already a lot of first and second-year forwards on the roster. Picked 10th in 2012, Slater Koekkoek was healthy and had a tremendous season in Windsor. As he refines his defensive game, he should be quick to challenge for a spot on a Tampa Bay blueline that doesnt have many difference-makers. Taken sixth overall in 2010, Brett Connolly has managed six goals and 17 points in 84 career NHL games, while struggling in puck possession. He has 120 points in 137 AHL games and is still only 22-years-old, so there is hope that he can be a productive NHL winger, though it isnt an easy lineup to crack in Tampa Bay. A second-round pick last summer, Adam Erne is a physical winger who can contribute offensively and he chipped in four points in eight AHL games at the end of the season. A gritty forward who played well in Tampa Bays brief playoff appearance last season, Cedric Paquette made a good impression in his first pro campaign and should have a legitimate chance to crack the lineup next year. Kristers Gudlevskis opened eyes with his performance for Latvia against Canada in the Olympics and got into three (regular season plus playoff) games for the Lightning, stopping 54 of 58 shots. the 21-year-old was a fifth-round pick last summer and could probably use more seasoning, but could find the crease crowded with Vasilevski joining the team. Picked in the fifth round in 2011, Nikita Nesterov made a smooth enough transition in his first North American pro season. Hes not big, but can move the puck and that should earn him a chance if he continues to make progress. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2012, Dmitry Korobov is a 25-year-old who plays a physical defensive game, but was woefully overmatched in three games with the Lightning last season. Some possible value as a sixth-round pick last summer, Henri Ikonen plays a reliable two-way game and had a nice year in Kingston before jumping to the AHL for six games late in the year. A sixth-round pick in 2011, Adam Wilcox has been stellar in two years with the University of Minnesota, posting a .927 save percentage in 77 games over two years. Lightning advanced stats and player usage chart from Extra Skater DRAFT19th - Josh Ho Sang, Ivan Barbashev, Roland McKeown. FREE AGENCYAccording to www.capgeek.com, the Lightning have approximately $50.6M committed to the 2014-2015 salary cap for 15 players. Check out my possible Lightning lineup for next season on Cap Geek here. Needs: One top six forward, one top pair defenceman, backup goaltender.What I said the Lightning needed last year: One top six forward, depth forwards, one top four defenceman.They added: Ondrej Palat, Valtteri Filppula, Tyler Johnson, Richard Panik, Andrej Sustr, Mark Barberio. TRADE MARKETRyan Malone, Richard Panik, Brett Connolly. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. ' ' '

NIAGARA FALLS, Ont. Tom Greene Jersey Store . - After her 10th-place finish at the U.S. Womens open, Canadian teenager Brooke Henderson says shes keeping her options open when it comes to turning pro. But the 16-year-old from Smiths Falls, Ont., says right now she remains committed to a scholarship at the University of Florida once she finishes high school. "I am still committed to the University of Florida right now but well just see," she said Monday, as she prepared to compete in the second stop of the season for the Canadian Womens Tour in Niagara Falls, Ont. "LPGA is definitely my goal and I hope to have a successful career out there sometime soon. I dont know when that is right now, if its this year, next year or four years, after I finish university." The Open was won by another former teenage golf legend, Michelle Wie, 24, who turned pro just before her 16th birthday. The Open was her first major win. Henderson, who had the best score among amateurs at the challenging No. 2 Pinehurst course, admitted to some anxious moments at the start of her second Open. "The course was very difficult . . . and the beginning of the week I was a little bit intimidated because it was so hard and it was running so firm and fast," she said. But she got more comfortable as she worked her way to that final round 69. "I just knew that i had to hit certain spots on the fairways and certain spots on the greens and then it would be all right. I was able to hit the ball really well (last) week and hit those spots, which made it a little easier on me." Henderson, the No. 3-ranked amateur in the world, edged the top amateur, Australian Minjee Lee, by three strokes to take the low-amateur medal. She didnt get much of a break after the Open with a long drive to Niagara Falls but says shes always happy to be playing on the Canadian Tour. Cairo Santos Jersey Store .Y. - Major League Soccer is prepared to start its season this weekend even if there isnt a labour deal with its referees and other on-field officials. Peter Shorts Jersey Store . The Swiss won on the fastest run-time tiebreaker after the four-racer teams tied 2-2. Wendy Holdener and Reto Schmidiger won their final heats against Julia Mancuso and Tim Jitloff, respectively.SUNRISE, Fla. -- Mike Cammalleri seems to be in the middle of most of the Calgary Flames victories lately. Cammalleri scored the tiebreaking goal in the second period and the Flames beat the Florida Panthers 2-1 Friday night. Cammalleri has scored the game winning goal in six of the Flames last seven victories. Cammalleri broke a 1-1 tie at 6:09 of the second. Jiri Hudler brought the puck from behind the net and passed across to Cammalleri in front. His wrist shot that found the net for his team-leading 26th goal and 500th NHL point. "Its special to reach certain benchmarks like that," Cammalleri said. "Whenever something like that happens, it gives you a second to reflect and appreciate what we get to do and all the people that have helped you. But I?think my best hockey is ahead of me, so I look forward to many more." Kenny Agostino also scored for Calgary and Joey MacDonald stopped 34 shots. Vincent Trocheck scored for the Panthers, and Roberto Luongo made 15 saves. Luongo started his first game since March 27th against Carolina when he left after the first period following a collision with the Hurricanes Radek Dvorak. Luongo sustained a mild concussion and missed three games. "A win would have been nice but I thought the effort was there, the boys played really hard, we carried the play most of the night. Youve got to give their goalie credit, he played well and made some big saves," Luongo said. "We just couldnt get that equalizer." The Flames won their second straight and fifth in their last eight. They picked up their pace in the second period, then withstood a 17-shot barrage by Florida in the period. "We promised our fans and we even promised ourseelves that we would play the games to win until the final second of the regular season, and I just felt in the first period we were going through the motions," Flames coach Bob Hartley said. Richard Bell Jersey Store. "Thats not the identity, thats not the culture that we want to create. So I?just thought that it was unacceptable and I?politely let them know." The Panthers have lost five straight and eight of nine. All of the scoring took place in about 4 1/2 minutes of the second period. Calgary took just six shots in the period but scored twice. The Flames took a 1-0 lead on Agostinos wrist shot from the left circle that got past Luongo at 1:34. It was Agostinos first NHL goal, and came in his fifth game. He was acquired in a trade with Pittsburgh for Jarome Iginla on March 27. "It was kind of a broken play and the puck just came to me," Agostino said. "Unforgettable feeling when it went in." The Panthers tied it less than a minute later on a power-play goal by Trocheck. MacDonald blocked a shot by Jimmy Hayes but the puck bounced out into the slot. Trocheck was there for the rebound and beat MacDonald on the stick side at 2:21 for his 4th goal since being recalled from AHL San Antonio on March 5th. "Hayes had a nice shot, low pad, the rebound just bounced out into the slot," Trocheck said. "Luckily I was right there and put it home." NOTES: Luongo celebrated his 35th birthday by playing in his 800th NHL game. ... Panthers F Brandon Pirri has 10 points in the last 14 games. ... Panthers F Brad Boyes missed the game with a sore back. ... Cammalleri has 19 points in his last 14 games. ... Hudler leads the Flames with 50 points (16 goals, 34 assists) in 71 games. ' ' '

Each week, The Reporters put their thumbs out to the good and the bad in the world of sports. ZaDarius Smith Super Bowl Jersey . This week, they discuss standout moments from the NHL and NBA Drafts, the Coyotes speaking frankly and FIFAs famous foam. Bruce Arthur, Toronto Star: My thumb is up to the NBA. Heres why. The NBA draft is a show about possibilities, and thats fun. Then, Thursday night, midway through the first round, Adam Silver stopped the proceedings to tell a story about a prospect named Isaiah Austin, whose career ended last week after he was diagnosed with a disease called Marfan Syndrome. Then Silver stepped up to make Austin a ceremonial pick on behalf of the entire Association. They took a moment about the cruel end of possibility, and the NBA made it beautiful. Best moment in draft history, hands down. Steve Simmons, Sun Media: My thumb is up to Don Maloney, general manager of the newly named Arizona Coyotes - and yeah, that sounds weird - for his unusual honesty in explaining why the club has chosen to buy out top-line centre, Mike Ribeiro. Normally youd get a little “blah blah blah” from an NHL GM on why a player was being let go. But Maloney was more than clear here: he said the team didnt want to put up with Ribeiros behavioral issues, could not tolerate them going forward and could not have him part of the team anymore. The Coyotes, who couldnt afford lunch a year or two ago let alone buying someone out, will be paying Ribeiro $2 million a year for the next six years just to go away. Michael Farber, Sports Illustrated: My thumb is up to one of the great sporting advances of the past decade. Baseballs expanded replay? Advanced stats? Heck, no. Im talking about the so-called felony foam world cup referees have been spraying on the field to mark the spot for free kicks and, more importantly, delineate where defenders can set their wall. This low-tech marvel, which looks like shaving cream and dissipates in a minute, eliminates time wasting and the inevitable cheating by defenders who try to creep closer to the spot. While baseball needed a replay room in New York, FIFA found an inexpensive way to literally lay down the law. The gimmick belongs in the sports hall of foam. Sorry. Dave Naylor, TSN: My thumb is up to the sons of athletes who chose their own path to make a name for themselves. Im refering to the selection of Elfrid Payton Jr. in this weeks NBA Draft, going 10th overall to the Philadelphia 76ers. Payton is the son of CFL Hall-of-Famer Elfrid Payton - better known as SWAC to some - who played for five CFL teams including Baltimore, Montreal and Winnipeg. Like recent NHL draft picks Darnell Nurse and Seth Jones - whose fathers played in the CFL and NBA respectively - Payton put his good athletic genes to use in another sport. Its always a nice story to see a young athlete follow in his fathers footsteps. But its a little more interesting to see them go their own way. Marquez Valdes-Scantling Super Bowl Jersey . -- Brandon Hope stopped 46 shots and Kurtis MacDermid scored with 27 seconds remaining in overtime as the Owen Sound Attack edged the visiting Kingston Frontenacs 5-4 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. Ray Nitschke Super Bowl Jersey .com) - James Harden needed just seven made field goals to drop 35 points on the Philadelphia 76ers, leading the Houston Rockets to a 104-93 win on Monday.JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The New York Giants cant seem to finish, not even against one of the NFLs worst teams.The Giants faltered down the stretch for the fourth consecutive week. This one resulted in a 25-24 loss at Jacksonville that turned out to be the Jaguars biggest come-from-behind victory in franchise history.The Jaguars (2-10) ended a four-game losing streak and dealt the Giants (3-9) a seventh consecutive loss that could raise more questions about the future of New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin.Its a loss that we feel we should have won, Coughlin said. Weve done this too many times. We just helped somebody beat us. Instead of forcing them to beat us, we helped them. ... Im upset with everything. And Im upset with me. I start with me.The Giants dominated the first half, scoring 21 points in the second quarter and looking like they would notch their first victory since early October.But Jacksonville and New York played like different teams after the break.Linebacker Geno Hayes forced Eli Manning to fumble early in the third, and teammate J.T. Thomas recovered in the end zone. The Jaguars forced another turnover in the fourth when rookie cornerback Aaron Colvin returned Larry Donnells fumble 41 yards for a score and a 22-21 lead.We have to find a way to finish games and get wins, Giants linebacker Devon Kennard said. Its not like we dont have a talented group and not hungry for a win. There are close games coming down to the last drive and we are just not finishing. We have to find a way to finish games and get wins.Its been a recurring theme for the Giants this season.They were tied at 17 heading into the fourth quarter at Seattle three weeks ago before losing by 21. They trailed 16-10 late in the fourth the following week against San Francisco and had first-and-goal at the 4-yard line before Manning threw an interception in the end zone. Corey Linsley Super Bowl Jersey. Last weeks loss was equally tough to swallow. The Giants went ahead 28-24 with three minutes remaining, but then allowed an 80-yard touchdown drive.Coughlin challenged his players to start closing out games.They responded with another late-game meltdown.Were going to stay together no matter what, defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul said. Its a very tough loss. We made big mistakes that cost us. Were going to finish this season strong.Injuries were a factor in the latest loss.Right tackle Geoff Schwartz, playing in place of starter Justin Pugh, injured his left ankle and left on a cart. His replacement, James Brewer, also left the game with a concussion. Running back Rashad Jennings sat out most of the fourth quarter with an ankle injury. The Giants managed just 75 yards in the second half.Linebacker Terrell Manning (ankle) and defensive end Robert Ayers (pectoral) also left the game.Despite their absences, the Giants allowed just 258 yards and recorded a season-high seven sacks.But the defence failed to make a stop when it counted. Blake Bortles drove the Jags 55 yards to set up Josh Scobees 43-yard game winner. Bortles completed four passes and hurt New York with identical keepers for 11 and 20 yards.The Giants had one final chance to win, but Manning fumbled on first down.Its frustrating and I dont know an English word to explain the way we feel, said Jennings, who ran 26 times for 91 yards. We have too much talent on this team so we should be held to a higher standard. We came out in the second half and we were just flat, and thats not us.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '

SAN FRANCISCO - It was the Shot That Shook the Bay. Don Majkowski Jersey . Travis Ishikawa hit the first homer to end an NL Championship Series, a three-run drive that sent San Francisco to a 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 5 on Thursday night. These every-other-year Giants will face the Royals in an all wild-card World Series that begins Tuesday night in Kansas City. A journeyman who began the season with Pittsburgh, Ishikawa connected for the first game-ending home run that sent the Giants into the World Series since perhaps the most famous drive in baseball history — Bobby Thomsons Shot Heard Round the World in a 1951 playoff. Its gratifying, Ishikawa said. If theres an organization Id want to do it for, it would be this one. A role player during the Giants World Series win in 2010, Ishikawa was with Milwaukee in 2012 when San Francisco won another championship. Pablo Sandoval singled to start the ninth inning against Michael Wacha, making his first appearance of the post-season for the Cardinals. After an out, Brandon Belt walked to bring up Ishikawa, who drove a 2-0 pitch into the elevated seats in right field to set off an orange towel-waving frenzied celebration. These guys have been through it, Giants manager Bruce Bochy said. They have been battle-tested and they know how to handle themselves on this type of stage, and then add to that the kids that we brought up, and then Ishikawa. I mean, what a great story, Bochy said. Ishikawa knew right away on his first career post-season homer, raising his right arm into the air as he watched his ball sail into the seats. He emphatically threw his helmet down to the dirt in triumph and joined his jubilant teammates at home plate as fireworks shot off from the centre field scoreboard. Pinch-hitter Michael Morse homered leading off the eighth against Pat Neshek, who replaced Adam Wainwright to start the inning, to tie it 3-all. Morse — relegated to a reserve role because of a lengthy oblique injury — was batting for Madison Bumgarner, crowned NLCS MVP. Its unbelievable, Morse said. This team has been on the same page since the beginning. After taking a 3-1 lead in the series on wild throws the past two days, the Giants used the long ball to advance to their third Series in five years by knocking out the defending NL champions. Rookie Joe Panik hit a two-run drive in the third inning off Wainwright for the Giants first homer in seven games. Just a gutty effort through all this and I couldnt be prouder of these guys. They just dont stop fighting, Bochy said. Ishikawa was the Pirates opening-day first baseman, but was soon cut. He re-signed with the Giants, his original team, on a minor league deal and went to Triple-A before making it back to the majors. He moved from his natural first base spot to play left field for the injured Morse. He signed a minor league contract, he more or less picked us, general manager Brian Sabean said. Im not surprised he hit a home run, Im not. Im surprised hes our starting left fielder. Thats amazing to me. Thats the kind of commitment he had to wanting to get on the field. Ishikawa took a winding journey to his winning home run, too. Earlier in the game, he misplayed a flyball to left field that cost his team a run. He more than made up for it with his final swing. I think a lot of us forgot that we had to let him touch home plate, Bumgarner said. We wanted to run and tackle him around second base. We were excited. Bumgarner did not allow a hit after Tony Cruz homered to give the Cardinals a 3-2 lead with two outs in the fourth, working eight efficient innings. Matt Adams also went deep in the fourth. Santiago Casilla worked out of a bases-loaded jam in the top of the ninth. Adams drew a one-out walk and Daniel Descalso entered to pinch run. Randal Grichuk singled and Descalso reached third on Kolten Wongs grounder. Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford snagged the chopper that glanced off diving third baseman Sandovals glove, then Crawford threw to second for the force. Cruz walked to load the bases with two outs after consecutive pitches near his head, and Bochy lifted him for Jeremy Affeldt. Pitching for the fourth straight day, the lefty retired pinch-hitter Oscar Taveras on a grounder that Affeldt fielded and sprinted to first. Affeldt earned the win. Out to prove himself, Wainwright rediscovered his old post-season rhythm after a couple of rough October outings, and that still wasnt enough once the bullpen took over with a one-run lead. Once Wainwright left the game, the Giants grabbed their chance. Cardinals manager Mike Matheny turned to Neshek after Wainwright reached 97 pitches and retired his final 10 batters. I was running low on gas, Wainwright said. I think he made the right call. For the bottom of the ninth, Matheny made a move that will be second-guessed all off-season. He went with Wacha, the hard-throwing MVP of the 2013 NLCS. But Wacha had missed much of the summer with an injury and last pitched on Sept. 26. UP NEXT The Giants and Royals have played 12 times since interleague play began, with Kansas City winning nine — including all three this season. Affeldt pitched for the Royals the last time they visited San Francisco — that was in 2005, when Barry Bonds was still the giant name in orange and black. HOME RUN HEROES Three players have homered to end an AL Championship Series: Chris Chambliss (1976) and Aaron Boone (2003) did for the New York Yankees, and Magglio Ordonez (2006) for the Detroit Tigers. Pittsburghs Bill Mazeroski (1960) and Torontos Joe Carter (1993) are the only players to win the World Series with a home run. Chester Marcol Jersey . The NFL says Wednesday that the game between the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions at Wembley on Oct. 26 will start at 1:30 p. Kadar Hollman Jersey . -- Canadas Milos Raonic defeated Edouard Roger-Vasselin of France on Saturday to advance to the third round of the BNP Paribas Open.SEATTLE - Another close call. Another week where, no matter the improvement, the Oakland Raiders showed why they still remained winless.I think its coming. This team is far better than we were, Ill tell you that, veteran safety Charles Woodson said. Our record says what we are, but we are a far better team than what we were previously.Marshawn Lynch scored on a pair of first-half touchdown runs, Bruce Irvin intercepted Derek Carrs pass and returned in 35 yards for another score and the Seattle Seahawks beat the Raiders 30-24 on Sunday.The loss was expected. There was a reason the Raiders were more than two-touchdown underdogs going on the road to face the defending Super Bowl champions. But Oakland made the second half uncomfortable for Seattle and nearly got the bounce it needed to have one more chance at the victory in the final minutes.This thing is starting to turn, interim Oakland coach Tony Sparano said. Were playing better and better here as we go on. Weve just got to get all phases to play better so that we can get the feeling of what its like to be in their locker room right now.Down 24-3 at halftime, the Raiders twice pulled within one score. Oakland got a spark from its special teams when Denico Autry blocked Jon Ryans punt on the first possession of the second half and Brice Butler recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. It was the first punt block for a touchdown against Seattle since 2003 and the second for Oakland in the past two seasons.After another brief possession by the Seahawks, T.J. Carrie returned Ryans punt 27 yards to the Seattle 30. Carr hit Darren McFadden for 23 yards and on fourth-and-goal at the 1, Rivera hauled in a pass at the back of the end zone to cut Seattles lead to 24-17.Then down 30-17 in the fourth quarter, Carr led one more scoring drive hitting Rivera again on a 1-yard TD with 1:52 left to pull within six. Sebastian Janikowskis onside kick was misplayed by Seattles Cooper Helfet, but Jermaine Kearse fell on the loose ball and Seattle ran out the clock to hand the Raiders (0-8) their 14th straight loss dating to last season.I know you all would like it easier and smoother and cleaner and all that, but its a battle. Suck it up, Seattle coach Pete Carroll said.Oakland could not overcome its first-half mistakes that included two interceptions by Carr. IIrvin tipped Carrs pass intended for James Jones, located the ball in the air then beat Carr to the pylon for his first career touchdown. Jug Girard Jersey. Later in the first half, Richard Sherman got his first interception of the season, getting better position than Andre Holmes on a back-shoulder pass and pulling in the pick with his left hand. T.J. Carrie also fumbled a kickoff that Hauschka recovered.In the first half, I was doing too much, Carr said. In the second half, I came out and was like, You know what, Ive just got to do my job and trust everyone else will do theres and all these things. You saw how we battled in the second half.Carr was 24 of 41 for 194 yards passing, but the Raiders had no run game. Already the worst in the NFL, Oakland finished with 37 yards rushing.Lynch finished with 67 yards rushing and another 76 receiving, but the day could have been far more productive for Seattles bulldozing back. Lynch had gains of 43, 20 and 11 yards on either runs or passes called back by penalties. He scored on a 3-yard run on Seattles opening drive, carrying Oakland defenders and teammates into the end zone. His 5-yard run at the end of the first half gave the Seahawks a 21-point lead that seemed plenty comfortable at the time.Not all was perfect for Seattle. Russell Wilson struggled through one of his worst passing games and the Seahawks failed to capitalize on numerous chances to rout the winless Raiders. Wilson was 17 of 35 passing for 179 yards with stretches of inconsistency. Seattle was also limited by injuries including three starters on the offensive line out at one point of the second half.Whatever I was trying to do, it just wasnt working, Wilson said. But, the thing is, we won.NOTES: Janikowski hit from 48 yards in the first quarter, but missed a 51-yarder on the final play of the first half. ... It was the second time this season Oakland has been held to less than 50 yards rushing as a team. Raiders were held to 25 yards in Week 1 by the Jets. ... Seattle paid tribute to the recent school shooting at Marysville-Pilchuck High School with a moment of silence before the game and MP decals on the Seahawks helmets. DE Greg Scruggs also ran out of the tunnel during pregame intros carrying an MP flag.___AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL ' ' '

BOSTON - New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft are listed as possible witnesses by prosecutors in the upcoming murder trial of former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez. Brandon Weeden Jersey Retro .In court papers released Monday, Hernandezs lawyers asked a judge to order prosecutors to pare down their list of more than 300 witnesses. Hernandez is charged in the 2013 killing of semiprofessional football player Odin Lloyd, whose body was found in an industrial park about a mile from Hernandezs home in North Attleborough.Hernandezs lawyers argued that it is inconceivable that prosecutors will call each of the 305 people on their witness list and asked a judge to order them to reduce the list to people they actually intend to call during the trial, which is scheduled to begin in January in Fall River.Judge E. Susan Garsh denied the motion, but she urged the parties to pare down the list to the extent practical to avoid an unnecessarily protracted trial.Belichick and Kraft were interviewed by police investigating Lloyds killing, according to court documents filed earlier in the case. An attorney for the Patriots said in July that 34 text messages between Belichick and Hernandez were given to prosecutors.The listing of their names does not necessarily mean they will testify. Witness lists include the names of all potential witnesses.Prosecutors also list Hernandezs mother, Terri Hernandez; his fiancee, Shayanna Jenkins; and former Patriots teammate Brandon Spikes, now with the Buffalo Bills, as potential witnesses.Hernandez has pleaded not guilty in the killing of Lloyd, who was dating Jenkins sister. Prosecutors say Lloyd was shot after getting into a car with Hernandez and two other men, Carlos Ortiz and Ernest Wallace. They have also pleaded not guilty to murder charges.A spokesman for Bristol County prosecutors declined to comment.In an email attached to the defence motion, Bristol Assistant District Attorney William McCauley wrote to Hernandez attorney James Sultan that the witness list was made in good faith. McCauley said the list could be reduced if both sides agree on facts that are uncontested.I am open to such a discussion to narrow the witness list and shorten the time to try this case, McCauley wrote.Hernandez also has pleaded not guilty in the 2012 fatal shootings of two men after a chance encounter at a Boston nightclub.In a separate filing released Monday, Hernandezs lawyers asked the judge to order prosecutors to return unlawfully seized property, including three iPads and two cellphones that were seized by police but later prohibited from being introduced as evidence, a Hummer automobile seized after a search of Hernandezs apartment in Franklin, and a white towel taken from Hernandezs home in North Attleborough. Stitched Cheap Jerseys . The Leafs were back on the ice Wednesday following an 10-day break. It apparently wasnt long enough, as Team Canadas 2-1 win over Latvia didnt conclude before the Leafs began practice. "I was thinking we might get a little delay, but it was nice to get out there," said Tyler Bozak of watching Wednesdays game. Bryce Callahan Jersey Retro .com) - The Kansas City Chiefs activated linebacker Joe Mays from short-term injured reserve on Saturday.BARCELONA, Spain -- Real Madrid forwards Gareth Bale and Jese Rodriguez each scored and set up goals for Karim Benzema in a 4-2 win over Villarreal on Saturday, giving the powerhouse a share of the Spanish league lead after Atletico Madrid stumbled to a 2-0 loss at Almeria. With leading scorer Cristiano Ronaldo serving the first of a three-game suspension, Bale stepped up by opening in the seventh minute at the Santiago Bernabeu before he crossed for Benzemas first goal in the 25th. After Villarreals Mario Gaspar struck in the 43rd, Jese took what proved to be Madrids winner in the 64th before Villarreal forward Giovani Dos Santos curled in a free kick in the 69th. Jese found Benzema for his double in the 76th. If any Madrid supporters were worried how their team would fare without Ronaldo and his league-leading 22 goals, they neednt have as Carlo Ancelottis side extended its unbeaten streak to 23 games in all competitions. Instead of struggling, Benzema recorded his 12th and 13th league goals, Bale provided more arguments he was worthy of his world-record transfer, and the 20-year-old Jese gave Madrids fans more hope they have finally found their next homegrown star. "Its great to be back on the pitch and get a goal and an assist as well," Bale, who had missed two games with a leg injury, said. "(Cristiano) is obviously missed. He is the worlds best player. We knew we had to do the job without him." Also, Valencia rolled over bottom-side Real Betis 5-0 as it continued to show its turnaround under coach Juan Pizzi, while Rayo Vallecano broke a run of six home losses by humbling 10-man Malaga 4-1 to move to within two points of safety. Atletico failed to rebound from its 3-0 Copa del Rey defeat at Madrid on Wednesday as it lost for just the second time in 23 league matches in this campaign. It has dropped seven points in the last five rounds. Almeria stifled its attack and a pair of mistakes by back-up goalkeeper Daniel Aranzubia, starting for the injured Thibaut Courtois, doomed Diego Simeones side. After Almeria forward Aleix Vidals shot came off both posts, Aranzubia llet Jose "Verza" Garcias cross fall over his head in the 80th. Kevin Wyatt Jersey Retro. The veteran goalie compounded that in the 86th by losing the ball to Jonathan Zongos pressure and earning a questionable red card as he dove to recover the ball. Verza slotted the spot kick past midfielder Gabi Fernandez, who had to defend the net with all three changes already made. To make matters worse, Atletico midfielder Tiago Cardoso was carried off with a leg injury after he received a hard tackle midway through the second half. "We dont look for excuses," Simeone said. "The only way we know how to continue forward in the same fashion that got us here is to keep on working. What concerns me most about today is Tiago." Barcelona trails Atletico and Madrid by three points before it visits Sevilla on Sunday. Bale seemed particularly eager to take charge with Ronaldo out, and he was helped to start the scoring by defender Jose Dorados bad decision-making and even poorer execution. Dorado unwisely tried to dribble around Bale instead of passing to a nearby teammate. The Wales winger pounced on his clumsy touch to steal the ball, press forward unchallenged, and coolly chip helpless goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo. Bale then used a burst of speed to leave behind Jaume Costa on the right flank before crossing for Benzema, whose short-range volley hit Asenjo before landing in the net. Villarreal, however, didnt wilt and Gaspar drilled the ball inside the far corner of the goalframe to halve the deficit before halftime. Madrid lost left back Marcelo to injury when he gingerly walked off the pitch in the 18th, and his replacement, Fabio Coentrao, didnt return after halftime, apparently due to injury. Alvaro Arbeloa took his place. Jese ran onto Angel Di Marias incisive pass before he slipped the ball around Asenjo with a sly touch using the outside of his right boot to make it 3-1. Again Villarreal wasnt done, and Dos Santos bent his left-footed free kick over the barrier, but Jese steered a Madrid counterattack before squaring for Benzema to fire home and secure the three points. ' ' '