RECIFE, Brazil -- Germanys Thomas Mueller stayed on track to retain his Golden Boot title at the World Cup by scoring his fourth goal of the tournament in the 1-0 victory over the United States. Jahlil Okafor Pelicans Jersey . U.S. coach Juergen Klinsmann wasnt too upset. His team also qualified for the knockout stage after Portugal beat Ghana 2-1 in the other final match in Group G, which saw both teams eliminated. Mueller scored five times in South Africa in 2010 and scored his fourth on Friday in a rain-soaked Recife. With two wins and a draw, Germany topped the group with seven points, while the U.S. progressed with four. Portugal also finished with four points but the U.S. had a better goal difference. "We controlled the match and did not allow any chances until late in the match," Germany coach Joachim Loew said. "We failed to score a second goal that would have settled the issue earlier." Mueller scored in the 55th minute with a side-footed shot from the edge of the area as tropical downpours drenched the Arena Pernambuco. He now has nine goals in nine World Cup games. "We clearly dominated the match and we played not a bad game against a top-fit American team," Mueller said. "I finally scored a pretty goal. I manage it every now and then. We still have big targets ahead of us." Germany, a three-time champion, now travels to Porto Alegre to play the runner-up in Group H on June 30. Both teams knew before kickoff that a draw would see them through, but neither held back. The game pitted Loew against his good friend and predecessor Juergen Klinsmann, now in charge of the U.S. team. The two coaches smiled as they shook hands and patted each other on the shoulder after the match. Klinsmann warmly embraced the German players/ Germanys goal came after a corner by Mesut Ozil. U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard did well to punch out a header by Per Mertesacker but pushed the ball into the path of Mueller who rifled a shot inside the far post from the edge of the penalty area. Mueller played despite needing five stiches to close a cut above his right eye sustained in the 2-2 draw with Ghana on Saturday and still visible five days later. The United States had a chance to level the match in stoppage time, but Alejandro Bedoyas low shot inside the box was swept away by the sliding Mario Goetze, a late substitute. The Americans won a corner but Clint Dempseys header at the far post went high. Loew reshuffled his lineup by bringing in forward Lukas Podolski for Goetze and midfielder Sebastian Schweinsteiger for Sami Khedira. Center back Geoff Cameron was replaced in the U.S. lineup by Omar Gonzalez. There were many empty seats in the Arena Pernambuco when the match kicked off but fans streamed in during the first half, apparently delayed by traffic jams as torrential rain flooded parts of this northeastern Brazilian city. Germany was quicker off the mark and Howard intercepted a low cross from Podolski before Michael Bradley made a good clearance and Gonzalez defended well to deny Mueller a shot from close range. Howards 103th cap was a record for a U.S. goalkeeper and he did well to stop Ozils shot in the 35th minute. Graham Zusi had the first good shot for the U.S. but his effort in the 22nd went high. Referee Ravshan Irmatov of Uzbekistan collided accidentally with Jermaine Jones in the 28th and the American midfielder went down hard but got up. The referee shrugged off the challenge. Miroslav Klose came on for Podolski at the start of the second half but failed to score and grab sole possession of the World Cup scoring record that he now shares with Brazils Ronaldo at 15. Ozil beat Gonzalez to a cross at the start of the second half but sent his header high, while Klose connected with a cross from Schweinsteiger but was off balance and did not get off a clean header. Lineups: United States: Tim Howard; Fabian Johnson, Omar Gonzalez, Matt Besler, DaMarcus Beasley; Jermaine Jones, Kyle Beckerman, Graham Zusi (DeAndre Yedlin, 84th), Michael Bradley, Brad Davis (Alejandro Bedoya, 59th); Clint Dempsey. Germany: Manuel Neuer; Jerome Boateng, Per Mertesacker, Mats Hummels, Benedikt Hoewedes; Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger (Mario Goetze, 76th), Mesut Ozil (Andre Schuerrle, 89th), Toni Kroos; Lukas Podolski (Miroslav Klose, 46th), Thomas Mueller. ETwaun Moore Pelicans Jersey . The Redskins announced Monday that the quarterback who led the team to the Super Bowl championship in the 1987 season will serve as a personnel executive. New Orleans Pelicans Jerseys . - A pitch clock will be used this season during minor league games at Triple-A and Double-A, but it has been ruled out for the major leagues this year. http://www.shoppelicansonline.com/Authentic-Anthony-Davis-Pelicans-Jersey/ . Smith, an eighth overall pick, had two goals in only 276 minutes of playing time over 16 appearances last season. The left side midfielder played only 43 minutes in three games this season.LANGFORD, B.C. -- A late game try from Mike Scholz gave Canada a 17-10 victory over Uruguay on the first day of competition at the 2013 Americas Rugby Championship on Friday. Canada got on the board first as Adam McQueen knocked down an early penalty goal to put the host team up 3-0 less than twenty minutes into the game. Ten minutes later, Jack Fitzpatrick pushed his way across the line to give Canada the 10-0 lead following the conversion from McQueen. Joaquin Prada pulled Uruguay within seven points as he knocked down a penalty goal to trim the lead heading into the half. Uruguay scored an early second half try from Pablo Bueno to pull even with Canada. But Scholzs try in the final moments of the game sealed the victory for the Canadian squad. "It was a great effort," said Scholz. &qquot;We made a lot of mistakes and we left a lot to be worked on but the guys really pulled it together at the end there and we really came through when we needed to. Anthony Davis Pelicans Jersey. "A wins a win and well move on." Despite the victory, Canadas head coach Kieran Crowley said his team has a lot of work to do. "We need to work on ball security to start, the placement of it, the clean up," he said. "We certainly need to work on our skill level. We just turned over too many balls, we have to do better." Up next for Canada is a clash against the United States on Tuesday while Uruguay faces its border rival Argentina. Canadas captain Andrew Tiedemann was forced to exit the game with a cut on his head. Doug Wooldridge replaced the injured captain in the line up. ' ' '

MONTREAL - So close and yet so far. Jarred Vanderbilt Jersey . That was how defenceman Josh Gorges felt after the Montreal Canadiens were eliminated from the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 loss in Game 6 to the Rangers in New York on Thursday night. It was a second trip to the Eastern Conference final for Gorges, who was there in 2010 when the Canadiens lost to Philadelphia after upsetting Washington and Pittsburgh in the first two rounds. His disappointment at bowing out again without reaching the Stanley Cup final was evident. "This harder to accept because I can see the window of opportunity closing bit by bit," said the 29-year-old Gorges. "The older you get, the more you realize how difficult it is. We were so close." At the start of the season, it was widely felt the Canadiens would be among the group of teams having to battle for the final playoff spots, but an 11-3-1 spurt down the stretch saw them finish with 100 points, good for fourth in the conference. Then they swept the Tampa Bay Lightning in the opening round of playoffs and upset their biggest rival, the first-place Boston Bruins, in a heated, seven-game conference semifinal before bowing out to the Rangers. More than one player noted when the playoff run was over that the team has a bright future, although coach Michel Therrien didnt want to think about next year so soon after a bitter defeat. "Its really tough talking about the entire season, because I know its like when you get close to achieving a goal, it hurts," he said. "It hurts more when youre close. "There are 29 teams this year that are going to be disappointed, and one team is going to be enjoying their season while winning the Stanley Cup. That is the purpose. But I look at the season and we made some big progress this year. Im proud of this hockey team. We battled hard through the regular season and we battled hard in the playoffs." The players are to have their exit interviews on Saturday and general manager Marc Bergevin will review the season with the media on Monday morning. There are likely to be changes. Bergevins priority will no doubt be signing star defenceman P.K. Subban to what could be a major multi-year contract. The 25-year-old who won the Norris Trophy in the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign and who leads the team in ice time is due to become a restricted free agent on July 1. Negotiations may be difficult, with Subban likely to end up among the leagues highest-paid players, even if a rival team doesnt make him an offer. Other potential RFAs are centre Lars Eller, who had a disappointing regular season but was second on the team in playoff scoring, late-season pickup and playoff surprise Dale Weise and forward Ryan White, who didnt see any playoff action. He must also decide whether to try to keep unrestricted free agents Andrei Markov, Brian Gionta, Thomas Vanek, Mike Weaver, Francis Bouillon, Douglas Murray and George Parros. Markov, a mainstay on the defence since 2000, is 35 and, while he is still a skilled and heady playmaker, has become slower on his skates. Its somewhat the same for Gionta, the 35-year-old captain whose points production is on the wane. Vanek has said repeatedly he will test the free agent market and Bergevin will need to decide whether to bid for him. Weaver, another late-season acquisition, is 36 but Bergevin may make the third-pair defenceman an offer because of his solid post-season play. He earned $1.1 million this season. Bouillons history with Therrien goes back to junior hockey, but the stocky defenceman is 38 and may have reached the end of his career. It would be surprising if the painfully slow Murray and little-used enforcer Parros were back. Decisions on defence will be influenced by young blue-liners who may be ready to be full-time NHL players, including Nathan Beaulieu, Jarred Tinordi and Greg Pateryn, who had 15 goals for the AHL Hamilton Bulldogs. Bergevin will also need to sort out his goaltending. When Carey Price was injured in the opening game of the conference final, Therrien turned to third-stringer Dustin Tokarski over back-up Peter Budaj. Tokarski played brilliantly and looks to have taken over the back-up job, but Budaj has a year left on a contract that pays $1.4 million. Players signed long-term include Price, Gorges, Alexei Emelin, David Desharnais and Max Pacioretty. The easy one will be signing a new deal with Therrien, whose two-year contract is up. Bergevin has already hinted that he will keep the 50-year-old coach. --- With files from Canadian Press sports reporter Bill Beacon. Allen Iverson Nuggets Jersey .Heres Ralph the Dog with the crew here at TSN jumping into the James Duthie TradeCentre selfie: Happy to drop by! RT @TSN_Sports: @tsnjamesduthie: Take this Ellen. Will Barton Jersey . The 26-year-old Sobotka injured his left leg playing for the St. Louis Blues in a 3-1 loss to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday. The Blues said he would not recover from the injury in time for the Olympic tournament. http://www.nuggetsprostore.com/kids-carmelo-anthony-nuggets-jersey/ . The Rainbow FlickNext up is the Rainbow Flick, or as you probably know it, the trick that everybody at soccer camp thought they knew how to do.Anaheim Ducks Colby Robak, who as acquired in a deal with with Floriada Panthers for Jesse Blacker, will make his debut today against the Winnipeg Jets. - Eric Stephens, Orange County Register Carolina Hurricanes Carolina Hurricanes center Jordan Staal took a major stride Saturday in his recovery from a broken leg, getting in his first skate since the injury.Staal, dressed out in full hockey gear, did some light skating on his own after the Canes’ practice at Raleigh Center Ice. He said it was his first time on the ice since the Sept. 23 injury against the Buffalo Sabres. – News Observer The team has recalled winger Chris Terry from the AHL. - Team Website Cam Ward gets the nod in net today against the Red Wings. He is 8-8-1 with a 2.48 goals-against-average and a .912 save percentage. - Mike Maniscalco Chicago Blackhawks Head coach Joel Quenneville said winger Patrick Sharp likely will return when the Hawks face the Devils on Tuesday night in New Jersey. Sharp missed his 14th consecutive game for the Hawks on Saturday with a right knee injury suffered Nov. 4 against the Canadiens. The veteran traveled with the Hawks and skated Saturday morning. Quenneville said theres a good chance (Sharp) is going to play on that trip and likely … the first game. – Chicago Tribune Colorado Avalanche Valuable forward Jamie McGinn, who can play on any line, will undergo back surgery Wednesday and could be lost for the season, Avs coach Patrick Roy said. McGinn has missed the past eight games with the same back injury that forced his absence throughout training camp and preseason. Roy said doctors wont know if McGinn requires a short-term or long-term repair until the surgery is performed. – Denver Post The team sent Tomas Vincour and Michael Sgarbossa down to Lake Erie (AHL) on Sunday. - Team Twitter Detroit Red Wings Petr Mrazek will start in goal for the Red Wings tonight against the Hurricanes, He sports a 2-0-0 record with a 3.36 goals-against-average and a .875 save percentage. - Ansar Khan, MLive.com Los Angeles Kings Marian Gaborik took part in practice today and is close to returning from an upper-body injury that has kept him sidelined for the past four games. - lakingsinsider.com Minnesota Wild Captain Mikko Koivu missed practiced with what head coach Mike Yeo called a “very, very minor strain” and he’s expected to practice Monday. Koivu was around doing an off-ice workout and it doesn’t appear to be anything serious. Ryan Suter practiced. The hope is he can practice Monday and return Tuesday against the Islanders. – Star Tribune Montreal Canadiens The team has sent Drayson Bowman down to Hamilton of the AHL. The forward had no points in three games. - Team Twitter Michael Bournival has been recalled from his conditioning stint in Hamilton. The forward has missed 15 games with a shoulder injury. - Team Twitter New Jersey Devils The Devils have assigned struggling winger Damien Brunner to Albany of the AHL and have recalled defenceman Peter Harrold. Tyler Lydon Jersey. - Team Twitter Winger Mike Cammalleri will not travel to Carolina for New Jerseys game tomorrow against the Hurricanes due to a lower-body injury. Forward Patrick Elias also wont be making the trip due to a groin injury. - Tom Gulitti, The Record New York Islanders Lubomir Visnovsky (upper body), out since Nov. 29, appears on target to come off IR before Tuesdays game against the Minnesota Wild. Casey Cizikas left Saturdays game in the third period with an undisclosed injury. He appeared to take Vladimir Tarasenkos stick to the face after Thomas Hickey leveled Tarasenko with a clean hit. – Newsday New York Rangers Kris Kreider was injured today in practice after colliding with teammate Carl Hagelin. The winger apparently suffered an upper-body injury. - Steve Zipay, Newsday Ottawa Senators Goaltender Craig Anderson will get the start this evening against the Vancouver Canucks. Anderson is 5-7-4 with a 2.47 goals-against-average and a .929 save percentage. Milan Michalek, who is suffering from an upper-body injury, will not be in the lineup for the Senators this evening. He will be replaced by Mark Stone, who is coming off a foot injury. - Team Twitter Jared Cowen might be a healthy scratch for the third-straight game. The defenceman has struggled this season, and with others bodies such as Marc Methot returning to the lineup, Cowen need to step up his game. - Ottawa Citizen St. Louis Blues Alexander Steen took part in the Blues’ pregame warm-up Saturday, but was later scratched from the game due to a lower-body injury that happened Thursday in Nashville. He is considered day to day. Blues goalie Brian Elliott, who is out week to week with a sprained right knee, will remain off the ice for the time being after feeling sore following an on-ice practice in Chicago. Martin Brodeur will start against the Florida Panthers on Monday. – St. Louis Post Dispatch Washington Capitals Mike Green has been skating with his teammates. He is targeting Tuesday night’s game in Tampa for his return. – Comcast Sportsnet.com The Capitals have assigned centre Liam OBrien to the AHL. - capitalstoday.com Winnipeg Jets Ondrej Pavelec will get his turn in goal for Winnipeg, Sunday, after Michael Hutchinson recorded the win over the Avalanche. – Team Twitter Vancouver Canucks The Canucks lost red-hot winger Shawn Matthias, who did not return from a blatant elbow-to-the-head by Leafs’ defenceman Stephane Robidas late in the second period. – Vancouver Sun The team has assigned Tom Sestito to Utica of the AHL on a conditioning assignment. He has been sidelined with a leg injury. - Team Release Eddie Lack gets the call in net tonight against the Ottawa Senators. He stopped all 13 shots he saw last night in relief of Ryan Miller. - Team Twitter ' ' '

Chuck Norris once scored two goals in a hockey game. Zack Greinke Jersey . It was considered a hat-trick. Chuck Norris scored a touchdown while playing hockey Chuck Norris once scored a field goal, using a hockey stick! ...And our favourite Chuck Norris can dribble a hockey puck But theres more, BarDown has even uncovered a video of Chuck Norris watching a hockey game in which he remarks "man this game is tough" Happy Birthday, Chuck. Wed wish you luck but luck needs you more. Robbie Ray Jersey . The 22-year-old Kreider was injured Friday night in New Yorks win at Columbus, but played in the next two games -- including Monday nights win over Phoenix. But the left winger, who has 17 goals and 37 points this season, was limited to about 10 minutes of ice time in each of the previous games. Archie Bradley Jersey . "Im proud, obviously. Its been a long day, but now Im a Crystal Palace player, Im very happy," Bannan said. "The seasons been started now for a couple of weeks and Ive not featured at Villa. http://www.diamondbackssale.com/diamondbacks-ketel-marte-jersey/ . If one fighter gases, he usually gets beat up pretty bad from that point on.For the sixth consecutive season the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens will battle on the opening night of the NHL season. The entire schedule has yet to be announced, but the league released the dates for all 30 home openers Saturday and confirmed games will kick off the 2014-15 season on Wednesday, October 8. The Leafs open the season on Oct. 8 at the Air Canada Centre against the Canadiens, while across the country the Calgary Flames host the Vancouver Canucks at the Scotiabank Saddledome. A day later, the Flames head to Edmonton for the Oilers home opener at Rexall Place on Oct. 9. The Oilers will then head to Vancouver for the Canucks home opener on Oct. 11. The Canadiens open their home schedule in the second week of the season against the Boston Bruins on Oct. 16. The Ottawa Senators also play host to the Colorado Avalanche on the same night. Wrapping up home openers for Canadian teams, the Winnipeg Jets welcome the Nashville Predators to the MTS Centre on Oct. 17. The Los Angeles Kings will raise their second Stanley Cup championship banner on Oct. 8 against the San Jose Sharks. The entire NHL schedule will be released on Sunday at 4pm et/1pm pt. *** Here is a complete list of all the home openers for the 2014-15 NHL season: Anaheim Ducks: Friday, Oct. 17 vs. MinnesotaArizona Coyotes: Thursday, Oct. 9 vs. WinnipegBoston Bruuins: Wednesday, Oct. Taijuan Walker Diamondbacks Jersey. 8 vs. PhiladelphiaBuffalo Sabres: Thursday, Oct. 9 vs. ColumbusCalgary Flames: Wednesday, Oct. 8 vs. VancouverCarolina Hurricanes: Friday, Oct. 10 vs. NY IslandersChicago Blackhawks: Saturday, Oct. 11 vs. BuffaloColorado Avalanche: Saturday, Oct. 11 vs. MinnesotaColumbus Blue Jackets: Saturday, Oct. 11 vs. NY RangersDallas Stars: Thursday, Oct. 9 vs. ChicagoDetroit Red Wings: Thursday, Oct. 9 vs. BostonEdmonton Oilers: Thursday, Oct. 9 vs. CalgaryFlorida Panthers: Saturday, Oct. 11 vs. New JerseyLos Angeles Kings: Wednesday, Oct. 8 vs. San JoseMinnesota Wild: Thursday, Oct. 9 vs. ColoradoMontreal Canadiens: Thursday, Oct. 16 vs. BostonNashville Predators: Thursday, Oct. 9 vs. OttawaNew Jersey Devils: Saturday, Oct. 18 vs. San JoseNew York Islanders: Saturday, Oct. 11 vs. CarolinaNew York Rangers: Sunday, Oct. 12 vs. TorontoOttawa Senators: Thursday, Oct. 16 vs. ColoradoPhiladelphia Flyers: Thursday, Oct. 9 vs. New JerseyPittsburgh Penguins: Thursday, Oct. 9 vs. AnaheimSan Jose Sharks: Saturday, Oct. 11 vs. WinnipegSt. Louis Blues: Thursday, Oct. 9 vs. NY RangersTampa Bay Lightning: Thursday, Oct. 9 vs. FloridaToronto Maple Leafs: Wednesday, Oct. 8 vs. MontrealVancouver Canucks: Saturday, Oct. 11 vs. EdmontonWashington Capitals: Thursday, Oct. 9 vs. MontrealWinnipeg Jets: Friday, Oct. 17 vs. Nashville ' ' '

Sidney Crosby is the face of the NHL and hockey in Canada, so its only natural that hell be the countrys captain at next months Sochi Olympics. Jerome Boateng Germany Jersey . The Pittsburgh Penguins captain, who scored the gold-medal-winning overtime goal against the United States in Vancouver four years ago, got the nod to wear the "C" this time around. Jonathan Toews of the Chicago Blackhawks and Shea Weber of the Nashville Predators were named alternate captains, Hockey Canada announced Sunday morning. "Sidney, Jonathan and Shea have been leaders on the international stage in the past, as well as with their NHL teams," coach Mike Babcock said in a statement. "These three players will be at the forefront of our efforts in Sochi, but we are confident we have 25 players on our roster that will lead in their own way and allow our team to be successful." There will be no shortage of leadership in Sochi given the presence of six NHL captains, but it starts with Crosby. "Playing for Team Canada, playing in the Olympics is a great opportunity," Crosby told reporters at Penguins practice. "But being able to be named the captain is definitely an honour." Crosby was made the youngest captain in NHL history when he got the "C" for the Pittsburgh Penguins six and a half years ago. In 2009 he raised the Stanley Cup as captain. At the 2010 Olympics, Crosby was an alternate along with defenceman Chris Pronger and winger Jarome Iginla. The 26-year-old Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, native doesnt expect his mind-set to change much. Veteran defenceman Scott Niedermayer captained that team and said before his Hockey Hall of Fame induction in November that he had no doubt Crosby is ready to assume that role. "Hes very mature," Niedermayer said. "He was probably ready when he was 16. He was probably ready in 2010, and the thinking was hes going to have enough pressure on him just from who he is and things like that that he doesnt need one more thing to worry about, give it to some old guy thats just trying to figure things out out there. Im sure he would do very well." Toews seemed like the only other logical option, based on performing in 2010 and leading the Blackhawks to two Stanley Cups. Last week he acknowledged the possibility of being named captain. "Im ready for any role," Toews said in Montreal. "Last time, I played five, six, maybe seven minutes at the start of the tournament in Vancouver. By the end of it, the coaches had more confidence in me. They put me in more defensive situations. This time around wont be different. Whether Im captain -- or not -- whatever. Im going to Russia to win a gold medal like everyone else." This will be the second Olympics for most of the core, including the leadership group. "Honestly, it doesnt get old," Crosby said in Vancouver of just making the team. "That feeling doesnt get old. The appreciation and being proud to represent your country, its the same for everybody." Asked if he preferred "Captain Canada" over his current nickname of "Sid the Kid," Crosby said: "Ill let you guys worry about that." Ryan Smyth of the Edmonton Oilers has that moniker, and Crosby expects it to stick with the Hockey Canada mainstay despite this announcement. Russia already named Pavel Datsyuk of the Detroit Red Wings as captain. Its Zdeno Chara of the Boston Bruins for Slovakia and Tomas Plekanec of the Montreal Canadiens for the Czech Republic. The United States has yet to name its captain, though general manager David Poile singled out Ryan Suter, Zach Parise, Dustin Brown, Ryan Callahan and David Backes as the U.S. leadership group. The mens ice hockey tournament in Sochi begins Feb. 12. Canada opens against Norway on Feb. 13. Caroline Ouellette was named captain of Canadas womens team. Haley Wickenheiser will be a permanent alternate, while Jayna Hefford and Catherine Ward will rotate the second "A." "There is a tremendous amount of experience in our dressing room, and there is no shortage of qualified candidates to wear a letter," womens coach Kevin Dineen said in a statement. "The players we have selected as captain and alternates in Sochi have shown their dedication and commitment to the team and its end goal throughout a long season, and we feel they are the ideal choices to lead our team through the Olympic experience." Canadas womens team opens play Feb. 8 against Switzerland. Greg Westlake was named captain of Canadas sledge hockey team. Brad Bowden and Adam Dixon are the alternates. "This is the leadership team we have had in place since 2011, and we have the utmost confidence in them leading our team into Sochi," sledge team coach Mike Mondin said in a statement. "Greg, Brad and Adam have worn the Team Canada jersey with pride every time they have put it on, and have earned the right to wear a letter on the games biggest stage." -- With files from Kelsey Patterson in Montreal and Joshua Clipperton in Vancouver. Thomas Muller Germany Jersey . - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to meet with Richie Incognito to determine if one of the central figures in the Miami Dolphins bullying scandal can help their struggling offensive line. Timo Werner Germany Jersey .C. -- Panthers offensive tackle Jordan Gross is saying goodbye to the NFL after 11 seasons. http://www.germanysoccerpro.com/Sami-Khedira-Germany-Jersey/ .The Canadian teenage golf sensation announced Thursday shell join the LPGA Tour in 2015 instead of attending the University of Florida.SAN DIEGO -- Odrisamer Despaigne came within four outs of the first no-hitter in San Diegos 46-year major league history, and the Padres beat the New York Mets 2-1 Sunday on Seth Smiths run-scoring infield single in the ninth. Making his fifth major league start, Despaigne didnt allow a hit until Daniel Murphy doubled to left-centre with two outs in the eighth. San Diego, the only active major league franchise without a no-hitter, was playing its 7,264th regular-season game and has played 34 more in the post-season. The Mets were the only other active big league team without a no-hitter before Johan Santana pitched one against St. Louis in June 2012 during New Yorks 8,020th regular-season game. Murphy scored on David Wrights single to tie the score 1-1. Vic Black (2-3) walked Carlos Quentin on four pitches leading off the ninth, and Alexi Amarista bunted, with pinch-runner Cameron Maybin advancing to second and Amarista reaching when the ball went through Blacks legs for an error. Chase Headley grounded into a 4-3-6 double play as Maybin reached third. Josh Edgin relieved, and the pitcher tumbled to the ground when he came off the mound to field Smiths bouncer between the mound and first. Edgin dropped the ball, picked it up and then shovelled it to first too late to catch Smith as Maybin came across the plate. Joaquin Benoit (4-2), San Diegos fourth pitcher, threw a perfect ninth for the winn. Mats Hummels Jersey. New York scored one run in the last 18 innings of the series and has lost two in a row following a 9-2 spurt. Despaigne, a 27-year-old Cuban right-hander signed as a minor league free agent on May 2, allowed one run and two hits in 7 2-3 innings with five strikeouts and three walks. He threw 123 pitches and lowered his ERA to 1.31. His was the longest no-hit bid by a single Padres pitcher since Sept. 7, 2008, when Chris Young allowed a two-out home run in the eighth to Milwaukees Gabe Kapler. Yasmani Grandal homered in the fourth off Zack Wheeler, who allowed one run and eight hits in six innings with seven strikeouts and a walk. NOTES: Mets manager Terry Collins said RHP Daisuke Matsuzaka could step in if LHP Jon Nieses start is cut short in Seattle on Monday. With Neises return from the DL, Matsuzaka will work out of the bullpen but is available for a spot start. ... Collins said OF Bobby Abreu started on Sunday to prepare him for the DH role in Seattle. Abreu is 0 for 18 as a pinch hitter. ... Padres SS Everth Cabrera (strained left hamstring) is to play Monday with Triple A El Paso. ... RHP Andrew Cashner (right shoulder strain) threw again on the side but will rest on Monday. ... Niese (5-4, 2.96) faces Mariners LHP Roenis Elias (7-8, 4.54) on Monday. Padres LHP Eric Stults (3-11, 4.98) goes against Cubs RHP Kyle Hendricks (0-0, 6.00) on Tuesday in Chicago. ' ' '

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans have released tight end Owen Daniels and cornerback Brice McCain. Shoes Black Friday Deals 2020 . Daniels has spent his entire eight-year career with the Texans and was elected to the Pro Bowl in 2008 and 2012. He played just five games last season after breaking fibula in his right leg and finished with just 252 yards receiving. One of his best seasons came in 2012 when he had 62 receptions for 716 yards and a career-high six touchdowns. McCain was a sixth-round draft pick by Houston in 2009 and appeared in all 16 games last season with one start. Cheap Shoes Black Friday . They signed their first kicker. Ottawa inked Nick Setta, a 32-year-old native of Lockport, Illinois, to a contract. Wholesale Shoes Black Friday . A lawmaker is hoping the buzz from California Chromes run for the Triple Crown might build support for a bill that would place the U. http://www.cheapshoesblackfriday.com/ . - Rookie Tesho Akindele scored three goals and Fabian Castillo added two in FC Dallas 5-0 victory over the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night.We always had a suspicion that Lupul appreciated the finer things (he digs the elegant, elevated ssounds of Vampire Weekend, after all), and it appears we were right. Fake Shoes Black Friday. ' ' '

Melbourne, Australia- Stan Wawrinka put an end to Novak Djokovics three-year reign at the Australian Open on Tuesday. Jace Sternberger Packers Jersey . There will be no Down Under four-peat for Djokovic, as the eighth-seeded Swiss slugger Wawrinka outlasted the second seed 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 9-7 at Melbourne Parks Rod Laver Arena in yet another five-set thriller in their burgeoning rivalry. The intense affair was tied at 5-5 in the fifth set when a rain shower started to fall, forcing a brief stoppage. When the players returned to the court, with Wawrinka serving at 40-15 in the 11th game of the stanza, the sturdy Swiss swatted his 17th ace to grab a 6-5 edge. Five games later, the former world No. 1 Djokovic was serving to stay in the match, but his Swiss counterpart recorded the biggest break of the fortnight on the mens side when Djokovic misfired wide with one final forehand, sending Wawrinka into his first-ever Aussie Open semi and second career major final four. He also appeared in last years U.S. Open semis, only to lose to Djokovic. Tuesdays big-hitting bout was completed in four hours, including a 79-minute, 16-game final set. Wawrinka broke Djokovic five times, while the Serb settled for four breaks in the tough setback. Djokovic actually won eight more points than Wawrinka (161-153), but one more break of serve was the difference on Day 9. "I tried everything. Hes an amazing champion. He never gives up. Im really, really, really, really, really, really happy," Wawrinka said. The 28-year-old Wawrinka had dropped his last 14 matches against the 26-year- old Djokovic, who is now 15-3 lifetime against the Swiss. Wawrinka hadnt beaten him since 2006. Djokovic outlasted Wawrinka in a five-set epic in the fourth round in Melbourne a year ago and also topped the Swiss in a brilliant five-set U.S. Open semi in September. "He deserved this win today. I congratulate him," Djokovic said. "There is nothing I can say. I gave it my best. I gave it all. I tried to fight until the last point, as I did in a very similar match we did last year in the fourth round, same court, but it wasnt to be this time." The six-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic had won his last 25 matches at the Aussie Open, where hed captured three straight and four of the last six championships. The super Serb had also appeared in 14 straight major semifinals before this week, the second-longest streak in history behind only Roger Federer record mark of 23. Djokovics loss on Tuesday marked his first since falling to Rafael Nadal in Septembers U.S. Open final (28-1). He had also won his last 13 matches overall against fellow top-10 players. Djokovic was trying to become the first man in the Open Era to win four straight Aussie crowns. Wawrinka, who had been 2-28 against top-two players, including 0-6 at Grand Slam events, joins Federer as the only Swiss men to reach multiple Grand Slam semifinals. His semifinal opponent on Thursday will be seventh-seeded former Wimbledon runner-up Tomas Berdych, who upset third seed David Ferrer 6-1, 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 on Tuesday. The 28-year-old Berdych, like Wawrinka, will now appear in his first-ever Aussie semi. The "Big Four" of Nadal, Djokovic, Murray and Federer have combined to win 34 of the last 35 Grand Slam events. The 13-time major champion Nadal was the Aussie champ in 2009 and runner-up to Djokovic in 2012; Murray is a three-time runner-up, including last year against Djokovic; and the 17-time Grand Slam king Federer owns four Aussie titles and was the 2009 runner-up here to Nadal. Aaron Rodgers Packers Jersey . The defending champions sent their preliminary list to FIFA on Tuesday, with coach Vicente del Bosque to announce the final 23-man squad on May 25. Costa is set to lead the attack in his native Brazil, with Atletico Madrid teammate David Villa and Chelseas Fernando Torres also included, while David de Gea replaces injured goalkeeper Victor Valdes. Reggie White Packers Jersey . With Bernard hurt, the second-round pick has emerged.Hill ran for 152 yards during a 27-10 win at New Orleans on Sunday, his second big game. He also ran for 154 yards against Jacksonville earlier this season. http://www.shoptheofficialpackers.com/Elite-Reggie-White-Packers-Jersey/ .Y. -- The "for sale" sign is up at the Buffalo Bills with the hiring of financial and legal advisers who may begin talking with prospective buyers within the next month. NEW YORK -- Surgery, suspensions and thuggery. The storylines surrounding the Eastern Conference final reached Shakespearean proportions Friday. As he was in Game 3 Thursday night, Montreal fourth-liner Brandon Prust was slap bang in the middle of the mayhem. What had seemed like a quiet off-day quickly turned dramatic when New York Rangers coach Alain Vigneault revealed that forward Derek Stepan, laid out by an unpenalized blindside hit from Prust two minutes 45 seconds into the game, had suffered a broken jaw that needed surgery. Three hours later, Rangers agitator Dan Carcillo was suspended 10 games for physical abuse of an official on a play that came minutes after the Prust hit, as New York looked for retribution. The Carcillo incident came 5:51 into Thursdays game after a fight between Derek Dorsett of the Rangers and Prust. Carcillo, a fourth-liner, had been penalized for charging Prust on the play. The league said Carcillo "physically applied force to linesman Scott Driscoll while being escorted to the penalty box." The suspension was automatic under category 2 of Rule 40.3, titled Physical Abuse of Officials. Prust, meanwhile, was handed a two-game suspension for interference for the Stepan hit later Friday. It has added more drama to a series that saw Montreals all-world goalie Carey Price sent to the sidelines in Game 1 after coming out the worst for wear in a collision with six-foot-three, 230-pound Ranger Chris Kreider. For Vigneault, the missed Prust call Thursday set off a domino effect whose ripples were still being felt the next day. "Four referees missed the call," Vigneault said. "Stepan is injured. The same player that called the hit on Price accidental but on purpose. Late hit, everything that you want to get out of the game, that was his hit on Stepan. "And what saddens me about that hit is, if the call is made on the ice, were on a five-minute power play, and what happened to Dan Carcillo, and what Dan did is inexcusable, and hes going to pay a big price for it, but if the call is made on the ice, hes not put in that position. "So its unfortunate. Step (Stepan) right now at this time is probably getting operated on. He broke his jaw (Thursday), so well have an idea of the time frame (Saturday). But those are stuff that happens during the game that you have to deal with, and thats what were going to try to do." Dressed in jeans and flip-flops, Vigneault looked like he was in relaxation mode. But he was clearly irate at a sequence of events which he believes could have been avoided. Stepan went briefly too the dressing room after the hit, yelling over his shoulder at Prust as he exited. Ray Nitschke Packers Jersey. But he returned later in the period and amazingly played a total of 17:45 in the game. A team spokesman said X-rays that night were negative. But Stepan was in pain and saw a specialist Friday, when further tests detected the broken jaw. It seems unlikely that Stepan, who centres Rick Nash and Kreider on the Rangers top line, will be back any time soon. New York leads the series to two games to one. Prust, a former Ranger who counts Canadian UFC lightweight Sam (Hands of Stone) Stout as a friend, was not made available Friday as both teams, skipping practice in advance of Game 4 Sunday, offered up their coaches and select players. Montreal coach Michel Therrien defended his player. "His intention was not to hurt anyone," he said. "Like Kreider, his intention, even if he was going hard to the net and then laying on Carey Price, Im sure his intention was not to hurt Carey Price. Brandon Prust, he tried to finish his check. His intention, honestly, was not to hurt Stepan." Then Therrien suggested the Canadiens knew better than anybody about losing a star player. "If there is a team that can understand the loss of a player, its us. We lost Carey Price in the first game of the series with the hit on Kreider when he hit Carey Price, and we felt frustrated at the time. Were still frustrated not having our goalie, our No. 1 most important player." Therrien, taking a page from Vigneaults book from the Price injury debate, called it "a hockey hit." Habs forward David Desharnais called it a clean hit, with Prust just wanting to get his team going. "You never want to see a guy injured like that but, like I said, we were fighting for our lives (Thursday) and we wanted to set the tone," he said. At five foot seven, Desharnais is one of the Hobbit-like Canadiens. But the first-liner wins praise from his coach for his compete level. And he knows the value of getting under an opponents skin, as Prust clearly did in Game 3. "They were not happy about it," he said of the Rangers. "Everybody got a little chirp here and there and the game was on." A day later, the Rangers still wanted justice. "I think guys were unhappy there wasnt a call on the play," Kreider told reporters. "Obviously, it was away from the play so not a lot of people saw it. But I think the sentiment today is the same as it was yesterday, that it wasnt a clean hit. Hopefully the league deals with it justly." ' ' '

With the NHL Draft coming up on June 27 and free agency opening on July 1, discussions between NHL general managers will be heating up over the month of June. Joe Flacco Jersey . Each day this month, TSN.ca will provide the latest rumours, reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. Good as gone? According to Andy Strickland of Fox Sports Midwest, defenceman Dan Boyle is highly unlikely to sign with the New York Islanders. Strickland reports that Boyle, 37, is looking to sign with a contender. The Islanders traded a conditional 2015 fifth-round draft pick for the rights to the unrestricted free agent last week. If Boyle were to sign with the Islanders, the pick returning to the San Jose Sharks would improve to a fourth-round selection. Update: Arthur Staple of Newsday reports Boyle will let the Islanders know by the end of this week whether he is interested in contract negotiations with the team. Staying in Beantown? Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com reports the Boston Bruins have started contract negotiations with veteran forward Jarome Iginla. Iginla finished the regular season tied for the Bruins lead in goals and led the Bruins in playoff goals with five. According to Haggerty, the Bruins are pushing to re-sign to the 36-year-old to a contract very similar to his one-year 2013-2014 deal, which paid him $1.8 million. Price too high? David Staples of the Edmonton Journal considers the possibility of the Oilers acquiring either Nazem Kadri or Jake Gardiner from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Staples reports that the Oilers could have interest in both players to improve the team and mentions that both played under Oilers head coach Dallas Eakins with the Toronto Marlies. However, Staples believes the price for either player will be too high for the Oilers unless the team decides to make a "major effort" by offering Nail Yakupov, David Perron or their first round draft pick. Marquise Brown Youth Jersey . So much so that even a simple foul pop up to the first baseman turned into a run. Houstons four-run rally in the ninth inning to beat the Seattle Mariners 6-4 on Monday night was capped by a bizarre play that started as Crowe fouled out to first baseman Justin Smoak with runners on second and third. Marquise Brown Ravens Jersey . Rinne had surgery on his left hip May 9 and recovered in time to start the season. He then had arthroscopic surgery on Oct. 24 because of a bacterial infection in his hip. http://www.ravensrookiestore.com/Ravens-Ray-Lewis-Jersey/ . You can watch the game live on TSN2 and TSN Mobile TV at 9pm et/6pm pt. Jonathan Huberdeau and Quinton Howden are expected to make their debuts for Team Canada.BEREA, Ohio - Sarah Thomas starts the day at her second job by tucking her long blond hair inside her cap, so she doesnt get noticed. On a football field, thats impossible. Thomas doesnt consider herself a pioneer, just "one of the guys." But as one of two female officials in the NFLs officiating development program, Thomas has a chance to break barriers in a male-dominated profession. This week, Thomas, a former college basketball player, current college official and mother of three whose full-time job is as pharmaceutical sales representative, worked with a crew of officials during Browns mini-camp. Like the players, she worked on improving her skills and honing her craft. One day, she hopes to be on the field with the pros. But not because of her gender. "I am a female, but I dont look at myself as just a female," she said. "I look at myself as an official." Thomas began her officiating career in 1996, when an NFL scout spotted her working a high school game. From there, she joined Conference USA and was invited to join the NFLs developmental program, now in its second year. Thomas worked some training camps and preseason games last season. The next step is a regular-season game, and the earliest that can happen is 2015. Its not her call, so to speak, but Thomas believes shes ready. If this week was any indication, Thomas could be on her way. "Shes done a good job," Browns coach Mike Pettine said after practice Thursday. Pettine believes its time for the league to welcome female officials. "If shes efficient and good at what shhe does, I have no issues with it," Pettine said. Marquise Brown Womens Jersey. "I think the best compliment somebody paid to her was when someone said, What did you think of the female official? And they said, Theres a female official out here? I thought she was on point." Browns cornerback Joe Haden joked that Thomas was a little whistle happy. "She was calling everything," Haden said, smiling. "I couldnt snap on her. I was chilling." Thomas said her goal is to blend in. She doesnt want to stand out because of her sex — or worse, because shes not competent. Shes dedicated to being a solid, fair and mostly unseen, which is why she pulls her hair up under her cap. Still, sometimes players do a double take when they see her on the field. "I think sometimes they go What is that?" she said. "Yes, I do tuck my hair and at first I really wasnt too sure why. But I get it. We dont want to be noticed and anything I can do to blend in — I like it when I leave the field and people go I told you that was a girl." Thomas has two boys and an 18-month-old girl. She said her sons are most interested in her nabbing some NFL attire or autographs, "I cant do that," she said. Her children have never thought about their mom being anything other than an official, so they dont really grasp that she could make history as the NFLs first female official. "They just know mom officiates and its nothing foreign to them or pioneering or anything," she said. "I do this." ___ AP NFL website www.pro32.ap.org ' ' '

In preparation for the 101st Grey Cup, Hamilton Tiger-Cats head coach Kent Austin and Saskatchewan Roughriders head coach Corey Chamblin met with the media to discuss their teams progress and readiness to play for the championship. Colin Wilson Jersey . Austin does not believe the game-time temperature is going to be an advantage for either side heading into the Grey Cup. "We dont think about (the cold)," said Austin. "Im not even sure how you would determine an advantage. Our guys have played in bad weather and this is for a championship." Chamblin has decided to have his players stay in a hotel to get ready for the Tiger-Cats, in an attempt to separate them from the hype. "The biggest thing is I want them to stay in their routine and not deviate from the normal," said Chamblin. One of the big additions this season for the Roughriders has been veteran wide receiver Geroy Simon, who according to his coach, has made a difference both on and off the field. "Anytime you have Superman in the building, a lot of things are expected," said Chamblin. "Hes brought that veteran leadership to our team. Hes helped the guys understand that its a full long season and helped them bounce back." Quarterback Henry Burris will lead the Ticats into the Grey Cup and according to his coach, he continues to thrive in the CFL because of the hard work he puts into his game. "Henrys success is due to Henry," said Austin. "Hes a determined pro who prepares hard. Hes unbelievable to coach, hes very coachable. Henrys place in the history of this league is solid." Austin has always thought very highly of Roughriders QB Darian Durant who he will face in the championship. "(Durant) is dedicated, bright, tough," said Austin. "I see a maturity in how he plays; he has a knack for the big play." While the Roughriders will practice indoors on Wednesday, the Tiger-Cats will hold theirs outdoors as they prepare for the elements. "If you saw our players faces when they walked outside youd know why," said Austin. As for the question of players having sex before the big game, Chamblin wants his team to do anything that will help them capture the big prize. "If thats what it takes for them to win a championship, go right ahead," said Chamblin. Nathan MacKinnon Jersey .Pete Morelli said the back judge threw a flag on Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens on a pass to Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew in Dallas 24-20 wild-card win Sunday. But the head linesman said there wasnt enough contact and that Hitchens was face-guarding, which isnt a penalty in the NFL. Joe Sakic Avalanche Jersey . The team made the announcement after Saturdays 6-5 loss to the Cincinnati Reds. RHP Kenny Giles will be called up from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to fill Adams spot on the roster. http://www.hockeyavalanche.com/authentic-peter-forsberg-avalanche-jersey/ . And all things considered, the first 40 games have offered a little bit of everything from a hockey club that faced many questions in its first year under new management, with a new head coach and with a number of new faces in the lineup. However, with a recent dip in scoring, it seems some of the same old questions persist and several new ones have been raised after a somewhat troubling homestand.Foxborough, MA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Portland Timbers and New England Revolution split the points at Gillette Stadium on Saturday as the two sides played to a 1-1 draw. The lone strike of the opening period came in the 27th minute when Diego Fagundez threaded a pass through the Portland defence to find Charlie Davies, who beat the offside trap to slip a shot past Donovan Ricketts from a tough angle. Portland eventually leveled the score and it was Liam Ridgewell who did the honors 25 minutes froom time. Custom Colorado Avalanche Jerseys. The Timbers defender capped a surging run into the penalty area with a deft finish past Bobby Shuttleworth for his first MLS goal. With both sides failing to find a winner in the closing stages of the match, the Revs and Timbers were made to settle for a draw that does neither side many favors. Portland (7-7-10) remains outside the Western Conference playoff picture with 31 points while New England (8-12-3) stays put in seventh place in the East with 27 points. ' ' '

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. Cheap Football Jerseys Throwback China . - Houston Rockets star James Harden has left in the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons with a bruised left knee, but was able to return at the start of the second half.Harden walked toward the locker room under his own power, but only after he remained down for a while after falling to the floor on a drive to the basket Saturday night. The 25-year-old guard came into the game averaging an NBA-best 27 points per game.He was back at the beginning of the third quarter to try to play on.The Rockets have already been without centre Dwight Howard because of swelling in his right knee. Harden was on the pregame injury report with a bruised right knee, but was in the starting lineup. Custom Football Jerseys Throwback . Viewers in the Canadiens region can watch the game on TSN at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt and listen on TSN 690. The Canadiens have won three in a row and four of their last five games and recently put the finishing touches on a 3-1-0 road trip. Wholesale Football Jerseys Throwback .J. - New York Giants cornerback Prince Amukamara left Monday nights game against the Indianapolis Colts with a torn biceps. http://www.cheapfootballthrowback.com/ . “The fact that he was willing to do the deal the way we wanted it to be done showed that he wanted me to be a part of something great," Lowry said, noting that Ujiri willingness to sign off on the proposal that both Lowry and his agent presented to the GM was the final straw that convinced him to return.It would seem that behind the ubiquitous smile and charming personality of James Reimer is a competitive drive that tends to get overlooked. And so while Reimer was "a little surprised" to learn of the trade which sent Jonathan Bernier to Toronto, the 25-year-old had no intention of backing down and surrendering the crease. "I dont plan on giving up the net," Reimer told TSN.ca exclusively from his offseason home in B.C. "I dont plan on giving up that starters spot right now, not to be a jerk about it obviously." Coming off his first full season as the Leafs starter, an impressive year in which he placed seventh overall in save percentage, Reimer was not expecting any kind of trade. Yes, hed heard the rumours, but was there definite surprise when word of the deal, which sent Matt Frattin and Ben Scrivens to the Kings along with a second round pick, came his way? There was some natural frustration followed by a period of reflection, an evaluation of why the team might have made such a move and where he might improve upon moving forward. "Obviously you had emotions when you first heard it," he explained of his initial reaction to the deal which also saw the Leafs absorb $500,000 in salary, "but at the same time when you take a step back and after a while you realize that its going to push you, its going to make you a better person and a better goalie and if that happens well then its great for me, its going to be great for Bernier and its going to be, most importantly, great for the Leafs." Despite setting a Leafs record for the highest individual save percentage in a season in 2013 (.924), doubts continue to linger as to Reimers ability to be the guy in the Toronto crease over the long haul. At the trade deadline in April, Leafs general manager Dave Nonis was frank in his chase for Flames netminder Miikka Kiprusoff, even offering the now-retired Finn additional years to remain with the club. Some of the questions would to seem to lie in the limited body of work, especially as it pertains to an 82-game campaign. Reimer starred as a rookie for 37 games two years back, spent his sophomore damaged from injury before standing tall again this past season. "Im sure they have a few reasons why they traded for Bernier," he said, concurring with the absence of a full season to his name. "Im sure if you play consistently over a full season and hopefully into playoffs then I think that would help erase maybe some of the doubts people have." As for answering the lingering questions, Reimer looked to keep a steady approach. "Just keep going, keep plugging away," he declared of his mindset. "You can always gain experience and you can always get better and in some way that really hasnt changed. Bringing in Bernier, obviously were both after the same thing here [and thats] trying to obtain that starting job I guess or in my instance trying to obviously keep it. You keep going. I think if you have a couple seasons like the first one I had and this third one, my third season, I think you start to answer those questions. "Im sure people have questions and the doubters and naysayers have things that maybe they think I need to work on, but I think you just keep playing and try and play well for a long period of time and I think then eventually yyou get that notoriety or whatever it is that you want to call it. Discount Football Jerseys Throwback. " Nonis made clear in the hours after the trade that "Nothing is being guaranteed to anybody", inferring that Reimer, despite thriving as the starter last season, would be in immediate competition for the position with Bernier, who has just 62 games of NHL experience, having backed up Jonathan Quick the past three seasons. The Leafs GM did offer confidence to Reimer during a conversation between the two earlier this week, hinting that if that werent the case, then in all likelihood Reimer would be playing elsewhere. "He said that they had faith in me and things could have gone differently if they didnt," Reimer recalled of his chat with Nonis. "They said they liked what Ive done so far, but they just thought that this might help me just to get to that next level." Nonis and the Leafs brass insist that competition from Bernier will only spur something greater from Reimer. They believe both goaltenders have the ability to start, gambling that the 24-year-old Bernier will thrive with further opportunity in Toronto. Selected 88 picks after the Montreal native in the 2006 draft, Reimer messaged Bernier on the day of the trade, offering him a welcome to the team, "looking forward to the battle and just told him that if you need anything in town or getting settled in then you can give me a call". The two had met briefly at the 2011 World Championship in Slovakia, Bernier arriving late to the proceedings, however, making for a limited introduction. Some in Reimers situation might have been sour toward the new teammate, one so plainly after his job, but not Reimer. "You can see how guys would be like that," he said. "But when it boils down it were teammates and teammates first. Not to get all cliché and everything. You want to be the best teammates and well both want the same thing as far as winning and giving the boys a chance. And so sure we both want the most amount of games that we can get because nobody likes to sit on the bench obviously – you want to be the one helping your team – but when it all boils down were teammates and were putting on the same jersey so obviously thats the most important thing." While his mental toughness might be questioned, Reimer has hurdled over adversity in the past. There was his return to form and the starting job following concussion/neck-related issues of his second season, not to mention insistent Roberto Luongo speculation. And then there was his follow-up to the Kiprusoff brouhaha, Reimer posting a .930 save percentage in April after the deadline had passed. "It definitely motivates you," he conceded of the trade. "It maybe gives you an extra shot of adrenaline. You realize coming in that youve got to be at your best and thats exciting hockey. Not to always relate it to playoffs, but thats exciting hockey because thats when it means the most. Kind of the same thing here. Every day youre going to have to be at your best. Thats what I try and pride myself in doing is motivating myself and being the best that I can, but this is definitely there to push you. "At the same time Im sure Berniers coming in wanting nothing but that starting job. And so thats the competition. Its going to push us." ' ' '

MONTREAL -- Montreal Canadiens fans experienced a mixture of pride and dejection on Thursday night after watching their heroes get eliminated from the NHL playoffs. Charles Barkley Suns Jersey . The Habs, the only Canadian team to make this years post-season, saw their Stanley Cup dreams extinguished as the New York Rangers eked out a 1-0 victory in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference final. Although the game was played in New York, the Bell Centre in Montreal was packed once again as the decisive matchup was broadcast on giant screens for a sold-out crowd. Fans emerging from the arena after the game were obviously disappointed but there was no trouble downtown. Helmeted, riot-equipped police stood watch along Ste-Catherine Street but even many of them didnt stay around too long. It was in sharp contrast to the final game of Montreals previous series, against the Boston Bruins, when police lined the street to protect businesses from rowdy fans. On Thursday night, although there was the occasional vocal outburst from unhappy or frustrated fans, Montrealers appeared to accept the defeat as they quietly headed home. Emilie Quilliams, 18, said her disappointment at the playoff exit was tempered by seeing the Canadiens reach the semifinals. "Im still proud of them," she said. "For them to come to the second-to-last round of the playoffs, its something that we havent seen in quite a while, so I was really happy for them." Many fans were already looking ahead to next season, particularly after a gritty playoff performance that included goaltender Dustin Tokarski filling in admirably for starter Carey Price, who was injured early in the Rangers series. Joe Kutlu, 40, heaped praise galore on Tokarski and urged the Canadiens to sign him up. "They bring up a goalie who is a legend right now and hes going to be known and Im guessing a lot of players are really going to admire him for years to come," Kutlu said. Jean-Francois Belisle echoed the sentiments of many fans as he looked at the season with a sense of accomplishment. "Im proud of the Canadiens season, Im not angry," he said. "Obviously, it would have been great to go further but it was a good match, a good series and good playoffs." The Canadiens were a pleasant playoff surprise for their faithful, sweeping the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first round and then defeating the Bruins, the leagues top team, in seven in the next round. The Habs were the last Canadian team to win the Stanley Cup when they defeated the Los Angeles Kings in 1993. The Rangers, who last won the trophy in 1994, will play either the Kings or the Chicago Blackhawks in the final. Thursday nights game was the third time this post-season that Habs fans had been able to attend the Bell Centre to see their team play on the road. Charles Barkley Jersey . Dwyane Wade took over in the fourth quarter. Richaun Holmes Suns Jersey . -- The Kelowna Rockets earned their 16th straight win with a 7-2 rout of the Portland Winterhawks in Western Hockey League action Thursday. http://www.officialsunsfanstore.com/dragan-bender-suns-jersey/ . -- A.J. Burnett was happy to escape from New York.NEW YORK -- Jacob deGrom took the mound with a disappointing record, but with the full backing of his manager. The rookie right-hander rewarded Terry Collins confidence with the strongest outing of his young career. DeGrom struck out 11 in seven shutout innings and also delivered a table-setting hit from the No. 8 spot in the batting order as the New York Mets tagged All-Star Julio Teheran and the Atlanta Braves 8-3 Tuesday night. "Showed you that he can certainly compete in this league," Collins praised. The shaggy-haired deGrom (2-5) pitched the Mets to their third win in a row, and the franchises 4,000th victory since starting out as an expansion team in 1962. Atlanta has lost three straight. The lanky 26-year-old scattered seven hits, walked none and matched a career best for strikeouts. "Feel I had my best start," deGrom said. "Controlling every pitch I needed to." DeGrom said he got most of his strikeouts on "elevated fastballs and sinkers," though he felt his most effective pitch was his curveball. "Knows what hes got to do to get a K when he needs it, and just goes out and does it," Collins said. The Mets set a team record at Citi Field with 18 hits. Curtis Granderson kept up his resurgence with a leadoff home run and Lucas Duda doubled twice, singled and drew two walks. Daniel Murphy also doubled twice and third baseman David Wright added two hits and made a nifty catch. DeGroms single led to a three-run burst in the second inning, and he exited as a 6-for-22 (.273) hitter in the majors, part of the reason Collins felt comfortable in tweaking his lineup. "Dont really care where I bat. More focused on the pitching," deGrom said. Said Collins: "Way too much made of the pitcher hitting eighth. Ill need to call La Russa and tell him he created a huge monster." Hall of Fame manager Tony La Russa holds the record for most times batting his pitcher eighth in a season -- few other skippers have followed his lead since. Teheran (8-6) gave up a career-high 11 hits after shutting down the Mets in his previous outing, part of a Braves sweep last week. He lasted just 3 1-3 innnings, matching the shortest of his 53 starts in the majors. Leandro Barbosa Suns Jersey. "One of those nights that everybody has and today was mine," he said. "I feel like everything I threw, they got a good swing." Teheran was picked Sunday for his first NL All-Star team, but the 23-year-old righty was very hittable from the get-go. Collins noted before the game that the ball was flying during batting practice -- Granderson proved him correct, lining Teherans second pitch off the facade of the second deck in right field. "Its just one of those starts," Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez said. "The young man, hes bound to have a bad one every now and then. If you go out there 35 times, youre going to have a bad one, and today was one of his bad ones." Granderson, rebounding nicely from a slow start, hit his fourth home run in seven games. On Monday night, his tying homer in the eighth inning sent the Mets to an 11-inning win over Atlanta. The shot also gave the Mets a home run in eight straight games at Citi Field, matching a team record for the stadium that opened in 2009. The Mets led 5-0 in the third. Atlanta put runners at the corners with two outs in the sixth, but Wright made a diving, backhanded catch on Jason Heywards liner to end the inning. Three Mets relievers closed out the win. They did it while winds whipped debris all over the field as a storm blew into the ballpark. Freddie Freeman hit a two-out, two-run single in the ninth. NOTES: Granderson hit his third leadoff homer of the year and 27th of his career. Mets RHP Dillon Gee (strained right lat) comes off the disabled list to start Wednesday night against RHP Ervin Santana. ... Teheran is set to start Sunday against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, meaning he wont pitch in the All-Star game Tuesday at Minnesota. ... Andrelton Simmons went hitless for Atlanta. He had six straight multihit games coming in. ... This was the sixth time -- all in the last month -- that Collins has batted his pitcher eighth. DeGrom was the first pitcher to get a hit in that slot. Collins hit Eric Young Jr. in the ninth spot, saying it created a double leadoff position. ' ' '