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CHICAGO -- Jimmer Fredette wanted to start over. Rickey Henderson Jersey . The Chicago Bulls wanted to improve their outside shooting. Each side is hoping for a perfect match. Fredette joined the surging Bulls on Sunday after the team announced it had signed the sharp-shooting guard for the rest of the season. The 6-foot-2 Fredette was in uniform for Chicagos game against the New York Knicks. "I see how this team plays and they play hard every single night and they play for each other," he said. "They play the right way. Thats something I was looking for, to come into a team I could fit in and play the way I wanted to and play hard every single night and be part of a team. Im excited to be here. I cant wait to start and get out there and play and see how things go." Fredette, the 10th overall pick in the 2011 draft, was bought out by the Sacramento Kings on Thursday and cleared waivers on Saturday. He is averaging just 5.9 points and 11.3 minutes in his third season, but is shooting 49 per cent from 3-point range. The Bulls, who had won eight of nine coming into the day, had been looking for more outside shooting since they lost Marco Belinelli in free agency last off-season, and then traded Luol Deng to Cleveland in January. "I hope I can space out the floor for these guys and help create open shots for my teammates and also create open shots for me," Fredette said. "I think it fits well. Hopefully Ill be able to come in and do what I do on the basketball floor." The knock on Fredette is his defensive ability and finding a way to get open for his accurate shot, but coach Tom Thibodeau said he wants to come to his own conclusions about what the former BYU star can do on the court. "Hes got to learn defensively what to do in terms of team defence and thats usually the biggest adjustment," Thibodeau said. "But the fact that he can shoot the way that he can, I think it complements our primary scorers as well." Fredette became a top NBA prospect when he led the nation in scoring at 28.5 points per game during his senior year with the Cougars, who made it to the final 16 in the NCAA tournament in his last season. He was The Associated Press player of the year, but he never lived up to his billing in Sacramento after the Kings acquired him in a draft-day trade with Milwaukee. It was clear his time with the Kings was coming to an end when they decided not to pick up his option for 2014-15 before this season. "I appreciate everything that happened in Sacramento," Fredette said. "It was character building for me continuing to go out and play hard. I feel like I progressed as a player even though sometimes you dont get the minutes you want to, youve just got to continue to work hard and know that if you keep playing hard and doing the right things then eventually things will turn your way." One of the top attractions for Fredette with the Bulls is Thibodeau, who has a history of helping lower-tier free agents turn into valuable commodities. Belinelli and Nate Robinson flourished in Chicago last season, and D.J. Augustin has played well since he signed with the Bulls in December. "This time of the year, I think youre always looking to get insurance for your team," Thibodeau said. "You like his makeup. I think he can grow. I think hell get better. So well see how it unfolds. But you also have to remember you have to put the team first." Yangervis Solarte Jersey .Y. -- The Buffalo Bills will head into the regular season short on experience at quarterback after trimming the roster on Friday. Erick Aybar Padres Jersey . This is the final meeting of the season between these teams.? The Capitals were 5-4 winners in a shootout Oct.New York, NY (SportsNetwork.com) - Referee Bill Vinovich will lead the seven- man crew picked to work the Super Bowl, the NFL announced Tuesday. The game between AFC champion New England and defending Super Bowl champion Seattle will take place Feb. 1 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Vinovich, umpire Bill Schuster, head linesman Dana McKenzie and back judge Terrence Miles will all officiate their first Super Bowl. Line judge Mark Perlman will work his third Super Bowl. Side judge Tom Hill and field judge Bob Waggoner both worked with Perlman duringg Super Bowl XL in 2006, when Seattle lost to Pittsburgh 21-10. Wil Myers Jersey. Vinovich is in his ninth season as an NFL game official. He entered the league in 2001 as a side judge and was promoted to referee in 2004. He has officiated five playoff games, including three divisional playoffs, and was the alternate referee for Super Bowl XLVII two years ago. The NFL mandates that officials must be rated in the top tier at their position to be eligible for the Super Bowl. They must also have at least five years of NFL experience and previous playoff assignments. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
ROME -- Mario Balotelli has expressed astonishment at the reaction to an argument he had with some Italian football pundits after a game on Friday. San Diego Padres Jerseys . Following AC Milans 2-0 loss to Roma, Balotelli had a tense exchange with the Sky Italia TV studio hosts. Balotelli said: "When Milan wins Mario is great, when it loses Mario is bad." Told by one studio host that he doesnt move enough on the pitch, Balotelli responded: "You dont know anything about football. Trust me." His comments provoked plenty of reaction both supportive and critical, and Balotelli responded on Twitter around 4 a.m. local time on Saturday morning, saying in Italian: "Mamma mia I divide Italy in 2! Wow! While nearly everyone abroad is united with me!" Then he added in English: "What a strange game." Balotelli, whose career had been littered with controversies and clashes with both coaches and teammates, was largely ineffective against Roma and he was substituted in the 69th minute. As Balotelli walked off, he appeared to question coach Clarence Seedorfs decision to remove him. "I didnt understand my substitution," Balotelli said in the interview. Told that he doesnt criticize himself enough, Balotelli said "Im a very normal player. Its you who says Im a standout." Balotelli is having a strong season and set a personal record last week with his 14th goal of the campaign. "I chose to take off Balotelli, but when he came off he didnt say anything special to me," Seedorf said. "We shouldnt always analyze every detail, when there is something negative to say about Balo, you are always ready. There are things said and done in the heat of the moment, but then its talked about and resolved. "Hes coming off the back of many positive weeks, both with goals and with his behaviour." Balotelli has a history of being in the headlines as much for his antics off the pitch as his talent on it. He made light of his troubles in 2011 when he was with Manchester City by unveiling a T-shirt with the slogan "Why Always Me?" during a 6-1 rout of Manchester United in a Premier League derby. That came after reports that a fire had broken out at his house when fireworks were let off in his bathroom. Balotelli escaped punishment earlier in 2011 after throwing a dart at a City youth-team player. No one was hurt in the incident. Ozzie Smith Padres Jersey . This week, topics cover the World Series champion Red Sox, John Farrell and what to look forward to this off-season. Rollie Fingers Padres Jersey . Justine finished first with a score of 22.44 while Chloe was second with 21.66 points. Defending champion Hannah Kearney of the U.S., was third at 21.49. A third Dufour-Lapointe sister, Maxime, failed to make the final group and finished 12th while Audrey Robichaud of Quebec City was 10th. PASADENA, Calif. -- Jameis Winston and Florida State faced down adversity for the first time this season, and showed they could take a punch if thats what it took to win a national championship. The Heisman Trophy winner threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Kelvin Benjamin with 13 seconds left and No. 1 Florida State beat No. 2 Auburn 34-31 to win the BCS championship game on Monday night. "Theres a lot of heart and guts down in Tallahassee, too," coach Jimbo Fisher said. The Bowl Championship Series went out with a bang, with one of the best championship games in its 16-year history. And the Southeastern Conferences seven-year winning streak in college footballs biggest game was snapped. Winston struggled much of the night but was near perfect when the Seminoles (14-0) needed it most, going 6 for 7 for 77 yards on the game-winning 80 yard drive. A pass interference penalty on Auburns Chris Davis gave Florida State a first-and-goal at the 2 and on the next play Winston hit his big receiver, Benjamin, for the touchdown in traffic. There was no miracle finish this time for the turnaround Tigers. They tossed the ball around on one final play, but it ended with Florida State jumping on a fumble, and the Seminoles sprinting onto the field under a storm of garnet and gold confetti. Tre Mason had given Auburn (12-2) a 31-27 lead with a 37-yard touchdown run with 1:19 left after Kermit Whitfield had put Florida State in the lead for the first time since the first quarter with a 100-yard kickoff return to make it 27-24 with 4:31 left. Mason ran for 195 yards and Nick Marshall threw two touchdown passes for the Tigers. "I told them in the locker room, we put together the biggest turnaround in the history of college football. We were on the brink of making it one of those magical seasons," Auburn coach Gus Malzahn said. Winston was 20 for 35 for 237 yards and two fourth-quarter touchdown passes. Florida State hadnt been challenged like this all season, winning by an average of 42 points. The redshirt freshman, who turned 20 Monday, told his teammates: "I said Guys, we didnt come here for no reason. I said Yall, this is ours, man." The Seminoles were down 21-3 in the first half, and wobbling, but never fell over. And now Florida State is national champion for the first time since 1999, the first team to win it after being down at halftime. Winston was jumpy against a strong Auburn pass rush, led by Dee Ford. He was sacked four times. The Seminoles cut it to 21-10 with a late touchdown in the second quarter and chipped into Auburns lead with a 41-yard field goal by Roberto Aguayo with 6:05 left in the third. Meanwhile, Florida State had found some answers to Auburns spread offence. A holding penalty that wiped out a long pass also helped keep the Tigers scoreless in the third quarter, and the Seminoles began the fourth with P.J. Williams intercepting Marshalls pass and setting up Florida State at its 38. When Winston tossed in the flats to Chad Abram, who hurdled over a tackler on the way to an 11-yard touchdown the lead was 21-19. Florida State was considering going for two to tie, but Devonta Freeman was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and that pushed the extra point back 15 yards and forced the Seminoles to kick and make it 21-20. Auburn responded wwith its best drive since the second quarter, mixing runs by Mason and Marshall with one big pass to Ricardo Louis. Rickey Henderson Jersey. . But it stalled at the 6 and Cody Parkey added a 22-yard field goal to make it 24-20 with 4:42 left. During Winstons record-breaking season, filled with blowouts and fourth quarters spent watching from the sideline, he never faced a situation in which he had to drive his team to a winning score. Now he had a chance to add that last line to his remarkable resume -- until Whitfield handled it for him. Whitfield broke through a seam around the 30 and hit the sideline at full speed. Fisher ran down the other sideline yelling "Go! Go!" with Winston chasing behind pumping his arms and slapping his coach on the back. Florida State was on top, but Auburn was not done. Mason and Marshall went to work, driving Auburn into Florida State territory, and Auburns Heisman finalist, Mason, finished it off by bowling over Florida State safety Jalen Ramsey on the way to the end zone. Auburn billed itself as a team of destiny, having gone from 3-9 to SEC champs under first-year coach Malzahn -- with the help of some miraculous finishes. But for much of the first half team destiny, the 10-point underdog, was dominating. Marshall flipped into the flats for Mason, who followed a few wipe-out blocks and zipped into the end zone for a 12-yard score with 3:07 left in the first quarter. Florida State trailed for the first time since Sept. 28 against Boston College. The hole got deeper. With Florida States linebackers and safeties peeking into the backfield again, Auburn broke another receiver free down the middle. Marshall threw a strike this time to Melvin Ray, who went 50 yards for his first career touchdown and a 14-3 lead. Meanwhile, for maybe the first time this season, Winston looked rattled. After completing three of his first four passes, he went 1 for 7, including a simple short throw that sailed high and missed its target by at least 10 yards. Fisher could be seen yelling to his coaches that they needed to calm down Winston. Auburns defence certainly didnt look as if it ranked 89th in the country in yards allowed per game. Ford was getting pressure on Winston, Chris Davis defended three passes and the Tigers D was playing like so many other SEC defences that have controlled so many other BCS championship games during the conferences reign over college football. Ben Bradley and Angelo Blackson sandwiched Winston as he tried to tuck and run and the ball came loose. Auburn recovered at Florida States 27 and soon after Marshall swept in from 4 yards out for a 21-3 lead with 5:01 left in the first half. Florida State finally came alive with the help of some trickery and some old-fashioned want-to from Winston. Facing fourth-and-4 in their own territory, the Seminoles faked the punt and ran a reverse to Karlos Williams that went for 7 yards. Then Winston asserted himself in not the typical way for the most efficient passer in the country. On third-and-7, he broke free of the pocket, stiff-armed past one Auburn tackler and went for 21 yards to the 3. Freeman plunged into the end zone on the next play to make it 21-10 with 1:28 left in the half. Fisher patted Winston on the helmet as the quarterback shook his head, as if to say, Im better now. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
ATLANTA - The Raptors will be without their sixth man for at least another week, they learned on Tuesday. Shareef Abdur-Rahim Grizzlies Jersey. After a re-evaluation of the ulnar collateral sprain in his right elbow on Monday, Patrick Patterson, who has missed the teams last five contests, was ruled out of game action for another seven days, though he will be able to return to limited basketball activity. Patterson, wearing a supporting brace on his injured elbow as he got some work in during Raptors shootaround, was disappointed to hear the news. "[Its] more bad news than good," he admitted ahead of Tuesdays game in Atlanta. "I had hopes that I would be able to come out here and participate with the team and get back to basketball." The Raptors versatile back-up said hes experiencing very little pain in his right arm, just discomfort, one of the reasons why he had hoped to be back on the court by now. "From when it initially happened up until now I had pain, constantly, on the court, certain types of movements or certain types of contact would aggravate it," said Patterson, who leads all Toronto reserves in scoring, averaging 9.7 points along with 5.2 rebounds since being acquired from Sacramento on December 9. "But now, today, theres very little pain. All the movements that hurt before dont hurt now. In my mind, Im thinking I can [play] just going off that pain factor, but doing the ultrasound and seeing the images and seeing how far its come along to today, Im definitely happy to know how soon I can return." Its not clear exactly how Patterson initially sustained the injury. He believes it originally occurred in a game against the Wizards back in February and he aggravated it in a win over the Kings on March 7. "It is frustrating," he said, not being able to pinpoint exactly how he hurt his elbow. "If I knew what happened, hopefully I could prevent it from happening again." Patterson had become one of the teams most valuable and consistent contributors, anchoring a second unit that has been much improved since his arrival in December. In his absence, Dwane Casey has used the trio of Steve Novak, Chuck Hayes and Tyler Hansbrough as stopgaps off the bench. Unlike Patterson, a well-rounded, two-way player, his three replacements are best suited in situational roles. Each forward has stepped up to some degree, but Pattersons shoes have not been easy to fill. Without Patterson in the lineup over the previous five games, the Raptors bench has been outscored by a total of 50 points. The oppositions reserves have bested them by 65 alone over the last two contests. "At least we have to hold serve," Casey said of his second unit. "Weve got to find a go-to player or a guy that can produce for us, point-wise, with that second unit. Pat was giving us some points or at least spacing the floor for us where it did give [Greivis Vasquez] opportunities to drive to the basket." Casey would not call the latest news on Pattersons injury a setback. The team was not expecting him to be able to return right away. The Raptors forward will be assessed again after this seven-day period and if the new timetable holds true he should miss another four-to-six games. "It could be worse, thats the way I always look at it," said Patterson. "Thats what my team and the training staff is telling me, it could be worse, but youre in a positive situation, at least you know where you stand and how soon you can come back." Marc Gasol Grizzlies Jersey . Villa has already confirmed his short-term deal and the Daily Mirror reported early Tuesday that Lampard will join him as both build up match fitness ahead of moves to the new Major League Soccer franchise New York City. Jarell Martin Grizzlies Jersey . - Playing a road game against a division rival raises the intensity for linebacker Clay Matthews.OTTAWA -- Kaetlyn Osmond won her second consecutive Canadian womens figure skating title and clinched her spot on the Sochi Olympic team with a long program that chronicles Cleopatras rise to power. The story choice was strategic, meant to mirror Osmonds rise through the ranks to hopefully the top of the Olympic podium one day. "Very proud," Osmond said after Saturdays victory. "Its exactly what I wanted to do in this program. Its the first time I did an actual clean (long) program in competition so Im super excited. Im still in shock." The 18-year-old from Marystown, N.L., whos battled back from two injuries that sidelined her for much of the last four months, scored 207.28 for her program that included six triple jumps. It was the second highest score in the history of the national event behind Joannie Rochettes 208.23, a month before the 2010 Vancouver Games. But Gabrielle Daleman, a 15-year-old from Newmarket, Ont., provided the surprise of the night, passing the much more experienced Amelie Lacoste in the long program to finish second with 182.47, likely earning a spot on the Sochi-bound team. Canada has two Olympic berths in womens singles. The team will be announced Sunday. "Very exciting and not just those two, there are several skaters coming up, young skaters, who are doing incredible things," said Osmonds coach Ravi Walia. "Theyre pushing Kaetlyn, Kaetlyn is pushing them. I think its a really exciting time for ladies skating in Canada." Osmond has climbed the ranks by leaps and bounds since she won bronze at the Canadian championships two years ago with a score that was more than 50 points shy of Saturdays. She announced her arrival on the international scene in the fall of 2012 when she won Skate Canada International and then finished eighth at last years world championships. Osmond drew in the Canadian Tire Centre crowd with strength and cconfidence that seemed years beyond her young age. Mike Conley Grizzlies Jersey. "I think its just confidence in knowing I can do what I can do, and knowing no matter what gets thrown at me, whether its good or bad, Ill stay with a positive attitude and still stay focused and calm and able to skate," Osmond said. "Thats a lot to do with my coach because hes so calm and he reminds me when I have to focus and when I have to breathe, and other times when I have to just enjoy it and let whatever happens happen." Osmond has battled a couple of injuries this season -- first a stress reaction in her ankle in August, then a hamstring tear that forced her to withdraw from the long program at Skate Canada in October. Walia and Osmond set a plan two years ago to make the Sochi team, and the coach said he was "amazed" that despite all the obstacles, everything has fallen into place. "Its exciting that its a reality now," Walia said. Daleman, meanwhile, clasped her hands over her mouth when the marks were announced. "I was not expecting that score at all. Just seeing that mark and getting over the 180 just made my day," she said. "I feel just so excited seeing that Im second and doors could be opened for me." The five-foot skater opened her program with a huge triple Lutz on her way to landing six triples. Daleman said shes been inspired by Osmonds swift ascendance on the international scene. "She pushes my limits, because you know one day you want to beat her so you just keep pushing pushing. . .," Daleman said. Daleman turns 16 on Monday and said a spot on the Sochi team would be "the best birthday present ever." "My dream is coming true and I get to go to Sochi. Its the Olympics, it comes once every four years, and knowing that Ill be the youngest there (on the Canadian team) will just make my day even better." Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
The Buffalo Sabres could be adding some Hall of Fame credentials to its coaching staff. Matt Harrison Jersey . Source tell Bucky Gleason of The Buffalo News that the Sabres have reached an agreement to bring in Bryan Trottier as an assistant on Ted Nolans coaching staff. While the team has not confirmed the news, sources tell the Buffalo paper that an announcement could come next week. Trottier has won seven Stanley Cups - six as a player with the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins as well as one as a member of the Colorado Avalanche coaching staff. Dave Cash Phillies Jersey .Y. -- Defenceman Ryan Murphy had a goal and an assist and Drew MacIntyre made 24 saves to help the Carolina Hurricanes beat the New York Islanders 4-2 in an exhibition game Wednesday night. Chase Utley Phillies Jersey . His recovery time is expected to be six to eight months. Seidenberg was injured in the third period of Fridays 5-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators, when he got his leg tangled with forward Cory Conacher.Columbus, OH (SportsNetwork.com) - Ohio States chances at reaching the College Football Playoff seemingly took a hit Saturday even though the Buckeyes upended rival Michigan. Starting quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate J.T. Barrett was carted off the field early in the fourth quarter, and it was revealed after the game he will miss the rest of the season with a broken right ankle. Ohio State came into rivalry weekend ranked sixth in the CFP poll and faces Wisconsin in next weeks Big Ten title game. I think its all going to be how we play next week, OSU head coach Urban Meyer said when asked if Barretts injury will affect the Buckeyes playoff chances. Maikel Franco Phillies Jersey. Were going to have Cardale (Jones) ready to go. Jones, a sophomore, has thrown just 19 passes in his collegiate career. Barretts leg got caught underneath him as he was being tackled at the end of a run. The redshirt freshman completed 13-of-21 passes for 176 yards with one touchdown and rushed for 89 yards and two scores before exiting. Barrett established a new Big Ten single-season record for total touchdowns with 45. He broke Drew Brees previous mark of 42 set in 1998. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
Columbus, OH (SportsNetwork. Tom Starke Jersey .com) - John Tavares recorded four goals and Jakub Voracek followed with three scores and three assists, as Team Toews walked away with a 17-12 decision over Team Foligno in the 2015 All-Star Game from Nationwide Arena, the highest-scoring mid-season event in league history. Yeah, Ill take it, Tavares said of his offensive explosion. Yes, its pretty cool. The 2001 event in Denver held the previous mark of 26 combined goals in a 14-12 North American victory over the World, but the new record was set when Jonathan Toews put his own team ahead by a 16-11 count with 5:39 remaining in the contest. Toews and Patrice Bergeron each ended up with a goal and four helpers, with Filip Forsberg, Rick Nash and Tyler Seguin adding two strikes apiece. Corey Crawford -- the last of three goaltenders to give up four goals, stopped 14- of-18 shots in the third period to earn the win. Ryan Johansen from Team Foligno picked up the MVP award, pacing his side with two goals and as many assists. Patrick Kane and Steven Stamkos added two goals and one assist apiece, while Claude Giroux totaled three points on a tally and two helpers. Marc-Andre Fleury took the loss, charged with seven goals on 16 shots in the second period. So proud of our fans for showing the world that hockey is a big deal here in Columbus, said Blue Jackets forward Nick Foligno, despite his captaining the losing side on his home rink. It was Brian Elliott in net for the third, and he obliged the winning side by giving up six scores to turn a three-goal deficit into a five-goal loss. Nash scored at 1:29 to make it 12-8, then Kane followed at 2:15 before Tavares and Voracek lit the lamp in a span of 1:17 to put Team Toews ahead by a 14-9 count with 7 1/2 minutes gone in the third. Bobby Ryan pumped one home for Team Foligno at 8:23 before Seguins shot slipped home 63 seconds later. Kane scored again and his team got within four, then Toews finally helped out his side at 14:21 and Forsberg made his contribution for a 17-11 score with 3:20 to play. Brent Burns rounded out the scoring at 18:20. The first period featured 33 shots and eight combined goals, leaving both sides tied at 4-4. Radim Vrbata opened the scoring for Team Toews at 3:09 before Ryan Getzlaf equalized at 6:33 for Team Foligno and Voracek beat Carey Price with a high shot with 9:51 gone to make it 2-1. Hometown selection Johansen tallied just 1:14 later for a tie, but Bergeron put his squad back on top at 12:17. Kevin Shattenkirk and Johansen added markers in a span of 1:36 for a 4-3 game and Tavares finished the period on his lamp-lighter in the final 57 seconds. Obviously feel bad for the goalies with that many goals, Stamkos said. The fans love it, and it looked like they were having fun. It was great to see this city. They had been waiting a couple years for this game. They did it right. Ryan Suter put Toews picks back on top just 24 seconds into the second period, but Giroux struck only eight seconds later for Folignos choices. Seguin followed at 1:22, then Stamkos evened things at 2:27. Nash then opened up a clip of four straight for Team Toews, on a marker with 4:08 played. Forsberg connected at 5:56, Tavares scored again with 8:16 gone to make it 9-6 and Voracek picked up another red light at 9:22 for a four-goal spread. Team Foligno closed out the middle frame with scores by Foligno and Stamkos ahead of Tavares hat-trick tally with one minute left for an 11-8 score. It was a slow period. It felt like forever, Fleury said. I think after 10 minutes, it was six goals in already. I was like, thats a tough one. You want to have some fun, but when youre a goalie, its frustrating when it goes in. I laughed for a few, but a few of them, I cringed a little bit. Game Notes Team Toews also snapped the previous single-game record for goals by one side, eclipsing the 16 scored by the Wales Conference in a 16-6 decision over the Campbell Conference at Montreal in 1993 ... Despite not winning the MVP, Voracek tied Mario Lemieuxs all-time record for points in one All-Star Game, with Lemieux doing it in 1988 at St. Louis and pacing the Wales in a 6-5 overtime triumph against the Campbell ... Tavares joined Lemieux, Wayne Gretzky, Vincent Damphousse, Mike Gartner and Dany Heatley as the only players to score at least four goals in a mid-season classic ... Marian Gaborik was the last player to strike three times in an All-Star contest, three years ago ... The last time hat tricks were recorded by two players in an All-Star Game occurred in 1997, when Mark Recchi (East) and Owen Nolan (West) did so ... Roberto Luongo gave up four goals on 17 shots, while Jaroslav Halak allowed the same number on 10 shots for the winning side ... Price stopped 11 shots while Elliott made only nine saves. Franck Ribery Jersey . a€“ All signs point to the Maple Leafs having their top offseason acquisition in the lineup on opening night. Holger Badstuber Bayern Munich Jersey . Eller scored the midway through the third period after Dallas scored twice to tie it, leading Canadiens to a 6-4 win over the Stars on Thursday night.CHICAGO -- Eddie Lack got plenty of practice in his first NHL shootout. He also got a win. Ryan Kesler scored the deciding goal in an eight-round tiebreaker, leading Lack and the Vancouver Canucks to a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Friday night. Kesler fired a high shot past Antti Raanta to help Vancouver end a two-game losing streak. Mike Santorelli was successful in the first round as the Canucks improved to 2-4 in shootouts. Patrick Sharp had Chicagos only shootout score against Lack in the third round. Lack, a rookie backup, said he got some advice from No. 1 goaltender Roberto Luongo and just tried to react. "When youre in it, you dont really think about it," Lack said. "Its just like the AHL. Youre just focused on what youre going to do next, and anticipate it." The Canucks were playing their second game in two nights and third in four overall. But it also was a good time for Vancouver to turn to Lack after Luongo gave up soft goals at critical times in the previous two games, both losses. Lack entered in the second period of Vancouvers 4-1 loss at Dallas on Thursday after Luongo allowed four goals on 19 shots. Lack made 24 saves against Chicago in his seventh start of the season and game No. 10 for his career. Then he stopped Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews in the shootout. Marian Hossa hit the post, and Lack poke-checked the puck away from Brandon Saad. "He stopped some world-class players there in Toews and Kane right off the bat, and that set us up for the win," Kesler said. Vancouvers Daniel Sedin tied it at 2 with 9:12 left in the third period. Zack Kassian also scored for the Canucks, who trailed 2-0 after Kane set up Kris Versteegs score in the first, and then scored his team-leading 21st goal in the second. "We came in late last night, and usually the first 10-15 minutes, you try to survive," Sedin said. "We did that, I thought we knew if we kept it close wed have a chance." Kane has six goals and 14 assists duringg an 11-game point streak, helping him climb into second in the NHL scoring race behind Pittsburghs Sidney Crosby. Juan Bernat Bayern Munich Jersey. He also has at least one point in 23 of his last 24 games. Raanta, also a rookie backup, had 22 stops in his sixth straight start since No. 1 goalie Corey Crawford suffered a lower-body injury on Dec. 8. The Canucks killed all four Chicago power plays to improve to 30 for their last 31 on the penalty kill. Vancouver, which entered with the NHLs best penalty-killing percentage, ended Chicagos string of power-play goals in 10 straight games. "I thought our power play might have let us down a little bit tonight," Kane said. "We didnt really create any momentum off of it and they probably got momentum off them killing them off, so its something well try to improve on." The Canucks had trouble clearing the puck early in the first and the Blackhawks took advantage. Versteeg opened the scoring at 7:49 on a deflection of Kanes shot from just inside the right point. Leveraging two power plays, the Canucks dominated early in the second and launched the first nine shots of the period. Raanta stopped them all during the flurry, including Sedins deflection from the slot. Kane then capitalized on Chicagos first chance in the period. Lack stopped Johnny Oduyas drive from left wing, but Kane jumped on the rebound. Kassian cut to 2-1 at 8:19 when he snapped off a shot from the right circle. It went between the legs of Chicago defenceman Brent Seabrook and past a screened Raanta. Santorelli had a chance to end the game in overtime but he hit the side of the net, just wide of the right post, after he broke in alone. NOTES: The Blackhawks recalled veteran G Jason LaBarbera from Rockford of the AHL. With Crawford still out, Chicago acquired LaBarbera from Edmonton last week. ... Vancouver was without injured D Alex Edler (knee, eighth game) and D Ryan Stanton (ankle, second game). ... Lack posted a shutout in his previous start, on Dec. 9 versus Carolina. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
NEW YORK, N. Curt Schilling Diamondbacks Jersey .Y. - Miami guard Dwyane Wade has been fined $15,000 by the NBA for making an obscene gesture during the Heats 78-76 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.Rod Thorn, the NBAs president of basketball operations, announced the fine Thursday night.Wade stuck out his middle finger at some fans at the end of the third quarter in the game at Charlottes Time Warner Cable Arena. Tyler Clippard Jersey .J. -- Patrick Sharp is on one of those streaks. Archie Bradley Jersey . First reported by FOX Sports Ken Rosenthal, its unknown if the impetus for the deferral proposal came from players or management, but it never left the preliminary stages.ENGLEWOOD, Colo. - Just 300 days after putting his name in the record books with the longest field goal ever, Matt Prater is history.At least in Denver.The Broncos cut ties Friday with the eighth-year kicker whos about to come off his four-game suspension.That means first-year kicker Brandon McManus has turned his temp job with the AFC champs into a full-time one.From the moment the Giants traded him to the Broncos in late August, McManus looked at Denver not as a stopover but as a destination. He said last month that his aim was to convince the Broncos he, and not Prater, was their man.Still, he was surprised hed done just that.I mean, Matt had a great year last year and hes done very well for himself. I still consider him in the top three kickers in the NFL, McManus said. Just the chance the Broncos are giving me (shows) the confidence they have in me and Im excited with that opportunity.GM John Elway said releasing Prater, the longest-tenured member of the team, was a very difficult football decision.But perhaps an easy financial choice: Prater was due $2.294 million in base salary this season and $3.25 million next year. McManus is making $420,000 this season and $510,000 next year.Thats a difference of more than $4.6 million, money that could come in handy as the Broncos turn their attention to long-term deals with Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas and Chris Harris Jr.McManus, Elway said, has earned the opportunity to continue kicking for our team with how well hes played to start the season. He has a very strong leg and we have confidence in him on both field goals and kickoffs.This summer, McManus pushed Giants incumbent Josh Brown just as he had Adam Vinatieri in Indy a year earlier. By sticking with McManus, the Broncos owe New York a seventh-round draft choice in 2015.Prater had given the Broncos reason to fret not only with his continued slip-ups but also with a poor performance in the preseason, something he blamed on his pending punishment weighing on him.Prater has been in the NFLs substance-abuse program, which includes alcohol,, since a DUI arrest on Aug. Paul Goldschmidt Jersey. 12, 2011. He was originally facing a ban for a full season but his lawyer negotiated a four-game ban instead.Prater said he realized one more strike meant hed face sitting out an entire calendar year when he had some beers not long after the Super Bowl.Why did I risk it? Prater said back on Aug. 25. I made a mistake. I dont have an excuse for it. I screwed up and now Im paying the price for it.That price got heavier Friday.Prater led the league last year by making 25 of 26 field goals, including a record-setting 64-yarder against Tennessee. He also led the NFL with 81 kickoff touchbacks.Prater missed two of four field goal attempts in the preseason, including a 49-yarder in an 18-17 loss to Houston after learning before kickoff that hed be suspended.McManus didnt face a clutch kick in Denvers first three games, but he did everything he was asked, making a trio of short field goals and all eight of his extra points. He also allowed just two returns on 16 kickoffs.Ive been very impressed with him, coach John Fox said. Hes got great potential. Hes a great young kicker.Broncos holder Britton Colquitt said Prater wont be out of a job for long.I think there will be at least 20 teams trying to put offers in, Colquitt said. And hell be able to have his choice, because hes that good. No one can argue with that. Hes probably just in the middle of his career. He could be at Kansas City or Oakland or San Diego.Some fans took to Twitter to criticize the Broncos for jettisoning Prater when they stuck by two front office executives who were arrested on drunken driving charges in 2013, one of whom is serving a work-release jail sentence.Anytime you make football decisions in an organization, especially with somebody thats been with you for a period of time like Matt, its always difficult, Fox said. But its always a football decision, whats going to give us the best chance in our opinion. And I wish Matt nothing but the best moving forward.___AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
Atlanta, GA (SportsNetwork. Lonzo Ball Womens Jersey .com) - Steve Vasturia scored five of his 11 points in the final 4 1/2 minutes to help 12th-ranked Notre Dame survive another challenge from Georgia Tech with a 62-59 win. Just 11 days after the Fighting Irish outlasted the Yellow Jackets in a double-overtime thriller in South Bend, Notre Dame (16-2, 3-1 ACC) overcame a 38-30 halftime deficit and the absence of second-leading scorer Zach Auguste due to a reported academic issue behind a stifling defensive effort in the second half. Georgia Tech (9-7, 0-4) was held without a field goal for over eight minutes after Corey Heywards 3-pointer with 8:14 remaining, and the Yellow Jackets went just 6-of-23 from the field after intermission. Vasturias layup with 4:16 left gave Notre Dame a 57-56 lead, while his three-point play with just 8.8 seconds to go ensured the Irish would avoid a second consecutive defeat. Jerian Grant aided Notre Dames cause with a 12-point, six-assist effort, while freshman Bonzie Colson helped offset Augustes loss by contributing a career-best 10 points off the bench. Demarco Cox finished with 17 points and seven rebounds in the latest tough loss for the Yellow Jackets, whose four defeats in conference play this year have come by a combined 18 points. Chris Bolden had 13 points for Georgia Tech, but just two came after halftime. Outplayed for the majority of the first half, Notre Dame began the second on a 7-0 run to pull within a point, then grabbed a 44-43 lead shortly afterward on a Pat Connaughton triple with 15 minutes to play. The Irish were up 53-49 prior to Heywards trey with just over eight minutes remaining, which jump-started a 7-2 Yellow Jackets spurt that sent them back in front. Georgia Tech misfired on six consecutive shot attempts after Heywards basket, though Notre Dame also was held off the scoreboard for nearly four minutes after Vasturias go-ahead layup. Grant finally ended the drought with a clutch step-back jumper from the right side with 19.6 seconds left that put the Irish up 59-56. Georgia Techs Marcus Georges-Hunt then missed the front end of a 1-and-1 on the ensuing possession, with Colson grabbing the rebound and Grant firing a pass down the court that Vasturia converted while being fouled to seal the outcome. The Yellow Jackets took advantage of Augustes unavailability, as well as a hot start from Bolden, during an opening half in which they led by as much as 12 points. Bolden put up 11 in the first 10-plus minutes, including each of Georgia Techs total during an 8-2 run that had the Irish down 22-15 with 11:09 to go in the period. After three straight interior baskets by the Jackets later in the frame staked them to a 35-23 lead, Notre Dame countered with a 7-1 push before Robert Sampsons layup had Georgia Tech ahead by a 38-30 count at the break. The Yellow Jackets shot 53.6 percent in the initial stanza and dominated in the lane, outscoring Notre Dame by a 22-12 margin in the paint. Game Notes Georges-Hunt, Georgia Techs leading scorer on the season, had 20 points in the 83-76 double-overtime defeat to Notre Dame on Jan. 3, but managed just six while going 0-of-6 from the floor in Wednesdays rematch ... Notre Dame, which entered the contest atop Division I in field goal percentage (53.5 percent), shot only 43.5 percent for the game ... Auguste is averaging 14.3 points and 6.4 rebounds on the season ... The Yellow Jackets have now dropped six straight home games against ranked teams since topping then-No. 17 Clemson on Jan. 19, 2010. Lonzo Ball Purple Jersey . The native of Mont-Tremblant, Que., captured a World Cup downhill event Saturday, his second this year and fifth career victory on the circuit. Lonzo Ball Jersey .ca contributor Grant McCagg provides a look at some risers and fallers on the prospect watch.Former star defender Alessandro Nesta has joined the Montreal Impacts technical staff as a consultant. The team made the announcement on Friday. "Alessandro knows the players well, the coaching staff and the philosophy of our club," Imapct sporting director Nick De Santis said. "Hell help the coaching staff throughout the entire season, principally as a video analyst, providing reports on our games and those of our opponents. We hope that this experience will be beneficiial for him, knowing that he wants to become a head coach one day. Lonzo Ball Gold Jersey. " Following a brilliant career that spanned 19 seasons in Italy, Nesta played two seasons in an Impact uniform. Nesta signed with the Impact on July 5, 2011 after the club acquired his rights from the New York Red Bulls in exchange for allocation money. He started eight games in his first MLS season, recording 633 minutes. He played his final game as a professional on October 24, 2013. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
TORONTO - Casey Janssen spent the five days in between his 29th and 30th saves downplaying the significance of the total. Antti Raanta Blackhawks Jersey . But now that hes achieved the round number, he acknowledges its importance. "Its a nice little milestone," said Janssen. "I still want to close out as many games as I can to finish the year. I said it when I took the job, I just kind of wanted to take the opportunity to have my name be recognized around baseball as a guy who is a viable late-inning arm." Janssen was named Torontos closer in May 2012. He converted 22 of 25 save opportunities last season. Despite offseason shoulder surgery, Janssen picked up where he left off, locking down 30 of 32 chances this year. "It was hard to justify the injury early on," said Janssen. "I was telling guys that I feel like crap and I might have a one-two-three inning and theyre like, what are you talking about. It was hard to get through those first three months or so. I started to get into a nice routine, obviously I was further away from the surgery date and I hopefully Im able to power through this last stretch and get through the year." The shoulder condition has improved as the seasons worn on. Janssen, too, has been one of the more vocal Blue Jays about the unacceptability of the clubs poor performance. "This year has been a headache for me, a headache for a lot of guys," he said. "Im sure early on, I was driving the trainers crazy being in there trying to get right and feel comfortable. I started to feel a lot better lately and just bouncing back in catch and then out there on the mound as well so I guess theres a little satisfaction in that but bottom line, this season didnt go as planned. Although a successful personal season doesnt justify or doesnt sit well enough to overcome the disappointment." With a team-friendly club option for $4-million next season, Janssen is among a number of Blue Jays (Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion are others) who represent great value. Given Torontos bullpen depth aside from Janssen – power arms like Sergio Santos, Steve Delabar, Dustin McGowan, Jeremy Jeffress and lefthanders Brett Cecil and Aaron Loup – general manager Alex Anthopoulos could use a reliever or two as a trade chip. The Jays have needs in the starting rotation, at second base, at catcher and possibly in the outfield. Anthopoulos could use a reliever as trade bait and still have plenty left were a move to be made. In the meantime, Janssen will continue to pitch when needed and attempt to set an example both on the field and off. "I dont know if I ever would have imagined being a closer saving 30 games but I wished, I thought and I hoped I could and it was just a matter of getting the opportunity," he said. "Its a nice little milestone but hopefully theres a lot more to go." Brent Seabrook Jersey .ca. The NHL Play of the Year showdown kicks off with some slick moves going head-to-head with a combination of soft hands and endless patience. Joakim Nordstrom Blackhawks Jersey . Warren made six birdies and a bogey for a 5-under total of 139 to sit one shot ahead of Felipe Aguilar of Chile, who carded a 69. David Horsey of England was also on 5 under through 15 holes to join Warren atop the leaderboard before play was stopped.Columbus, OH (SportsNetwork.com) - The Columbus Blue Jackets have activated forward Matt Calvert off injured reserve and assigned center Sean Collins to the American Hockey Leagues Springfield Falcons. Calvert missed the pastt four games due to an upper-body injury. CM Punk Blackhawks Jersey. He has one goal and an assist in seven games this season. Collins was recalled by Columbus on Oct. 30 and was held without a point in two games with the club. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
(SportsNetwork. Jarell Martin Jersey .com) - The Calgary Flames hope to shake off a recent lopsided loss when they visit the Florida Panthers for Saturdays matinee at BB&T Center. The Flames had won three straight and the first two tests on a five-game road trip before getting slammed 5-2 by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Cedric Paquette scored the first two goals of his NHL career to lead the Bolts to Thursdays easy victory at Amalie Arena. Jiri Hudler and Sean Monahan scored in Calgarys first loss in four games. The Flames also had a four-game point streak (3-0-1) halted, suffering their first regulation setback since losing 3-1 to Washington on Oct. 25. Flames goaltender Jonas Hiller also had a streak end. He gave up four goals on 32 shots and suffered his first regulation loss in his last eight appearances (6-1-1). I think we were forcing things, Flames defenseman Mark Giordano said. They took advantage. Calgary aims to bounce back today when it shoots for a seventh win in 10 meetings with the Panthers. The Flames have claimed two straight in the series overall and have won three of the past four encounters in Florida. The Panthers enter Saturday on a two-game slide having lost both tilts on a brief road trip. Florida earned a point in Tuesdays 2-1 overtime defeat versus Boston, but lost 4-1 in Thursdays game at Philadelphia. Four different Flyers scored goals against the Panthers, while Steve Mason stopped 34-of-35 shots for the win. Philadelphia earned a bit of revenge after losing a 2-1 decision in Florida last Saturday. Nick Bjugstad provided the sole marker for the Panthers on Thursday. His tally cut the deficit to 3-1 midway through the second period, but Jakub Voracek answered just 39 seconds later for the Flyers. You score and kind of get back into a game, and they answer right back, Panthers center Rocco Grimaldi said. Their crowd jumped back to life. Its a tough thing, but something weve got to bounce back from. Roberto Luongo, who made 36 saves in last weeks win over Philly, allowed all four goals on 30 shots in Thursdays defeat. Luongo has started 10 of Floridas 11 games over backup Al Montoya this season and he could get the call again on Saturday. In 42 career games against Calgary -- all starts -- Luongo is 25-13-3 with a 2.44 goals against average. Although Hiller is 4-0 with a 1.25 GAA in his career versus the Panthers, backup Karri Ramo will get the start on Saturday. Ramo is 2-1-0 with a 2.28 GAA in three lifetime starts against Florida. Brandan Wright Grizzlies Jersey . Setting United on its way to a 2-0 victory, Rooney sent the ball high from inside the halfway line over goalkeeper Adrian after just seven minutes. "Its just instinct, Ive turned and had a quick look and seen the goalkeeper off his line," Rooney said. Custom Memphis Grizzlies Jerseys . This week, topics cover the Blue Jays rotation, the futures John Gibbons and Alex Anthopoulos, protecting pitchers and a bonus question on his predictions for the MLB playoffs.Late last summer, London bookmakers were offering 2-to-1 odds Manchester United would retain the BPL title and meagre 1-to-14 odds they would finish in amongst the Champions League spots. Not sure any bookies were offering odds that, deep into the business end of the season, Liverpool would be placing job ads related to a victory parade the club are planning to possibly stage the day after the season ends. For those who recollect the quite extraordinary city scenes the day after Liverpool had beaten AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League Final when a reported 750,000 people lined the route as an open top bus carrying the European champions made its way from John Lennon Airport to City Hall, these arent the type of events you leave to chance. Even the Queen got in on the act then, as she sent the club her congratulations from Edmonton on the last day of her Canadian tour. A bus of an entirely different nature may have derailed Liverpools title bid after their club record equalling 11-game winning streak grinded to a rather abrupt halt last Sunday, but there can be no denying Liverpools rightful place at the head table - that Champions League virtuous circle more commonly referred to as the "top four." Having finished last season in a very distant seventh place, the turnaround at Liverpool has been nothing short of remarkable and especially when you consider the spending power and superior squad strengths of their title rivals. With Champions League football assured for next season, the target Brendan Rodgers set out with last August, making it all that more special their place back amongst the elite of English football, has come at the expense of their bitter rivals Manchester United. Sir Alex Ferguson may have preached patience for the incoming manager to the 75,000 in attendance at Old Trafford at his final home game last May, but how about the patience of the Anfield faithful who have waited almost a quarter of a century since their last championship triumph? Although the Chelsea reversal last week handed the initiative to Manchester City, that disappointment pales into insignificance when recalling how the 1989 title was decided. Arsenal not only had to go to Anfield on the last day of the 1989 season and win, but they had to do so by a two-goal advantage. With 90 minutes on the clock and Arsenal leading 1-0 the title was Liverpools. Shareef Abdur-Rahim Jersey. Then, with time running out in added time, up popped Arsenals Michael Thomas to score the decisive goal. Seconds later came the final whistle, as Liverpool players lay completely distraught on the hallowed Anfield turf. Arsenal celebrated, the Kop, for once, in stunned silence. How cruel the beautiful game can be. No victory parades will be staged for the clubs who escape the dreaded drop going into the penultimate weekend of the season, with even FA Cup finalists Hull all the way up in 13th place not safe yet. Following a run of five-straight defeats that firmly rooted Sunderland to the foot of the table in mid-April, it led to questions been asked if Gus Poyet, who had only replaced Paolo Di Canio in October, would resign before seasons end. But my how the club have responded, most famously taking Jose Mourinhos unbeaten BPL home record, earlier this year. On Friday, 21-year old striker Connor Wickham was named BPL player of the month for April, his five goals playing a huge part as the club moved out of the bottom three for the first time since February. With a game in hand against the teams below them, Sunderland control their own destiny. Norwich, Fulham and Cardiff will need help from others this weekend. With the possibility that top place could change hands three times between tomorrow and Monday afternoon when Liverpool play, the real prospect exists come the final game of the season next Sunday that three clubs will still be in contention for the title. This would be the first time this has occurred in the BPL-era and, in doing so, will plunge the league into a silverware crisis. As there are only two BPL trophies in existence and, as traditionally the trophy is handed out on the last day of the season, a trophy will be needed next Sunday at Anfield, the Etihad and in Cardiff where Chelsea plays. So come the final whistle between Crystal Palace and Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Monday afternoon, the Premier League may have to put a call and a delicate request into Old Trafford, where, sitting resplendent in their trophy room, a replica BPL trophy exists. Any chance you can deliver it to Anfield please? You can reach and follow Noel Butler at:Noel.Butler@BellMedia.ca @TheSoccerNoel on Twitter Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
ORCHARD PARK, N. Josh Malone Womens Jersey .Y. -- After a falling out with the New England Patriots, linebacker Brandon Spikes is embracing his fresh start with the Buffalo Bills. Spikes joined the Bills late Friday night on a one-year contract. The Bills have been active in free agency thus far, signing six free agents. The middle linebacker is easily Buffalos most intriguing addition. The 26-year-old Spikes is an aggressive, hard-hitting defender. A second-round pick of the Patriots in 2010, Spikes started 39 of 53 games in New England, with 286 tackles and five forced fumbles. He was third on the Patriots in tackles in 2013 with 86. "I was excited the whole time to get going with a new start in a new beginning in a new place," Spikes said on a conference call Monday. "I feel like its going to be fun and Im down for a challenge. I want to help change the culture there." Spikes is known for the physical nature of his play. "All the old-school, throwback backers, I just moulded my game after them and it just stuck with me this whole time," Spikes said. "I wouldnt call it intimidating, Im just playing and going hard and relentless and play every play like its your last." The addition of Spikes is one of many moves the Bills hope will fix their porous run defence. With Spikes taking over middle linebacker duties, the Bills plan on moving young standout Kiko Alonso to the weak side after spending his rookie season in the middle. The Bills also signed former New York Giants linebacker Keith Rivers to a two-year contract on March 12. The Bills finished 28th against the run in 2013, allowing an average of 128.9 yards per game. "I actually think it was like seven games where they gave up 150 yards on the ground. I just want to come and help them out," Spikes said. "Thats one of my strengths, stopping the run, and I feel like I can help. Whatever they need me to do, Im willing to do and do it at a high level." Spikes joins a defence that has its fourth co-ordinator in four seasons. Former Detroit head coach Jim Schwartz is installing a base 4-3 following the departure of Mike Pettine, who left Buffalo after one year to become head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Spikes is set to reunite with his former linebackers coach, Pepper Johnson, now Buffalos defensive line coach. Johnson made the move from New England in January and Spikes said his presence was one of the reasons he decided to come to Buffalo. "A great coach, a great inspiration to the game," Spikes said. "He loves the game and hes definitely what I want to be down the road; hes a legendary ball player and coach." After playing with a knee injury for several weeks in New England, Spikes was placed on injured reserve on Jan. 6. An ESPN report later said Spikes was placed on IR after being late to a team meeting during a Boston snow storm. On Saturday, after the contract was official, Spikes tweeted: "Free at last, free at last. I thank God Im free at last. Free at last, Free at last !!!!!! #LetsGetIt #PoWwWwW." "I just want to kind of close that chapter," Spikes said. "I just want to put that all behind me. Its great just to have a new beginning. Im excited. The past is the past. Im happy now and Im ready to get to work and Im just ready to help." Spikes is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his cousin, Takeo Spikes. Takeo Spikes was a standout linebacker with the Bills from 2003-06. After wearing number 55 in New England, Spikes is returning to the number 51, which he wore earlier in his career, in honour of his cousin. "He inspired me to be great," Spikes said. "He inspired me to have a dream and chase it. ... Watching him in Buffalo growing up inspired me to wear the number 51 ... hes just somebody I look to be like." Jordan Willis Bengals Jersey . Durant finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds, Jackson matched his career high with 23 points on 10-of-14 shooting and Lamb scored 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, lifting the Thunder to a 94-88 win over San Antonio and snapping the Spurs 11-game winning streak. Joe Mixon Bengals Jersey . It was the most lopsided loss in Lakers history. Darren Collison had a team-high 24 points while starting at shooting guard for the injured Jamal Crawford. Chris Paul added 13 points and 11 assists for the Clippers, who apparently are trying to make up for decades of humiliation at the hands of the Lakers all in one season; theyve won the last two meetings by a combined 84 points.UTICA, N.Y. -- Max Reinhart scored twice as the Abbotsford Heat held off the Utica Comets 4-3 in American Hockey League play Friday. Blair Jones, with the game-winning goal, and Markus Granlund also scored for the Heat (6-4-1). Henrik Tommernes, Zach Hamill and Benn Ferriero replied for the winless Comets (0-6-2). Abbotsford goaltender Joni Ortio finished with 27 saves, while Joe Cannata stopped 30 shots for Uticaa. Carl Lawson Bengals Jersey. Reinharts first goal gave Abbotsford a brief lead in the first period before Hamill tied the game less than two minutes later. The teams traded goals again in the second, with Tommernes and Granlund swapping power-play goals. Reinhart scored 6:32 into the third, but Uticas Ferriero tied the game for the last time at 8:15. Jones then scored at 15:25 to put Abbotsford ahead for good. Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '