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ST. Ray Allen Black Friday Jersey . PAUL, Minn. -- The Minnesota Wild are finding a way to win without injured stars Zach Parise and Mikko Koivu. Nate Prosser scored his third career goal at 2:42 of overtime, lifting the Wild over the Dallas Stars 3-2 on Saturday night. "When youre playing the right way, it is going to be a different guy every night," Minnesota coach Mike Yeo said. "You cant have the same person going out and doing it all the time. But if every guy is doing the right thing then their turn will come." Prosser netted the winning score for the second time in as many games. The 27-year-old defenceman sent Nino Niederreiters rebound past Kari Lehtonens glove for Minnesotas third victory in its last four games. Asked if it was the biggest goal of his career, Prosser responded: "Yeah, theres not many of them, so its pretty easy to say." Koivu is out after he had surgery to repair a broken ankle. Parise has been sidelined by a foot injury. But the Wild (27-19-5) have won seven of nine since a six-game losing streak in December. Erik Haula and Ryan Suter also scored for the Wild, and Darcy Kuemper stopped 33 shots in his fourth straight start. Kuemper is 4-1 in five starts since Jan. 7 in place of hurting Niklas Backstrom and Josh Harding, who is out due to complications with his multiple sclerosis. Ryan Garbutt and Alex Chiasson scored for the slumping Stars, who have only one win in their last nine games. Lehtonen made 16 saves. "Its disappointing," Chiasson said. "This was probably one of our best games defensively, as far as scoring chances given to the other team. Its just a little play there, and thats tough. We battled through and it wouldve been nice to get a win here." Haulas first career goal put Minnesota up 1-0 at 7:11 in the first. After knocking the puck away from Erik Cole along the boards, the former University of Minnesota standout skated ahead and beat Lehtonen on the stick side. "It took me a while to kind of get over it and chills to go away, but it was unbelievable," Haula said. But the Wild had only three shots in the opening period, with Dallas outworking the home team on offence. Minnesota failed to get a shot off during an extended power play late in the period when Shawn Horcoff received a double minor for high-sticking. But Kuempers solid play in net offset Dallas aggressive offensive play. "We were under siege a lot of the night but there was opportunities where he came out and made a play and relieved some of that pressure," Yeo said of Kuemper. "When you see that kind of confidence, for sure your team feeds off that." Dallas tied it at 11:57 of the second on Garbutts 10th goal of the season. Garbutt picked up a rebound off Vernon Fiddlers shot in front of the net and knocked it in past Kuemper. Yeo then called for a timeout to rally his team, and his players responded. Minnesota reclaimed the lead when Suter wristed a shot from the left circle through a crowd and past Lehtonen at 14:09. Chiassons power-play goal for Dallas tied it with just over 10 minutes to play. The game capped the eighth annual Hockey Day Minnesota that included three high school hockey games on an outdoor rink in the Minneapolis suburb of Elk River, and the University of Minnesota mens team against Ohio State. NOTES: Wild D Jonas Brodin left early in the third after taking a stick to the face from Dallas F Antoine Roussel. Play was halted while the arena crew scraped blood from the ice. Brodin returned to the bench in the third. ... Dallas RW Valeri Nichushkin was a healthy scratch for only the second time this season. ... The Wild reassigned D Jonathon Blum to Iowa of the AHL earlier in the day. ... Haulas goal marked a third straight Hockey Day Minnesota game in which a Wild player scored his first career NHL goal. ... The announced attendance of 19,192 was the largest of the season for Minnesota. Isaiah Thomas Cyber Monday Jersey . Cammalleri scored two goals, Corban Knight netted the winner in a shootout, and the Flames erased a two-goal deficit in the third period to beat the Stars 4-3 on Friday night. Ben Gordon Black Friday Jersey . The 25-year-old Spaniard, who joined United from Chelsea in January, scored twice, including directly from a free kick, to take his tally to three goals in his last two games. "I think he has made us better," United manager David Moyes said.LONDON -- Southamptons international players showed few signs of tiredness at Crystal Palace where Jay Rodriguezs strike ended a losing streak with a 1-0 win in the Premier League on Saturday. Seven of the starting Saints line-up at Selhurst Park were on international duty during the week, including Rodriguez for Englands friendly against Denmark. The 24-year-old Rodriguez brought the match to life in the 37th minute, laatching onto a weak header by Jason Puncheon and then beating Julian Speroni in a 50-50 challenge to finish into an open goal. Dikembe Mutombo Black Friday Jersey. Palace felt Dejan Lovren should have been dismissed for what appeared a last-man challenge on Yannick Bolasie after the interval. Southampton ended a three-match losing streak in all competitions and denied Tony Pulis side the chance to edge further from the drop zone. ' ' '

What with shockwaves, death threats and sessions with the Shrink hitting the headlines, World Cup fever has certainly elevated itself these past few days. Roberto Garza Authentic . The shockwave of all shockwaves was delivered yesterday afternoon from the tranquil surrounding of Stamford University when Landon Donovan, a player with over 150 international caps and three previous World Cup Finals to his name, was left off the 23-man US squad. No word on hearing the news if Donovan trashed his room as Paul Gascoigne did on learning he had not made the final cut for France 1998, but his exclusion has led to the opinion makers and insiders of US soccer trash Klinsmanns decision. Dumbfounded likely best describes the mood of the nation right now. This for a player who sent the US into delirium when he scored the very late winner against Algeria in the final group game at South Africa 2010, as the US topped their group ahead of England. Jürgen Klinsmann described the decision as the most difficult he has had to make as a coach. The US head coach, who faced the media glare at a press conference earlier today, stated Donovan would be the first player he would recall if an injury rules out one of his strikers between now, and the deadline for naming squads June 2nd.  However if any player suffers a serious injury, which is confirmed by FIFAs medical department, between then and their nations first group game they can be replaced. The US kick-off their campaign against Ghana June 16th. Donovan has told Klinsmann he is willing to remain on the standby list. Now back with his club, the player who more than anyone else has moved the soccer conscience of a Nation, is likely to feature in the Galaxys home date with the Philadelphia Union Sunday night. Just as Donovan was going through his paces in training on what turned out to be his penultimate day in camp Wednesday, Luis Suárez was in a Montevideo operating theatre following an MRI which had revealed meniscus damage to his left knee. Suárez had to withdraw from training earlier in the day after complaining of pain. In a statement released yesterday by the Uruguayan Football Association which announced the surgery was successful, it pinpointed an incident which occurred late on in Liverpools final game of the season. A reckless challenge from Newcastles Paul Dummett on the BPLs player of the year, which Dummett was red carded for and Suárez was left clutching his knee. In no time at all a connection with that incident led to Dummett receiving death threats on social media. Meanwhile Suárez was reassuring an anxious nation that he would be fit for the World Cup as he tweeted out his thanks for the outpouring of support he has received since the surgery. With no clear timeframe for recovery the Uruguayan FA are fully optimistic Suárez will be fit to play in what would be his second World Cup Finals. At South Africa 2010 Uruguay was the undoubted surprise team as they made it through to the semifinals before succumbing to Holland 3-2. Suárez though was suspended from that game after receiving a red card in the quarter-final against Ghana following an incident that undoubtedly goes down in World Cup infamy. A deliberate hand ball on the goal line by Suarez prevented a certain goal in the final minute. In doing so it denied Ghana an almost certain place in World Cup history as the first African nation to make it to the semi-finals. With the score deadlocked 1-1 after extra time, Uruguay prevailed on penalties. No one needs reminding of other disturbing incidents that have plagued and haunted Suárez since then. This season not only was he in the form of his career his behaviour has undergone a complete transition and improvement no one could have imagined.  Suárez has credited this to the time he has spent this season with renowned Sports Psychologist Dr. Steve Peters and was seen as pivotal for the unprecedented success achieved by the Team GB cyclists at London 2012. Peters is now a significant part of the 70-strong staff of the England team that has conducted a mini camp in the Algarve, Portugal this week.  Tuesday night after dinner he addressed the entire squad. When Roy Hodgson announced back in March, Peters would be part of the English set up, many ridiculed that decision. Following Tuesdays session Wayne Rooney was left suitably impressed, and so much so he intends to meet with Peters on a one to one basis. Rooney will be the first to admit that outside of his international tournament debut at EURO 2004 he has underperformed in all subsequent tournaments. The indelible image of Rooney at South Africa 2010 is not of a wonder goal. Its of a very agitated looking Rooney aiming a tirade of abuse at England fans into a pitch side camera due to the booing the players received at the final whistle following a pitiful performance against Algeria. The player Sven-Göran Eriksson once described as an English Pelé is fully aware this could be his last World Cup to leave a lasting legacy. Such is Rooneys desire to regain full physical fitness after suffering a groin injury that kept him out of Manchester Uniteds last 3 league matches of the season he arrived in the Algarve ahead of the main party accompanied not by his WAG but 2 private fitness instructors. Working on the mental preparation he believes will provide him with a crucial few extra percent.  In doing so should provide Rooney with the added confidence to finally be that difference maker on a world stage. A stage which Landon Donovan should be, and Luis Suárez hopefully will be, a significant part of. Ryan Mundy Jersey . Barcelona says Pique tore a muscle in his right leg. The Spain international will miss Spanish league games against Almeria and Valladolid, but should be back for the Champions league match against Manchester City on March 12. Walter Payton Authentic . - The Colorado Rapids say theyve received a first-round 2015 MLS SuperDraft pick, allocation money and a contract buyout from FC Dallas as compensation for coach Oscar Parejas leaving to take the same job with his former club.MONTREAL -- Matteo Ferrari cant wait for his Major League Soccer adventure to begin. The Italian central defender was a surprise find by the expansion Montreal Impact and will make his debut along with the new club in their regular season opener Saturday against the Whitecaps in Vancouver. The 32-year-old Ferrari is expected to be in the starting 11 along with two other MLS newcomers, midfielders Patrice Bernier and Felipe. "(Its) a new experience for me and the club," Ferrari said Thursday before the squad boarded a flight to the West Coast. "I wanted to try a new experience with Montreal. "Im so enthusiastic. And well see on the pitch." The Impact, who played 18 seasons in lower leagues before they were granted admission as the 19th team in MLS, will get a look at how the players they amassed from various sources over the past six months have come together as a team. Based on their nearly two-hour training session, the starting 11 should also include veteran goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, with Ferrari and former Seattle Sounder Tyson Wahl in the central defence. Ex-Whitecap Jeb Brovsky is to start at right back with Josh Gardner on the left. The midfield should have Justin Mapp with Bernier, Felipe and captain Davy Arnaud and strikers Justin Braun and Sanna Nyassi up front. Bernier, of Brossard, Que., returned as a free agent to the Impact after nine seasons in Europe, while the Brazilian Felipe last played in Switzerland. Team owner-president Joey Saputo and technical director Nick De Santis were scouting possible designated player candidates in Italy when an unanticipated meeting with Ferrari was arranged. The two sides agreed that the former Inter Milan and Genoa defender would join the teams training camp to see if he was a good fit. That led to a contract, and Ferraris transfer papers from his last club in Turkey came in Wednesday to make it official. "I like the mentality here," Ferrari said. "I like America. I like Canada. "I wanted to try a new experience. I have many friends in North America, so for me, it was time to try." He has certainly impressed coach Jesse Marsch. "He sees everything coming so far ahead of time and he cuts everything out," Marsch said. Jermon Bushrod Jersey. . "Hes sharp on the ball. Hes smart. Hes really fit in seamlessly even if he came in a month late." Ferrari liked it so much, he called a former Italian national squad teammate Bernardo Corradi and got him to take the same route to Montreal by joining the Impact in camp. Ferrari and Corradi had been training together with an Italian third division club. "When I saw the opportunity for him, I called and said Listen, they are looking for a forward. If youre ready, I think it will be good for the team and for you." said Ferrari. The 35-year-old Corradi, who last played for Udinese in Italy, has not seen game action in several months and will need time to be match-fit. No contract has been signed yet. Goal scoring is expected to be the challenge for the Impact, who seem to be solid in goal and on defence. As an expansion club, it is no surprise that they are almost universally being picked to finish last in the league in their first year. But the players want to show they are better than that. "Were a new team and it wont be easy to be ready right now, but were trying to be like a team," Ferrari said. "We know that we can play against anyone because we saw this in the (Disney) tournament in Orlando (last week). "We played a very good game against Houston (a 1-1 draw), who made the final last year. It was a friendly match, but it was important for the group to know that we can do that." At the same tournament, the Impact were wiped out 3-0 by Vancouver, a much-improved team under new coach Martin Rennie in their second MLS campaign. The Montreal defence will be tested against an aggressive Whitecaps attack led by French forwards Eric Hassli and Sebastien Le Toux. Ricketts said the circumstances have changed from a relaxed pre-season meeting in Florida last week to a game that counts in the standing in Vancouver. "The pressure is on Vancouver," 34-year-old said. "Montreal is a new team. Montreal is coming to your stadium, so its up to you to defend your home turf." ' ' '

NEWARK, N. Nick Rimando USA .J. -- Two days after being a healthy scratch against Buffalo, Matt Nieto had the perfect response for San Jose Sharks coach Todd McLellan. Nieto returned to the lineup and scored the game-winning goal at 6:20 of the third period and the Sharks defeated the New Jersey Devils 4-2 on Sunday. "Whenever you get a chance to be in the lineup, you have to have a positive impact and thats something I try to do whenever I am in," Nieto said. Nieto not only returned to the lineup, he replaced Brent Burns on the top line with Joe Thornton and Joe Pavelski. It worked out just fine, with Nieto also getting a great chance in the first period, breaking in from the left boards. "Its so easy playing with those guys," said Nieto, who now has seven goals in 48 games and also played a key role as the Sharks killed off all four Devils power plays. "I just have to retrieve pucks for them, and when I get it to them, go to the net and get open." The winner came on a counterattack after goaltender Alex Stalock made five of his 21 saves, including a two-on-none save against Patrik Elias. Thornton made a pass from the left boards to Pavelski in the middle of the ice. He found Nieto coming down the right side and the forward ripped a shot into the top corner of the net. "I had a couple of chances in the first period and wasnt able to elevate the puck," Nieto said. "We knew in the pre-scout that we needed to get pucks high on this guy so I shot it high, and luckily it went by." McLellan said he was not sending Nieto a message by sitting him the previous game. He just wanted to get some other players in the lineup. The coach admitted, he got the message, if Nieto was sending him one. "We have to listen, too," he said. "He played well." Logan Couture and Raffi Torres also scored and U.S. Olympian Joe Pavelski had the primary assists on the tying and winning goals as the Sharks won for the fifth time in six games. They were 2-1 on the road trip after the Olympics. Patrick Marleau iced the game with a breakaway goal with 2:25 to play, his 25th of the season. Adam Henrique and Patrik Elias scored for the Devils, who had a two-game, post-Olympic break winning streak snapped. Cory Schneider had 18 saves for New Jersey, which was playing its third game in four days. "We did a lot of good stuff," Devils coach Pete DeBoer said. "We gave ourselves a chance under a tough circumstance to get points and it didnt happen." The Sharks and Devils took turns taking the lead in the second period that featured four goals. Couture and Torres, who returned to the Sharks lineup after the Olympic break, scored in the second period and each has three goals since returning. Henrique, who has four goals since the break, and Elias, who has two, tallied for the Devils. Couture snapped a scoreless tie at 3:26 of the period, putting in the rebound of a Marleau deflection into an open net. Schneider contributed to the goal by playing the puck poorly behind his own net to set up a point shot by Jason Demers. Henrique tied the score a little more than a minute later, depositing a nice cross-ice pass from the right corner by Steve Bernier into an open net for his career-best 18th goal. Elias put New Jersey ahead about 10 minutes later, deflecting a point shot by rookie defenceman Jon Merrill past Stalock. The lead stood for 92 seconds as Torres and Pavelski worked a beautiful give-and-go on a 2-on-1 break that led to Torres third goal. He missed the Sharks first 59 games while recovering from knee surgery. He scored twice in his debut against Philadelphia on Thursday and sat out Fridays game against Buffalo. NOTES: This was Larry Robinsons first game back at the Prudential Center since the former Devils assistant and head coach left to join Todd McLellens staff in San Jose. ... This was LW Ryane Clowes first game against the team that drafted him in 2001. ... Devils captain Bryce Salvador (collarbone) and RW Damien Brunner (leg) each missed their second straight game after being hurt on Thursday. Jozy Altidore Jersey . Westbrook had a triple-double in 21 minutes to win the matchup of talented point guards and help the Oklahoma City Thunder defeat the woeful Philadelphia 76ers 125-92 on Tuesday night. Claudio Reyna USA . - Inbee Park is back defending her No. SEOUL, South Korea -- The head of the organizing committee for the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang resigned Monday, saying new leadership and a "stronger system" is needed to complete preparations for the games. Former provincial governor Kim Jin-sun was elected president of the organizing committee in late 2011 after Pyeongchang won the right to host the first Winter Olympics in South Korea. He was re-elected last year for another two-year term. "PyeongChang 2018 is at a turning point for the latter half of its games preparation, which requires more detailed planning and execution," Kim said Monday, according to a committee statement. "At this critical juncture, I believe that PyeongChang 2018 needs new leadership and a stronger system that will effectively carry out various games-related projects," he said. The organizing committee did not comment on the process for replacing Kim or his likely successor. Kim, former governor of the eastern Gangwon province which includes Pyeongchang, led the South Korean towns two unsuccessful bids for the 2010 and 2014 Olympics. In 2010, he stepped down as governor and had since served as an ambassador to Pyeonchangs bid committee for the 2018 games. Kims tenure was to officially end in October 2015 and it is not known what exactly caused his early departure. International Olympic Committee officials who visited Pyeongchang recently expressed no major concerns about preparations for 2018. Gunilla Lindberg, who led the IOC co-ordination commission on a threee-day inspection visit, said a large amount of work had been achieved since the panels previous visit in June last year. Omar Gonzalez Jersey. "The 2018 games are on the right track, but it is clear that much work remains," Lindberg said. "With only four years to go until the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games begin, it was important for the commission to be able to survey the progress being made on the different venues. We are pleased to see that work on key sites like the sliding centre and coastal Olympic Village has begun." IOC President Thomas Bach visited Pyeongchang earlier this month and downplayed concerns about tight construction schedules. "It is not new that when it comes to the organization of games that, in one or the other project, there are some delays in comparison to the previous plans, so theres no reason right now to become nervous," Bach said. He said the IOC remains confident that Pyeongchang can organize "excellent" games. The IOC thanked Kim on Monday for "his hard work and excellent commitment" to the organizing committee, known as POCOG. "We held our last project review meeting with POCOG at the end of June and developed with them a clear roadmap of activities until the end of the year," the IOC said in a statement. "We have full confidence that these activities will be delivered by the POCOG team in a timely manner and using their existing processes. We continue to work closely with them on their preparations for the games." ' ' '

MINNEAPOLIS - After joining Cleveland for the final month, Jason Kubel found himself in a familiar place in Minnesota when the Indians finished the regular season.Ronald Leary . During that series with the Twins, Kubel stopped in the home clubhouse to see some of his old teammates and coaches. Manager Ron Gardenhire got to the point. "I said, Why arent you in this clubhouse?" Gardenhire recalled. "He said, Well, lets talk over the winter. And we talked." Less than three months later, Kubel signed with the Twins. Hell be at spring training next month on a minor league contract, but if he is added to the 40-man roster he would receive a $2 million base salary. There are bonuses built in, too: $150,000 each for 300 and 350 plate appearances and $200,000 for 400 plate appearances; and $150,000 each for 30 and 60 days on the active major league roster, excluding time on the disabled list, and $200,000 for 90 days on the active major league roster. Thats an extra $1 million waiting for him if hes healthy and productive enough to re-establish himself as an everyday player. "The guy can put some swings on the ball and put it in the seats. He can carry a ballclub," Gardenhire said. "Im not saying hes here to do that, but I think hes going to be very valuable for us if he comes and proves that in spring training that hes still good and healthy." Kubel isnt the only former Twins standout whos back for a second time. Shortstop Jason Bartlett was signed to a minor league deal and will be in camp vying for a spot. General manager Terry Ryan also confirmed over the weekend the team has maintained interest in two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Johan Santana, who is recovering from a second surgery on the left shoulder that kept him out of the 2011 and 2013 seasons. Santana probably wont be ready to pitch until the summer, and hed surely have other teams to pick from. But the theme the Twins are following is clear: leadership ability and winning experience, two important traits theyve largely lacked the last three years while losing at least 96 games each time. Bartlett and Kubel are past their prime, a decline accelerated by injuries, but if theyre healthy they could help enhance the roster. Pedro Florimon is a slick fielder, but even for a shortstop a .278 career on-base percentage wont cut it for long. If the 27-year-old wins the job again, Bartlett could still be in line for a utility spot, competing with Eduardo Escobar. "I feel like a rookie again," Bartlett said over the weekend at the teams annual fan festival, held at Target Field for the first time. Bartlett was traded to Tampa Bay before the 2008 season. He went to the World Series that fall and had a career year in 2009. But his production sharply decreased in 2010, and he was traded to San Diego. Limited by a sprained right knee in 2012, Bartlett was released that summer batting just .133. He didnt play at all in 2013, and he thought his career could be over. He had surgery to fix the knee, though, and the 34-year-old said hes been working out pain-free since. Before choosing the Twins, however, he had to talk to the boss. "He was concerned about if he had a chance to make the club, and I said, Absolutely. You come into my spring training and you prove youre healthy, I know youre a winner. I know you know how to play," Gardenhire said. Kubel signed shortly after Bartlett. "Jason Tyner called me and said, Whats going on? Is this an old-timers game? Do I need to pack my bag or what?" Bartlett said. "That was funny. We have good memories here." Including, of course, the 2006 season when the Twins went 96-66, one game behind the New York Mets and Yankees for the best record in baseball. "We both have been on this team when we were doing well," said Kubel, who also spent time at TwinsFest. "They kind of wanted to bring that attitude back. Theyve got the right guys to do that with." Kubel signed with Arizona for two years and $15 million prior to the 2012 season, but last year he was bothered by knee and quadriceps trouble on his left leg and stumbled to career lows in every significant statistical category. He was designated for assignment and then traded to Cleveland. Just two years ago, though, he hit 30 homers and drove in 90 runs for the Diamondbacks. There are openings in the outfield for him to fill. "It just didnt work out last year," he said. "Healthy now. No issues. ... Im just really excited to get started." Brandon Weeden . Bradley Johnson headed Norwich in front early in the second half before captain Sebastien Bassong was adjudged to have fouled substitute John Guidetti inside the penalty box. Zack Martin . A Los Angeles judge on Thursday said the case wont finish by Tuesday but will continue on July 21 because some lawyers for team owner Donald Sterling have personal plans. Sterling is suing to block his wifes unilateral deal to sell the team to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. DETROIT -- Canadas Kirsten Moore-Towers and Dylan Moscovitch set a personal best score en route to the silver medal in pairs on Sunday at Skate America, the first stop on the ISU Grand Prix figure skating circuit. World champions Tatiana Volosozhar and Maxim Trankov of Russia won the gold medal with 237.71 points, Moore-Towers and Moscovitch followed at 208.45 and Ksenia Stolbova and Fedor Klimov of Russia were third at 187.35. It was the same top-three order after Saturdays short program. "This is the kind of start we definitely wanted in an Olympic year," said Moscovitch, from Toronto. "Its a confirmation that we are doing the right thing with our programs. And we know there is still a lot of room for improvement." Moore-Towers and Moscovitchs previous best overall score was 199.50 set in a fourth place finish at the world championships last season. "Its really been a combination of factors thats helped us achieve these scores this early in the season," said Moore-Towers from St. Catharines, Ont. "Our programs are a lot more consistent and we are a lot better at telling a story when we perform." Margaret Purdy of Strathroy, Ont., and Michael Marinaro of Sarnia, Ont., were eighth. The Canadians were also pleased with their performance, seeing it as a building block to develop thheir Olympic season. Henry Melton. Moore-Towers and Moscovitch had some slight errors, such as his step-out on their side-by-side triple salchows. The free skate, to a "Fellini Medley" by Nino Rota, was not their original concept when they started preparing for the year. They didnt feel a strong connection to the first program, and switched to the Fellini selection for a better spirit. The pair said the Skate America scores for the program validated their decision. "Both feel that this is the program that will take us where we want to go," Moscovitch said. In womens singles competition, Japans Mao Asada beat American Ashley Wagner to take the championship. Asada, the leader going into the free skate, won despite a fall on her triple axel and a two-footed landing on her triple lutz. She scored 204.55 points, thanks to her elevated technical difficulty. Wagner, the 2012 Skate America champion, finished with 193.81. Russias Elena Radionova, only 14, finished third at 183.95 in her first ISU Grand Prix event. "I am not completely satisfied with my performance today," Asada said, through a translator. "This was a learning experience." Asada scored higher than Wagner in each of the five program component elements, more than overcoming a one-point deduction for falling. ' ' '

LONDON -- In this bleakest of introductions to Manchester United, David Moyes is struggling with the hand dealt to him by the club. Nolan Ryan Jersey . A squad that was in need of more than just tinkering when Alex Ferguson retired, has faded as a force and seems incapable of competing with the elite. The giants of English football lurch to a new low each month as the transition following Fergusons 26-year reign proves more difficult than the fans or owners could have envisaged. Under Ferguson, seasons were about chasing trophies. Now its about avoiding further embarrassment, with United out of the domestic cups and sixth in the Premier League, 11 points from the Champions League places. Needing to lift the trophy in May to return to the Champions League, Uniteds matchup with Olympiakos in the round of 16 seemed like a gift to Moyes from UEFA. But United was insipid in Greece on Tuesday, and bereft of any attacking threat or defensive cohesion in a 2-0 loss. Thirty years ago pre-Ferguson, United overturned such a deficit against Barcelona to advance in the European Cup Winners Cup at Old Trafford, but such a feat would seem beyond this group of players, for whom the Theatre of Dreams has become the scene of too many nightmares this season. "I take responsibility, its my team," Moyes said at Olympiakos. The message from within Old Trafford remains that Moyes will be entrusted with leading the clubs revival. How much is Moyes to blame for Uniteds misfortunes? The Scot was chosen to replace his compatriot partly because he was low-maintenance and would not storm in wanting to rip up the squad. It was in an unusual moment of candour from within the United hierarchy, the day after the title was clinched with four games to spare last April, when this became apparent -- just before Moyes was approached to replace Ferguson. At that point, then-chief executive David Gill knew Ferguson would be retiring within weeks, despite the managers public denial days earlier. And, although Gill did not let slip Fergusons secret, what he said in an Associated Press interview indicated that a change might not be too far away, and that the Glazer family didnt want any drastic changes to the team. Although United would go on to win a 13th Premier League title under Ferguson by 11 points, such rampant success masked the necessity to strengthen an aging squad. "The quality of the squad, the composition of that squad, means that any new manager coming in will inherit a great squad of players," Gill told the AP on April 23, 2013. "And yes he may, whenever that is ... clearly want to bring in one or two of his own people, new players. But he wont want to change the squad wholesale because (then) he wont be our manager. Weve got to be consistent with that and thats what we are planning on." The comments were eye-catching but set against Fergusons retirement denial. The succession plan, however, would be implemented rapidly, as Moyes was handed the job -- initially secretly -- to leave Everton and fill one of the toughest vacancies in football. Perhaps United did not fully recognize the Ferguson factor in pushing the team beyond its limits, although the clubs shareholders had been warned about the dangers of British footballs most successful and feared manager hanging up his hairdryer one day. "Any successor to our current manager may not be as successful as our current manager," United said as it prepared to float on the New York Stock Exchange in 2012. "A downturn in the performance of our first team could adversely affect our ability to attract and retain coaches and players." As it proved in Moyes first transfer window. After the audacious pursuit of Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas failed, Marouane Fellaini was the only major summer signing and the recruit from Everton has made little impact during an injury-hit season. The flaws in planning for the post-Ferguson era have become apparent in recent months. And from within the United boardroom a different message has emerged about this summers strategy, with vice chairman Ed Woodward, who assumed Gills responsibilities, conceding the squad does in fact requirement a significant overhaul. Rather than building from a position of strength, as was possible last summer, the empire must fight back from one of weakness. "We are not afraid of moving in the market in a way we havent seen in recent years," Woodward said on a conference call with Wall Street insiders two weeks ago. Juan Mata was persuaded to join from Chelsea last month in a club-record 31.7 million-pound ($62-million) move. And Wayne Rooney was convinced to sign a new contract in the last week through 2019, a powerful if expensive message to the world that the club can retain talent. While not challenging for titles, United remains the indisputable commercial champion of English football, with the Glazer family building up a formidable marketing operation. The club expects to generate around 430 million pounds ($718 million) in revenue this season, although such prosperity diminishes with an enduring downturn on the pitch. The great fear is that the 20-time English champions morph into the next Liverpool, which is on the rise having won the last of its 18 topflight titles in 1990. The club, though, wont want to be living on past successes for too long, but its hard to see where the next trophy is coming from. "United need six top quality players," said outspoken former captain Roy Keane, a TV pundit. "I would think David Moyes has been shocked. When he went into United in the summer he probably looked at the players and was expecting great things. "Privately hes probably been shocked at the lack of quality that hes working with." C.J. Wilson Jersey . That four-game skid in early January seems as if its a long time ago. Kessel scored twice, James van Riemsdyk had a goal and an assist and the Maple Leafs beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-2 on Tuesday night for their sixth straight win. Mike Trout Authentic Jersey . The former world No. 1 Djokovic, who is the top seed here despite being ranked No. 2, snuck past 35-year-old Czech showman Radek Stepanek in four high- quality sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-7 (5-7), 7-6 (7-5), on Centre Court. Djokovic appeared relieved when he converted on his first match point by swatting a cross-court forehand winner that just caught the line to end an affair that featured only two service breaks. AROSA, Switzerland -- Alex Fiva of Switzerland and Marte Hoeie Gjefsen of Norway won skicross events Friday while Dave Duncan moved back on top of the World Cup overall standings and fellow Canadian Marielle Thompson retained her lead on the womens side. The United States-born Fiva, who was eliminated in the first round at the Sochi Olympics, won the final ahead of Tomas Kraus of the Czech Republic, Didrik Bastian Juell of Norway and Christopher Del Bosco of Montreal. Duncan, from London, Ont., won the small final and is clinging to a tight lead in the standings as he aims to become the first Canadian to win a mens skicross Crystal Globe. He has 361 points, nine more than Austrias Andreas Matt with three races to go. "Its been a see-saw battle all year. Im happy to have the red bib back," Duncan said of the bib given to the World Cup leader. "Everything is so tight and there are 300 points up for grabs still." Duncan finished 26th at the Sochi Games last month. "It would be incredible to take home an overall title. It would make it a lot easier to forget the Olympics," he joked. David Freese Angels Jersey. "Im happy with fifth but I felt I was capable of a bit more today." Calgarys Brady Leman was right behind Duncan in sixth and Louis-Pierre Helie of Berthierville, Que., was 11th. Mathieu Leduc of Comox, B.C., was 18th and Tristan Tafel of Canmore, Alta., was 24th. Gjefsen edged Swiss racer Fanny Smith, the 2013 world champion, with Ophelie David of France third and Anna Holmlund of Sweden fourth. Thompson, the reigning Olympic champion from Whistler, B.C., won the small final. She has a 75-point lead on Smith in the standings. "Now that the Olympics are over Im focusing on being consistent and hopefully I can end the season strong and get the (overall)," said Thompson, who went 1-2 in the Olympic final with her teammate Kelsey Serwa, who has taken the rest of the season off. "Winning the Crystal Globe would be a great topper to the season and a reward for my consistency and all the work I put in during the off-season." Danielle Sundquist of Calgary was 13th. ' ' '

Samir Nasri has a face people just want to punch. Jermon Bushrod Jersey . If it wasnt Arsenal fans outside of the Emirates last season it was his manager. "I would like to give him a punch!" said Roberto Mancini after Nasris performance against Newcastle last season. "Because a player like him should play like this always, always, every game. Maybe one game he cant play well, but thats it. "I cant understand why sometimes a player with his quality doesnt play like this every game." Nasri had been sensational that day in late March, as City won 4-0, but it was just his fourth start in the last three months and his manager was beyond frustrated with him. The Italian had already spoken out earlier in the month about Nasris prospects of starting games: "When I was a player I always took responsibility," said Mancini. "When I didnt play well, I said: Sorry I didnt play well and will do my best in the next game and it should be like this. I dont like players that never think its their fault." Mancini continued: "These players cant play with me because this is impossible. I want strong players that are upset with me when they dont play but, after that, show me on the pitch that they deserve to play. Samir knows this because I have spoken about this situation many times with him. He can do better because he has quality, technique and hes strong." Against Newcastle it appeared Nasri got the message. (photo: fourfourtwo.com - Click For Larger Image) Having not started four league games in a row all season, the Frenchman went on to be picked in Citys next seven Premier League games, shining in a win against Manchester United and scoring at Tottenham, before eventually finding his way into Mancinis starting XI for the FA Cup final at Wembley. Citys inconsistent performances in the final few months, highlighted by that loss to Wigan, meant any individual performances were off the radar, but Nasri definitely saved his best games in a City shirt for then. Perhaps, it was a coincidence that these came at a time when many of Citys games lacked importance, but upon reflection, it is also worth noting that Mancini, when fighting to save his job, turned to Nasri when he most needed him. It is similar to what has happened with France. Last Friday, Nasri started his first international game since Euro 2012, in a 6-0 friendly win over Australia, and finally started a key World Cup qualifier for the first time this campaign on Tuesday when France beat Finland in Paris. Both games showed just important Nasri is to his country. In a four band 4-2-3-1 system, Nasri offers French boss Didier Deschamps a number of key traits required to master a wide position inside the 3. Nasri, when he is committed and happy, can be a complete player, capable of dribbling past players, picking a pass into a tight space and even working back to help his right back in defence. Against Finland there was a moment in the first half when he picked the ball up in his own half, played it out wide to right back Mathieu Debuchy, ran alongside him, got the ball back, sprayed it cross field to left back Patrice Evra, ran into the central space ahead of the two central midfielders, played a one-two with Franck Ribery, the wide left player, and got the ball back on the edge of the area to play a ball in behind the defenders for striker Olivier Giroud to run on to. It was the perfect example of what is required of a player in that position, by getting the best out of teammates by keeping an attack going at a good speed. It is the same kind of form Nasri has shown this season for City, blossoming under new manager Manuel Pellegrini, who he admits has made a difference in his game. "I am more confident with this manager," Nasri said recently. "He has given me a lot of freedom. Im a guy who likes to have affection with the manager. I like a manager who likes to talk about whats good and wrong. "Im still young and learning. When you have a manager who will talk its always good for a player." It is clear Nasri is sensitive, something many inside the game, including Mancini, have no time for. Some will ask, how can a man be so sensitive when earning 150K pounds a week? He is only human, after all. Part of being a great leader is knowing what kind of players need an arm around their shoulder rather than a good shouting at. Where Mancini failed, Pellegrini seems to be succeeding. "I talk often with him because I know he can be a big player," said Pellegrini. "I dont talk about what happened in the past; but at this moment Nasri is playing very well. "He has great technical quality. He works the whole game a lot, not just the last 25 minutes. Hes a very creative and classy player." After coming on as a sub in Citys first three games this season, Nasri got his chance to shine for Pellegrini when David Silva got hurt earlier this season. Nasri was excellent in Citys 4-1 demolition of United, using width intelligently, to help overlaps with full backs, and knowing when to cut in to make a midfield three. (photo: fourfourtwo.com - Click For Larger Image) The last point is a crucial one for club, more than country and it was no surprise the most pass combinations in the Manchester derby came from Nasri to Yaya Toure. In a way to fit in Sergio Aguero and one of Edin Dzeko or Alvaro Negredo, City have adopted a 4-4-2 this season but have found themselves overrun in midfield on occasions, particularly when Silva has played. Cardiff and Hull benefited when they attacked through the middle in transitions targeting Toure and Fernandinho, with the Brazilian often being the lone man protecting the centre-backs. When Nasri came into the side, City - aside from five minutes of madness at Villa Park - looked more defensively solid. However, now that Silva is fit it appears the Spanish maestro is Pellegrinis first choice, but there is a tendency for Citys attacks to be more cautious and laboured when he is in the team. One thing that is clear, there doesnt appear a spot for both Nasri and Silva on the field from the start as the pair havent played more than 35 minutes together this season. Not long ago the thought of Nasri being preferred to Silva would have been ludicrous but the Frenchmans impressive form, combined with the issues around the teams shape and style with Silva in it, means there is a legitimate chance Nasri could make some significant starts for City very soon, particularly if he continues to improve. At 26, he remains young but not too young for comebacks. After all, he had to talk about one to the French press this very week. "I have stepped into line, I worked hard, accepted all the decisions to bring what I could bring. I know what it is to not be in the French team anymore. During my absence, I could think about it a lot." He was wearing a different shade of blue but it appears he had similar thoughts while sitting for his club also. Jon Bostic Jersey On Sale . The GWAA takes into account more than just a players performance on the PGA Tour. Scott won four times around the world, none bigger than his playoff victory at Augusta National to become the first Australian in a green jacket. Brian Urlacher Authentic . The 35-year-old former Strikeforce welterweight champion was let go on Monday following over three years with the company.ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- The Detroit Lions have added a fullback to their offence. Detroit signed Jed Collins to a one-year contract Wednesday. He started 26 of 47 games the previous three seasons for the New Orleans Saints. Collins reunites with Lions offensive co-ordinator Joe Lombardi, who was previously an assistant coach in New Orleans. Lombardi plans to use a fullbacck, a position Detroit had phased out under former coach Jim Schwartz. Alshon Jeffery Jersey On Sale. Collins started eight games last season for the Saints and had 15 carries for 45 yards rushing and a touchdown along with 14 receptions for 54 yards. In Collins career, he has 19 rushing attempts for 49 yards and three touchdowns and 39 receptions for 174 yards and four scores. ' ' '

NEW YORK, N. B.J. Upton Jersey .Y. - Former Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens centre Matt Birk was hired Thursday by the NFL as director of football development. The six-time Pro Bowl player and 2011 Walter Payton Award winner as the leagues man of the year spent the 2013 season as an NFL-NFLPA appeals officer. In his new role, Birk will be involved in administration of game-day operations, oversee the further development of the scouting combine and regional combines, as well as the Senior Bowl and East-West Shrine game for college players. "Im very excited to begin this next chapter of my football career," Birk said. "Its a real honour for me to be entrusted with developing the game in so many different ways." Birk becomes the eighth former player to take a job at the NFL executive offices, joining Merton Hanks, Dwight Hollier, Patrick Kerney, James Thrash, David Tyree, Troy Vincent and Charles Way. Vincent is the leagues top executive for football operations. "Matts experience as a terrific NFL player, a model citizen in his community and a reputation as a forward-thinking leader make him ideally suited for this role," Vincent said. Nellie Fox Jersey . Mata had already been dropped from Spains squad once this season and with the country blessed with so many playmakers, he was in real danger of being overlooked for the trip to Brazil to defend their title. Yordano Ventura Jersey . The Jets jumped into a quick 2-0 lead in the first on goals by Zach Bogosian (3rd) and Devin Setoguchi (9th) 1:05 apart. Toby Enstrom and Andrew Ladd drew assists on the Bogosian goal, a point shot that seemed to dip and get by former Moose goaltender Eddie Lack.DUNEDIN, Florida – The Blue Jays fell to 4-4 in Grapefruit League play following a 6-4 loss to the Pirates on Wednesday afternoon. Brandon Morrow allowed five runs on six hits over three innings. He struck out two, walked one and hit a batter. Edwin Encarnacion had a two-out, bases loaded two-RBI double in the third inning. Here are some tidbits from camp: SANTOS DEALING WITH UNCERTAIN FUTURE Its an oft-repeated cliché but Sergio Santos really is approaching life one day at a time. Almost traded during the offseason - according to reports he was nearly moved twice - he continues to hear his name in the rumour mill. "Its just been different or kind of out of the norm," said Santos. "I try to keep as level-minded of an outlook as I can. I try not to look too far ahead or try to think about things that I cant control." Santos almost became a Texas Ranger in late November but a three-team deal fell through. He went so far as to travel to Arlington to undergo a physical and to meet with Rangers officials. Hes not hung up on it. "Luckily I had some time to kind of let that sink in and its gone and Im done thinking about it," said Santos. Santos missed almost four months of last season due to surgery to remove bone spurs from his pitching elbow. In 24 appearances from his August 1 return onward, Santos posted a 1.69 ERA and a miniscule 0.516 WHIP over 21 1/3 innings. He limited opposing batters to a .327 OPS. Put simply, he was dominant. In the final guaranteed year of his deal and with year over year club options through 2017 ($6 million in 2015, $8 million in 2016, $8.75 million in 2017), hes a prime candidate to be moved because the bullpen is considered a position of strength and others, like Steve Delabar, have years of club control remaining. "I think there are two sides that you can look at it, as other teams really want you or you can dwell on the fact that the team youre on is trying to trade you," said Santos. "At the end of the day Alex and everybody with the Blue Jays is trying to make the Blue Jays as good of a team as they can in 2014. "Whether Im in those plans or not, like I said thats not in my control. Would I like to be? Of course." JANSSEN PROGRESSING Closer Casey Janssen, dealing with stiffness in the back of his pitching shoulder, played catch on Monday and woke up feeling good on Tuesday. Hes hoping to throw a bullpen session soon, although there isnt a schedule yet. "Just with yesterday, see how it is today and then I think we can start preparing a plan but weve got to crawl before we can walk here," said Janssen. "Well get there. Im not worried about the bullpens and stuff like that. Thurman Munson Yankees Jersey. All I really care about is feeling healthy and if Im healthy it comes back quick." Janssen was limited in Grapefruit League play last season as he recovered from shoulder surgery. He pitched successfully through pain for much of the year, notching a career high 34 saves, a 2.56 ERA and a 0.987 WHIP. NAVARRO, IZTURIS CONCERNED FOR FAMILY BACK HOME Former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez died last March 5. On the one-year anniversary of his passing and with political unrest on the rise in their homeland, Blue Jays Dioner Navarro and Maicer Izturis spend a lot of time worrying about family. "Its so frustrating," said Navarro. "Thank God theyre doing all good. Theyve been through so much and its just sad and frustrating at the same time. I know if we keep on praying and staying strong, eventually things have to change." Navarro grew up a block away from the presidential residence in Caracas, known as Casa Blanca (White House). His parents, Frank and Rosa, and his youngest brother Darrel still live in the home. With a family of his own and business interests in the Tampa area, Navarro hasnt returned to Venezuela since 2009. He flies his family to the United States as often as possible. Izturis hails from Barquisimeto, about a four-hour drive from the capital, Caracas. His wife and children are with him and his brother, former Blue Jay Cesar, is in Kissimmee attending the Astros camp, but the rest of his family remains in the midst of the protests, which have fanned out across Venezuela. Its a chore just to get groceries. "You can go but they drive very quick," said Izturis. "You go to the supermarket and try to find out what you need. You need to go quick, boom, boom, and thats no life, you know?" Both players believe political change is coming to Venezuela. Theyre hoping it comes at limited cost. "Its such a beautiful country," said Navarro. "Weve got so much to offer to not only ourselves but to the world. We keep on praying God is going to do something really good for us." CAMP CUTS The Blue Jays trimmed their major league roster by three, to 55, by reassigning catchers Derrick Chung and Jack Murphy and pitcher Luis Perez to minor league camp. Perez, who underwent Tommy John elbow surgery in August, 2012, suffered a setback in his recovery late last season and has experienced numbness in the pinky finger of his pitching hand this spring. Perez is out of options but is a certainty to begin the season on the disabled list. Hell continue his rehabilitation in minor league camp, which opened on Wednesday. ' ' '

OKLAHOMA CITY -- If there were any doubts left about whether Russell Westbrook still had his same explosiveness, the Oklahoma City point guard put those to rest once and for all. Cortez Allen Jersey . Westbrook finished with 22 points, including two thundering dunks, as the Thunder pulled away in the second half for a 107-93 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night. Kevin Durant had 23 points and 10 assists, and Serge Ibaka added 17 points and 13 rebounds as Oklahoma City (3-1) won its 11 straight game over the Mavericks, including the playoffs. The last loss for the Thunder against Dallas was on Jan. 2, 2012. The win was also the Thunders second straight since the return of its All-Star point guard, who rebounded from a 5-of-16 shooting performance in his first game back to finish 10 of 20 on Wednesday. The two dunks -- including one in the fourth quarter when he soared down the lane to give the Thunder its biggest lead at 97-80 -- were the true measure of Westbrooks health after two off-season knee surgeries. "Thats God-given ability; you cant take that away," Durant said. "I knew he would come back right, and he looked great tonight." Monta Ellis led Dallas (3-2), which was playing its second game in two nights, with 20 points. Jae Crowder and Shawn Marion added 17 points each, while Dirk Nowitzki finished with 16. Ellis had seven of the Mavericks 21 turnovers, which resulted in 27 fast-break points for Oklahoma City. "They are a good team, and to win this game in this atmosphere you really have got to be right and really have to be functioning well on all levels," Dallas coach Rick Carlisle said. "And it just wasnt there for us tonight." The Thunder led 57-51 at halftime, quickly extending that lead to as many as 15 points in the third quarter and remaining ahead by double figures throughout the fourth. Westbrook who provided several of the games biggest highlights, putting to rest any doubt about the health of his knee while finishing 10 of 20 from the field. The point guard was 5 of 16 in his first game back, a win over Phoenix, but he took control early against the Mavericks -- soaring through the lane for two one-handed highlight dunks. "Its what we expect," Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said. "Thats who he is. Hes an aggressive player. Hes a talented player that has improved every year. "This is the guy that we all knew what he was going to do when he came back." Westbrook wasted little time in showing there are no ill effects in his second game back after his most recent knee surgery, scoring eight of Oklahoma Citys first 11 points. He only finished with four assists, but he had plenty of help in the facilitating role from Durant and his 10 assists as well as five assists off the bench from Reggie Jackson. The Thunder finished with a season-high 28 assists as a team. Also, rookie Steven Adams finished with six points and nine rebounds in 20 minutes of action. The centre dunked off an assist from Durant to put Oklahoma City up 42-39 in the second quarter, and he followed with a steal on the other end. Adams then threw the outlet pass to a streaking Westbrook, who finished the break with a one-handed dunk that put the Thunder up 46-39 and set the tone for the comfortable second half. "It was good for me," Westbrook said. "Im still on the road to getting back to where I need to be." Dallas led by as many as five points in the first quarter, taking a 20-15 lead after a drive by Ellis. Nowitzki put the Mavericks up 29-26 with a 3-pointer late in the first quarter, but they shot 42.2 per cent (36 of 85) for the game compared to a 43-of-79 (54.4 per cent) shooting effort by Oklahoma City. "Theyre one of the best teams," Dallas forward DeJuan Blair said. "Were also one of the best teams, and thats just what you get." NOTES: Ellis entered averaging 25 points per game, ahead of Nowitzkis 20.3 ... The last player to lead the Mavericks in scoring for the season was Michael Finley during 1999-2000, Nowitzkis second season in the NBA. ... Dallas Shawn Marion moved into 21st on the NBAs all-time list with his two steals for the game, passing Charles Barkley. Marion has 1,649 steals for his career. ... Vince Carter was ejected with 4:01 remaining in the third quarter after an elbow to the face of Adams. Ben Roethlisberger Pittsburgh Steelers . Beaulieu has four goals and 10 assists in 32 AHL games and had one assist in five games for Montreal this season. The 23-year-old Nattinen has five goals and six assists in 37 games for the Bulldogs this season. Cameron Heyward Jersey . And the Ottawa Redblacks linebacker wanted to be sure his words delivered their full effect. "Its an insult," he said over the phone Wednesday after the CFL Players Association lifted its media ban, giving its members the ability to speak openly about stalling collective bargaining talks.ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Matt Prater missed practice all week with the flu and the Denver Broncos kept him away from the rest of the team so he didnt get everyone else sick. "We sent him home," coach John Fox said after Saturdays practice in 54-degree weather and sunshine. "Hes going to be fine for the game. Hopefully hell feel much better tomorrow morning as we prepare to fly to New Jersey." Fox said he didnt think Prater would be infectious by Sundays flight. "Guys do get sick, just like any household in America," Fox said. "We feel confident hell be fine shortly." Prater, who was chosen for the Pro Bowl this season, missed all three of the teams practices this week as the Broncos prepare for the Super Bowl against Seattle on Feb. 2 at MefLife Stadium. PPrater was a big part of Denvers record-setting 606-point regular season, converting 25 of 26 field goals and all 75 PATs in the regular season. Adam Podlesh Jersey. In the playoffs, hes 5-for-5 on field goals and PATs. His only miss was a 52-yard field goal attempt at Kansas City on Dec. 1 that sailed wide left. Theres no way the long layoff will hurt him, holder Britton Colquitt said. "Hes the best there is and his first kick next week isnt going to look like he missed all of this week," Colquitt said. "Guys dont have to practice every day to do their thing. So, hes just going to get better. Im sure hell have an opportunity to make a difference in the game, too." Prater kicked an NFL record 64-yard field goal in icy weather in Denver on Dec. 8 against Tennessee. ' ' '

With less than a week until the NHL Trade Deadline, check out the latest trade-related reports and speculation from around the NHL beat. Da Norris Searcy . And follow TSN.ca right through Deadline Day for all the updates. Flip it and Reverse It? The Buffalo Sabres made the first big move of the pre-trade deadline season by dealing Ryan Miller and Steve Ott for Chris Stewart, Jaroslav Halak and draft picks, but they are probably far from done dealing. TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun believes the Sabres could look to flip Stewart before Wednesday. LeBrun believes the Sabres may consider Stewart as a possible fit for the teams rebuilding core, given that he has one year remaining on his contract and is still only 26. However, LeBrun countered, the offers on Stewart could also be enticing to the Sabres with the Ottawa Senators believed to be interested in the forward dating back to before Fridays blockbuster. Meanwhile, LeBrun tweeted Saturday afternoon that the Minnesota Wild are kicking the tires on goaltenders available via trade, including Halak. Pitt Stop? While Ryan Keslers availability via trade remains a contentious issue around the Canucks, the Pittsburgh Penguins might be leading the charge to try to pry the 29-year-old loose. The Pittsburgh Tribune-Reviews Rob Rossi tweeted early Saturday that the Pens are "very interested and [it] sounds like theyre on his list." Kesler has two years remaining on his current contract at an average annual value of $5 million. Rossi expanded on his tweet in an article on Saturday, reporting that the Penguins would offer Brandon Sutter, two 2014 draft picks and the Canucks choice of defensemen Simon Despres or Brian Dumoulin Out of Oil If this is Ales Hemskys last week in an Oiler uniform, the Czech forward appears ready for whatever comes next. "It could be my last two games in this locker-room, so I better enjoy it,” the 30-year-old winger said after practice on Friday. “I want to enjoy every moment Ill spend with the guys, with my friends, with the people I know." “Im ready for it. Im excited.” With a provincial showdown with the Flames on tap for Saturday it could provide one last battle-ground for the winger, who is slated to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Strictly Business Cory Schneider doesnt want to see his crease-mate Martin Brodeur traded, but understands that if the 41-year-old does get moved its just part of the business of being an NHL player. “Marty is big part of this team and has been forever. Im not sure there is any player as synonymous with the franchise as Marty has been or is. So it wouldnt be just anybody leaving this team. It would be the most important player in the franchises history,” the 27-year-old netminder told The Star-Ledger. Schneider, of course, is no stranger to speculation, having endured years of rumours in Vancouver playing alongside Roberto Luongo. The way that situation played out this off-season – resulting in his relocation to New Jersey – has shown Schneider that anything is possible. “It would be difficult for everybody, but thats kind of what happens. I didnt think I was going to get traded and I did. It happens. It could happen to anybody.” Lee Smith Jersey . Then Ryan Raburn came to the plate and did what he usually does against the Chicago White Sox. Raburn hit a tiebreaking single and David Murphy drove in four runs, leading the Indians to a 12-6 victory over the White Sox. Cyrus Kouandjio . -- If this was Aaron Gordons final home game at Arizona, and it almost certainly was, then he went out in style. CINCINNATI, Ohio -- With the ball coming at nearly 100 mph, Chase Headley was merely trying to get the bat to meet it. Once that happened, the rest was automatic. Headley homered in the ninth inning off Aroldis Chapman, the first hit the hard-throwing lefty allowed since his return from being hit in the head by a line drive, and the San Diego Padres beat the Cincinnati Reds 2-1 on Tuesday night. The Padres got their season-high fourth straight win despite managing only three hits. Seth Smith had the only two hits that Mike Leake allowed in the first eight innings. Headley connected on a 99 mph fastball from Chapman (0-1), who was making his second appearance since undergoing surgery after being struck in the forehead during a spring training game. He had a plate inserted above his left eye and nose. "Hes a guy thats throwing with tremendous velocity," Headley said. "So you cant try to do too much. You just try to get the barrel to it. Hes one of those guys that if youre able to get the barrel to it, he really supplies some power for you." His fourth homer made the difference and provided another indication that hes fully recovered from a strained right calf that sidelined him for much of spring training and landed him on the disabled list on April 25. He returned last Saturday and hit a three-run homer. "I dont think he was quite hitting on all cylinders when the season started," manager Bud Black said. Joaquin Benoit (1-0) allowed a walk in the eighth. Huston Street got the last three outs for his 12th save in as many chances. Street hasnt allowed a run in his last 10 innings. Smith was the NLs most recent player of the week and extended his hitting streak to nine games, matching his career high. Hes 19 for 34 during the streak. The rest of San Diegos lowly offence didnt do much until Headley connected with two outs in the top of the ninth. The Padres came in last in the league in batting average and scoring. Brandon Phillips had three of Cincinnatis seven hits, including an RBI single in the first inning. Cincinnati has 12 one-run losses, most in the majors. "Those are what were most upset about," Reds catcher Brayan Pena said. "We know werre better than that. Kevin Kolb Jersey. Our starters are doing a tremendous job giving us a chance. Leake gave us more than we asked for. We couldnt hit for him today." The Padres activated Carlos Quentin off the disabled list for the start of the series, moving their lineup closer to full strength. The outfielder missed the first 39 games with a bruised left knee. He went 3 for 18 during a minor league rehab stint and was 0 for 3 with a walk in his return. Andrew Cashner got a no-decision despite allowing only one run over seven innings, a common theme to his season. The right-hander has pitched well, but gotten little support from his offence. The Padres have scored only one run in the last 25 innings while hes been on the mound. They managed only one Tuesday night. Cashner gave up seven hits and one walk while striking out six. Cashner pitched out of a bases-loaded, one-out threat in the sixth by getting Chris Heisey to hit into a forceout at home and Zack Cozart to pop out. "That changed the game," Cashner said. Smith doubled in the fourth and scored on Jedd Gyorkos sacrifice fly that tied it at 1. The right fielder also prevented the Reds from putting together a big inning in the first. Billy Hamilton led off with a triple and scored on Phillips single. Joey Votto followed with a single to right, but Smith threw him out as he tried for second on the play. Todd Frazier extended his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games, the longest by a Red this season. NOTES: The Padres recalled RHP Kevin Quackenbush from Triple-A El Paso. They optioned utility player Kyle Blanks to El Paso and put RHP Dale Thayer on paternity leave. ... Ian Kennedy (2-4) faces Johnny Cueto (3-2) in the second game of the series. Kennedy is 3-0 career against Cincinnati. Cueto leads the NL with a 1.43 ERA. ... C Devin Mesoraco (hamstring) and LHP Tony Cingranci (shoulder) could be activated during the Reds upcoming trip. RHP Mat Latos, sidelined all season by knee surgery and a sore forearm, isnt expected back until the first week of June. ... The Reds havent made an error in their last eight games, a season high. They have only 12 errors, fewest in the majors. ' ' '