lossjean
高级会员
注册日期: 2011-10-31
发贴数: 135
|
| 发贴日期: 2011-12-07 08:59 | IP 已记录
|
|
|
GLENDALE, Ariz. Replica Ryan Fitzpatrick Jersey . - Many Phoenix Coyotes players and coaches spent Sunday glued to their TV sets, eager to see who they would draw in the first round of the playoffs. It could have been any of three teams, but appropriately it turned out to be resurgent Detroit. The Red Wings have the NHLs best record since the Olympic break and are the two-time defending Western Conference champions. So the Coyotes, a team that wasnt given much of a chance all season, will play the familiar role of underdog again when they make their first post-season appearance since 2002 despite being the higher seed. And thats just fine with them. Coach Dave Tippett said Monday that its a role on which Phoenix has built its identity. Thats who weve been all year, he said. From the first day I got here, people looked around like What are you doing? Thats how weve been able to thrive all year, so why would it change now? In Detroit, Phoenix will face a team that is 16-3-2 since the Olympic games and one that, once finally healthy, climbed from ninth in the West to the No. 5 seed in a little more than a month. The Coyotes have been almost as good over the same stretch, going 13-4-2. They have won seven straight at home and prevailed in three of their final four games, the only blemish a shootout loss at San Jose in their regular season finale Saturday. The Coyotes have home-ice advantage in this series, but they know they arent the popular pick given the Red Wings storied post-season history and recent surge. Nobody is giving us any chance once again, defenceman Zbynek Michalek said. I guess we didnt do enough in the regular season. But at the same time, how can you go wrong with a team like Detroit with so much success and experience? Hopefully we can turn some heads again and surprise some people with good hockey. Key for Phoenix will be continuing to use the same us-against-the-world mentality and play as cohesively as they have all season, players said. We understand we dont have any real star players. You look through our lineup, Im sure it doesnt strike fear in too many teams when they play us, forward Daniel Winnik said. Were just good as a whole group, and thats why weve been successful. ... We just have to stay with the game plan weve had all season, be solid defensively and outwork the (other) team. Phoenix will also try to overcome its unspectacular post-season history. The franchise has won only two of 18 playoff series and hasnt advanced past the opening round since 1987. It is 0-2 against Detroit, having lost in six games in the first round in 1996 and 98. This team, though, is better than any of the previous incarnations. Phoenix set franchise records for wins (50) and points (107), both fourth best in the NHL, as well as home wins (29) this season. The Coyotes won nine straight in March and 10 in a row at home in the middle of the season. Tippett said he sensed early this could be a special group. Our second game at Pittsburgh when we played a real strong game - Im not sure they looked at us as a very good opponent - but we went in and played a very solid game, shut them out (3-0) in their building, he said. For me that was a game the players looked at each other and said, Boy, we can be a good team. As the season progressed, there were different games that kind of continued to build that belief system that we could win. And now theyre taking the same confidence into the playoffs. We should be a confident team after the season we had, Michalek said. We have the belief in this dressing room that we can beat a team like Detroit because we proved throughout the season we can beat those good teams. Jerod Mayo Jersey .Y. -- Shawne Merriman is expected to miss a third straight week of practice, and there are concerns of whether the former star linebacker will suit up for the Buffalo Bills at all this season. Pittsburgh Steelers James Harrison Jersey . The Moncton Wildcats are the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League champions and will battle the Western Hockey Leagues Calgary Hitmen, Ontario Hockey Leagues Windsor Spitfires and host Wheat Kings for the Memorial Cup starting Friday in Brandon, Man. Pittsburgh Steelers Ward Jersey . Related readings: Energy deals mark new era A genuine bilateral relationship China, Russia ink statement to deepen strategic partnership Chinese, Russian presidents hold talks Darkin said the agreements signed by leaders of the two countries will add new impetus to further expansion of bilateral strategic cooperation, local media reported. Replicas Hakeem Nicks Jersey . -- One point and two uncalled handballs added up to a sense of frustration for Toronto FC coach Preki after Torontos 0-0 tie with Chicago on Wednesday night. Bernard Scott Jersey .S. national basketball team finalized its roster Tuesday for the world championships and theres no Rajon Rondo. Authentic Terrelle Pryor Jersey . The Canadiens captains first attempt was knocked down by Lightning forward Martin St. Louis, but the second went in off one of the many bodies that crowded into the crease at 1:45 of overtime for a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning after blowing a two-goal lead on Thursday night. Packers Charles Woodson Jersey . Related readings: China lifts import ban on US, Canada, Mexico pork Pork safe to eat despite infection found in pigs China denies imposing restrictions on EU pork imports The minister made the announcement during his visit to the World Animal Health Organization (OIE) and Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Paris. Premier Michael Bush Jersey . The message from Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi shows that China is completely aware of its global responsibilities. TORONTO (AP) - Vancouver enforcer Rick Rypien was suspended indefinitely Wednesday, pending a hearing, for grabbing a fan Tuesday night in the Canucks loss in Minnesota. While headed to locker room after being assessed a double minor for roughing and 10-minute misconduct, Rypien reached up and grabbed James Engquist, a 28-year-old fan applauding at the railing. Rypien was pulled away by teammate Manny Malhotra, and Engquist and his brother, Peter, were removed from the area. This was totally unexpected, Vancouver general manager Mike Gillis said Wednesday night during the Canucks game in Chicago. In our experience with Rick, we never expected anything like this to occur. Hes been a solid guy on our team. Hes a good teammate, good in the community. It was something completely unexpected. Sometimes things happen, and you have to deal with them. You dont anticipate any event like that from a player of Ricks stature. There were events that led up to it, and were going to support him. After the hearing, the NHL will determine the length of the suspension. Players can be suspended for five games or more if they are summoned for a hearing, although that doesnt mean they will be banned for that long. The league has handed out five suspensions and four fines in the past 10 days. They always look at previous experience and whether theres aa tendency or prior history in this type of event, Gillis said. Pittsburgh Steelers Maurkice Pouncey Jersey. Were hopeful theyll consider every factor. Were going to work with the league, abide by their decision, and get the best result we can for Rick and our team. Rypien and Minnesotas Brad Staubitz, who fought in the first period, were about to square off midway through the second before being separated by the linesmen in front of the Wild bench. Rypien punched Staubitz while he was being restrained, then grabbed Engquist while entering the tunnel to the locker room. Engquist told the Star Tribune of Minneapolis that hes definitely seeking legal representation. ... I was assaulted, thats just the bottom line. I was just standing straight up applauding as he was getting kicked out, Engquist said. He was out of control. And then I said, Way to be professional, and he obviously didnt care for that comment and decided to grab me and almost dragged me over the rail. If my brother wasnt grabbing me and the other player wasnt grabbing him, he probably would have dragged me over the edge. Rypien was in the penalty box to start the third period, but didnt play in the period. Canucks coach Alain Vigneault said he expected the hearing with Colin Campbell, the leagues senior executive vice president of hockey operations, to be held Friday. Rypien didnt travel with the team to Chicago. ' ' '
|
活动主题 
会员列表 
搜索
注册新会员 
登录 
帮助
乾坤论坛 : 乾坤烛论坛
主题: ager to see who they would draw in the fi
