Times wires
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

VANCOUVER — Trevor Linden is tired of celebrating a loss as the greatest moment in Canucks history.

As far as Linden, a longtime Vancouver star who retired three years ago, is concerned, it's time to relegate the 1994 playoff run, which ended with a Game 7 loss to the Rangers, to No. 2.

"This team … will be celebrated for all the right reasons," Linden, the captain of the 1994 team, said Wednesday, a day after the Canucks ousted the Sharks with a 3-2 double-overtime win. "After 17 years, it isn't a topic I was particularly comfortable talking about. We didn't win, right?"

After Vancouver forced overtime on Ryan Kesler's goal with 13.2 seconds left in regulation, the winner came in strange fashion. Alex Edler tried to send the puck into the corner. Instead, it caromed off the glass on the sideboards to Kevin Bieksa just inside the blue line. While everyone else — including San Jose goalie Antti Niemi — believed the puck went out of play, Bieksa's shot went in.

"Probably the ugliest goal of my career," he said. "It was just a knuckleball that I barely got enough wood on to get it on net."

After the game, the atmos­phere around Vancouver was similar to last year's Olympics there, which ended with Canada winning the gold medal in hockey. Roberto Luongo was in goal for that win, too.

"A lot of guys in the locker room haven't had a chance to be where we are right now, including myself," said Luongo, who made 54 saves. "Obviously, we have the biggest step of all ahead of us. But right now, we're having the time of our lives and enjoying every step of the way."

Rafalski retires: Detroit defenseman Brian Rafalski, 37, retired after 11 seasons. Limited to a career-low 63 games this season by back and knee injuries, he said spending time with his family in good health was more important than the $6 million he would have made next season.

Islanders: Wing Kyle Okposo agreed to a five-year, $14 million deal. This season, Okposo, 23, who could have been a restricted free agent, had five goals and 15 assists in 38 games.

Times wires
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

PARIS — Even if Novak Djoko­vic is tennis' man of the moment, there's a long way to go before he would approach most of Roger Federer's accomplishments.

Still, there is one area in which, as of Wednesday, the two men are equal: Djokovic was credited with his 41st consecutive victory, matching the best streak of Federer's career, when second-round opponent Victor Hanescu quit at the French Open because of a left leg injury.

"I'm not thinking about when this streak — this amazing streak — will end. So I guess that's the right mental approach," said the second-seeded Djokovic, who was serving at 6-4, 6-1, 2-3, 30-love when Hanescu stopped.

Other men reaching the third round: No. 3 Federer, No. 7 David Ferrer, and three Frenchmen: No. 9 Gael Monfils, No. 13 Richard Gasquet and No. 17 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

Federer improved his career second-round mark at Grand Slams to 42-0 by beating Maxime Teixeira 6-3, 6-0, 6-2.

Asked what he needs to do to continue his run, which began with two Davis Cup victories in December and includes a 39-0 start to 2011, Djokovic replied: "Stay focused, dedicated, motivated. I am still only 24. I have many more years to come. It's been the best five, six months of my career. And I'm very happy with the way I'm playing."

Only three men in the Open era have won more matches in a row, topped by Guillermo Vilas' 46 in 1977. And only one started a season better: John McEnroe began 42-0 in 1984.

In the third round, Djokovic faces 25th-seeded Juan Martin del Potro, who nearly beat Federer in the 2009 French semifinals.

"Knowing that Djokovic is the best player this season, that he's trying to beat a record, is one thing," said del Potro, who has lost all three meetings, "but I need to stop thinking about it to avoid any additional pressure."

Women's winners included No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki, past champions Francesca Schiavone and Svetlana Kuznetsova, 2010 runnerup and Tampa resident Sam Stosur and unseeded American Bethanie Mattek-Sands.

Cramps halt upset: Overcome by dizziness and muscle cramps during a 2½-hour match, qualifier Sabine Lisicki, who was checked by a trainer during third-set changeovers, had to be taken off on a stretcher after losing to Vera Zvonareva 4-6, 7-5, 7-5.

Lisicki led 5-2 in the third set and was one point away from victory. But she sent a forehand return long and never again held a match point, dropping the last five games.

After getting broken while serving for the match at 5-3, Lisicki asked to see a trainer. During the break, she ate an energy bar and a banana and drank liquids. When action resumed, Zvonareva won eight of the next nine points to go up 6-5. After the final point she crouched and began sobbing as Zvonareva came around the net to console her. Lisicki later met with a doctor and was to take medical tests.

"I hope she feels okay," the No. 3-seeded Zvonareva said. "No matter what, I had to keep doing my job."

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Tampa Bay Storm LB Cliff Dukes' amazing season continued Friday against Spokane. He earned Arena Football League defensive player of the week honors after recording 21/2 sacks and 41/2 tackles, including three for a loss, and a blocked kick against the Shock.

The second-year player leads the AFL in sacks (101/2) and tackles for loss (13). Dukes is five sacks behind Gabe Nyenhuis’ single-season record of 151/2 with eight games remaining.

Smith Shines: While Dukes has the single-season sack mark well within reach, Jermaine Smith etched his name in the record books last week. Smith blocked a pair of extra points against Spokane, giving him 14 for his career and moving the veteran defensive lineman into first for most blocked kicks in the AFL. Smith also notched a sack in the third quarter to give him 461/2 for his career, fourth best in league history.

If two is a streak, three is a trend: The Storm's 51-42 win at Spokane marked just the first time Tampa Bay (4-6) has won back-to-back games this season. The Storm, which has a bye this week, looks to make it three in a row when it travels to 5-5 Georgia on June 4.

Offensive line woes: Injuries have blown some major holes in the team's front three. Starter Tom Kaleita hurt his knee at Spokane and was placed on injured reserve, joining fellow starter Manny Akah (knee). The Storm was so thin against Spokane that Smith was forced into taking some snaps on the offensive line. In some positive injury news, WR Hank Edwards will be eligible to come off IR before the Georgia game. Edwards, who has been on the shelf since breaking a bone in his hand this month, has been fitted with a new cast and will test it out next week.

Times wires
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Orioles 9, Royals 2

BALTIMORE — Adam Jones had two hits and two RBIs in an eight-run fourth, and the Orioles won their fourth straight. Baltimore sent 13 to the plate in the fourth against Luke Hochevar, who yielded six hits, walked three and threw a wild pitch. It was the Orioles' biggest inning since an eight-run sixth against the Nationals on June 26, 2009. After beating Washington twice then taking the first two in this series, Baltimore is riding its longest winning streak since opening 4-0.

Times wires
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Paul Splittorff, the big, blonde left-hander who became the winningest pitcher in Royals history (and losingest, as he self-deprecatingly liked to point out) and a popular broadcaster for the team, died Wednesday of complications from skin cancer. He was 64.

The Royals said Mr. Splittorff died at his home in the Kansas City suburb of Blue Springs, Mo. His family announced 10 days ago that he had been battling melanoma and oral cancer.

Fans noticed on opening day in 2009 that his speech had become slurred, though Mr. Splittorff kept his health issues private until his plight was reported by online columnist Greg Hall.

"He didn't want anyone to feel sorry for him," Royals broadcaster Ryan Lefebvre said.

"When you've known somebody for so long and they've been such a big part of your life, it's never easy to say goodbye," said Frank White, the Royals' eight-time Gold Glove second baseman. "Our kids went to the same schools and grew up together. I have so many memories of Paul."

His broadcast partners described a fun-loving, meticulously prepared old-school guy. Once, when Bob Davis took a restroom break between innings, Mr. Splittorff locked his close friend out of the booth.

Mr. Splittorff (166-143, with team records in starts, 392, and innings, 2,5542/3) spent his entire 15-year career in Kansas City. A bespectacled, 6-foot-3 lefty with a high leg kick, he often appeared to squint as though he had trouble seeing the sign. This had hitters wondering if the ball would come flying toward their head.

SORIANO SIDELINED: Yankees RH reliever Rafael Soriano has an inflamed ligament in his elbow that could keep the former Rays closer out up to two months. GM Brian Cashman said Dr. James Andrews recommended rest for about two weeks, then light throwing.

METS TURMOIL: Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said he expects payroll to be cut next season, just not as drastically as some reports have projected. Alderson tried to make light of the controversy caused by two magazine articles that quoted owner Fred Wilpon. "I was thinking, if the world had ended on Saturday, we wouldn't have to deal with these things," he said.

CABRERA WANTS TO DRIVE: Tigers 1B Miguel Cabrera will find out in about a week if he will get his suspended driver's license back. He refused to take a breath test when arrested Feb. 16.

FAN INJURED: A 27-year-old man critically injured at Coors Field on Tuesday night was sliding down a railing when he lost control and fell, landing on his head, police told the Denver Post. The victim has not been identified.

D'BACKS: RH reliever Juan Gutierrez went on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder inflammation, and RHP Zach Kroenke was recalled from Triple-A Reno.

RANGERS: RHP Brandon Webb, trying to come back from 2009 shoulder surgery, will throw a bullpen session Friday and could make a rehab start Monday at Double-A Frisco.

RED SOX: 3B Kevin Youkilis was a late scratch with a sore left hand, and RF J.D. Drew sat out with a strained right hamstring.

TWINS: RHP Kevin Slowey has a muscle strain in his abdomen that will require at least a week of rest and a likely stint on the disabled list.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

HOOVER, Ala. — Brian Johnson's seventh-inning grand slam propelled Florida to a 7-5 comeback victory over Mississippi State in the opening round of the SEC baseball tournament on Wednesday.

A solo homer and a two-run triple by Nick Vickerson helped the Bulldogs build a 5-2 lead entering the bottom of the seventh.

Florida (42-15) then loaded the bases on a hit batter, a walk and a single before Johnson's homer.

"I was hoping it wasn't foul," UF coach Kevin O'Sullivan said. "I knew the wind was blowing strong, and once the ball stayed in the air, I knew it had a chance."

Florida will play Alabama, which beat Arkansas 7-4, at 5:30 p.m. today (Sun Sports).

Auburn's trees: Harvey Updyke Jr., accused of poisoning the trees at Auburn's Toomer's Corner, pleaded not guilty for reasons of mental disease or defect, said his attorney. Glennon Threatt Jr. said the preliminary hearing was waived because Updyke, 62, had a procedure on his back and wouldn't be able to travel. Threatt says prosecutors filed a motion for a mental evaluation and gag order.

Miami too far: Former Michigan quarterback Tate Forcier, who had announced he was transferring to Miami, said he never enrolled because he wants to be closer to home. Forcier, who played high school ball in San Diego, is looking at Auburn, Southern Cal, San Diego State, Montana, Kansas State and the University of San Diego.

Coach ousted from casino: West Virginia offensive coordinator and head-coach-in-waiting Dana Holgorsen was escorted out of a Cross Lanes casino at 3 a.m. last week after becoming uncooperative with management, according to multiple media reports. Athletic director Oliver Luck acknowledged "inappropriate behavior" but did not say whether Holgorsen would be disciplined. No charges have been filed.

NCAA rejects USC appeal: The NCAA shot down Southern California's bid to reduce some of the penalties imposed last year on its football program, including a two-year bowl ban and the loss of 30 scholarships over three years, according to the Associated Press and ESPN.com. A school spokesman confirmed that the school received a response but NCAA rules prevent him from commenting on the decision until it is released today.

Women's Tennis: USF senior Irene Rehberger advanced to the second round of the NCAA Championships for the second straight season with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 win over Alabama's Mary Anne Macfarlane in Stanford, Calif.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

TAMPA — No matter what happens with the Lightning in the short term, it appears it has a long-term solution behind the bench.

Rookie coach Guy Boucher pulled all the right strings during this turnaround season, including the controversial decision to start backup goalie Mike Smith in Game 5 of this Eastern Conference final on Monday.

So what has been the secret to Boucher's success this season? Not looking back and not looking forward, but concentrating on the moment. For example, going into Wednesday night's Game 6 — an elimination game for his team — Boucher refused to address the consequences of a victory or a loss.

"If you start talking about elimination and pressure, it's because you're thinking of failure," Boucher said Wednesday morning. "Right now, we're thinking of the first five minutes of the game; like we've done every game since being in the playoffs. And it's kept our focus very narrow and the emotions in check."

Keeping emotions in check has been, perhaps, Boucher's greatest strength as a coach. While television cameras often catch him wide-eyed and animated on the bench, the players say he actually is quite calm and straightforward in his message.

That even-keel attitude helped the Lightning not get too low when it fell behind the Penguins 3-1 in the first round. Then that same approach helped the Lightning not get too high when it jumped to a 3-0 series lead against the Capitals in the second round.

Boucher's calm demeanor also is part of the reason why the Lightning held its nerve for a 1-0 Game 7 victory in Pittsburgh and came back for a 5-3 victory against the Bruins on Saturday after it fell behind 3-0 in the first period.

"We certainly want to continue being in the present." Boucher said.

He wouldn't even let himself dream of making the Stanley Cup final.

"That's way ahead of where we are," Boucher said. "It's so far from what I have any control over or any of our players. If we want to make it there, we have to deserve it. So I'm staying away from anything that's further than today."

Just like he has done all season.

By Tom Jones, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

TAMPA — Lightning goalie Dwayne Roloson gave up four goals on 20 shots in Wednesday's Game 6 of the East final against the Bruins. He called it "a bunch." He also said he really didn't care.

"It doesn't matter," Roloson said. "We won the game. I don't care if we win 21-20. As long as we win, that's all that matters."

After being pulled in Games 2 and 4 and watching from the bench as backup Mike Smith played Game 5, Roloson returned to the net Wednesday with the season at stake. Local radio talk shows, newspapers and national television analysts debated whom the Lightning should start in goal. Not that the 41-year-old Roloson, acquired at midseason for games such as Wednesday's, noticed.

"I don't read what is printed, and I don't watch TV," he said. "It's just about focusing on what I've got to do to help our team win. It's all about the team here. It's probably, besides Game 1, the best I've felt the whole series."

Roloson's night started a bit wobbly as he surrendered two goals in the first after the Lightning took a 1-0 lead. Then again, Roloson could hardly be blamed on either goal. Still, at times, he seemed to fight the puck. When he allowed two goals on Boston's first three shots in the third, the Lightning found itself biting nails, trying to preserve a 5-4 lead.

That's when Roloson was at his best, keeping the Bruins from getting the tying goal.

"He did a super job, especially when it was 5-4," Lightning captain Vinny Lecavalier said. "Roli made some huge saves."

Coach Guy Boucher's assessment wasn't high with praise but not all that different than Roloson's: "We won. That's all. That's what we're asking. We're asking for a chance to win, and that's what we got."

Not that anyone should be surprised. After all, Roloson is now 7-0 in games in which his team faces elimination.

"I wasn't aware of that," Roloson said. "I don't think it has meaning. It's the team I've played on."

Now the team he plays on faces another elimination game Friday night in Boston because Roloson and the Lightning, again, staved off elimination Wednesday.

Tom Jones can be reached at tjones@sptimes.com.

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

TAMPA — Lightning C Steven Stamkos' name has been, and likely always will be, synonymous with scoring.

Last year's co-winner of the Rocket Richard Trophy for being the league goals leader has tallied 45 or more in two of his first three seasons.

Stamkos did pick up three points Wednesday in the 5-4 Game 6 win over the Bruins in the Eastern Conference final, including a power-play goal. That's one fewer point than he had in the first five games combined.

Stamkos is fifth on the team in the playoffs with 13 points. But more than scoring, Stamkos and coach Guy Boucher believe the postseason has accelerated his growth as a complete player.

"I think he's been terrific," Boucher said. "I think he's learned … if he keeps it up, he's going to be a real winner. There's a difference between being a winner and a star, and I think he's figured that out."

Stamkos, 21, said there has been a "learning curve" in his first playoffs, understanding how to handle the mental and physical grind while sacrificing his body. The kind of scoring chances he got in the regular season are not always there, so Stamkos has had to find different ways to contribute.

"It's not about yourself in the playoffs; it's about getting wins," Stamkos said. "If you can find a way to help your team by scoring a goal, that's great, but if you can block a shot, it's just as great.

"I think you just learn that you have to play a solid game in every area. That's something I've always tried to do ever since I was a kid, but I think I've grown a lot more as a complete player in these playoffs."

His teammates have noticed. "From the first series to now, he's really picked up his game every series," Vinny Lecavalier said. "Overall, just doing the little things to make the team better."

MEDICAL MATTERS: LW Sean Bergenheim didn't play due to an undisclosed injury sustained in Game 5. Bergenheim missed the second and third periods Monday. He appeared to get hurt when he was checked behind the Bruins' net in the first period by D Dennis Seidenberg. Boucher said the injury is not acute but something that had been lingering and was aggravated. In Bergenheim's absence, centers Blair Jones and Dana Tyrell were in the lineup.

Bergenheim has the third-most goals in these playoffs, trailing only teammate Marty St. Louis and Boston's David Krejci, who have 10.

HIS CALL: Boucher said Wednesday morning he was "very aware" that Game 6 referee Eric Furlatt had been lopsided in how many penalties he called against the Lightning in his previous four games involving the team; penalties were 29-14 against Tampa Bay. But Boucher said the team had to worry about what it could control on the ice and "hope things will be fair like it is with everybody else."

After the game, Bruins coach Claude Julien appeared to take issue with Boucher commenting on an official before the game, saying he hoped it didn't have an impact (both teams were called for five penalties), "because if it did, I'd be disappointed."

Julien said he would disagree with a lot of the calls Wednesday.

"When you hear what happened (Wednesday), it certainly makes things look even worse," Julien said of Boucher's comments. "Referees have a tough job to do. One thing you don't want to do is criticize them."

Boucher said afterward he didn't bring the referee subject up, he was asked about it. And he pointed out the Bruins had one more power play, including three before the Lightning had one. "So I don't know who got the advantage (Wednesday)," Boucher said.

miscellany: Backup Mike Smith said he understood G Dwayne Roloson getting the start. "Roli got us this far," Smith said. … RW Teddy Purcell's goal 36 seconds in was the third time Tampa Bay scored in the first 70 seconds this playoffs.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Proud papa

Lightning G Mike Smith is close friends with Blackhawks G Marty Turco, left, with whom Smith played, and from whom he learned, in Dallas. Turco told espn.com he was proud watching Smith on Monday in Game 5, his first career playoff start, and was "hanging on every save." He also was text-messaging Smith's wife, Brigitte, during breaks. "It was really a sense of pride and being proud like a big brother or even a dad would be," Turco said. The two have traded texts since, Smith said Wednesday. "It was definitely nice to have that support."

Keeping busy

D Matt Smaby has been a healthy scratch in every Lightning playoff game. He is frustrated not being able to help his teammates in games. But Smaby said he finds other ways to make contributions. "I want to help and want to be involved, but everyone has got their role," he said. "My role is a little bit different right now. A lot of it boils down to work ethic. Even if I'm not skating with the guys, (I have) to work absolutely as hard as I can when I'm out there, so the coaches see that. Just have a good attitude and keep guys smiling and laughing. Just be a great team guy."

Three stars

MARTY ST. LOUIS: The Lightning wing had three points, with two goals, including a huge score midway through the third period 29 seconds after the Bruins had cut the Lightning lead to 4-3.

DAVID KREJCI: The Bruins center picked up a hat trick, the first time an opponent has had one against the Lightning in the playoffs.

TEDDY PURCELL: The Lightning wing had his second multigoal game of the series, scoring 36 seconds into the game with a quick wrist shot off a faceoff.

Quote to note

"It's one of the toughest, if not the toughest, to win. There's so much you have to battle and go through."

Lightning C Steven Stamkos, on winning the Stanley Cup

Number of the day

49.7 Lightning's winning percentage on faceoffs entering Wednesday, worst of the final four playoff teams

The series Tied 3-3

Game 1, Lightning 5, Bruins 2: Three goals in 1:25 of the first spark Lightning.

Game 2, Bruins 6, Lightning 5: Bruins score five in the second.

Game 3, Bruins 2, Lightning 0: Bruins prevail in tight defensive game.

Game 4, Lightning 5, Bruins 3: Lightning scores five unanswered goals.

Game 5, Bruins 3, Lightning 1: Tim Thomas huge with 33 saves.

Game 6, Lightning 5, Bruins 4: Three goals, five assists from Lightning's Big 3.

Friday: at Boston, 8, Versus, 970-AM

By John Romano, Times Sports Columnist
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

TAMPA

The growth marks on the wall began low, but the boy always dreamed large.

Even when he began high school back home in Newfoundland at 114 pounds. Even when he went undrafted the first time. And the second. And the third, too.

It took a long time for the marks on the wall to grow to the size of a man. And it took even longer for the hockey world to seem to notice.

Today, the growth chart is complete.

And Teddy Purcell seems larger than Tampa Bay itself.

The skinny, little kid that no one wanted has finally caught the attention of the entire NHL with a burst of scoring in the Eastern Conference final, including two more goals in the Lightning's 5-4 victory against the Bruins on Wednesday night.

"I was such a late bloomer. I always dreamt of playing in the NHL, but I really didn't think I ever would," Purcell said after Game 6. "It seems like yesterday I was living at my parents' house playing street hockey every day after school.

"Hopefully, those memories stay with me a long time."

Purcell has five goals in six games against the Bruins, but that doesn't come close to telling the story of his impact.

It was Purcell who rescued the Lightning at home in Game 4 when he cut a 3-0 deficit to 3-2 with goals just 63 seconds apart.

With the Lightning facing elimination in Game 6 on Wednesday, Purcell showed up again with two goals, including the go-ahead score in the second.

"Teddy is certainly one of those guys who's learned a lot this year," Lightning coach Guy Boucher said. "He's put a lot of effort into it. It's not something that's just happened. He's worked really hard at it."

This is not the story of a grade school prospect with scouts parking their fancy rentals in the family driveway. And this is not the story of a kid waiting around the phone waiting for an NHL team to call on draft day.

Purcell, 25, is the same age as Boston's Patrice Bergeron but has about 100 fewer NHL goals. He attracted almost no attention in high school and very little when he moved to Iowa to play in the United States Hockey League.

The University of Maine showed some interest but not enough to offer him a full ride when he was first eligible. They told him to grow a little in juniors. So he played a year in the Saskatchewan league and two more in the USHL.

By the time Maine came through with an offer, he was already 21 years old.

"His freshman year was my senior year, and the running joke is that he actually committed to Maine before I did," said Lightning defenseman Mike Lundin. "They wanted him to improve and put on a little more size. They said they didn't have room or scholarships or whatever, so they kept telling him to go back to juniors."

To hear Purcell tell it, the problem wasn't just that he wasn't big enough. He also wasn't quick enough. And wasn't tough enough either.

By the time he reached Maine, Purcell had grown to slightly over 6 feet, but the NHL still seemed like the longest of long shots.

"When I got the scholarship, I was thinking, 'I can help my parents. I can get a free education and have a good American degree to fall back on,' " Purcell said. "I figured after four years, who knows, I may get an NHL tryout and see where it takes me."

It didn't take that long. Purcell lit up the net as a freshman and, suddenly, he had multiple NHL teams offering him a free agent deal because he was no longer draft-eligible.

He eventually chose the Kings, figuring it was the quickest path up the depth chart.

Purcell had eight goals in 91 games during parts of three seasons in Los Angeles, and the Kings eventually lost patience with him.

Even in Tampa Bay, it took Purcell time to understand the rigors of the NHL. He was up and down for much of this season before finally graduating to play on Tampa Bay's top two lines.

"He's been through a lot. We sat him one time in the stands. After that, he had a tendency to understand faster," Boucher said. "I always knew he had the skill, and I always knew he was a really good payer. I don't think he knew how good he was."

There has never been much reason to recall former GM Brian Lawton with anything but dread. His time in Tampa Bay was mostly chaotic and almost entirely depressing.

For once, however, he is owed a bit of thanks.

The trade for Purcell looks brilliant today.

Lawton dealt an aging Jeff Halpern to the Kings for Purcell and a third-round pick. The pick was used to select Brock Beukeboom, and Steve Yzerman would later deal him and a third-round pick to bring Eric Brewer to Tampa Bay.

Halpern, by the way, never scored a goal for the Kings before leaving as a free agent.

That trade, like Purcell, is growing larger every day.

Times wires
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

D'backs 2, Rockies 1

DENVER — Ian Kennedy pitched eight crisp innings, centerfielder Chris Young robbed former Ray Ty Wigginton of a tying homer and the Diamondbacks won for the eighth time in nine games. Young drove in the go-ahead run with a bloop single in the sixth then made his key grab in the eighth as Arizona moved over .500 for the second time this season. Kennedy allowed only Todd Helton's sacrifice fly in the fourth.

Times wires
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Mets 7, Cubs 4

seven innings

CHICAGO — Dillon Gee recovered from a wild start while Cubs reliever Justin Berg never found the strike zone on a chilly, foggy night as the Mets won a rain-shortened game. The game was called with two outs in the top of the seventh after a 41-minute delay. It was 47 degrees for the first pitch with a fierce northern wind blowing in from Lake Michigan. Berg took over for Casey Coleman during New York's five-run second and threw 12 pitches, all balls.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, May 25, 2011

TAMPA — Lightning coach Guy Boucher insists his Big 3 players — Vinny Lecavalier, Marty St. Louis and Steven Stamkos — are having a good Eastern Conference final.

"A lot more goes into it than scoring goals and getting points," he said Wednesday night.

That may be true. But those are the measurements for big-time players in big-time games. And in Tampa Bay's 5-4 win over the Bruins in Game 6, in front of a howling crowd of 21,426 at the St. Pete Times Forum, the Big 3 came through.

An argument can be made that with eight points among them — more than making up for the loss of injured wing Sean Bergenheim and his nine goals — they saved the Lightning's season.

St. Louis had two goals and an assist, Stamkos a goal and two assists, and Lecavalier two assists as the Lightning tied the best-of-seven series at three games apiece and set up a Game 7 showdown Friday in Boston. That came after they combined for an empty-net goal and three points in three previous games.

"We knew the importance of this game," Stamkos said. "We put a lot of pressure on ourselves every night. It was nice to get rewarded."

"They've been doing it all year," right wing Teddy Purcell said. "They're our best three players. When the season was on the line, those three were there. It's not much of a surprise."

They did not perform in a vacuum.

Purcell scored twice and gave the Lightning a 1-0 lead 36 seconds into the game on a great wrist shot off a clean faceoff win by Lecavalier. Steve Downie had two assists, and goalie Dwayne Roloson was shaky at times but made 16 saves to go 7-0 in elimination games.

Shots were difficult to come by. Tampa Bay had a 26-20 advantage. That made special teams paramount, and that is where the Lightning buried the Bruins.

Tampa Bay was 3-for-4 on the power play and 4-for-5 on the penalty kill.

"It was the difference-maker," Bruins coach Claude Julien said. "They scored three goals on the power play, and it took us a long time to get our first one. That certainly dictated the game."

Trailing 2-1 in the second, Tampa Bay got power-play goals from St. Louis and Purcell to take a 3-2 lead with 6:25 left in the period. Stamkos got the Lightning's third straight power-play goal 34 seconds into the third period with a one-timer from his favorite spot, the left faceoff circle, to make it 4-2.

Here is where the game got interesting.

Boston's David Krejci scored the second of his three goals on the power play 9:46 into the third to make it 4-3. But 29 seconds later, St. Louis answered with his 10th goal of this playoffs at the end of a two-on-one with Stamkos to make it 5-3.

That turned out to be a huge goal. Krejci scored again with 6:32 left when Roloson, trying to make a save, inadvertently knocked the puck into the net with his leg.

The goal was Krejci's 10th of the playoffs. He and St. Louis are tied for the league lead.

"We learned again (Wednesday) they're not giving us anything," Bruins goalie Tim Thomas said of the Lightning. "Not that we're looking for them to give us anything. It's the best-of-seven series for a reason."

Which is kind of the point Boucher has been trying to make about Lecavalier, Stamkos and St. Louis: It is the totality of their efforts, not one game, that matters.

"I disagreed they didn't have big games in the last games," Boucher said. "They had good games before. It just wasn't going in for them. So, for me, they just got the result of their previous games' hard work. I don't think it's an on-and-off switch. It's something that you build every game, and they got what they deserved."

They deserved it because they kept their legs moving. They did not play tentatively.

"We said," St. Louis said, "let's just go play."

By Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, May 26, 2011

TAMPA — Right wing Marty St. Louis admitted that, in the past few games, the team's power play just hasn't been there.

The second unit, which includes Steve Downie and Teddy Purcell, had gained some momentum. But St. Louis said the group as a whole "squeezed our sticks a little bit" and didn't show enough poise. As a result, Tampa Bay entered Wednesday 2-for-18 with the man advantage in the Eastern Conference final.

So facing elimination in Game 6, St. Louis said they changed it up. "I think (Wednesday night), we just let go," he said. "We just said: 'Let's go play. Nothing to lose here. Our backs against the wall. Let's go play.' And we got rewarded by putting the puck in the net."

Boy, did they. The Lightning went 3-for-4 with the man advantage, one more tally than its previous five games combined, snapping a power-play scoreless streak of 240 minutes, 7 seconds.

And Tampa Bay's penalty kill, the best among the remaining playoff teams at 92.3 percent, continued to shine by holding the Bruins to 1-for-5 in the 5-4 win.

"Special teams is going to be big in every series, and our power play was phenomenal tonight," defenseman Victor Hedman said. "That's going to be the key next game, too."

The Lightning's first power-play goal Wednesday came from St. Louis, who, like Vinny Lecavalier, was positioned in front of the net as Steven Stamkos ripped a one-timer from the left circle.

St. Louis corralled the loose puck and backhanded it past Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas.

"We attacked the net a lot more," Lecavalier said. "We were struggling a little bit, pretty much the whole series (on the power play). We got into their zone as much as we could, and we set it up, that was one of the big things. After that, we got some shots on net."

Tampa Bay's second power play was, for the most part, ugly, struggling to carry the puck into the Bruins zone. But near the end, Downie showed off his underrated playmaking ability, carrying the puck toward the slot, and bringing Thomas with him, before sliding a pass back to Purcell in the left circle for a one-timer. The third power-play goal was a sizzling slap shot by Stamkos, a one-timer from the left circle.

The last time Tampa Bay scored three or more power-play goals was Game 5 of the quarterfinals against Pittsburgh, when it went 4-for-7 in the first game it faced elimination.

"I think today, both power plays had a lot more poise," coach Guy Boucher said. "And we got the results."

Times staff, wires
Thursday, May 26, 2011

Bruce Arthur, National Post:

"The margin between these teams is narrow enough that the details matter, and for Boston, the details weren't good enough. It was another atypical game in a series full of them, as both goaltenders showed weakness one game after Boston's Tim Thomas played his finest game of the series."

Barry Melrose, ESPN:

"Even when Tampa doesn't score (on the power play), you think they're gonna score. It puts energy in the building, it puts energy in their play. It's a total reversal of Boston; they take the energy out of their game when they go on the power play."

Kevin Allen, USA Today:

"The No. 5-seeded Tampa Bay Lightning are the party crashers in the Eastern Conference playoffs that just won't leave."

Dan Shaughnessy, Boston Globe:

"No Teddy Bears Picnic this time. Your Bruins will be lugging decades of pressure onto the ice. In 2009 and again in 2010, they were eliminated from the playoffs in a Game 7 at home. Losing (Friday night) would be unBearable. You don't get this close very often."

James O'Brien, Prohockeytalk.com:

"It seems unfair for the Bruins to place so much of a burden on their Vezina Trophy candidate, but it almost feels like they need (goalie Tim) Thomas to stand on his head to win most of these games. He's done that quite often, but the Bolts have too many talented forwards to bottle them up every night."

Mike Johnson, NHL network:

"Marty St. Louis was all over the ice. He played lots of minutes; lots of hard minutes and lots of effective minutes."

Chris Stevenson, Canada's QMI news agency:

"There will be a Game 7 in the Eastern Conference final. It will be because of Martin St. Louis. The Tampa Bay Lightning forward, who lives at the emotional epicenter of his team, had two goals and an assist in the Bolts' 5-4 win over the Boston Bruins Wednesday to force Game 7 Friday night at the TD Garden with a trip to the Stanley Cup final against the Vancouver Canucks at stake."

Times wires
Thursday, May 26, 2011

Angels 4, Athletics 1

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Torii Hunter and Alberto Callaspo hit back-to-back homers, Ervin Santana allowed one run in six solid innings, and the Angels won for the fourth time in six games. Reggie Willits' first hit of the season was a run-scoring double for the Angels, who have won two of three in the four-game series with their AL West rivals. Trevor Cahill, who had won his past three starts against the Angels, is suddenly stumbling this season.

Times wires
Thursday, May 26, 2011

Phillies 5, Reds 4

19 INNINGS

PHILADELPHIA — Infielder Wilson Valdez wound up as the winning pitcher early this morning when the Phillies needed 19 innings to outlast the Reds 5-4.

A dwindling crowd at Citizens Bank Park saw Raul Ibanez hit a bases-loaded sacrifice fly to decide the longest major-league game of the season. It ended at 1:19 a.m. after 6 hours, 11 minutes.

Valdez threw a hitless 19th inning in his first major-league pitching appearance. Phillies fans stood and cheered when he shifted from second to the mound.

The first batter Valdez faced was Joey Votto, and the reigning National League MVP flied out to deep centerfield.

Valdez became the first position player to become a winning pitcher since Colorado catcher Brent Mayne in 2000.

Many fans were asleep in the stands near the end.

Roy Halladay and the Phillies led 3-0 before the Reds rallied in the seventh.

The teams are scheduled to play again at 1:05 p.m. today.

By time, the Reds and Phillies still had a long way to go to match the latest-ending game in the big leagues this year. It was 2:45 a.m. at Fenway Park when the Angels beat Boston in the 13th inning of a rain-delayed game this month.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, May 26, 2011

With the NFL lockout dragging on with no end in sight, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are taking a dramatic step by shutting down their offices next week.

With the Memorial Day holiday approaching, the Bucs will ask employees to stay home for the remainder of the four-day work week — without pay — in a cost-cutting maneuver. The move now puts the Bucs among the growing list of teams that have either cut or furloughed employees during this NFL work stoppage.

But the Bucs say there's a chance the impact could be offset if the NFL season goes according to plan.

"The Buccaneers remain hopeful that the 2011 season will be played without interruption; presuming this occurs, the plan will essentially provide the team's entire staff with an extra week of paid vacation," team spokesman Jonathan Grella said. "And more importantly, this plan preserves jobs and does not ask employees to work for less or no pay."

With the potential for canceled games increasing with each day, teams are looking for ways to trim costs in anticipation of future lost revenues.

In some cases, owners claim they're already feeling the hit. Though the Bucs decline to release specific ticket data, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said this week at a meeting of league owners that there has been a "noticeable change" in sales from a year ago, meaning teams have less money at their disposal.

As for the impact of the lockout on employees, Goodell said: "They all understand the circumstances we are going through. Clubs have to deal with their employees. Everyone has a different approach. We told everybody, this is a collective sacrifice. We are going through a difficult period of time and we do it together. We are all going to feel that impact. And that is the unfortunate circumstance of where we are. Hopefully we can still get it resolved and we'll all be fine."

The Bucs said employees were made aware of the possibility of furloughs in March, before the lockout began. If the lockout drags into the latter part of the year, similar furloughs will be implemented during the Labor Day holiday and in the winter, the team said.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, May 26, 2011

A Dallas County grand jury is expected to return an indictment of Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Aqib Talib for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to Texas law enforcement authorities.

However, the indictment is not expected to officially be reported until Friday. Earlier this week, an examining trial determined there was enough evidence in the shooting case involving Talib to be heard by the grand jury Wednesday.

"Official results don't come out until tomorrow,'' Frank Perez, Talib's Dallas-based attorney said an a text to the St. Petersburg Times on Thursday.

Talib is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second degree felony which carries a punishment of two to 20 years in prison, for his role in a March 21 shooting in Garland, Texas.

Police say Talib attempted to pistol whip and later fired gunshots at his sister's boyfriend, Shannon Billings. Nobody was injured. Talib's mother, Okolo, also faces similar charges.

An indictment could mean futher sanctions by the NFL against Talib, who was suspended one game last season for assaulting a St. Petersburg cab driver in 2009.

No action can be taken by the league against its players during the lockout, but NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said players will be held to the code of conduct during the labor dispute and disciplinary action will be taken once there is a new collective bargaining agreement.