By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, December 6, 2011

UNIONDALE, N.Y. — Marty St. Louis said it so softly you would have missed it if you were not paying attention.

Sitting in the locker room Tuesday night after the Lightning was dismissed 5-1 by the Islanders at Nassau Coliseum, St. Louis was blunt.

That, the left wing said, "was a beating."

It also was Tampa Bay's fifth straight loss, matching its worst streak of the season, though in this streak, in which the Lightning (11-14-2) has been outscored 20-8, each loss was in regulation.

"Horrible," coach Guy Boucher said.

Worse, Tampa Bay was dominated and outshot 34-24 by a team with a league-worst 57 goals.

Oh, there were excuses.

The Lightning played the second of back-to-back games and got to its hotel from Ottawa at 3 a.m. Did it have an effect? You can't deny the team had no legs.

The Islanders skated circles around the Lightning and scored three goals in the final six minutes of the first period to overcome a 1-0 Tampa Bay lead built on St. Louis' goal — his 800th NHL point — 6:55 in.

John Tavares scored on a wrist shot with 5:59 left. Matt Martin made it 2-1 with 1:34 left and Milan Jurcina scored on the power play with 5.5 seconds left to make it 3-1 after Frans Neilsen and Mark Streit put on a passing show.

The common denominator was how much room the Islanders had to skate. Few times were they challenged coming over the blue line, and they had plenty of room in the offensive zone, which hung goaltender Mathieu Garon out to dry.

Garon said criticism of the team's recent inability to score is misplaced.

"When you give up four or five goals in a game you're not going to win," he said. "It starts in our zone."

That said, Tampa Bay was 0-for-3 on the power play and is on a 2-for-25 road streak.

"I hope everyone is angry," left wing Ryan Malone said. "We're not working hard enough or doing what we need to do hard and smart."

Boucher said he believed the back-to-back and bad travel at least partly to blame. But that doesn't change the players' responsibility, he said.

"It's a decision you make," he said. "If you decide you want to be negative, you be negative," he said. "If you decide you want to be better, you do what you need to do to be better."

"You can't wait for something good to happen, you have to make something happen," St. Louis said. "It doesn't have to be a goal. It's a good defensive play. It's a smart play. We're not getting those consistently."

The beatings, well, those are another story.

First—1, T.B., St. Louis 9 (Clark, Stamkos), 6:55. 2, NYI, Tavares 9 (Moulson, Okposo), 14:01. 3, NYI, Martin 3 (Wallace, Reasoner), 18:26. 4, NYI, Jurcina 1 (Nielsen, Streit), 19:54 (pp). Penalties—Nielsen, NYI (holding), 1:12; Thompson, TB (boarding), 19:06.

Second—None. Penalties—Reese, NYI (tripping), 1:27; Hedman, TB (hooking), 4:25; Bergeron, TB (cross-checking), 6:55; Hedman, TB (hooking), 9:36; Jurcina, NYI (cross-checking), 18:22.

Third—5, NYI, Ullstrom 1 (Bailey, Staios), 3:19. 6, NYI, Moulson 14 (Tavares, Streit), 17:25 (pp). Penalties—Stamkos, TB (cross-checking), 16:17. Shots—Tampa Bay 8-11-5—24. N.Y. Islanders 14-11-9—34. Power plays—Tampa Bay 0 of 3; N.Y. Islanders 2 of 5. Goalies—Tampa Bay, Garon 5-6-1 (34 shots-29 saves). N.Y. Islanders, Montoya 5-3-2 (24-23). A—9,486 (16,234). T—2:19.

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

SEFFNER — Devoid of the hulking shoulder pads and battle-tested helmet, Kyle Gibson looks more like Armwood's ball boy than the Hawks' starting strong safety.

"I've always been small, even coming up through Little League," said Gibson, who is generously listed at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds. "I've always been underestimated because of my size."

That, however, has proven to work in Gibson's favor.

"I don't mind it," he said. "I just like to hit people."

And although Gibson has rattled more than his fair share of facemasks this season, no hit was bigger than last week's against Gainesville.

Trailing the Hurricanes 14-10 with just over four minutes to play and the season hanging in the balance, Gibson dislodged the ball from quarterback Mark Cato. Keionne Baines pounced on it and three plays later, the Hawks took the lead for good.

"I was ready for (Cato) to run it, and I just saw the ball kind of out there," Gibson said. "And I put my helmet right on it."

The fumble heard 'round the world — or at least throughout Seffner — made the Middleton transfer an instant household name on a team brimming with stars. It also set up tonight's Class 6A state semifinal against visiting Bartram Trail.

"We'll be ready," Gibson said.

Gibson and fellow safety Leon McQuay III will be heavily relied upon, and equally tested, against a high-powered Bears offense that features quarterback Nathan Peterman, a four-star national recruit and Tennessee commit.

"We're not going to do anything different," McQuay said. "Just do what we do better."

Gibson, a sophomore, and McQuay, a junior, lead the Hawks with seven and eight passes defended, respectively. Gibson ranks fifth on the Hawks with 36 solo tackles.

"They have the potential to be the best pair we've ever had here," Hawks coach Sean Callahan said.

The 6-foot-2, 180-pound McQuay, who like Gibson appears more wiry than imposing, is being courted by myriad Division 1 schools. The offers will likely come flooding in for Gibson next year.

McQuay, an uber-talented athlete, is one of the best high jumpers in the county, played AAU basketball over the summer and even took up soccer last season — despite having never played before — just because.

"It seemed like fun," McQuay said of his lone season on the pitch.

Gibson defines fun with jarring hits and said his hardest hit of the season actually came while throwing a block. On a punt return against Strawberry Crest, Gibson did a crack-back on a Charger, setting off a chorus of "Oohs" during the subsequent film session.

"Knocked him clear out of the camera frame," Gibson said.

Gibson also smiled when recalling a bone-jarring hit against Hillsborough on the game's first play as the Hawks rolled to a 38-16 win that clinched the district title. Callahan agreed that was a good one, but couldn't narrow down which hit was Gibson's hardest of the season.

"He's done it all year long," Callahan said. "He hits you with every pound he has."

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

TAMPA — Bucs defensive tackle Brian Price says he plays angry and his temper got the best of him when he believed a Panthers player was attempting to reinjure his ankle Sunday, sparking an outburst and an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

But Price isn't mad about what happened next. Coach Raheem Morris ejected him from the game.

After watching video of the Bucs' 38-19 loss to the Panthers, Price said Monday that he overreacted and apologized to Morris, his teammates and the organization.

"It's kind of like getting a whuppin' by your dad," Price said of being told Sunday by Morris to leave the field immediately after his third-quarter penalty. "You can't really take it too personal. You know when you mess up and you're like, 'Man, I wonder what kind of whuppin' I'm going to get or what kind of punishment?' It's all love. He's my coach, and I love him to death, and I love playing for him, and I love this team, and I just want to apologize to the owners and (general manager) Mark Dominik and Raheem.

"I let my emotions get the best of me. I thought something else happened, but watching film, I felt bad because I saw something else. I mean, I just reacted off something I thought went wrong."

The penalty, which negated linebacker Geno Hayes' second-down sack of quarterback Cam Newton, sustained an eventual touchdown drive.

Price suffered a right ankle injury two weeks ago against the Titans and had to be carted off LP Field. He said he had been warned by Morris about personal foul penalties. The Bucs, among the most penalized teams in the league, were flagged nine times for 73 yards against the Panthers.

"Emotions are high, you're trying to play angry and being a hulk out there and trying to destroy everything, but I ended up self-destructing," Price, 22, said.

"I know guys look up to me, so I can't be doing that. We're a young team, and I'm one of their leaders. That's pretty clear now, and it was pretty clear before. He talked to me about it before, personal fouls and stuff like that. I screwed up."

Defensive line coach Keith Millard said Price had been warned by Morris after he got away with a similar reaction to a play Nov. 6 against the Saints.

"They didn't call it," Millard said. "Brian plays with a lot of fire; that's what you love about him. He was very frustrated because he was fighting through that injury. … I don't think he hauled off because he thought somebody was going after him. I think he hauled off because of the frustration of him not being able to play to his abilities and then the fact we're getting hammered. That's really hard."

Was Price surprised Morris sent him to the showers?

"I was like, 'Dang,' " Price said. "I know it was all emotions because we were losing and things were happening and third down and long and I get a stupid penalty. Pretty selfish. I kind of knew I screwed up. I wasn't expecting it, but I kind of knew I was coming out of the game."

Price has fought through a series of injuries. He played in only five games last season as a rookie because of a pelvic fracture that forced him to have separate surgeries on his hamstrings. He was forced to leave the Titans game with an ankle injury and was in a walking boot most of last week.

"You got to stay calm," Price said. "You have to be angry during the play but then after the play let it go. Before you get there you have to (yell) then kind of just back down. Sometimes it doesn't feel right doing that. You just want to finish it off to prove a point. … When I get on that field, I just try to be angry for no reason, like just flip out, but I've got to keep it contained."

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

The annual President's Cup tournament took place Nov. 26 to 30 at High Point, with 23 golfers participating.

John Melvin organized the match play event, with the final between Hugh Reynolds and Bill Orr. Reynolds defeated Orr to earn the title.

Also at High Point, the Men's League competes on a weekly basis, with different games and events. Last week, the men had an 18-hole scramble. The Flight A/B winning team was Bob Hopper, Tom Law, Eric Summerton, Dick Perrault and Ed Eggebrecht (63). The winning team in Flight C/D was Al Briskin, Bud Hallet, Ed Oleszek, Paul Derres and Ray Mazzola (71).

The High Point Belles & Beaux League is the mixed league in which men and women compete together. The league had a nine-hole scramble last week, won by the following pairs:

On the front nine, Frank and Regina Gattone, Harold and Mary Reber and Dick and Brenda Bowley tied with 32. The back nine also had a three-way tie: George and Carmen Bissonnette, Barb Leach and Richard Stevens, and Jim and Cindy Williams (31).

High Point Golf Club recently changed its bylaws to permit a restricted number of nonresident members. Reduced initiation fees for the months of December and January will apply. For information, call Dave Lund at (352) 293-4285.

PHCC BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT: The Pasco-Hernando Community College men's basketball team will host the New Year's Shootout tournament from Jan. 2 through Jan. 5 in the Physical Fitness Center on the West Campus in New Port Richey, 10230 Ridge Road.

All games are free and open to the public, with four other community colleges participating. Teams from Onondaga Community College in Syracuse, N.Y.; Guilford Technical Community College in Jamestown, N.C.; Wytheville Community College in Wytheville, Va., and Indian River State College in Fort Pierce are entered in the seven-game tournament.

PHCC will play the opening game against Onondaga at 2 p.m. Jan. 2. On Jan. 3, Onondaga will play Guilford Tech at 2 p.m., and PHCC will take on Wytheville at 4 p.m. On Jan. 4, Guilford Tech will play Indian River at 2 p.m., followed by a match-up between Onondaga and Wytheville at 4 p.m. The tournament will conclude Jan. 5 with PHCC taking on Guilford Tech at 2 p.m. and Indian River playing Wytheville at 4 p.m.

For information, call Conquistadors coach James Johnson at (727) 816-3340 or send email to johnsoj@phcc.edu.

UMPIRE CLINICS: The Hernando-Sumter Umpires Association has scheduled a set of baseball/softball umpiring clinics.

The clinics are designed to train anyone who wants to become an umpire, and the sessions also can help seasoned umpires improve. Local clinics will take place Jan. 8 and 22 at the Anderson Snow Sports Complex in Spring Hill and Jan. 29 at Ridge Manor Park in Ridge Manor.

The sessions are open to men and women age 16 and older. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m., with the clinics starting at noon. There is a $20 charge for each participant, and everyone will receive a Major League Baseball rule book, along with other handouts.

Visit hernandosumterumpire.com to register. For information, call (352) 593-6998 or send an email to clinics@hernando sumterumpire.com.

TRAVEL BASEBALL TRYOUTS: The Suncoast Select Scorpions will have tryouts Dec. 17 for their 13-and-younger and 14-and-younger travel baseball teams for the upcoming season.

The tryouts will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kennedy Park in Brooksville. Interested youths must visit wix.com/suncoastselect/custom and follow the prompts to preregister.

The Scorpions will participate in a United States Special Sports Association competitive travel league in the Tampa area from February until May, as well as in some selected tournaments. The 14U team will participate in select Perfect Game showcases and USA Baseball's 14U National Championships throughout the summer.

For information, call Izzy Fontanez at (352) 428-0035 or send email to suncoastselect@gmail.com.

TENNIS LESSONS: The Hernando County Recreation Department is offering tennis lessons evenings and weekends for interested students at Delta Woods Park in Spring Hill.

Ages 7 and older are welcome. Private lessons are $30 per hour, with group lessons available at $10 per hour. Among the tennis instructors are Doug Haskedakes and John and Louise Downey.

For information, call (352) 754-4031 or visit hernandocounty.us/parks_rec.

FIRST TEE GOLF: The Brooksville Parks and Recreation Department is holding its First Tee golf program starting Jan. 17 and running for six weeks at the Quarry Golf Course, Brooksville Country Club at Majestic Oaks and Silverthorn Country Club.

First Tee's golf and life skills instruction differentiates it from other junior golf programs. The program strives to instill in participants the program's nine core values: honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment.

The cost is $60 per child, with ages 5 to 17 eligible. Preregistration is required. The program is accepting up to 10 participants per class.

Volunteers are also needed. Donations are welcome, including youth golf clubs, bags and balls.

For information, call Miles Groff at (352) 540-3835 or send email to mgroff@cityofbrooksville.us.

Contact Derek J. LaRiviere at derekjlariviere@gmail.com or (352) 584-6337.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

College football awards show

When/where: 9 tonight; Disney World, Lake Buena Vista

TV: ESPN

About the show: Nine major awards will be presented: Chuck Bednarik (best defensive player); Biletnikoff (receiver); Lou Groza (kicker); Ray Guy (punter); Maxwell (all-around player); Davey O'Brien (quarterback); Outland (interior lineman); Jim Thorpe (defensive back) and Doak Walker (running back). Also presented will be the National College Football Awards Association Contribution to College Football Award; Coach of the Year, Good Works Team; Spirit Award and Walter Camp All-America team.

State connections: Florida's Caleb Sturgis and Florida State's Dustin Hopkins are finalists for the Lou Groza Award.

Antonya English, Times staff writer

By Joe Smith and Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writers
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

TAMPA — Bucs RB LeGarrette Blount on Wednesday denied an allegation that he directed an assault on a man after the Sept. 11 season opener, saying he "didn't do anything wrong."

Blount was accused in a police report by Gary Holmer, 34, of "directing" two men to attack him after a traffic accident. Blount was not accused of direct violence, and he was not charged. The case has been closed.

The report said Tampa police did not pursue possible charges of "burglary for the purpose of committing battery, felony battery and felony criminal mischief'' at Holmer's request.

"I didn't orchestrate anything," Blount said. "I didn't make any suggestion for anything to happen. That's just the whole situation."

The police report said Holmer was assaulted in a parking garage at a Tampa apartment complex after his Toyota pickup hit a mirror on a Ford Expedition that three men, including Blount, were standing by. Holmer said the Expedition cut him off and he was punched several times by two men, with Blount coaching them.

Blount would not disclose the identity of the men with him and deferred to his attorney when it came to discussing specifics of the case. He denied any wrongdoing.

"In my mind, I didn't do anything wrong at all," Blount said. "I cooperated with the cops when they came. I waited for two hours, 2 1/2 hours for the cops to come. I cooperated with them then, and I had nothing do with the whole altercation."

Blount said the situation hasn't been, and will not be, a distraction. Coach Raheem Morris said the organization did its due diligence with the police and Blount, and it "came out clean," with the running back doing nothing wrong.

FREEMAN IFFY: Though QB Josh Freeman said his injured right shoulder feels better and he did light throwing during practice, it was uncertain whether he would play Sunday against the Jaguars.

"It's continually gotten better," Freeman said. "It started out extremely painful. But my movement has greatly increased. I've thrown the ball a few times. It's just day to day gotten better. If we can continue on this pace — I really hope we can — I'll play this Sunday."

With backup Josh Johnson dislocating his left shoulder against the Panthers on Sunday (he missed one snap), the Bucs made some contingency plans Wednesday in signing QB Brett Ratcliff to the practice squad. The addition could indicate there's a chance Freeman won't play.

Freeman gave more detail about how he sustained the injury two weeks ago at Tennessee and explained his understanding of its extent.

"I just fell awkwardly on (the shoulder)," he said. "I landed kind of right on my elbow, and (the arm) kind of jolted back into the (shoulder) socket, I guess. It's just bruised all around. I don't think there's anything too serious on the MRI (exam). It's really just taking it day to day."

MEDICAL MATTERS: CB Aqib Talib had more tests on his injured hamstring and was not at practice. His status is questionable for Sunday. Talib aggravated the hamstring in the first series against the Panthers and did not return. … DE Michael Bennett (groin), who has missed the past two games, returned to practice and is expected to play. Da'Quan Bowers, however, will continue to start at left end ahead of Bennett, Morris said.

By Greg Auman, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

TAMPA — It is, quite literally, a new direction for the Big East.

"We have taken another bold and creative step in our history," commissioner John Marinatto said Wednesday in announcing a long-awaited expansion. "We are going west."

Is it ever.

Boise State and San Diego State will join for football only, and Central Florida, Houston and Southern Methodist for all sports starting in fall 2013.

The Big East began as a close-knit union of Northeastern basketball schools in 1979, expanded south to Miami to begin football in 1991 and expanded south and west to USF, Louisville and Cincinnati in 2005. Now it has a national footprint as the first league to span four time zones.

Boise State and San Diego State will leave the Mountain West, and UCF, Houston and SMU will leave Conference USA. (The Associated Press reported Boise State's and San Diego State's other teams will be in the WAC and Big West, respectively.)

They hope to increase TV revenue and gain easier access to the Bowl Championship Series and its huge payouts. For the second straight season, Boise State went 11-1 and ranked among the Top 10 but was left out of the BCS. "That clearly was one of the reasons that drove us toward this decision," Boise State president Robert Kustra said.

The additions offset the departures of Pittsburgh and Syracuse to the ACC and West Virginia to the Big 12, which left five football-playing schools in the Big East. Now at 10 (16 for basketball), the league hopes to reach 12, which would create an East and West division and title game.

The 12 could include Navy, which has been in talks with the league. But one target, Air Force, said Wednesday that it will not join. It cited loyalty to the Mountain West and maintaining rivalries.

The Big East is holding firm to bylaws that call for Pittsburgh, Syracuse and West Virginia to stay through 2013 even if it means there are 15 teams in 2013. It also could be posturing toward talks about earlier exits once a 12-team lineup is in place.

Marinatto wouldn't discuss potential members.

For USF, the additions bring conference stability with some familiar faces. Its first game against a I-A team was a loss at San Diego State in 1999. And it beat Houston in 2001 and 2002 while in C-USA.

And of course, there's UCF, whom USF beat from 2005-08.

"I think the geography itself and the conference affiliation will create more of a rivalry," USF athletic director Doug Woolard said.

USF president Judy Genshaft, chair of the conference's executive committee, joined Marinatto in announcing the expansion.

"The Big East is a remarkable athletic conference, unique in its way from the other BCS conferences," she said. "The addition … only adds to that singularity. This is a diverse and distinguished group of universities."

The national reach could help the Big East as it opens negotiations next year for a new TV contract, which likely will be in excess of $100 million a year.

"Four different time zones will allow us the potential to schedule four football games on a given Saturday back to back to back to back without any overlap," Marinatto said. "It's a powerful model and one that we believe will be unmatched by any other conference."

Meanwhile, C-USA and the Mountain West are looking at an all-sports merger instead of football-only, CBSSports.com reported. They previously announced their champs would meet with a BCS berth on the line (which needed approval from the BCS).

Information from Times wires contributed to this report.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

NEW YORK — Marty St. Louis said he did not know about it, hadn't even thought about it and beyond that:

"Let's not even talk about it."

What is so far off the Lightning wing's radar? His 500th consecutive regular-season game, tonight against the Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

"I really don't think about it," St. Louis insisted. "It's better that way. It's not like I'm counting the games. I'm just playing."

The milestone is not even close to Doug Jarvis' league record of 964 games, and it is the league's third-longest current streak, behind Calgary's Jay Bouwmeester at 533 and Vancouver's Henrik Sedin at 526.

But St. Louis' run — which began Nov. 15, 2005, after he missed two games with a broken finger — stands on its own because of his size (5 feet 7), age (36) and minutes he plays.

St. Louis entered Wednesday seventh among league forwards with an average 21:31 of ice time, and he has not averaged fewer than 20 minutes since 2002-03.

If you include playoffs, St. Louis' streak is at 528 games.

And since missing 26 games in 2001-02 because of a broken leg, St. Louis, including playoffs, has played 749 of 751 games.

"I'm mind-boggled," coach Guy Boucher said. "Take his minutes, take his size, take his age, it's absolutely unreal."

St. Louis has nine goals and 22 points in 27 games. He is on pace for 27 goals, giving him a shot at a seventh 30-goal season, and 69 points, which would be his lowest output since 2005-06 and 30 points fewer than last season.

Part of that is Tampa Bay's chronic inability to bury scoring opportunities, Boucher said.

"He's got a few less points, but he's giving more scoring chances to everyone than last year. They're just not going in. His play has been terrific," Boucher said.

St. Louis credits Darien, Conn., trainer Ben Prentiss with keeping him in bionic shape. And, he said, staying healthy includes luck.

But general manager Steve Yzerman said St. Louis makes his luck.

"He's a little bit like (Detroit's) Nick Lidstrom in that they win battles and are first on the puck but don't get in positions to get run over," Yzerman said. "It's a special player who can do that."

"It's being aware of who you're playing against and their tendencies and who's where," St. Louis said. "I get hit. Sometimes you've got to take a hit to make a play. But it's being aware, anticipating where people are so you go away from a blind-side hit."

The streak has been threatened. St. Louis was so sick before last season's Dec. 26 game against the Thrashers, he almost didn't play.

"He was green," Boucher said.

He had two assists in a 3-2 overtime win.

Before a Nov. 4, 2010, game with the Kings, a needle through a toenail drained blood from St. Louis' bruised left big toe so he could put on his skate.

He has been cut between his eyes by a skate and said a puck off an ankle a few weeks ago might have sidelined him had the team not had a day off.

"You don't feel great, but as the game goes on, you get better," St. Louis said. "You might be sore to start the game, but by the end of the first period, it's gone."

"He is," teammate Victor Hedman said, "one of those warriors."

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

By Dave Zalewski, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

What's hot: Strong easterly winds made conditions tolerable close to shore in the gulf, but farther offshore, conditions were miserable and unsafe. Westerly winds cause waves to build offshore and as they head to shore, they eventually have no place to go and cause rough seas. Easterly winds have the opposite effect and produce calm conditions near the shore with waves increasing as one ventures farther out. These recent easterly winds have provided great fishing.

Baitfish have become abundant within 2 miles of shore and have attracted and kept many of the larger predators within range. Spanish mackerel can be caught either by trolling small spoons, plugs or streamers (with or without a No. 1 planer). Live-bait anglers can net bait inshore, anchor over hard bottom and chum the mackerel into a frenzy on most days.

Because of the clear water, using a light monofilament leader has become a necessity. At times a wire leader will result in few strikes.

Tips: Bonito are abundant and can be seen churning the water into a white froth. Although not considered good table fare, they provide drag-screaming, rod-bending action. At times bonito can become a nuisance when targeting other pelagics, but when targeting them for sport they prove difficult to catch. We have found that they are sensitive to bait size. A small saltwater streamer fly with a strong hook is often what it takes to "match the hatch." Kingfish are still here feeding on the mackerel. And for anglers with the patience to slow-troll large live baits, trophy catches are being made.

Dave Zalewski charters the Lucky Too out of Madeira Beach. Call (727) 397-8815.

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

TONIGHT

Browns (4-8) at Steelers (9-3)

8:20; NFL Network, 1010-AM Line/over-under: Steelers by 14; 381/2

The Browns' ineptitude on offense continues. This is in part a result of quarterback Colt McCoy's pedestrian play of late. And this isn't a good matchup for the young quarterback. The Steelers love to feast on young passers, and defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is sure to throw the kitchen sink at McCoy. In his last game against Pittsburgh, Jan. 2, McCoy threw three interceptions, was sacked four times and was limited to an average 5.1 yards per completion. Pittsburgh should stifle Cleveland even without top pass rusher LaMarr Woodley, who is likely to sit with a hamstring injury.

Stephen F. Holder's pick: Steelers 26, Browns 13

Times wires
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

ORLANDO — The Magic's retiring chairman and chief executive officer, Bob Vander Weide, said Wednesday his decision to step down had nothing to do with a phone call he made recently to Dwight Howard and efforts to keep the All-Star continue.

General manager Otis Smith said the Magic won't give in to every request Howard might make should he decide to test free agency in the summer. Howard can opt out of his deal a year early and become a free agent in July.

"At the end of the day, our objective is to win a title and protect this franchise," Smith said. "We're going to do whatever we have to do in order to do that. Our objective is to keep (Howard) in a uniform. However, if that's not the case, then we'll move another direction."

Vander Weide, who has worked with the Magic since coming aboard in 1992 as vice president of basketball operations, had been CEO and chairman since 2010. He said he had been moving toward stepping down for more than a year and the labor talks delayed the announcement.

Vander Weide, 53, will hand off the chairman duties to his brother-in-law Dan DeVos. Team president Alex Martins is taking over as CEO.

Vander Weide sought to clear up reports that he might have been intoxicated when he spoke to Howard in a late-night phone call this week. He said he had had two or three glasses of wine after a social event and wanted to return messages Howard had left for him. He denied being drunk.

"That phone conversation has not changed my relationship with Dwight," he said. "We like each other. … That phone call has not changed his feeling about this organization."

Deal voting begins: Players were to hear the finer points of the labor deal via conference call Wednesday evening, and ratification voting runs through 4 p.m. today. Owners also vote today. Training camps open Friday.

Lakers: Owner Jerry Buss, 77, was hospitalized because of blood clots in a leg caused by excessive travel, the team said. He was expected to be released in a day or two.

Times wires
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Autos

Formula One makes return to U.S. official

PARIS — The U.S. Grand Prix was officially included on the 2012 Formula One calendar Wednesday, ending fears the race in Austin, Texas, would be cut for financial reasons.

The Nov. 18 race will be F1's first in the United States since 2007.

Circuit of the Americas, the race's organizer, had pledged to pay F1's undisclosed sanctioning fee. But a dispute over signing a contract and the long-term financing had not been resolved. That prompted F1 president Bernie Ecclestone to extend his deadline to get a deal done by a week.

"Mr. Ecclestone received his check (Wednesday)," Red McCombs, former owner of the NFL's Vikings and a partner in Circuit of the Americas, said in a statement.

The initial dispute was caused by F1's decision to scrap a contract with Tavo Hellmund, a former driver with family ties to Ecclestone who was originally granted the right to stage the U.S. Grand Prix.

F1's U.S. presence will increase in 2013, when a 10-year deal for a race in New Jersey, across from Manhattan, begins.

Soccer

Man United out of Champions League

Three-time champion Manchester United was eliminated from the European Champions League when it lost 2-1 to Basel in Switzerland. The team, owned by Bucs owner Malcolm Glazer, needed only a tie to advance from group play of Europe's top club event. It trailed 2-0 on goals in the ninth and 84th minutes.

MLS: Midfielder Santino Quaranta retired after 11 seasons in the league, 10 with D.C. United. Quaranta, 27, was 16 when he joined MLS, its youngest player drafted at the time. He also made 15 appearances for the U.S. national team.

Tennis

Federer to face U.S. in Davis Cup match

Roger Federer committed to play for Switzerland against the United States in the first round of the 2012 Davis Cup. The 16-time Grand Slam champion has not played a first-round match since 2004. The nations meet Feb. 10-12 in Fribourg, Switzerland. Federer also plans to play in next year's Olympics.

Big winnings: Novak Djokovic won a record $12.6 million in 2011, the ATP announced. Djokovic, 24, won 10 titles, including three Grand Slams, to surpass the record of $10.1 million set by Rafael Nadal in 2010 and Federer in 2007. Djokovic surpassed Andre Agassi for fourth in career earnings with $32.9 million. Nadal earned $7.7 million in 2011 to surpass Pete Sampras for second all time at $45 million. Federer leads with $67.4 million.

Et cetera

alpine Skiing: Lindsey Vonn won her first World Cup event on U.S. slopes, taking a super-giant slalom in Beaver Creek, Colo. Vonn finished two runs in a combined 1 minute, 10.68 seconds, .37 seconds faster than Switzerland's Fabienne Suter. Vonn has won four consecutive races since announcing her divorce from Thomas Vonn.

Greyhounds: Ahk Colormegone and Flying Marvelous remained undefeated and Hallo Sangria and Uss Billionaire also won second-round qualifiers in the $75,000 660-Yard Challenge at Derby Lane in St. Petersburg. Third-round action is Saturday.

Sailing: Paige Railey of Clearwater was in fifth in laser radial after three more races, including two third-place finishes, at the world championships in Perth, Australia.

Don Jensen, Times correspondent; Times wires

Times wires
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

INDIANAPOLIS — Archie Manning figures Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck could co-exist in Indianapolis after all.

One day after he told an Indianapolis radio show he didn't think either quarterback wanted to be on the same team, he backtracked and said he thought the two could work together just fine if the winless Colts get the No. 1 overall draft pick in the spring and choose Luck out of Stanford.

"I'm sure they could," Archie Manning said in a phone interview Wednesday. "Andrew is a great young man, and we've enjoyed getting to know him. He and Peyton have a friendship, and I'm one of the few people out there that's not really concerned about this deal. All good people respect each other, and I'm sure this will all shake out."

The connection between the Mannings and the Lucks goes back almost three decades, to when Archie Manning and Luck's father, Oliver, were teammates in Houston. The family patriarchs still communicate, and their quarterback-playing sons have gotten to know one another.

But Tuesday on the radio, Archie Manning seemed to express concerns over the two being teammates in 2012.

"I don't think it'd necessarily be great for either one," he said then. "I think Andrew's the type of mature player … he can walk right in (and contribute)."

The comments caused lots of commotion in Indianapolis, where the 0-12 Colts are a favorite to get the top pick in April's draft.

Luck has not filed the paperwork to give up his final year of college eligibility and enter the draft. Peyton Manning, who has had three neck surgeries in 19 months, is still rehabilitating from his most recent. He hasn't played this season.

Eagles: Though in the past he has said he would do so, quarterback Michael Vick, expected to start this week after missing three games with broken ribs, promised to slide instead of trying for extra yardage when he is in danger of being tackled. "I'm sliding now, I'm getting down, I've made my mind up," Vick told the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Packers: Linebacker Erik Walden was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct-domestic abuse in connection with an arrest after a fight with his girlfriend last month. Walden, whose attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf, is free on bond and is due back in court Dec. 27. The charge is less severe than the original one: suspicion of felony domestic violence-substantial battery. … Cornerback Charles Woodson was limited in practice (concussion) but is expected to play this week against the Raiders.

Raiders: Cornerback Chris Johnson left the team to join his family after his sister was killed and his mother wounded in a shooting in Fort Worth, Texas. He is expected back Sunday.

Times wires
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

NEW YORK — Stanford athletic director Bob Bowlsby said Wednesday that the plus-one model — essentially a four-team playoff — is "inevitable."

A panel of ADs at the Intercollegiate Athletics Forum voiced opposition for a large I-A playoff but agreed a four-team format seemed likely down the road. Washington AD Scott Woodward said he supports the plus-one model and believes it will "eventually" happen.

The current BCS contract expires after the January 2014 bowl games. And NCAA president Mark Emmert said the plus-one is "entirely possible."

The SEC and ACC supported a four-team playoff in 2008 but were rebuffed by the other BCS conferences — Big East, Big Ten, Big 12 and Pac-10 (now Pac-12).

But Monday, the Big 12's athletic directors voted to support the plus-one. And others are softening their view.

"I was vehemently against it initially," UCLA AD Dan Guerrero said. "But I'm a little more open to the discussion as it relates to a plus-one."

UNC Coach: Southern Miss coach Larry Fedora will take over at North Carolina, the Associated Press reported. Fedora, a Florida assistant for three seasons (including offensive coordinator in 2004), led the Golden Eagles to a school-record 11 wins this season. In four seasons, he was 33-19. Everett Withers, named interim coach after Butch Davis was fired just before fall drills, went 7-5 for the Heels.

Ariz. St. coach: SMU coach June Jones, at one point the top candidate to replace the fired Dennis Erickson, no longer is in the running, CBSSports.com reported. No reason was given.

Penn St.: Former coach Joe Paterno's treatment for lung cancer is progressing well, the AP reported. Paterno, diagnosed last month, hasn't spoken publicly since his dismissal after the arrest of former assistant Jerry Sandusky for child sex abuse.

SEC: Alabama tailback Trent Richardson was named offensive player of the year, LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne defensive player of the year, Arkansas' Joe Adams special teams player of the year and LSU's Les Miles coach of the year.

Awards: Illinois junior Whitney Mercilus won the Hendricks for the nation's top defensive end. He led the nation with 14½ sacks. … Boston College junior linebacker Luke Kuechly won the Lombardi for the nation's top lineman or linebacker. He led the nation with 191 tackles.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

DALLAS — Sliding into the seat Bobby Valentine just vacated in the winter meetings media room, Yankees manager Joe Girardi wasn't taking any chances, quickly discarding the plastic bottle left behind.

"That was Bobby's water," Girardi cracked. "I don't know what he put in it."

Valentine's hiring to take over a Red Sox team stained by a late-season collapse and offseason controversy will markedly make life in the American League East more interesting for the Yankees, for the Rays, and for anyone else within earshot.

Asked during his Wednesday interview session to talk about the rivalry with the Yankees, Valentine replied, with a grin:

"No, I hate the Yankees. I don't want to waste this valuable time talking about the Yankees. This is too valuable. I told Joe Girardi I used to love them, but now I hate them."

He spoke in much nicer terms about the Rays, who, of course, caused much of the Boston implosion by beating them out on the last day of the season for the AL wild-card spot — leading to Valentine eventually making the move from ESPN's booth to the Sox dugout.

Valentine said he considered the Rays a challenge — "a real challenge" — then heaped on more praise.

"From afar, I've been in awe of the job they've done. I've admired the work of Joe Maddon and his team," Valentine said.

"If I was a broadcaster answering that question, I would say that everyone would rather have an expert team than have a team of experts. And I think that they strive to have an expert team and have succeeded in doing that."

There appears to be something of a mutual admiration society as Maddon raved back. And based on the extended and animated chat they had after Wednesday's managers luncheon, "loquacious" will be a common adjective.

"I'm really happy for him," Maddon said. "I've had some really good conversations with Bobby. … I think it's very interesting, I think it makes our division even more interesting. I'm not going to say better because I'm not going to denigrate (former Sox manager Terry Francona). I thought Tito did a great job while he was there, and I have a lot of respect for him. … It's just a different scenario there now. It's a different form of competition.

"Bobby definitely is going to add to the interest level in our division. And in baseball in general, I think he's a wonderful man. I love his enthusiasm for the day, not just baseball."

Valentine, 61, has been in a whirlwind since getting hired last week for his first major-league managing job since 2002. He has been working to get to know his new boss (just-promoted GM Ben Cherington), settle his coaching staff (half done) and offer input on restoring the team's image and talent level.

He has made an effort to speak to each of his returning players, though the one prominent one he hasn't been able to connect with is former Ray Carl Crawford, and Valentine said if necessary, he'd get on a plane so he could meet with Crawford before spring training. (For what it's worth, in May 2010 Valentine made a somewhat critical comment on the air about a Crawford play, and the two exchanged barbs through the Times.)

The Rays are, obviously, interested observers in how it works out. They will watch, and listen, and research Valentine's previous tendencies to get a sense of what to expect in their 18 head-to-head games. They know it's going to be different.

"He's obviously," Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman said, "a big-time personality in the game."

Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

DALLAS — The winter meetings may end up being all talk for the Rays. And that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Executive VP Andrew Friedman seems likely to head home today without making any deals — ending a four-year streak — but with progress toward future moves.

"We've in the last 24 hours had a number of productive conversations, some that have kind of been offshoots of talks that we had had in the preceding days," Friedman said Wednesday.

"Trades are so difficult to characterize, but I do feel there is decent momentum on a couple of fronts that have a chance to materialize. Whether that's in a day or in a month, that's tough to say. But there are certain spots where ideally we'd be more aggressive and (that we could) take care of so we could take care of other areas. It doesn't always work out that way."

The Rays are looking to fill vacancies at first base and DH and to improve their offense, and they have starters to deal, presumably preferring to part with Wade Davis or Jeff Niemann.

The Rays have talked to a number of teams — the Reds "several times," Cincinnati GM Walt Jocketty said — but nothing had developed. The Reds (1B Yonder Alonso) and Marlins (1B Gaby Sanchez) seem good matches, though the Rays likely would prefer a left-handed hitter at first base.

Bringing back Carlos Peña could work, though agent Scott Boras said he has received multiple inquiries and expects Peña, who made $10 million with the Cubs in 2011, to get multiyear offers.

The Rays continued to have interest in free-agent OF/DH Josh Willingham, a right-handed hitter who declined arbitration from Oakland. Boras said there is mutual interest in having DH Johnny Damon return.

Also:

• The Rays have an open roster spot but appear unlikely to make a selection in today's Rule 5 draft of minor-leaguers. .

• Andres Reiner, the game's foremost expert on scouting and player development in Venezuela, retired at age 76. The Rays' academy in Venezuela is dedicated to him. "He is a true visionary and has left a tremendous legacy for our game," senior VP Gerry Hunsicker said.

MARLINS MANIA: The Marlins missed out on free-agent 1B Albert Pujols (who seems likely to stay in St. Louis but also was talking to the Angels) but continued their spending spree by signing LHP Mark Buehrle, who got $58 million over four years to follow manager Ozzie Guillen from the White Sox. And they were still pursuing LHP C.J. Wilson, who is also considering an offer from the Angels. That was after the Marlins introduced SS Jose Reyes, saying he was their top offseason target, and insisted Hanley Ramirez would accept a move to third base.

ELSEWHERE: The Padres acquired closer Huston Street from Colorado. … Ex-Rays RHP Dan Wheeler declined arbitration from Boston and remained a free agent. … The Angels signed RHP LaTroy Hawkins, and the Tigers were close with RHP Octavio Dotel. … SS Jimmy Rollins appeared headed back to the Phillies. … Boston's David Ortiz (voted the game's top DH), Toronto's Kelly Johnson and Milwaukee's Francisco Rodriguez accepted arbitration. Rodriguez is likely to be traded. … The Yankees won the bidding for Japanese INF Hiroyuki Nakajima.

MISCELLANY: Fox analyst Tim McCarver received the Hall of Fame Frick award. … Ex-Ray Scott Kazmir, released by the Angels, made a tough Dominican Republic debut, throwing 27 pitches and getting one out.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

GAINESVILLE — The buildup for Wednesday night's game between Florida and Arizona focused on the eight guards between the teams that could light it up from the floor, but in the end it was the Florida big men who made the difference.

Sophomore center Patric Young had a career-high 25 points and 10 rebounds, and sophomore forward Will Yeguette added eight rebounds to help the No. 12 Gators hang on to defeat Arizona 78-72 in overtime in front of 10,531 at the O'Connell Center.

In a game in which Florida's guards — Kenny Boynton, Erving Walker and Brad Beal — shot a combined 9-of-36 from the field and 3-of-18 from 3-point range, the inside game saved the day.

"It's huge," Young said of the way the Gators pulled out the win. "It answered a lot of questions about our team. When guys aren't having good nights (shooting), are they still helping the team in the winning process collectively? And they did."

With Florida leading by three with 8.6 seconds remaining in regulation, Casey Prather was called for a controversial foul on Arizona forward Solomon Hill. Referees said Hill was in the process of shooting from 3-point range, prompting a cry of "No way" from UF coach Billy Donovan. Hill hit all three free throws to force overtime.

The Gators, who had been abysmal from the free-throw line throughout regulation, hit 8-of-12 in overtime to help seal the win.

"Our guys found a way to hang in there and make some plays and finally made a few free throws to win the game," Donovan said. "As the game got inside of two minutes, I felt like our team was playing to win."

Arizona, which struggled from the field early, eventually shot 52 percent in the first half and 44 percent in the second, but it was outrebounded by 10.

"The difference is clearly they were the bigger team; they killed us on the glass," Arizona coach Sean Miller said. "They played really hard and wore our team down."

Florida shot 15-of-32 from the free-throw line, including 2-of-14 in the first half, prompting Donovan to tell reporters, "I could go out right now and make 2-for-14 left-handed."

Walker was 2-of-11, and Boynton was 3-of-16.

"Kenny Boynton and Erving Walker tried to take over the game and didn't try to take it over in the right fashion," Donovan said.

Antonya English can be reached at english@tampabay.com.

Times wires
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — A county district attorney who has sharply criticized police and Syracuse University for their handling of sex-abuse allegations against former assistant basketball coach Bernie Fine said Wednesday he cannot charge Fine but found that two men who have accused him of sexual abuse are credible.

Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick said his investigation into the claims against Fine started out to answer several questions, among them: Were the first two accusers, Bobby Davis and his stepbrother Michael Lang, being truthful?

"On almost every single criteria, Bobby Davis came out as a credible person," Fitzpatrick said. "Mike Lang also comes across as a credible person."

On accuser Zach Tomaselli, 23, Fitzpatrick said he has turned over school records and team travel records that may call into question Tomaselli's claim that Fine abused him in 2002 in a Pittsburgh hotel when the team played a road game there. He called the records "exculpatory," evidence that helps the defense.

Fine's lawyers say the records appear to prove Tomaselli lied.

Tomaselli is one of three men who accuse Fine of molesting them when they were boys. Tomaselli's claims are the only ones among the three that are eligible for prosecution within the statute of limitations.

"It appears now that there is proof that Tomaselli fabricated this allegation," Fine's lawyers, Donald Martin and Karl Sleight, said in a joint statement, their first since early in the 3-week-old scandal. "The incredible damage that Tomaselli has inflicted on Mr. Fine cannot be overstated."

Tomaselli's phone rang unanswered Wednesday.

Fine, 65, who had been Hall of Fame coach Jim Boeheim's top assistant since 1976, has adamantly denied wrongdoing in all the cases. He was fired Nov. 27.

Top 25

NO. 5 LOUISVILLE 90, IUPUI 60: Chris Smith matched his career best with 19 points to reach 1,000 for his career, and the Cardinals (8-0) won their 16th straight game at home.

NO. 7 DUKE 87, COLORADO ST. 64: Freshman Austin Rivers had 17 points for the host Blue Devils (8-1), who shot 56 percent and bounced back from last week's lopsided loss at Ohio State.

NO. 8 XAVIER 73, BUTLER 61: Tu Holloway scored 14 of his 16 from the free-throw line and Mark Lyons also had 16 points for the visiting Musketeers (7-0).

NO. 14 WISCONSIN 70, GREEN BAY 42: Jordan Taylor had 15 points and 10 assists for the host Badgers (7-2), who took control with a 14-1 run in the first half.

DAYTON 74, NO. 16 ALABAMA 62: Chris Johnson had 20 points and the host Flyers closed with a 17-9 run to knock off the Crimson Tide (7-2) and ruin head coach Anthony Grant's homecoming.

NO. 22 TEXAS A&M 64, SAM HOUSTON ST. 37: Ray Turner had 15 points and 10 rebounds for the host Aggies (7-1), who have held four straight teams under 45 points.

NO. 24 ILLINOIS 48, ST. BONAVENTURE 43: Brandon Paul scored 12 in the final four minutes to help the host Illini (9-0) rally.

Women

UF 91, S.F. 68: Jennifer George had 24 points and 11 rebounds for the visiting Gators (6-2), who blew it open early and bounced back from a loss to Rutgers.

ECKERD 86, NORTHWOOD 41: Freshman Kayla Bowlin had a career-high 17 points off the bench to lead six players in double figures for the host Tritons (5-1), winners of four straight.

TAMPA 68, AVE MARIA 66: Illyssa Vivo had 23 points and Kamari Smith hit a go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:06 left to lift the host Spartans (4-5).

NO. 3 NOTRE DAME 95, MARQUETTE 42: Kayla McBride had 19 points for the host Irish (8-1), who won their fifth straight game in their Big East opener.

NO. 16 TEXAS TECH 88, TEXAS-ARLINGTON 48: Casey Morris scored 22 of her career-high 24 in the first half as the host Raiders (8-0) took a 20-1 lead.

NO. 18 UNC 95, LIPSCOMB 53: Chay Shegog had a career-high 26 points and 11 rebounds for the host Tar Heels (6-1).

NO. 19 G'TOWN 82, PITT 54: Sugar Rodgers had 28 points for the visiting Hoyas (8-2), who used aggressive defense to run away early in their Big East opener.

No. 22 DePaul 69, St. John's 52: Keisha Hampton had 21 points for the host Blue Demons (7-1), who won their fifth straight in their Big East opener.

NO. 23 VANDY 99, UT-MARTIN 84: Jasmine Lister had 30 points for the visiting Commodores (10-0), who shot 60 percent.

Times wires
Wednesday, December 7, 2011

OTTAWA — Alex Ovechkin's long-developing goal highlighted the Capitals' four-goal third period as they beat the Senators 5-3 on Wednesday.

Washington improved to 2-3 under new coach Dale Hunter. It beat Ottawa 3-2 in overtime on Saturday.

The Capitals trailed 2-1 entering the third. Nicklas Backstrom tied it during a power play 9:45 in. He assisted on Ovechkin's go-ahead goal 4:05 later. Ovechkin carried the puck down the left side, behind the net and back along the right side. He then stopped, turned around and beat Craig Anderson.

Troy Brouwer scored 15 seconds later to make it 4-2. John Carlson, who also had two assists, sealed it with an empty-netter.

Ottawa wing Chris Neil was called for unsportsmanlike conduct in the second after he fell following a spear to the groin by Ovechkin. It came behind the play, after Neil checked Ovechkin in the corner. No penalty was called on Ovechkin. Neil went to the dressing room but returned soon after.

Crosby to miss two

PITTSBURGH — Penguins star center Sidney Crosby will sit out two games as a precaution after taking a hard hit Monday against Boston, the team said. Crosby returned Nov. 21 after missing almost 11 months because of a concussion.

"Sidney wasn't feeling 100 percent," general manager Ray Shero said. "He … took a (concussion) test, which showed no problems. However, we all think it's best that he sits out the next two games as a precaution."

Also in the game, Crosby collided with teammate Chris Kunitz and left the ice favoring his right knee. But he did not miss a shift and said it was just a "stinger." He practiced Wednesday and when asked about the knee said he felt fine.

Sex abuse: Former junior coach and convicted sex offender Graham James pleaded guilty in Canada to sexually assaulting two of his former players, including former NHL star Theo Fleury. James, to be sentenced in February, originally faced nine charges involving three players from 1979-94. Fleury revealed the abuse in an autobiography. The names of the other two haven't been disclosed. James previously served 31/2 years in prison for sexually abusing players, including former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy.

Around the league: Bruins coach Claude Julien said he sat leading scorer Tyler Seguin against the Jets on Tuesday because he overslept and missed a team breakfast and meeting. He is expected to play tonight. … Stars defenseman Mark Fistric was suspended for three games for leaving his feet to hit Islanders wing Nino Niederreiter on Saturday. Niederreiter is out with a concussion.

First Period—None. Penalties—Brouwer, Was, major (fighting), 5:39; Winchester, Ott, major (fighting), 5:39; Backstrom, Was (hooking), 9:23; Gonchar, Ott (interference), 11:10; Anderson, Ott, served by Greening (tripping), 11:10.

Second Period—1, Washington, Halpern 2 (Wideman, Brouwer), 2:12. 2, Ottawa, Condra 4 (Karlsson, Smith), 12:43. 3, Ottawa, Foligno 9 (Gonchar), 17:54. Penalties—Neil, Ott (unsportsmanlike conduct), 8:12; Washington bench, served by Perreault (too many men), 14:42; Chimera, Was (hooking), 15:51.

Third Period—4, Washington, Backstrom 10 (Laich, Carlson), 9:45 (pp). 5, Washington, Ovechkin 9 (Backstrom, Orlov), 13:50. 6, Washington, Brouwer 8 (Johansson, Carlson), 14:05. 7, Ottawa, Michalek 17 (Greening), 16:08 (pp). 8, Washington, Carlson 5 (Halpern), 19:14 (en). Penalties—Ward, Was (slashing), :34; Karlsson, Ott (tripping), 8:46; Laich, Was (roughing), 13:12; Foligno, Ott (roughing), 13:12; Semin, Was (hooking), 16:03; Ward, Was (slashing), 17:02. Shots on Goal—Washington 15-12-17—44. Ottawa 6-14-14—34. Power-play opportunities—Washington 1 of 4; Ottawa 1 of 6. Goalies—Washington, Vokoun 11-7-0 (34 shots-31 saves). Ottawa, Anderson 12-9-2 (43-39). A—17,771 (19,153).

First Period—1, Buffalo, Leino 3 (Kassian, Adam), 10:16 (pp). 2, Buffalo, Kassian 3 (Sekera), 18:55. 3, Buffalo, Vanek 13 (Pominville, Roy), 19:37 (pp). 4, Philadelphia, Talbot 7 (Voracek), 19:59. Penalties—Timonen, Phi (hooking), 5:37; Rinaldo, Phi (holding stick), 9:58; Finley, Buf (roughing), 13:27; Meszaros, Phi (tripping), 19:29; Rinaldo, Phi, major (fighting), 20:00; Tropp, Buf, major (fighting), 20:00.

Second Period—5, Philadelphia, Read 11 (Timonen, Giroux), 5:17. 6, Philadelphia, Hartnell 12 (Giroux), 14:45. 7, Philadelphia, Jagr 9 (Giroux), 17:48. Penalties—Bourdon, Phi, minor-major (boarding, fighting), 3:10; Ellis, Buf, minor-major-misconduct (instigator, fighting), 3:10; van Riemsdyk, Phi (holding), 11:54.

Third Period—8, Buffalo, Stafford 5 (Pominville, Gragnani), 18:25. Penalties—None.

Overtime—9, Philadelphia, Giroux 16, 2:37. Penalties—None. Shots on Goal—Philadelphia 16-9-6-3—34. Buffalo 13-5-5-1—24. Power-play opportunities—Philadelphia 0 of 1; Buffalo 2 of 4. Goalies—Philadelphia, Bryzgalov 11-5-2 (24 shots-20 saves). Buffalo, Miller 6-6-1 (34-29). A—18,690 (18,690).