By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 10, 2012

GAINESVILLE — Coach Billy Donovan's message after last week's loss to Tennessee was that the Gators needed to bring intensity and focus right from the start. Anything less would be unacceptable.

Tuesday night, it appeared the message was well-received.

The Gators dominated early and never let up in a 70-48 win over Georgia in front of 10,506 at the O'Connell Center. The Gators (13-4, 1-1 SEC) won their 15th straight home game and allowed their fewest points since they beat American 67-48 in 2010.

"We didn't really talk about it, but coach in the back of his mind, it was like we can't go 0-2, especially losing in our own place," sophomore center Patric Young said. "Anytime you step on the court you want to come out with a victory, especially if it's an SEC game."

Florida led 35-21 at halftime, shooting 50 percent from the field. The Gators held the Bulldogs (9-7, 0-2) to 4-of-14 shooting in the early minutes.

"I felt that we played with a lot of energy and passion and we went out there and concentrated on the things we needed to do in order to win the game," junior guard Mike Rosario said.

Florida led by 25 with 11:38 left but allowed the Bulldogs to pull within 58-45 with 4:45 left.

"In the second half there were moments when we competed really well, like we should have been doing the whole game," said forward Nemanja Djurisic, the Bulldogs' lone double-figure scorer with 14. "Once we got the lead down to (13) we just let them slide easy and get the lead back over 20."

Donovan said there are still concerns. Georgia had 14 offensive rebounds to Florida's six, and the Bulldogs' late run showed "we lost our focus."

"We gave up way too many offensive rebounds and loose basketballs," he said. "I was much more pleased with our effort on the other end of the floor, our level of awareness, being alert, sharp and focused. I think if you hold any team to 48 points you've done a pretty good job defensively."

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

Times wires
Tuesday, January 10, 2012

BLACKSBURG, Va. — Bernard James and Florida State knew they had gotten away from their bread-and-butter "junkyard defense," and they had a 20-point blowout loss at Clemson in their ACC opener to show for it.

For one night, at least, they got back to doing what they do best.

James had 18 points and 14 rebounds, and the Seminoles held Virginia Tech to 30.5 percent shooting and survived a furious comeback by the Hokies to win 63-59 on Tuesday night.

"That's how we started off the year and that was us all of last year, playing that junkyard defense," James said of the defense that had led the nation the past two years. "We kind of let it slip."

Ian Miller added 15 points for the Seminoles (10-6, 1-1 ACC), who tied a school record with 15 blocks and improved to 14-12 in ACC road games the past four seasons.

In the closing minutes, James — a 26-year-old, six-year Air Force veteran — had two huge putback dunks, and former Clearwater High standout Okaro White hit two clinching free throws with 5.5 seconds left.

"The refs weren't whistle-happy tonight. I love those kind of games," James said. "I can take a beating as long as I can give out one."

The Hokies (11-5, 0-2) lost their first two ACC games for the first time since 2005-06. They trailed most of the game against the Seminoles' league-best field goal defense before rallying behind Erick Green, who scored 19 of his 21 after halftime, including the Hokies' last eight.

"It didn't seem as fast on the film," he said of FSU's defense.

By Tyler James, Special to the Times
Tuesday, January 10, 2012

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — After USF missed its first three shots and turned the ball over twice to start Tuesday's game against Notre Dame, coach Stan Heath took a timeout looking for better offensive production.

Heath and the Bulls never really found that production, falling 60-49 in a road Big East matchup in which they never led.

"We had some layups and shots in close. When you don't make those, you get a little frustrated and it seems like the next plays don't happen as well," Heath said. "I think it was a little bit of their defense, but I think it was a lot of us."

The Bulls (9-8, 2-2) shot 38.2 percent and made 1 of 13 3-point attempts in a game that was up for grabs for the first 30 minutes.

Down by three with 9:17 left, the Bulls went on a five-minute scoreless drought while Notre Dame (11-6, 3-1) opened a 17-point lead. USF ended its drought only after Notre Dame forward Jack Cooley was called for a technical foul and Jawanza Poland hit the two free throws.

Three Irish players scored in double figures, led by forward Jack Cooley's 16 points and seven rebounds. Guard Scott Martin had 15 points and 13 rebounds and Jerian Grant added 14 points.

"Notre Dame played a very good basketball game," Heath said. "Their teamwork was outstanding. They hurt us with some matchups out there on the court."

Augustus Gilchrist led a struggling Bulls offense with 13 points and five rebounds. Poland scored 12 off the bench.

Despite the loss, forward Ron Anderson Jr., who had six points and 10 rebounds off the bench, said the team is starting to grow together.

"As a team, we're a lot more comfortable," Anderson said. "The seniors have another year playing with each other, and the chemistry is building."

Times wires
Tuesday, January 10, 2012

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Reggie McKenzie made clear on his first day as Raiders general manager that there's a new regime in Oakland.

Soon after officially signing his contract to be the first GM since longtime owner Al Davis' death, McKenzie fired coach Hue Jackson in a bold first move as he looks to give the organization a fresh start.

"There comes a time when change is necessary," McKenzie said Tuesday. "For the Raiders the time is now. The Raiders organization, with respect and deference for all its tradition and history, is about to embark on a new era."

Jackson was fired after going 8-8 in his only season, then talking about wanting more power in the organization. McKenzie wanted to bring in his "own guy."

Owner Mark Davis said McKenzie will decide on the new coach and the personnel decisions, with the coach ultimately reporting to the GM.

That's a major change from how the organization was run before Davis' father, Al, died on Oct. 8. Al Davis made all the major decisions, with many of those now falling to McKenzie as Mark Davis focuses on finding a new stadium and other off-field issues.

Jackson told Yahoo Sports that he felt the decision to fire him came from Davis, not McKenzie, who had spent the past 18 years in the front office of the Packers, last serving as director of football operations.

Meanwhile, Davis said it's imperative to get a new stadium and he has had discussions with groups in Los Angeles about returning there, where the franchise played from 1982-94.

JAGS PICK MULARKEY: The Jaguars, hoping to improve the league's worst offense, hired Falcons offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey as coach. The team plans to introduce him today. The Florida Times-Union first reported the hire.

Investigation into death of coach's son

Police said they were trying to figure out how the son of Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin died. Michael T. Philbin, 21, disappeared early Sunday. His body was recovered Monday from the icy Fox River in Wisconsin.

"We love Michael so much and will miss him dearly," Joe Philbin said in statement released by the team. "He loved his family, friends and life. His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew him. We are appreciative of the prayers and the support of our family, friends and the Packers family."

An autopsy was scheduled for Tuesday in Madison but toxicology results weren't expected to be available for at least a month, police spokesman Joseph Nichols said.

It was unclear whether Joe Philbin will continue to work with the team this week as Green Bay prepares to face the Giants in a division round game Sunday.

MASON RETIRES: Wide receiver Derrick Mason retired after 15 seasons. The two-time Pro Bowl pick caught 943 passes for 12,061 yards and 66 touchdowns. After the Ravens cut him this summer, he was signed by the Jets and later traded to the Texans.

CHARGERS: Offensive coordinator Clarence Shelmon has decided not to return, the team said.

RAMS: The team is interviewing Lake Dawson of the Titans and Les Snead of the Falcons for its vacant GM position.

VIKINGS: The team said building a stadium on the site of the Metrodome would come with $67 million in hidden costs. The costs were detailed in a letter made public Tuesday. The team said it still prefers to build in Arden Hills, a suburb north of St. Paul.

Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer; Times wires
Tuesday, January 10, 2012

baseball

peña, damon keeping return to rays in plans

1B Carlos Peña and DH Johnny Damon remain possibilities to fill the Rays' openings for two hitters, agent Scott Boras said Tuesday, but both have interest from other teams.

"I think the Rays need offense," Boras said. "And both players enjoyed playing there."

Boras said he's talking to "a number of clubs" about Peña and is "going through the customary negotiations." Peña was with the Rays in 2007-10 then went to the Cubs last season, where he made $10 million, hitting .225 with 28 homers.

Damon hit .261 with 16 homers for the Rays last season, while making $5.25 million, and has made it clear he would like to return. "There was not a better DH in the AL, apart from Michael Young and David Ortiz," Boras said. "He had a great season down there."

Among other players the Rays have talked are Orioles DH/OF Luke Scott and Rockies OF Seth Smith.

Report: Extension for Selig: Owners say commissioner Bud Selig will be offered a contract extension this week. ESPN.com first reported Selig will be offered an additional term when owners meet today and Thursday in Scottsdale, Ariz. Selig, who turns 78 in July, has been commissioner since September 1992.

Cubs: Paul Maholm agreed to a one-year contract that guarantees the left-hander $4.75 million. Maholm, 29, was limited by a left shoulder strain last season with Pittsburgh and made 26 starts.

golf

LPGA brings back popular events

The LPGA Tour took a big step toward beefing up its schedule by adding three tournaments in the United States, including the return of two popular events in Ohio and Virginia.

The biggest surprise was the Jamie Farr Toledo Classic, which was not played a year ago. The LPGA also is going back to Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Va., a favorite among players that was last played in 2009.

The tour previously announced new tournaments in Hawaii and Canada, along with sanctioning the Australian Open.

tennis

Wozniacki rallies to reach quarters

Top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki came back from 4-0 down in the final set to beat Dominika Cibulkova 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 and advance to the quarterfinals at the Sydney International.

The match ended on a line call that was ruled in and later, on video review, shown to be out by a few millimeters, giving Wozniacki victory on her second match point.

Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova also struggled against an unseeded opponent before advancing with a 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 win over Alexandre Dulgheru.

et cetera

IndyCar: Rookie of the year James Hinchcliffe was hired to drive for Andretti Autosport. He will take over the Go Daddy entry, left vacant when Danica Patrick jumped to NASCAR.

Winter sports: Canadian freestyle skier Sarah Burke was seriously injured while training on the superpipe in Park City, Utah, and airlifted to a Salt Lake City hospital. A spokeswoman at University Hospital confirmed Burke, 29, was being evaluated.

Dakar Rally: American driver Robby Gordon won the ninth leg in Inique, Chile, and French rival Stephane Peterhansel finished second to maintain his overall lead in the car category. In motorbikes, Cyril Despres of France won the stage to regain the lead.

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer; Times wires

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 10, 2012

GAINESVILLE — The month-long search to replace Florida offensive coordinator Charlie Weis has ended with former Boise State offensive coordinator Brent Pease.

Florida coach Will Muschamp is expected to announce today the hiring of Pease, who leaves Boise State after six seasons, the past season as offensive coordinator.

Pease will receive a three-year contract worth approximately $500,000 annually. Weis earned about $800,000 per year.

Pease interviewed Friday for the job, which was left vacant when Weis abruptly left to take the head coaching job at Kansas. Pease was also sought by Alabama coach Nick Saban. The Tide's offensive coordinator Jim McElwain is the new head coach at Colorado State.

Pease, who will also serve as quarterback coach, takes over an anemic offense that struggled this season. The Gators were ranked No. 105 nationally in total offense (328.69) and 71st in scoring (25.46).

At Boise State, Pease led an offense that tied for 10th nationally at 481.31 yards per game. The Broncos finished No. 6 in the USA Today coaches poll, No. 8 in the AP poll. For five seasons Pease was wide receivers coach and for the past four served as assistant head coach to Chris Petersen on the Broncos' staff.

Also, former Florida quarterback John Brantley was named to the East-West Shrine game on Jan. 21, at Tropicana Field. Shawn Powell of Florida State and Jeremiah Warren and Jerrell Young of USF also are on the East roster. See tampabay.com for complete rosters.

Alabama celebrates

The Alabama Crimson Tide returned to Tuscaloosa, a day after a 21-0 victory over LSU in the BCS national championship game in New Orleans.

The BCS victory had special meaning after last year's deadly tornado outbreak.

Hundreds cheered at the city's airport as the team arrived on two charter jets. Fans stood with umbrellas and red-and-white shakers in a steady rain just a few miles from neighborhoods devastated by a tornado that killed more than 50 people in the city, including several students.

"This is icing on the cake," fan Mary Strong said. "It's been such a great distraction."

There was talk of a possible split national championship if Oklahoma State beat Stanford soundly in last week's Fiesta Bowl and Alabama barely beat LSU. Neither of those things happened, and Alabama received 55 of 60 votes in the final AP poll.

LSU was second and received one first-place vote; Oklahoma State, which needed overtime to defeat Stanford, was third and was first on the remaining four nationwide ballots.

Griffin going pro

Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III decided to enter the NFL draft. The dual-threat quarterback is bypassing his senior season at Baylor and is projected to be one of the top picks in April. Baylor officials had indicated this week the possibility of a news conference on campus as early as today.

UCF LOSES COORDINATOR: Ted Roof, hired as UCF defensive coordinator on Dec. 8, is leaving for the same job at Penn State, the Orlando Sentinel reported. When hired from Auburn, Roof had said he was excited about coaching the Knights defense and was committed to helping with recruiting leading up to signing day Feb. 1. New Penn State coach Bill O'Brien and Roof worked together at Georgia Tech and Duke, and remain close friends. UCF has made no official announcement about Roof.

In other Penn State coaching news, Jay Paterno is leaving the staff after spending 17 years as an assistant under his father, Hall of Fame coach Joe Paterno. Jay Paterno worked the last 12 seasons as the quarterbacks coach. His departure was expected after O'Brien was named coach last week.

BCS TALKS: College football leaders, including Big Ten commissioner and staunch playoff opponent Jim Delany, are open to considering the idea of turning the Bowl Championship Series into a four-team playoff. The commissioners from the 11 Division I-A conferences met in New Orleans to exchange ideas about the system for crowning a champion starting in the 2014 season.

ARKANSAS: Running back Knile Davis, who missed the season after fracturing his left ankle, said he will return to school, bypassing the NFL draft.

IOWA: Marcus Coker asked for and was granted a release from his scholarship. The school didn't disclose any details or reasons.

NOTRE DAME: Second-year coach Brian Kelly got a two-year contract extension through the 2016 season.

WISCONSIN: Center Peter Konz plans to skip his senior season and enter the NFL draft.

OBITUARY: Vince Gibson, who played at Florida State in the early years of the program and later was an assistant coach there, died Tuesday in Kenner, La. He was 78. He later was head coach at Kansas State, Louisville and Tulane.

Antonya English can be reached at english@sptimes.com. Information from Times wires was used in this report.

Times wires
Tuesday, January 10, 2012

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Baylor coach Scott Drew isn't oblivious to criticism, no matter how spotless the record or high the ranking.

After some had questioned his team's toughness, Drew was thrilled with the way the No. 4 Bears responded against No. 18 Kansas State on Tuesday night.

Perry Jones scored 17 and Baylor held the Wildcats to one basket over the final five minutes for a 75-73 win.

"That's the biggest thing, that sometimes people question our team's toughness," Drew said. "I think we showed, mentally, how tough we've been."

Quincy Acy and Brady Heslip added 13 points each for the Bears (16-0, 3-0 Big 12). Jones and Acy combined to go 14-of-18 from the floor. Pierre Jackson had 10 points for Baylor, which surged ahead with a 20-4 run over a 51/2-minute stretch midway through the second half.

Rodney McGruder scored 30 on 10-of-14 shooting to lead Kansas State (12-3, 1-2). Jordan Henriquez added 10 points for the Wildcats.

"Their frontline kicked our tails," Wildcats coach Frank Martin said. "When your frontline has more turnovers than defensive rebounds, it's hard to believe."

Baylor's 20-4 run gave it a 58-50 lead with 10:36 left. But McGruder kept K-State in it with nine points during an 11-4 run, including a driving layup that pulled the Wildcats to 62-60 with 7:36 remaining.

The game stayed close from there, with Jones getting fouled on an offensive rebound and hitting a free throw with 20.9 seconds left to make it 75-73.

K-State appeared ready to tie it when Angel Rodriguez was open in the lane in the final five seconds, but he had the ball stripped with three seconds left. The Wildcats' ensuing inbounds pass was tipped away as time expired.

NO. 3 UNC 73, MIAMI 56: Tyler Zeller had 16 points and Dexter Strickland added 14 for the Tar Heels (15-2, 2-0 ACC), who led almost the entire night against the Hurricanes (9-6, 0-2) and closed a nine-game homestand with a perfect record.

ILLINOIS 79, NO. 5 OHIO ST. 74: Brandon Paul scored a career-high 43, including a 3-pointer with less than a minute left, to help the host Illini upset the Buckeyes (15-3, 3-2 Big Ten).

NO. 6 MICH. ST. 95, IOWA 61: Draymond Green had 22 points and nine rebounds to help the host Spartans (15-2, 4-0 Big Ten) to their 15th straight win, their longest winning streak since they won 22 in a row in 1998-99.

PROVIDENCE 90, NO. 14 LOUISVILLE 59: Bryce Cotton and Kadeem Batts scored 27 each and the host Friars made coach Rick Pitino's night miserable on a day the school honored his 1987 squad, handing the Cardinals (13-4, 1-3 Big East) their fourth loss in five games.

NO. 23 CREIGHTON 63, N. IOWA 60: Antoine Young scored a season-high 21, and his only 3-pointer gave the host Bluejays (14-2, 4-1 MVC) a five-point lead with two minutes left.

NO. 24 SETON HALL 94, DEPAUL 73: Fuquan Edwin scored 24 of his career-high 28 in the first half, and the host Pirates (15-2, 4-1 Big East) rolled in their first game in the poll since 2001.

Women

NO. 2 NOTRE DAME 80, NO. 18 G'TOWN 60: Skyler Diggins scored 22 for the visiting Irish (16-1, 4-0 Big East), who made 28 of 32 free throws and held the Hoyas (13-4, 2-2) to 28 percent shooting.

NO. 3 UCONN 96, PROVIDENCE 35: Bria Hartley and Tiffany Hayes scored 19 each for the Huskies (13-2, 3-1 Big East), who bounced back from their loss to Notre Dame with their 94th straight home win.

NO. 8 RUTGERS 63, PITT 39: Khadijah Rushdan scored 14 for the visiting Scarlet Knights (14-2, 3-0 Big East), who have won five straight games.

NO. 7 DUKE: Sophomore guard Chloe Wells will miss the rest of the season and will not enroll in school for the spring semester because of a violation of an undisclosed university policy.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 10, 2012

TAMPA — The injury news keeps getting grimmer for the Lightning, which announced Tuesday that Adam Hall has a torn forearm muscle.

The right wing does not need surgery, GM Steve Yzerman said, but is expected out up to eight weeks.

"You lose your balance, you go one way and the muscle goes the other way," said Hall, who was hurt Thursday in a fight with Ottawa's Matt Carkner and is on injured reserve.

The injury list also includes defensemen Mattias Ohlund (knees) and Victor Hedman (concussion), and forwards J.T. Wyman (right pinky) and Ryan Shannon (lower body).

"He's a huge part of our team defensively," coach Guy Boucher said of Hall. "He's the most reliable forward we've got. He's our best faceoff guy. He blocks shots. He pays the price. He's our top guy for penalty kill. It's a big piece for us to lose."

Hall, 31, doesn't have enough faceoffs to qualify for league honors, but his 62.5 winning percentage entered Monday best among players with at least 200 draws.

He is minus-1 on a team that has a minus-27 goal differential. His average 3:17 of penalty-kill time is tops among team forwards and his 21 blocked shots was tied for second.

"We're going to give other guys an opportunity to fill that role but don't want to put pressure on one guy to be Adam Hall," Boucher said. "We've got to fill it collectively rather than think one guy is going to replace him."

Meanwhile, Hall said he is frustrated being unable to help in a crucial time of the season.

"You want to be in there with them," he said.

RELIEF: The Lightning got a scare late in the second period when Steven Stamkos, the league's leading goal scorer, left the ice in seeming distress after a collision with Vancouver's Alex Edler. Stamkos apparently just had the wind knocked out of him, Boucher said, and returned for the third period.

DETERMINED: Ohlund, who has not played in the regular season, still is not skating while rehab continues to strengthen the muscles around his knees.

"It's frustrating," Ohlund said. "But nobody has said I can't play hockey again this season."

"We're not ruling it out," Yzerman said. "But as of now, we don't have a return date for him."

MORE MEDICAL MATTERS: Hedman skated lightly without pads for the first time since his Dec. 27 injury but admitted he still is experiencing concussion symptoms. "I'm just trying to keep my mind up and be around the guys," he said. … Shannon and Wyman skated with Hedman before the morning skate. … Wyman said he has a gash on his pinky. "We're waiting for the skin to come together," he said.

ODDS AND ENDS: D Brendan Mikkelson played his first game since being acquired from the Flames for C Blair Jones and had 9:51 of ice time and two hits. "He skates," Boucher said. "He played great one-on-ones. I really liked his first game." … Prospect Alex Killorn, a senior forward at Harvard, is one of 77 nominees for the Hobey Baker Award given to the nation's best collegiate player. … LW Pierre-Cedric Labrie was scratched for a seventh defensemen.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, January 10, 2012

TAMPA — At another time, the Lightning might have complained about Mason Raymond's shootout goal.

The Canucks left wing was the only player to score in the shootout that gave Vancouver a 5-4 victory Tuesday night at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

But the puck clearly stopped moving forward on Mason's pull-up, spin-around backhand that beat Dwayne Roloson, contrary to NHL rules.

"We had some like that in a game last year," Tampa Bay coach Guy Boucher said. "(Steven Stamkos) did one and I see some on TV."

Besides, Boucher was more focused on the big picture in which the Lightning (17-20-4), though losers of a fourth straight game, got a point with a regulation tie in which it overcame three two-goal deficits against the No. 1 team in the West.

It did it with drama, too, as Steve Downie scored 6:14 into the third to make the score 4-3 and Ryan Malone scored with 61 seconds left to send the game to overtime.

"To get the point the way we did, that's a positive there," wing Marty St. Louis said. "This is a point maybe we can build on. We pushed the pace and when we do that we are a tough team to play against."

Said Canucks goaltender Cory Schneider: "They don't look like an 11th-place team."

Actually, the Lightning is 13th in the East, eight points out of the playoffs and at the start of a 12-game stretch with nine games at home Boucher called "crucial" for its fortunes.

That is why a feisty effort was needed.

After falling behind 9-3 in shots, Tampa Bay ended with a 31-28 advantage and had the best players on the ice.

Stamkos had a game-high 26:55 of ice time, scored his league-best 29th goal and had an assist. Vinny Lecavalier had a goal and an assist, and St. Louis had two assists.

Tampa Bay's biggest mistake came in the second period after Lecavalier skated hard behind Stamkos to score on a rebound after Schneider stopped Stamkos' breakaway.

That cut Vancouver's lead to 3-2 with 31.6 seconds left. But with 1.4 seconds remaining, Ryan Kesler made it 4-2 by batting a puck from underneath Roloson, who was trying to corral Mason's backhand.

St. Louis took the blame for starting the sequence with an errant pass. But bottom line, Boucher said, "The focus at that point is keeping that momentum. … We have to manage that a little better."

As for the shootout, Mason's trickery would have been moot had Malone, Stamkos or Dominic Moore scored.

"You practice that (spin-o-rama) from time to time," Mason said. "It just felt right."

Roloson declined comment, and after what Boucher called a "character comeback," no one was complaining.

Damian Cristodero can be reached at cristodero@tampabay.com.

First Period—1, Vancouver, Edler 7 (Sulzer, H.Sedin), 2:36. 2, Vancouver, Hansen 13 (Hamhuis), 8:16 (sh). Penalties—St. Louis, TB (goaltender interference), 3:11; Alberts, Van (hooking), 7:38; Ballard, Van (tripping), 15:50; Moore, TB (roughing), 18:26.

Second Period—3, Tampa Bay, Stamkos 29 (Malone, Bergeron), 10:12. 4, Vancouver, Malhotra 4 (Duco, Ballard), 12:27. 5, Tampa Bay, Lecavalier 16 (Stamkos, Gilroy), 19:28. 6, Vancouver, Kesler 12 (Raymond, Hodgson), 19:58. Penalties—Downie, TB (roughing), 10:12.

Third Period—7, Tampa Bay, Downie 7 (Kubina, St. Louis), 6:14. 8, Tampa Bay, Malone 8 (St. Louis, Lecavalier), 18:59. Penalties—Burrows, Van (goaltender interference), 14:02.

Overtime—None. Penalties—Brewer, TB (holding), 4:20.

Shootout—Vancouver 1 (Bieksa NG, Raymond G), Tampa Bay 0 (Malone NG, Moore NG, Stamkos NG). Shots on Goal—Vancouver 9-14-4-1—28. Tampa Bay 7-14-9-1—31. Power-play opportunities—Vancouver 0 of 4; Tampa Bay 0 of 3. Goalies—Vancouver, C.Schneider 10-5-0 (31 shots-27 saves). Tampa Bay, Roloson 6-9-2 (28-24). A—17,630 (19,204). T—2:47.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Florida Gators coach Will Muschamp has officially announced the hiring of new offensive coordinator Brent Pease.

A 21-year coaching veteran at five different schools, Pease spent the previous six seasons at Boise State. He has served 11 seasons as an offensive coordinator and has coached at his alma mater, Montana (1991-98), as well as Northern Arizona (1999-2000), Kentucky (2001-02) and Baylor (2003-05).

"I'm excited to join the University of Florida football family and the Gator nation," Pease said. "I've always had the utmost respect for Coach Muschamp and the UF program and I'm honored to have the opportunity to work at one of the premier institutions in the nation. I look forward to working with a tremendous coaching staff and, from what I hear, a great group of eager, young football players.

"Coach Muschamp and I share a lot of the same philosophies so this was a perfect fit. I want to be multiple in our offensive formations and have a balanced attack with tempo. I firmly believe in being fundamentally sound and red-zone efficient. I want to develop our players in a pro-style offense that can help them at the next level. "

He served as the Broncos' offensive coordinator and quarterbacks' coach in 2011 after spending the previous five seasons as the team's wide receivers coach and four as the assistant head coach. Boise State averaged 44.2 points and 481.3 yards per game en route to a 12-1 overall record and a 56-24 victory in the Las Vegas Bowl over Arizona State.

Florida coach Will Muschamp said today that Brent Pease is "an exciting fit'' for the Gators football program and that he will put his own stamp on the offensive philosophy Florida already has in place.

Muschamp lauded him for his experience and unconventional style of play-calling, but insisted there would be no major change in the offense.

By Tim Whitfield, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Fishing the past couple of weeks before, during and after the fronts has been tricky. The bite has been anywhere from excellent to adequate. The fish were, as always, tough to catch after the front with the high pressure and blue bird skies.

Fishing the flats and sight fishing the redfish was tough, the water was gin clear, the fish were spooking out before the bait even hit the water. To combat the high pressure and blue skies, we made our way to the nearest creek; the deeper dark water provides a safe haven and a relaxing environment for trout, redfish, snook and sheepshead.

The first five casts resulted in five keeper trout. We banged out several more fish bumping jigs on the bottom, dark jig bodies on a one-eighth ounce jighead were the trick. Making our way deeper into the creek we found some small but feisty redfish and several nice keeper-sized sheepshead.

Three structures for ambush points combined almost always holds fish, this day it was four: a sand bar, deep trough, mangroves and shell bottom. Three dozen shrimp went in less than an hour.

Tip: Ambush points combined are great place to hunt fish. In a new area, find multiple structures together, and you will find fish.

Capt. Tim Whitfield can be reached at (813) 774-0889 or tim@swiftfishcharters.com.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Luke Scott has agreed to a deal with the Tampa Bay Rays to be their designated hitter.

"I'm excited,'' Scott told the Times.

Scott said he has agreed to a one-year deal, with a 2013 option, and his contract includes some incentives. He expects to primarily serve as the DH — which means the end of Johnny Damon's tenure with the Rays — and play some at first base.

Scott missed most of last season while undergoing right shoulder surgery in July, but said he is progressing well and passed what was surely an extensive physical with the Rays.

"There's no reason why I shouldn't be ready for opening day,'' Scott said.

When healthy the previous three seasons he put up impressive numbers for the Orioles, hitting .266 while averaging 25 homers with a .348 on-base percentage and .845 OPS.

Scott said he has been hitting off a tee for six weeks and has been doing weight work and just started a throwing program. He admitted he likely won't be ready to make throws from the outfield at the start of the season but shouldn't need much time to be ready, and then can play either corner spot.

He said he chose the Rays in part because of their recent success, in part because he grew up in Florida and in part because he prayed about it.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 11, 2012

ST. PETERSBURG — Luke Scott has made headlines for speaking out about his fervent religious and staunchly conservative political beliefs. The Rays are hoping he makes more noise swinging his bat.

Scott confirmed to the Tampa Bay Times on Wednesday that he agreed to a one-year deal with the Rays that includes a 2013 option. "I'm excited," he said. Terms were not available; the Rays are expected to announce the deal today.

Scott, 33, said he expects to be the Rays' primary DH and can also play first base and the corner outfield spots. He takes the place of Johnny Damon, who had hoped to return and said: "It's an unhappy day.'' The Rays are still pursuing a front-line first baseman, with 2011 starter Casey Kotchman a free agent.

Scott, who hits left-handed and throws right-handed, is coming off July surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder but said his recovery and rehab have gone well.

"There's no reason why I shouldn't be ready for opening day," he said.

When healthy, Scott can be an intriguingly productive offensive player, hitting .266 while averaging 25 homers for the Orioles over the 2008-10 seasons with a .348 on-base percentage and .845 OPS. His patience and power could make him a key part of the planned improvement to the Rays offense.

"He rakes!!" pitcher David Price posted on Twitter.

Scott said he may be limited to first base and DH early in the season as he continues to build arm strength to make throws from the outfield, but he expects to make a full recovery. "It's just going to take a little bit of time," he said.

Nearly a dozen teams were reported to be interested in Scott when the Orioles — after paying him $6.4 million for hitting .220 in 64 games last season — declined to tender him a contract and allowed him to become a free agent.

Scott said the Rays were the most aggressive of the teams. Combined with their chances for success, proximity to his offseason Central Florida home (DeLeon Springs) and some religious guidance, "it was an easy decision," he said. "It was about the pieces in place and their passion."

Damon wanted badly to stay after hitting .261 with 16 homers. "Didn't realize the DH and 1B brought the offense down,'' he texted. "Thought we would have had an offer.''

With the Orioles, Scott was popular with fans and his teammates, pitcher Jeremy Guthrie posting on Twitter, "Happy Trails Luke Scott. One of my fav teammates & ppl I've met in this great game of baseball."

But Scott could be polarizing with his political and religious views, most famously for his December 2010 comments that President Barack Obama was not born in the United States, which led the Orioles to issue a statement distancing themselves. Scott has also spoken out openly and repeatedly on gun rights, political conservatism and devout Christian beliefs.

Though his focus is on the field, he said Wednesday he will not shy away from saying how he feels, supporting "the principles our country is founded on."

Also:

• There has been progress toward a contract extension for manager Joe Maddon.

• Outfielder Matt Joyce agreed to the Rays' request to start working out at first base, but infield coach Tom Foley said the move is not the precursor to a position change, just an experiment to see if Joyce could be an in-game option. "We're just toying with an idea, in a pinch, can Joyce go over there," Foley said.

• Infielder Ryan Theriot remains of some interest as a reserve.

Around the nation

REDS SIGN CLOSER: Free agent closer Ryan Madson and Cincinnati reached an oral agreement on an $8.5 million, one-year contract, according to several media reports. The right-hander, 31, saved 32 games in 34 chances last year for the Phillies.

DODGERS SAGA: A bankruptcy judge in Delaware approved a settlement between the Dodgers and Fox Sports that clears the way for the sale of the team. The settlement, reached late Tuesday and quickly approved at a brief court hearing, ends a contentious legal battle between the ballclub and Fox.

LIKE FATHER … : Preston Mattingly, the 24-year-old son of former Yankees star and current Dodgers manager Don Mattingly, agreed to a minor-league contract with New York.

ANGELS: Injured first baseman Kendrys Morales agreed to a one-year contract worth $2,975,000, avoiding arbitration. Morales hasn't played since breaking his left ankle while jumping on home plate to celebrate a game-ending grand slam May 29, 2010.

ASTROS: Outfielder Fernando Martinez, 23, once one of the Mets' top prospects, was claimed off waivers.

CUBS: Right-handed reliever Kerry Wood, 34, was close to agreeing to a one-year deal, Fox Sports reported.

GIANTS: All-Star right-hander Ryan Vogelsong, 34, agreed to a two-year contract worth about $8.3 million.

METS: Outfielder Scott Hairston, 31, finalized a $1.1 million, one-year contract.

Information from Times wires was used in this report. Marc Topkin can be reached at topkin@tampabay.com. Follow his coverage on Twitter at @TBTimes_Rays.

By Brandon Wright, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, January 11, 2012

SEFFNER — As Seffner Christian's starting point guard three years ago, Sabrina Whiting led the Crusaders to the Sweet 16 as a seventh-grader. The following year she took them to the Elite 8 and into the Final Four last season.

So the logical step this season?

"Championship game," Whiting said with a chuckle.

Whiting, a sophomore, is a major reason the ultra-young Crusaders have a trip to Lakeland on their minds. Seffner Christian, coming off an impressive showing at the prestigious Fort Myers Queen of the Palms Classic over the winter break, entered a Thursday night game against Tampa Catholic 13-3.

"That tournament is for anybody who's anybody," coach Greg Fawbush said.

Seffner Christian is quickly entering into the conversation of who's who considering their recent surge the past few years. The Class 3A Crusaders defeated several schools in higher classifications including Palm Harbor (8A) and Lehigh (5A) before eventually falling in their bracket title game to Palm Beach Central (8A).

"It was a good experience to go against such good teams," Fawbush said.

And the future looks quite bright. The Crusaders have no seniors on the team and just two juniors. The rest are all underclassmen.

"We're young but (Whiting) provides such leadership for us," Fawbush said. "She can really do it all."

Whiting leads the backcourt, averaging team highs in assists (4.0 per game) and steals (5.7 per game) while averaging 14.6 per game. But the Crusaders' go-to player is freshman Peyton Walker, who's leading the team in scoring (17.2 points) and rebounds (12.3).

"She is the best freshman in the county," Fawbush said.

The Crusaders press frequently on defense, which feeds their up-tempo offense.

"We set a goal of how many turnovers we want to create before a game," Walker said. "We're a fast-breaking team."

But things haven't been all smooth sailing for Seffner Christian. The Crusaders were dealt a blow before the season even tipped off when Jaitesha Hanson, who led Seffner Christian in scoring last year, transferred to Riverview.

"We were pretty disappointed at first because she played with us through the summer," Walker said. "But it was her decision and we aren't mad at her or anything."

Fawbush said he was impressed the way his young team handled losing its top scorer coming off such a deep playoff run and a promising season ahead.

"No disrespect to her, but we have to coach and play with who we have, not who we don't have," he said. "These girls have put in the work in the weight room and the offseason and realized they just had to move on."

But adversity struck again last week when Whiting's backcourt mate Ally Parimore, the team's top defender and third leading scorer, suffered a right shoulder injury against Bishop McLaughlin Saturday.

It was at first thought to be a torn labrum in her shooting shoulder, but tests Tuesday revealed a slight dislocation. Fawbush is hopeful to have Parimore back in the lineup during the district tournament that starts Jan. 31 at Seffner Christian.

"The girls proved how tough they were (Tuesday night in a 63-35 win against First Academy)," Fawbush said. "I was anxious to see how they would respond playing without her and they showed it (Tuesday)."

Brandon Wright can be reached at hillsnews@tampabay.com.

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Aric Almirola grew up in Tampa watching his grandfather Sam Rodriguez excel as a sprint car racer in the 1980s and 1990s. He remembers Saturday nights at the East Bay Raceway watching "my hero" win many, many races, then having his picture taken with his grandfather down in victory lane.

Now 11 years after entering the racing business he grew up loving, Almirola finds himself in a once-in-a-lifetime situation in his own racing career. The former Nationwide Series standout will drive the legendary No. 43 Ford Fusion in the NASCAR Sprint Cup series this season — the number made famous by Richard Petty.

"On a personal level it's huge because it's something that I've dreamed about doing since I was a little kid, racing in NASCAR at the highest level on the Cup series," Almirola said. "It's a really big deal. And then obviously on a professional level, with as competitive as the equipment has been over the last few years, to work with all these guys here at Richard Petty Motorsports, with Greg Erwin and all the guys on this 43 team, I'm really excited about that. And I'm really excited about driving No. 43. It's got a lot of history behind it and it's got over 200 wins. I'm hoping that one day I'll be able to add to that win column in that No. 43."

Almirola has made 35 starts in the Sprint Cup series, most recently in 2010 when he finished the last five races of the season in the No. 9 Ford. He had a career-high fourth-place finish at Homestead.

"We saw a lot of potential in Aric and have watched him closely at JR Motorsports throughout," said RPM Chief Executive Officer Brian Moffitt. "Richard always said if we had an opportunity that he was somebody he would like to be in the 43. We got everybody together here at Richard Petty Motorsports and went down the list and Aric was the top choice for us."

Although the decision to leave JR Motorsports last month for Richard Petty Motorsports was difficult, Almirola is hopeful it will provide a level of stability that will allow him to focus strictly on racing, improving as a driver — and winning.

"That was the one big determining factor on coming over here," Almirola said. "I feel like when I made the decision to come over here to race that 43 car, I don't feel like I'm going to have to worry about anything else other than myself. I feel like it's going to be up to me to perform at a high level and for me going into this season the biggest thing that I'll have to worry about is adapting to the racetrack and in my race car each and every week."

Almirola, 27, began his racing career competing in go-carts before joining the open-wheel modified ranks in 2000. He debuted in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2005, then began his Nationwide series career in 2006. After 12 years in this business, Almirola understands that change isn't always easy. But from what he's experienced so far, he expects the transition to run smoothly.

"I don't think there will be major adjustments," he said.

Almirola plans to start the season at the Daytona 500, which holds many special memories for the Tampa native.

"Daytona has a tremendous amount of special meaning for me," he said. "I grew up going to a lot of races there with my grandfather and my dad and my uncles. We would go there and watch the Daytona 500, and back then it was the Firecracker 400, so I've been to quite a few races there. There are always great fans and I always wondered what it would be like to make a lap around that race track as a little kid. And to get the opportunity to do that over the last few years and then now to race in the Daytona 500, and not only to race there, but to be driving the 43 car, I'm really excited about that."

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

By Derek J. LaRiviere, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Members of the High Point Ladies Golf League competed on Monday after the league held its monthly meeting and welcomed three new members.

The new members are Mary Hewitt, Lynn Whitney and Sandra Cherry.

The nine-hole and 18-hole competitors merged to play a nine-hole scramble.

The team of Joan Orr, Linda Roper, Katie Russell and Anna McGovern took first place on the front nine with a score of 38. The back nine was won by Bert Bruce, Oakie Scache, Irene Klausner and Delores Hartwick with 40 strokes.

The lone birdies of the day were recorded by Hartwick and Bernice Skinner. Hartwick's came on the 333-yard, Par 5 17th hole. Skinner's was on the 200-yard, Par 4 10th hole.

WEST HERNANDO LITTLE LEAGUE: West Hernando Little League has scheduled registration at Freedom Field on Deltona Boulevard in Spring Hill for its spring season.

Volunteers will be present from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

The cost is $100 per child for baseball and $70 per child for T-ball. A copy of the child's birth certificate is necessary for registration. The season is scheduled to run from the end of February to June.

Players may also register online by visiting westhernandolittleleague.com until Jan. 27.

For information, call Ray Schnyderite at (352) 428-4859.

WEEKI WACHEE HIGH GOLF TOURNAMENT: The Weeki Wachee High School athletic department will have its second-annual Hornet Golf Outing at Brooksville Country Club at Majestic Oaks on Feb. 25.

The shotgun start will be at 8:30 a.m. Food and prizes will be provided during and after play. Current and former professional athletes will be among the participants. There will be time for autographs and pictures.

The cost for the event is $100 per person or $300 per foursome. Businesses may sponsors holes or prizes.

For information, call Weeki Wachee athletic director Mark Lee at (352) 797-7029, ext. 230, or send email to lee_m2@hcsb.k12.fl.us.

WOMEN'S SOCCER LEAGUE: The Hernando County Women's Soccer League will conduct registration from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily through Friday at Rookies Sports Bar & Grill, 3095 Anderson Snow Road, Spring Hill.

Credit card, check and cash payments will be accepted. Personal checks will be held if needed, upon request.

Also, the league is hosting a women's 30-and-over Mother's Day tournament May 10-13. The format is 11-versus-11.

Twenty-two-player rosters play at Ernie Wever Park in Brooksville.

For information, call Alyson Kraft at (352) at 442-4540.

SPRING HILL DIXIE SOFTBALL: Spring Hill Dixie Softball has scheduled registration at Anderson Snow Park for its spring season.

Volunteers will be present from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Jan. 21 and from 6 to 8 p.m. Jan. 18 at the park office.

A copy of the child's birth certificate is necessary for registration. The fees cover all games, insurance and trophies. Any signups after Jan. 21 are subject to a $20 late fee.

For information, send email to Paul McGee at paul.mcgee.iv@gmail.com.

SPRING HILL DIXIE BASEBALL: Spring Hill Dixie Baseball has scheduled registration at Anderson Snow Park for its spring season.

Volunteers will be present from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 16 and 18 at the park office.

The county has instituted a $3 player fee for park maintenance this year, and the league has gained control of the Little Red Schoolhouse field in Spring Hill. With Spring Hill Dixie handling all maintenance and costs for the field, there will be an increase in fees.

The cost is $105 for the first child and $100 for each additional child. A copy of the child's birth certificate is necessary for registration. The fees cover all games, insurance and trophies. Any signups after Jan. 18 are subject to a $20 late fee.

Each family is also being asked to work three hours in the concession stand during the season. In lieu of working, a family may make a $30 donation to the league.

For information, call Joe Abbadessa at (352) 263-4488 or send email to shdixiebaseball@gmail.com.

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. Clinics will take place Sunday and Jan. 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 email to clinics@hernandosumterumpire.com.

HERNANDO HURRICANES BASEBALL: The Hernando Hurricanes will have an open tryout Sunday for the 13-and-younger travel baseball team. The tryout will be from noon to 2 p.m. at Anderson Snow Park in Spring Hill.

The Hurricanes, a select travel baseball organization, has their own training facility. The team competes in the West Coast Florida League in the spring and in tournaments around the state sanctioned by United States Specialty Sports Association and Nations Baseball.

For information, call Jeff Lewis at (352) 442-2370 or send email to lewis104315@yahoo.com.

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

First Tee focuses on golf and life skills instruction. The juniors program strives to instill in participants the organization'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. Advance registration is required. The program is accepting up to 10 participants per class.

Volunteers also are 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 Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 11, 2012

TAMPA — The red bruise on Pavel Kubina's right knee didn't look like much, but the Lightning defenseman rubbed it anyway.

"Hurts like a b----," he said.

Not that Kubina minded given how he was nicked; sliding to block Daniel Sedin's shot with three seconds left in overtime Tuesday to help send the game with the Canucks to a shootout.

That Tampa Bay lost the game-ending gimmick was beside the point.

"A huge block," goaltender Dwayne Roloson said. "It just goes to show his character. He's willing to do whatever it takes to win hockey games."

Kubina, 34, has gotten a lot of such praise lately.

In his past 10 games, the big Czech has two goals and five points, doubling what he had in his previous 31 games. His average 24:53 of ice time is up more than seven minutes and he is plus-6 with 31 blocked shots.

The timing could not have been better. Defenseman Victor Hedman went out with a concussion on Dec. 27 and coach Guy Boucher asked Kubina, 6 feet 4, 258 pounds, to pick up the slack.

"He works extremely hard," Boucher said. "He has incredible poise with the puck on breakouts. He's got a big body and he's using it to protect the puck. It's helping us a lot."

"I built my confidence the last couple of weeks," Kubina said. "I got comfortable with my game and playing against the other team's top lines."

This hasn't been the easiest season for Kubina, who admitted he has struggled at times to keep up in a game that has gotten exponentially faster during his 14-season career.

Playing more has helped because it keeps him in the flow of the game.

But just knowing he will play more is as important. It allows Kubina, a member of Tampa Bay's 2004 Stanley Cup team, to be proactive on the ice rather than just reactive.

"When you play less you just don't want to make a mistake," he said. "Lately, I've got a lot of opportunity on the power play and penalty killing, five-on-five, the last minutes in a game. It builds my confidence."

So has playing with Eric Brewer on the team's top defensive pairing, which likely will face Eric Staal's line when the Lightning plays the Hurricanes tonight at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Kubina said Brewer is "smart with the puck." Brewer praised Kubina for being "a really good puck-handler" with "a good sense of the ice."

Both also are vocal on the bench and ice.

"He likes to know where we're at on a shift," Brewer said. "He wants to make changes if we need positioning corrections."

There wasn't much to talk about when it came to challenging Sedin's shot during Tuesday's overtime with Vancouver on a four-on-three power play. Kubina and fellow defenseman Brett Clark sprawled in front of the puck.

The wrist shot from the slot hit both players and stopped when it slammed into Kubina's knee.

"We were just trying to block the shot," Kubina said. "That's what you have to do. You have to sacrifice for wins."

Even if it hurts like a ... .

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 11, 2012

TAMPA — The red bruise on Pavel Kubina's right knee didn't look like much, but the Lightning defenseman rubbed it anyway.

"Hurts like a b - - - -," he said.

Not that Kubina minded given how he was nicked: sliding to block Daniel Sedin's shot with three seconds left in overtime Tuesday to help send the game with the Canucks to a shootout.

That Tampa Bay lost the shootout was beside the point. "A huge block," goaltender Dwayne Roloson said. "It just goes to show his character. He's willing to do whatever it takes to win hockey games."

Kubina, 34, has gotten a lot of such praise lately.

In his past 10 games, the big Czech has two goals and five points, doubling his goals and equalling his points from his previous 31. His 24:53 average of ice time is up more than seven minutes, and he is plus-6 with 31 blocked shots.

The timing could not have been better. Defenseman Victor Hedman went out with a concussion Dec. 27. Coach Guy Boucher asked Kubina, 6 feet 4, 258 pounds, to pick up the slack.

"He works extremely hard," Boucher said. "He has incredible poise with the puck on breakouts. He's got a big body, and he's using it to protect the puck. It's helping us a lot."

"I built my confidence the last couple of weeks," Kubina said. "I got comfortable with my game and playing against the other team's top lines."

This hasn't been the easiest season for Kubina, who said he has struggled at times to keep up in a game that has gotten exponentially faster during his 14-season career.

Playing more has helped because it keeps him in the flow of the game. But just knowing he will play more is as important. It allows Kubina, a member of Tampa Bay's 2004 Stanley Cup team, to be proactive on the ice rather than just reactive.

"When you play less, you just don't want to make a mistake," he said. "Lately I've got a lot of opportunity on the power play and penalty killing, five-on-five, the last minutes in a game. It builds my confidence."

So has playing with Eric Brewer on the team's top defensive pairing, which likely will face Eric Staal's line when the Lightning plays the Hurricanes tonight at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

Kubina said Brewer is "smart with the puck." Brewer praised Kubina for being "a really good puck-handler" with "a good sense of the ice." Both also are vocal on the bench and ice.

"He likes to know where we're at on a shift," Brewer said. "He wants to make changes if we need positioning corrections."

There wasn't much to talk about when it came to challenging Sedin's shot Tuesday on a four-on-three power play. Kubina and fellow defenseman Brett Clark sprawled in front of the puck.

The wrist shot from the slot hit both players and stopped when it slammed into Kubina's knee.

"We were just trying to block the shot," Kubina said. "That's what you have to do. You have to sacrifice for wins."

Even if it hurts like a ... .

By Larry Blue, Times Correspondent
Wednesday, January 11, 2012

What's hot: If red grouper is on your list for this weekend, make sure the fuel tank is full. While there are some keeper reds inside of 15 miles, fishing is much better 19-25 miles offshore. It seems 85 feet is the magic number for keepers. At that depth, grouper are comfortable enough to actively take baits. At 50-65 feet, you'll find a lot of aggressive 19-inch fish.

Tactics: Watch your electronic fish-finder for schools of baitfish near the bottom. Puffy stacks of sardines and other baits will attract red grouper. Drop a marker jug and anchor quickly because the school won't stay long. Don't rush to use the live bait as the best bet will be cut squid, sardines or a combination of the two. Red grouper should be gathered under the baitfish schools waiting to pick off an easy meal. They don't want a long chase to catch their target, so dead bait makes sense. Once the bite stops, be prepared to look around again to find which direction the bait and grouper have moved.

Tips: If your retrieval is suddenly halted, you might find a shark has made off with your catch. Several large tiger and bull sharks have been sighted offshore in these same areas.

Larry Blue charters the Niki Joe from Madeira Beach Marina. Call (727) 871-1058 or visit CaptainLarryBlue.com.

By Stephen F. Holder and Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writers
Wednesday, January 11, 2012

TAMPA — Of the four former NFL head coaches known to be candidates for the Bucs' vacancy, none has a Super Bowl title, each has a losing record in the postseason and all were fired from previous posts.

Yet each is getting a long look from Tampa Bay general manager Mark Dominik and the team's ownership.

Some call them retreads. By any name, they are coaches who fell short in previous stops and are looking for another shot.

Why would teams covet a coach another team discarded? And what are the odds of that coach succeeding when he had shortcomings somewhere else?

When it comes to hiring retread coaches, there are both cautionary tales and success stories. For every Dom Capers (.375 lifetime record with two expansion teams), there's a Bill Belichick (fired by the Browns before winning three titles with the Patriots).

"It has everything to do with the right situation," ESPN analyst Tom Jackson said. "Every situation is different."

There once were serious doubts about Belichick. Consider what the Sporting News wrote about him after his hiring by the Patriots in January 2000.

"Just because he is a great defensive coordinator doesn't mean he can be effective as a head coach. In fact, he already has been an awful head coach."

So are Mike Sherman, Brad Childress, Marty Schottenheimer or Wade Phillips — who have a cumulative 9-24 postseason record — right to replace the fired Raheem Morris?

That's not easily answered, said Gil Brandt, a veteran of the Cowboys front office now a Sirius NFL Radio analyst.

"I don't think there's a right or wrong answer," Brandt said. "You just have to have a feel for it. (The Bucs) will receive calls from everybody. The calls are going to say, 'Hey, you ought to hire Wade Phillips.' Then you have other guys who have a guy in the fight who will call and say, 'Why do you want to hire this guy who has been in three places?' No one really knows."

Teams take various approaches to hires. Some look for a fresh face, perhaps a young coordinator (Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin). Some look for an older, more-experienced assistant (Atlanta's Mike Smith).

But there's never a shortage of available former coaches, and they appear in vogue again. Former Titans coach Jeff Fisher is mulling offers from the Dolphins and Rams. Former Bills coach Mike Mularkey was named the Jaguars' new coach on Tuesday.

In the Bucs' case, it's clear they're targeting coaches who are the antithesis of Morris, who was the NFL's youngest coach and had not been a coordinator.

"(Schottenheimer), for instance, has a great deal of coaching experience as does (Phillips)," Jackson said.

There are other reasons teams opt for retread coaches.

"He's seen a lot, and he has experience," said ESPN's Herman Edwards, a former Jets and Chiefs coach. "He's handled every situation."

Brandt said going from assistant coach to head coach is akin to "converting from a right-handed golfer to a left-handed golfer."

But a possible hazard with retreads — and one that applies with the Bucs — is their potential reluctance to be patient.

"(Is he willing) to make wholesale changes?" Edwards said. "Is he willing to deal with youth? A lot of guys, a lot of old, veteran coaches, guys that have been through it, it's hard to play young players because of the pitfalls of young players doing things where you say, 'Really?' "

Along those lines, coaches who have been away for any length of time — Schottenheimer hasn't coached since 2006 — face the challenge of dealing with "the modern day player," as Jackson put it.

"It's not a knock," he said. "It's just that players are ever-changing."

Predicting if any of these former coaches are right for the Bucs is difficult at best. But with careful consideration of the many variables, the best man for the job could very well be one who didn't have great success the last time around.