By Damian Cristodero and Joe Smith, Times Staff Writers


Thursday, April 14, 2011

Meal time

Lightning players had a team dinner planned for Thursday night at Morton's steakhouse. D Randy Jones said it would be good for camaraderie and to "lighten the mood. … In playoff time, it's a special time, and you just want to stick with each other, especially off the ice. As for who would pick up the check, Jones had an idea. "I think we should maybe pull (a name) out of the hat and see how it goes," he joked.

Number of the day

44 Lightning hits in Game 1, a season high.

Crowd control

Penguins players were impressed with the frenzied atmosphere in Wednesday's Game 1, the first playoff game at the Consol Energy Center. A sellout crowd of 18,390 produced noise levels favorable to those of the team's former home, Mellon Arena, also known as the Igloo, which closed last year. "(Consol) was louder," C Max Talbot said. "I think because it was more of a tight building, it was louder. Mellon was so high — obviously the atmosphere at Mellon was great, too, but (Wednesday) night it was fun to see what it was about and our fans can be loud." Said G Marc-Andre Fleury: "All game long, from the start, they were really loud. It's something we fought for all year long, to get home-ice advantage. And we showed (Wednesday) why it's so important to get it."

Boucher insight

Lightning coach Guy Boucher had this take on the Penguins' defensemen Thursday: "They're very quick on the transition of the puck. They're very quick to break out. So, you think you have them on the forecheck, but they want to be pressed. They want to draw you to make that quick pass, and they're very good in traffic areas to make that first pass. You either have to press them really hard or back off. If you're stuck in between, it ain't going to work for you."

The series

Game 1, Penguins 3, Lightning 0: Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury wows in getting his fifth postseason shutout.

Tonight: at Pittsburgh, 7, Sun Sports

Monday: at Tampa Bay, 7:30, Sun Sports

Wednesday: at Tampa Bay, 7, Sun Sports

April 23: at Pittsburgh, TBA * #

April 25: at Tampa Bay, TBA * #

April 27: at Pittsburgh, TBA * #

* If necessary # Sun Sports or FSN

Games 2, 3, 4 and 7 on 970-AM Games 5 and 6 on 620-AM

Tickets

$30-$220. Available at the St. Pete Times Forum box office and via Ticketmaster: ticketmaster.com, outlets, toll-free 1-800-745-3000.

Damian Cristodero and Joe Smith, Times Staff Writers

Quote to note

"The nets were in the same place, and the rules were the same. It's hockey. But it's hockey with a lot more intensity.

— Lightning LW Sean Bergenheim, on his first NHL playoff game

By Damian Cristodero and Joe Smith, Times Staff Writers
Thursday, April 14, 2011

PITTSBURGH — As if the Lightning in Game 1 did not put itself in enough of a hole by giving the Penguins six power plays, it made it worse by winning just three of 14 penalty-kill faceoffs.

If that seems like a throwaway statistic, think again.

"I can only speak for when I'm on the power play," C Vinny Lecavalier said. "But it's a downer to lose the draw and lose 30 seconds. So, when you're penalty killing like we were (Wednesday), it's huge to win those draws. Those 30 seconds of not being able to set up, it's important, for sure."

Tampa Bay, which won 50.4 percent of faceoffs in the regular season (16th in the league), won 47 percent overall against Pittsburgh in their series opener.

"We watch tape of their centermen," Penguins C Max Talbot said. "We know their tendencies. But at the same time, it's about battle level and trying to get in there and win pucks because you know how important it is for puck possession, especially on the power play. You win the puck, you can get zone time and good chance on the net."

What goes into winning faceoffs? More than you might believe. "The center has to bear down," said Lightning C Nate Thompson, who won two of 10 draws in Game 1, compared with 54.2 percent in the regular season. "But even if you don't win it clean and (the puck) sits there, you still need help from every guy on the ice. Faceoffs are often won by the team. … All of us, including myself, need to do a better job."

PLANTING A SEED: Coach Guy Boucher said his players deserved the seven penalties that resulted in six Penguins power plays. But he also repeated several times, perhaps to remind tonight's referees, that Pittsburgh, which had only one shorthanded situation in Game 1, is one of the league's most penalized teams. "Either they're really smart about it," Boucher said, "or we're not smart about it."

The Penguins led the league with 480 penalties and were second in times spent shorthanded (324), and had an average 16.9 penalty minutes per game. Three of their top four in penalty minutes were Game 1 scratches: Matt Cooke, Deryk Engelland and Eric Godard.

"We have to figure out a way to take less penalties," Boucher said. "But if they are the most penalized team in the league, it's going to show up in the next games."

BIG GAME: How big is Game 2 to the Lightning? Of 307 teams that fell behind 2-0 in a seven-game series entering this year, only 41 came back to win, including Tampa Bay in its 2003 East quarterfinal with the Capitals. That is 13.4 percent, not good odds.

UNSUNG STAR: Penguins D Brooks Orpik wasn't one of the three stars of Game 1, but he made a big impact. Orpik had the tone-setting hit on Lightning star C Steven Stamkos early in the first period and also had two assists, three blocked shots and 21:48 of ice time, and was plus-2.

C Michael Rupp said Orpik isn't flashy but brings intangibles such as blocking shots and making good breakout passes. As for the hit on Stamkos, Rupp said, "It's a message for their team but also for our team. The next few shifts after that we were throwing our bodies around quite a bit. When you have a player like that lead the way, that's what you look for at the start of a game. We want to set the tone, and he did."

LINEUP CHANGES: Boucher is thinking hard about using 11 forwards and seven defensemen in Game 2 instead of the 12 and six he did in Game 1. If so, that means defensemen Randy Jones, who hasn't played since March 7 because of a high ankle sprain, and Marc-Andre Bergeron, a Game 1 scratch, might play.

ODDS AND ENDS: There was no update on the condition of concussed Penguins C Sidney Crosby. … D Matt Smaby is still bothered by a lower-body injury.

Times staff writer Joe Smith contributed to this report.

Times wires
Thursday, April 14, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO — After years of investigation, three weeks of trial and millions of dollars spent pursuing Barry Bonds, federal prosecutors were back where they started Thursday: deciding whether to try to prove the home run king's records were built with steroids and lies.

On Wednesday, the jury that was to decide whether Bonds deceived a grand jury in 2003 when he denied knowingly using performance-enhancing drugs instead left the issue unresolved.

The panel of eight women and four men convicted Bonds of obstructing justice but deadlocked on the three charges at the heart of the government's perjury case, including two counts of lying about the use of steroids and human growth hormone. U.S. District Judge Susan Illston declared a mistrial on those three charges.

Now, prosecutors must weigh whether to spend still more money, and staff time, conducting another trial. They typically take into account a hung jury's vote when making such a call, but legal analysts warn that the Bonds trial was different from the typical criminal case and the usual practices don't apply to such a high-profile defendant.

A May 20 hearing date has been set to discuss the issue of a new trial and to schedule a sentencing date for Bonds.

Bonds attorney Dennis Riordan is contesting the obstruction charge. The judge will rule on the request later.

At least eight of the 12 jurors said prosecutors failed to show that Bonds knew he was taking steroids and HGH. Prosecutors must wrestle with jurors who pointed to credibility gaps with several key government witnesses.

Twins put Mauer on DL

The Twins put All-Star C Joe Mauer on the 15-day disabled list after their game against the Rays. Before the game, the team said Mauer was not in the lineup due to soreness, but manager Ron Gardenhire wouldn't say where the soreness was. After the game, the manager called the reason leg weakness.

"I think they say it was bilateral leg weakness, which is causing all kinds of soreness," said Gardenhire, who is not sure how long Mauer will be out. "He's compensating because of the surgery he had this winter."

Mauer had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in the offseason and had a light workload during spring training to try to reduce the wear on his legs.

Robinson better: Hall of Fame 3B Brooks Robinson, 73, has been discharged from a Baltimore hospital after being treated for a fever and infection.

Replay talks: MLB is leaning toward expanding replay for the 2012 season to include trapped balls and fair-or-foul rulings, the Associated Press reported.

Aid for Giants fan: Giants ace Tim Lincecum is giving $25,000 to assist the fan who was attacked outside Dodger Stadium last month. Lincecum's donation will go to the Bryan Stow Fund to help with the 42-year-old paramedic's medical bills and expenses. Stow was beaten in a parking lot March 31 and remains hospitalized in a medically induced coma. No arrests have been made despite a $150,000 reward. The Giants have raised nearly $70,000.

Ring for Raffle: The Giants are raffling off a World Series ring identical to those the players and staff received. The proceeds will benefit the club's community service arm. Tickets are available at sfgiants.com/ringraffle.

Blue Jays: The team filed a claim for $470,854 from the Canadian government after being forced to shift a series vs. the Phillies last year because of the G-20 summit, the Canadian Press reported.

Mets: RHP Chris Young (right biceps tendinitis) threw a bullpen session. His start scheduled for today in Atlanta has been moved to Sunday.

Yankees: Reliever Pedro Feliciano has a torn capsule in his left shoulder and will get a second opinion before deciding if he should have season-ending surgery.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — Ex-Auburn player Chaz Ramsey, who told HBO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel that players received cash payments at Auburn, will talk to the NCAA next week, he told the Birmingham News on Thursday.

Ramsey made charges on HBO that he received money handshakes after games and sold complimentary game tickets. Ramsey had been reluctant to speak with the NCAA because Auburn's attorneys requested to be present for the interview.

But Ramsey said Auburn won't be there and the information he provides won't be disclosed to it.

"I wouldn't like Auburn to be there," Ramsey said. "The NCAA wanted to talk to me, so the NCAA is going to talk to me."

When asked if he knows the names of the boosters or coaches who paid Auburn players, Ramsey replied, "I may." He declined to elaborate.

This month, ex-Auburn player Stanley McClover, who also told Real Sports he received money, told the South Florida Sun Sentinel that he spoke with the NCAA but didn't reveal the names of the boosters.

Former players Troy Reddick and Raven Gray made similar allegations to Real Sports. It's not known if they have talked to the NCAA or plan to do so.

Auburn athletic director Jay Jacobs said in a statement after the accusations aired that HBO confirmed no proof of the claims being true and Auburn would use outside counsel and "spare no resources to find the truth." Auburn coach Gene Chizik disputed the claims and characterized HBO's handling of the story as "pure garbage."

More football: Arizona legislators who took cross-country trips and accepted free tickets from the Fiesta Bowl soon will be asked to reimburse the gifts, the Arizona Republic reported. Some invoices could be thousands of dollars. Under state law, lawmakers can accept gifts and free travel as long as they are publicly disclosed. Free tickets are restricted in some cases. Recently, a few legislators have reimbursed the bowl.

Baseball: Georgia outfielder paralyzed

ATLANTA — Georgia outfielder Johnathan Taylor, who broke his neck when he collided with a teammate March 6 against Florida State, is paralyzed from the waist down but showing signs of improvement, his doctor said.

Taylor is breathing on his own and has some use of his upper extremities but has no feeling in his legs or fingers. His spinal cord was not severed, so there is reason to believe he could make an improvement.

"He's getting stronger by the day," Dr. Donald Peck Leslie said. "His muscles in his upper extremities are almost full. He's an athlete. He wants to go train. The sky is the limit."

Taylor injured the C-5 and C-6 vertebrae in his neck when he collided with Zach Cone while diving for a line drive. He had neck surgery the next day to stabilize his spine.

Men's basketball: Kansas freshman guard Josh Selby and San Diego State sophomore forward Kawhi Leonard declared for the draft. Leonard said he plans to hire an agent, which means he can't change his mind. Selby did not say if he plans to hire an agent but tweeted, "I will not return to Kansas next year. Making my dream a reality."

Men's Gymnastics: Oklahoma and Stanford won their respective sessions to advance to tonight's final of the national meet in Columbus, Ohio. Also qualifying were Penn State, Illinois, Cal and defending champion Michigan.

Times wires
Thursday, April 14, 2011

Marlins 6, Braves 5

ATLANTA — John Buck drove in the go-ahead run with a seventh-inning single and the Marlins won their second straight road series. Buck was 0-for-9 in the series before driving in Gaby Sanchez from second off Eric O'Flaherty. Hanley Ramirez had three hits, including a run-scoring single.

Times wires
Thursday, April 14, 2011

MINNEAPOLIS — The NFL and its locked-out players started talking again, and they talked all day.

The only sign of progress, though, was the nine hours or so they spent in the federal courthouse Thursday. Sworn to secrecy about specifics of the court-ordered mediation, neither the league nor the players provided much insight about where they're at in seeking a new collective bargaining agreement.

"We had a full day. It was constructive to get together," said Jeff Pash, the NFL's lead negotiator. "The chief magistrate judge is working very hard, and I give him a lot of credit for really trying to move the parties toward a solution."

Neither he nor commissioner Roger Goodell would elaborate.

"We pledged confidentiality," Goodell said.

DeMaurice Smith, previously the executive director of the now-dissolved union, was mum, too.

"We'll be back tomorrow," he said.

So how long might this go?

"The court has indicated it wants to continue with everyone talking as long as it makes sense," said Michael Hausfeld, one of the attorneys for the players.

It was the first time the sides talked since March 11, when the collective bargaining agreement expired and the union was dissolved to clear the way for a court fight. With the 2011 season in peril, U.S. Magistrate Judge Arthur Boylan is overseeing this round of mediation. Sixteen days of mediated sessions in Washington failed to secure a deal.

Goodell stepped away from the session to join a teleconference with 5,300 Browns season-ticket holders for 20 minutes (part of a series of teleconferences with season-ticket holders around the league). He would not characterize the negotiations but reiterated the importance of the sides getting together.

"I can tell you that it's a positive step when the parties are talking," he said.

"We saw the March 11 proposal as responsive to issues raised by the players, and there are many attractive elements in it. Our entire focus is on getting a deal done."

Times wires
Thursday, April 14, 2011

WASHINGTON — Consider the past two games Exhibits 1 and 1A for why the Phillies assembled their ace-after-ace rotation.

Cliff Lee produced a 12-strikeout, three-hit shutout in a 4-0 win over the Nationals on Thursday, a day after Roy Halladay went nine innings to win, giving the Phillies consecutive complete games for the first time since 1999.

"I want to throw nine innings every time I take the mound. That's that," said Lee, who walked one batter and went to three-ball counts on only two others. "I hope Roy does it every day before me, too, but that's what I'm going to try to do."

His previous time on a mound, at Atlanta last Friday, Lee allowed six runs and 10 hits in 3 1/3 innings, his shortest start since Sept. 4, 2009.

But he was back at his best vs. Washington, fooling hitters with darting fastballs on the edge of the plate, sweeping changeups in the dirt, and plenty of right-where-he-wanted-them pitches.

Lee faced 30 batters, three over the minimum, while recording his 21st complete game and sixth shutout. He fell one strikeout shy of his career high.

"Got sharper as the game went on," Nationals manager Jim Riggleman said. "And I think the called strikeouts is an indication that he's hitting some spots that you just don't feel like you can do much with the pitch, but it's a strike. It just kind of ties you up."

Less than 20 months removed from reconstructive elbow surgery, Washington right-hander Jordan Zimmermann matched zeros with Lee for quite some time. But the Phillies got to Zimmermann in the sixth. He retired their first 15 batters, but the 16th, Carlos Ruiz, drove an 0-and-1 pitch barely over the wall in leftfield for a leadoff homer.

"Only mistake I made all night," Zimmermann said.

Two outs later, Shane Victorino doubled, and he scored when fill-in third baseman Jerry Hairston Jr. threw wildly for an error.

That was all Lee needed. In the third, he gave up a double to Danny Espinosa, who took third on a flyout. But Espinosa was thrown out by shortstop Jimmy Rollins while trying to score on a chopper by Zimmermann.

By Damian Cristodero, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 14, 2011

PITTSBURGH — As teachable moments go, the one Steven Stamkos endured Wednesday was difficult.

He was crushed into the boards early by Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik, had one shot on goal and four shots total, and had his streak of futility reach five goals in 29 games.

Then again, Game 1 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal was Stamkos' first NHL playoff game, so bumps were expected. The education? That, the Lightning center said, came in a situation you cannot fully appreciate until you're immersed in it.

"You learn how much different the game is in the playoffs than the regular season," Stamkos, 21, said Thursday. "You may be competing hard, but it's not hard enough in playoff hockey. That's something I learned and will address."

How strange to be where we are with Stamkos.

He was so dominant in the regular season, with 40 goals in his first 54 games, that he was being included with Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin as one of the league's top players. Now he is trying to find his way at a time when, as the league's No. 2 goal scorer with 45, his team needs him most.

That is why games like Wednesday's 3-0 loss irk, and why Game 2 tonight at the Consol Energy Center is another chance to regain his touch.

"At the end of the day, you look for your top guys to score," Stamkos said. "When we get shut out, we didn't do our job. So, yeah, you need that pressure on yourself and pressure from teammates to expect that from you."

Pittsburgh coach Dan Bylsma praised his defense for maintaining a close gap on Stamkos that in Game 1 denied him time and speed.

Then there was Orpik's board-rattling hit.

"Maybe," Penguins defenseman Zbynek Michalek said, "that slowed him down for the rest of the game."

But Stamkos does not have a reputation of being intimidated.

"I've been hit like that before," he said. "You have to take hits to make a play, and we actually got the puck and got a shot off. But I knew it was coming. I've played against him for three years now. He's one of the hardest-hitting guys in the league. It's a clean hit, and it was a good way to start the game for them, I guess."

Where does Stamkos go from here? The challenge will not get easier. Stamkos is no longer a surprise. Opponents have studied his game. He faces top defensemen and forwards.

And it is the playoffs, after all, where checking is tighter and tougher, and the margin for error slimmer.

Stamkos has weapons of his own. As linemate Steve Downie said, "He's got an unbelievable shot."

But Stamkos has just 10 shots on goal in his past seven games.

"Your compete level has to rise," he said, "and that's something that for me, personally, is going to be a lot stronger in Game 2. I can tell you that for sure, go to the front of the net and fight for space. There's so little time, with everyone knowing the magnitude of the game, you have to compete even harder."

"The kid has character," coach Guy Boucher said. "And what I like about him is he's very honest. He's certainly humble enough to say he's got a lot to learn."

Tonight's class begins at 7.

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

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 14, 2011

Rays vs. Twins

When/where: 7:10 tonight, Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg

TV/radio: FSN; 620-AM, 680-AM (Spanish)

Starting pitchers

Rays

RH Wade Davis (0-2, 4.38)

Twins

RH Nick Blackburn (1-1, 0.77)

Tickets: $12-$255 at Tropicana Field box office, Ticketmaster, raysbaseball.com, team store in Tampa, $3 surcharge within five hours of game.

Promotion: Free Jackie Robinson Day T-shirt to first 10,000 fans.

Watch for ...

Wading in: Davis hasn't pitched badly in his first two starts, but he has contributed to his own undoing, allowing 13 hits and four walks in 12 1/3 innings. He is 0-0 with an 8.71 ERA in two starts against the Twins.

Nick of time: Blackburn has been dazzling in his first two starts, allowing only one earned run over 11 2/3 innings. He hasn't pitched too well against the Rays, going 2-2 with a 6.10 ERA in four starts against the Rays.

Key matchups:

Rays vs. Blackburn

Johnny Damon 7-for-22

Matt Joyce 2-for-12, HR

Kelly Shoppach 7-for-12, 2 HR

Twins vs. Davis

Alexi Casilla 2-for-4

Michael Cuddyer 1-for-5

On deck

Saturday: vs. Twins, 4:10. Ch. 13. Rays — Jeff Niemann (0-2, 8.31); Twins — Scott Baker (0-2, 6.55)

Sunday: vs Twins, 1:40. Sun Sports. Rays — Jeremy Hellickson (1-1, 4.09); Twins — Brian Duensing (0-0, 4.15)

Monday: vs. White Sox, 6:40. SUN. Rays — David Price (1-2, 3.92); White Sox — Edwin Jackson (2-0, 2.09)

Marc Topkin, Times staff writer

Tribute of the day

Manager Joe Maddon went with a slightly different look Thursday in tribute to the 70th birthday of Tampa's MacDill Air Force Base. "I'm honored to pay my respects," Maddon said. "For me, this is very significant." The Rays are hosting a party to celebrate Saturday, taking $2 off tickets on raysbaseball.com (promo code: MacDill) and donating a portion of the proceeds to charity.

Number of the day

10 Rays picks among the first 60 in the order for the June 6 draft released Thursday by MLB; nine as compensation for free agents lost. They have Nos. 24, 31 and 32 in the first round, and Nos. 38, 41, 42, 52, 56, 59 and 60 in the compensation round

Times wires
Thursday, April 14, 2011

Royals 5, Mariners 1

71/2 innings

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Bruce Chen pitched his second complete game in his past four starts (dating to last year) for the Royals in a game called after a 47-minute rain delay. Chen has won his past six decisions and is 50-50 overall. The lefty had tossed 13 consecutive scoreless innings before Adam Kennedy's sac fly drove in an unearned run in the eighth. Alex Gordon keyed Kansas City's three-run third with a two-run double. Wilson Betemit drove in runs with a homer and a sac fly.

Times wires
Thursday, April 14, 2011

PHILADELPHIA — Ryan Miller stopped a shot from his knees and with six players in the crease. He saved one with Buffalo down two men. Any way Philadelphia tried to attack him, Miller never buckled.

He was perfect in net, and the Sabres took control of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal.

Miller stopped 35 shots for his second career postseason shutout and Patrick Kaleta scored to lift the Sabres to a 1-0 win in Game 1 on Thursday night.

"It's important to establish that we can skate with these guys," Miller said. "We like where we're at, but that team over there has a lot of fight, and we'll have to be ready for them."

Kaleta snapped the scoreless tie early in the third period when he powered a rebound past rookie Sergei Bobrovsky.

" 'Bob' was good. Ryan was even better," Flyers center Danny Briere said. "If we keep playing like we did (Thursday), we'll be in good shape."

The Flyers were without defenseman Chris Pronger, a former league MVP who has been sidelined since having hand surgery in March.

First Period—None. Penalties—Weber, Buf (roughing), 4:01; Richards, Phi (roughing), 4:01; McCormick, Buf (interference), 6:34; Versteeg, Phi (interference), 15:13; Montador, Buf (holding), 18:39.

Second Period—None. Penalties—Montador, Buf (tripping), 8:20; Morrisonn, Buf (slashing), 9:42.

Third Period—1, Buffalo, Kaleta 1 (Gragnani, Gaustad), 5:56. Penalties—Myers, Buf (tripping), 11:03. Shots on Goal—Buffalo 10-9-6—25. Philadelphia 10-16-9—35. Power-play opportunities—Buffalo 0 of 1; Philadelphia 0 of 5. Goalies—Buffalo, Miller 1-0-0 (35 shots-35 saves). Philadelphia, Bobrovsky 0-1-0 (25-24).

Price blanks Bruins as Canadiens win opener

BOSTON — Carey Price returned as Montreal's starting playoff goalie with his third postseason shutout, Brian Gionta scored twice and the Canadiens opened the East quarterfinal with a 2-0 win over the Bruins.

"If we were able to write down on paper how we would have wanted to start the series, this would have been it," said Price, who had 31 saves.

Price started one of the Canadiens' 19 playoff games last year, when Montreal was seeded eighth but reached the East final, where it lost to the Flyers. Jaroslav Halak started the other games; he was traded to the Blues in June.

This season Price started 70 regular-season games and is a candidate for the Vezina (top goalie) Trophy.

The Bruins dominated play for most of the last two periods. "I think we did a lot of good things," captain Zdeno Chara said. "We just couldn't score a goal."

But it was a disappointing start after a crushing end to their postseason last year. Boston won the first three games over the Flyers in the East semifinals. But Philadelphia forced a seventh game, in which it rallied from a 3-0 deficit for a 4-3 victory.

First Period—1, Montreal, Gionta 1 (Gomez), 2:44. Penalties—Hamrlik, Mon (interference), 7:07; Kaberle, Bos (hooking), 12:52; Krejci, Bos (hooking), 18:49; White, Mon (roughing), 19:42.

Second Period—None. Penalties—Spacek, Mon (interference), 6:35; Marchand, Bos (interference), 19:10.

Third Period—2, Montreal, Gionta 2 (Gomez), 16:42. Penalties—Chara, Bos (roughing), 17:18. Shots on Goal—Montreal 8-6-6—20. Boston 8-18-5—31. Power-play opportunities—Montreal 0 of 4; Boston 0 of 3. Goalies—Montreal, Price 1-0-0 (31 shots-31 saves). Boston, Thomas 0-1-0 (20-18).

Blackhawks: Center Dave Bolland, who suffered a concussion March 9 when he took an elbow to the head from the Lightning's Pavel Kubina, said he also is getting therapy for whiplash resulting from the hit.

Ducks: Coach Randy Carlyle had only platitudes when asked who will start in goal tonight against the Predators in Game 2 of their series. "The guy who gives us the best chance to win," he said. "The guy who is the healthiest." Carlyle will pick between former Lightning Dan Ellis, who gave up four goals Wednesday in a 4-1 loss, and Ray Emery, who came off the bench after missing two games with a lower-body injury.

Kings: Forward Justin Williams, the team's second-leading scorer, returned from a dislocated right shoulder to play in Game 1 against the Sharks late Thursday.

By Rick Stroud, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 14, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — You couldn't blame Rays RF Matt Joyce if he felt a little light-headed after the theme park ride he experienced in Thursday's 4-3, 10-inning win over the Twins.

Joyce, who entered the game hitting .138, went 3-for-4, including the Rays' first hit off Carl Pavano in the fifth inning. After Dan Johnson followed with a walk to put runners on first and second with one out, Joyce was picked off.

But Joyce's one-out double in the ninth off closer Joe Nathan scored Felipe Lopez and Ben Zobrist to tie it.

"It was a roller coaster, for sure," Joyce said. "I was kicking myself for getting picked off. I was just trying to force something and make something happen, and I just pushed too hard. We try to be aggressive here, and I was just being too aggressive. I can't get picked off in that situation."

Manager Joe Maddon was aggressive on Joyce's double, starting the runners on a 3-and-1 count. That enabled Zobrist to score from first.

"That just happened to work," Maddon said. "It's a situation there where the pitcher was really slow to the plate. … The other thing is if he throws him a strike, I think Matt is going to groove it."

The Rays fell behind again in the 10th when Matt Tolbert singled, went to second on a passed ball by John Jaso and scored on Danny Valencia's single.

But Johnny Damon's two-run homer in the bottom of the 10th left Joyce riding high again.

SHIELDS BATTLES: Rays starter James Shields pitched well enough to win but left with a no-decision after allowing two runs and nine hits over seven innings with four strikeouts. Both runs came in the sixth, when he was touched for four hits but pitched out of a bases-loaded, one-out jam.

It was reminiscent of his season debut at the Trop, when Shields suffered a 3-1 loss to Baltimore despite allowing two runs on four hits over 71/3 innings.

"These guys did a great job of battling" Shields said. "My job was to keep us in the game as long we can, and we won it there at the end. And that's beautiful."

CROWD CONTROL: Attendance was only 10,042, the smallest at Tropicana Field since 9,856 against Baltimore on Sept. 5, 2007.

"It was surprising," said Maddon, whose team entered with a two-game win streak. "Come out and see us. We're exciting."

FINE CATCH: Johnson is not known for his defense, but the first baseman turned in a gem to get the Rays out of a jam in the fifth.

After Denard Span doubled with two outs, Michael Cuddyer popped up near the Rays dugout. With Jaso also giving chase, Johnson made a sliding catch through an opening in the dugout to end the threat.

"That was not an easy play," Maddon said. "He's coming full blast. You're trying to help the guy. But when he comes at you low like that, it's really not easy."

LONGORIA Update: 3B Evan Longoria said he's progressing so well from a strained oblique, trainers have to sit on him a bit to keep him from doing too much. But it's unlikely he'll return prior to the planned three weeks on the disabled list (April 24). And he'll need some minor-league rehab games.

"It feels really good," Longoria said. "This is kind of a point in time where the trainers have to really do their job and force me to back off of it. I think we'll try to stay on track as far as the time line.

"Three weeks, hopefully sooner."

MISCELLANY: All Rays players will wear No. 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. The first 10,000 fans receive a Jackie Robinson T-shirt. … LHP David Price will receive the union's Players Choice Award for outstanding American League pitcher before today's game. Longoria will be presented with his Gold Glove before Saturday's game.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Thursday, April 14, 2011

ST. PETERSBURG — So much ran through Johnny Damon's head from the moment he hit the ball just over the rightfield wall to give the Rays a thrilling 4-3, 10-inning victory Thursday, as he pumped his fist on his way around the bases, tossed his helmet and jumped into the bouncing welcoming party at home and wiped the celebratory shaving cream pie applied by B.J. Upton off his face.

But what felt best, he said in the clubhouse nearly a half-hour later, was feeling like he now was really a Ray.

"For me, it's doing it in front of the fans," he said. "I know they're expecting a lot of from me, and being a kid from this area, the first homestand was tough, the first four at-bats (Thursday) were tough, but hopefully that can definitely say that I'm one of theirs.

"I think that's a very true statement. It was good to get our first win here. There's definitely a lot of emotions that goes into it for me."

There was a lot of emotion all around as the Rays (4-8) celebrated a win, their third straight, that seemed improbable for much of the night as they played before a gathering of just 10,042, the smallest crowd at the Trop since the Devil Rays days of 2007.

"It's nice to see them celebrate like that in the clubhouse," manager Joe Maddon said. "The walkoff wins do tend to erupt, obviously. We needed something like that to really get us going a little bit."

Held hitless into the fifth and two outs from being shut out for the first time in a season defined by a lack of offense, the Rays first rallied for two runs in the ninth off Joe Nathan, whom Maddon simply described as one of the best closers of the last 20 years or so. Matt Joyce got the huge hit, a two-run double, after Maddon made a big decision, starting the runners — Felipe Lopez, who doubled, and Ben Zobrist, who walked — on a 3-and-1 pitch, to take advantage of Nathan's slow delivery to the plate.

But they gave the lead right back, a passed ball by catcher John Jaso setting up the Twins' 10th-inning run.

Two outs from defeat again, the Rays staged another comeback, this time off Matt Capps. Sam Fuld singled and Damon, stepping literally and figuratively into a leadership role since the "retirement" of Manny Ramirez, knocked a 1-and-0 sinker just over the wall for the sixth walkoff homer of his career (and third against the Twins).

"I think he recognizes the void," Maddon said. "I think he's smart enough to see that. I've seen him elevate his way — it's a little bit more demonstrative. He's getting out there. And I think he understands that I fully, fully accept what he does and how he does it, and I think that helps him, too."

Damon said he's not trying to replace Ramirez, his longtime friend and teammate, but also acknowledged his departure may have been "a blessing" as the Rays are better configured with Fuld in the outfield and Damon at DH. "I think we've become a better team," he said.

Having started 1-for-15 as the Rays lost all five games on their first homestand, and hitless in his first four at-bats Thursday, Damon, even at 37 and in his 16th season, wanted badly to show what he could do with his hometown team, having grown up in Orlando.

"Going into that last at-bat knowing I hadn't done anything but knowing I've been in that situation so many times before, I knew exactly what we needed," Damon said. "Rounding the bases, I was just so excited, and then coming home and seeing my teammates excited, walkoffs are great.

"I don't think you can ever get too tired of those. They're exciting and it's great for our team. I love the fact our team is coming together now.''

Times wires
Thursday, April 14, 2011

Astros 1, Padres 0

HOUSTON — Bud Norris and the bullpen combined on a three-hitter and Michael Bourn singled home the only run for the Astros. Norris gave up two hits and struck out seven in six innings. His sacrifice bunt in the sixth set up Bourn's RBI hit off Dustin Moseley, who allowed seven hits in 6 2/3 innings and again was the victim of poor run support. San Diego's three shutouts this season have all come in his starts. The Padres stranded seven runners.

Times wires
Friday, April 15, 2011

Tigers 3, Athletics 0

OAKLAND, Calif. — Detroit left-hander Phil Coke and two relievers combined on a three-hitter, and Ryan Raburn hit a two-out RBI double in the seventh to break a scoreless tie. Ramon Santiago had two hits and drove in a run on a sacrifice fly in the eighth for Detroit. The Tigers managed only four hits, but Coke pitched seven shutout innings and struck out two. Manager Jim Leyland now needs one win to become the 19th manager in major-league history to reach 1,500 for his career.

Times wires
Friday, April 15, 2011

Cardinals 9, Dodgers 5

LOS ANGELES — Albert Pujols hit his second homer, and Matt Holliday drove in three runs at Dodger Stadium, which was circled by police officers and helicopters in the wake of a beating that nearly killed a Giants fan. "I thought it's a little bit overdoing it," said fan Christen Castleby.

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 15, 2011

Thursday's crowd of 10,042 for the Tampa Bay Rays-Minnesota Twins game was the smallest for a Rays game at Tropicana Field since Sept. 5, 2007, when they drew 9,856 for a game against the Baltimore Orioles.

Here are the other attendance figures from Thursday, with a note whether it was a day or night game:

40,517 - O's at Yankees

34,288 - Cards at Dodgers

25,758 - Rockies at Mets (day, DH)

24,875 - Phils at Nats

20,045 - Padres at Astros

16,495 - Marlins at Braves

11,129 - Tigers at A's

10,517 - Brewers at Pirates

10,042 - Twins at Rays

8,811 - M's at Royals (rain shortened)

7,683 - Norfolk at Durham (AAA)

By Marc Topkin, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 15, 2011

Thanks to the Elias Sports Bureau, we learned that Johnny Damon and the Tampa Bay Rays made history in Thursday's win:

It was the first time in the Rays' 14-season history they won a game in which they trailed in both the ninth inning and in extra innings. That only happened once in the majors since the start of last season, by the Orioles on July 20 last year, and they did it to the Rays.

Damon became the first major-leaguer to hit walkoff homers for five different teams, having also done the deed for the Royals, Red Sox, Yankees, and Tigers (twice).

By Rodney Page, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 15, 2011

LUTZ — Russ Cochran was hitting his driver so poorly on Thursday at TPC Tampa Bay that he thought he might need to put a few extra balls in his bag before the opening round of the Outback Steakhouse Pro-Am.

"I was teasing my pro-am partners (Thursday)," Cochran said. "They were going to see a personal record of me hitting the ball in the hazard."

Friday was much different.

Starting on the back nine in the 8:10 a.m. group, Cochran birdied the 10th, 11th and 12th holes. He was 3 under before most people made it to work.

After the hot start, Cochran added four birdies on the front nine to finish with 7-under 64 and a two-shot lead over John Cook and Jay Don Blake and three shots clear of Kenny Perry. A group of seven players stood at 3 under, including Joey Sindelar and Tom Purtzer.

"I got off to such a great start," Cochran said. "That kind of set the stage. It gives you freedom. You feel like you could possibly make a mistake or two and be all right."

Cochran, a two-time winner on the Champions Tour last year, made few mistakes Friday. After his three straight birdies, he rattled off six straight pars and shot 33 on the back nine. He had a bogey-free round and felt in the groove all day.

"I hit a couple wayward shots and got away with it," he said. "Then it kind of turned into one of those rounds where you didn't feel like you were going to make any bogeys. It was a great day for me."

Like Cochran, Cook played in the morning and started on the back nine. He was even through 11 holes but then got hot: a 15-foot birdie putt on No. 3, 2-footers on Nos. 4 and 5, a 5-footer on No. 6 and an 8-footer on No. 7.

He went from middle of the pack to second place in about an hour.

"I was either putting from 40-50 feet or tapping in," Cook said. "It was one or the other."

Blake was one of the few players to post a low round in the afternoon, when the wind picked up. He started on the back nine and made the turn at 1 under. But four birdies on the front nine put him into a tie for second. Tom Pernice Jr., Tim Simpson and Ted Schulz, who shot 68s, were the only other afternoon players to shoot 3 under or better.

Perry, 50, is playing in his third Champions event. He has played in six PGA Tour tournaments this year but made only two cuts. He got himself into contention by looking at the leader­board after playing the 18th hole (his ninth).

"I saw Russ Cochran going low, and I was like, 'Wow, I need to somehow catch up here,' " Perry said.

So Perry stepped on the gas. He made the turn at 1 over then birdied the first hole, made par on the second and had four straight birdies to get within three strokes.

"It definitely changed my mind-set a little bit," Perry said. "I had to figure out a way to get close and stay in the mix."

Going fast right away is something that Perry has learned about the Champions Tour. A seniors tournament is only three days, in most cases, so there is little room for error.

In his only two Champions events last year, Perry tied for 35th in Houston and was 54th in San Antonio, Texas.

"If you're not making birdies, guys are just passing you like crazy," Perry said. "It's amazing how well they play out here. I'm shocked. I was not ready when I came to Houston and San Antonio last year. They beat my brains out."

If Cochran starts hot again today, he might beat everyone's brains out. Cochran had wanted to play conservatively in the opening round, but he said the course led him to attack the flags right away.

"In a funny way, the course kind of dictated me being aggressive with my irons right from the start," Cochran said. "You don't really have any place to bail, so you take aim and hit right at it."

By Antonya English, Times Staff Writer
Friday, April 15, 2011

GAINESVILLE — Florida wide receivers Chris Dunkley and Javares McRoy have decided to transfer, Gators coach Will Muschamp announced Friday.

Dunkley, a 6-foot-2, 172-pounder from Pahokee High School, did not see any game action last year as a true freshman. McRoy, who is 5-9 and 159 pounds, was an early enrollee in January from Lakeland High.

Dunkley said in a statement that he believes it's in his best interest "to get a fresh start somewhere else." McRoy wants to play with his brother.

"I enjoyed my time at Florida, but I really want the chance to play with my brother Ben, who is at Texas Tech," McRoy said in a statement. "Florida has been very understanding and is giving me that opportunity."

"We wish both of these guys the best of luck in their future endeavors, both on and off the field," Muschamp said.

Antonya English, Times staff writer