Getting won the 3 previous NHL All-Star Games, Tim Thomas knows the methods that provide the time to win a game title that's not kind to goalies.

"In these kinds of games the only real chance you need your title around the record because the winning goalkeeper is that if you participate in the third period," Thomas stated. "You can aquire a shutout within the first period but still not finish track of the win, most likely will not finish track of the win. This is exactly why I needed to experience the 3rd period."

He got his wish, and that he got his win.

Last year, Thomas grew to become the only real goalkeeper in NHL history to win three straight All-Star Games. On Sunday, he enhanced on his record by winning his 4th consecutively, backstopping Team Chara to some 12-9 victory by preventing 15 of 18 shots within the third period.

The overall game was tied at 6-6 entering the 3rd period and Thomas was beaten three occasions by Team Alfredsson, but his men got him six goals -- including Zdeno Chara's champion with 7:40 remaining.

"The main one factor, first of all, another goaltenders were sport enough to allow him finish," Bruins coach Claude Julien stated, referencing Jimmy Howard and Carey Cost, the team's other goalies. "He clearly had probably the most (fan) votes like a goaltender and lots of occasions individuals goaltenders finish up beginning, but we requested the goaltenders when they were Comfortable with it plus they stated, 'Absolutely.'

"Another two performed rock, paper, scissors to determine who'd start. If this was tied (within the third period), happens was looking for Tim to obtain an chance to win his 4th consecutively.Inch

While winning four All-Star Games will probably use like a footnote to Thomas' career achievements, this means a great him.

"It's something they never remove of your stuff,Inch Thomas stated. "I'm excited and that i feel fortunate this happened at this type of late stage of my career, especially.

"I had been shooting for four," he added. "I do not think I recognized just how much I needed the 4th until we've got in it. My team emerged large, obtained a few goals early for me personally, and that i was like, 'Hey, let us do that.A "

Along the way, Thomas stopped fan favorite Daniel Alfredsson from finishing his hat trick and possibly winning the MVP. He stopped all of Alfredsson's shots within the third period.

"Yeah, that's Timmy. He's very competitive," stated Chara, who accepted he was tugging for Alfredsson to obtain the hat trick. "You cannot blame him. That's the only method he is able to play, otherwise he isn't really effective. He's always competitive. That's him."

Thomas' competition makes playing within the third duration of an exciting-Star Game well suited for him. This is when the overall game usually accumulates in intensity, that is only normal for that 37-year-old goalkeeper.

"I am presuming that Alfie wanted to obtain the win on home ice, but it is always more enjoyable to win, whether you are in an All-Star Game or playing some little competition used," Thomas stated. "The interest rate accumulates within the third period, which really causes it to be a bit simpler for any goalkeeper in in certain manner because there's more flow."

Everybody has their various insecurities, as well as for Joe Flacco, it's apparently not viewed as the current-day response to Trent Dilfer.

Flacco knows why the Ravens' defense receives the lion's share of credit once the team wins, however the 4th-year quarterback does not believe he warrants to become an afterthought, either.

"I am confident that we win, I'll do not have anything related to why we won, based on everyone," a smirking Flacco stated Wednesday, based on the Baltimore Sun. "It's what it's. We are likely to do good to try and win it, also it does not really appear this is because.Inch

This is not the very first time Flacco continues to be open this year about perceived disrespect. In November, he stated he was "baffled" through the media fawning over Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, stating the relatively moderate coverage -- in Flacco's opinion -- that supported the Ravens' huge AFC North conquer the Steelers in Week 9.

Flacco brought the Ravens on the 92-yard touchdown drive to steal that November. 6 game using their division rivals, the kind of clutch performance that turns naysayers into followers. However, many still see the QB like a supporting character a notch or two underneath the elite at his position.

Flacco stated the makeup of his team -- namely the existence of All-Professional running back Ray Grain -- dictates he could not be within the same discussion because the NFL's top passers.

"Everyone want everyone to become Aaron Rodgers and become Tom Brady, but everyone do realize, individuals guys' (teams) don't run the ball?" Flacco requested rhetorically. "As we try to achieve that, the critique that we'd take around here could be absurd. ... Everyone want a top-notch quarterback. You need to stop worrying whenever we go available and toss the ball 60 occasions a game title."

The Sun's Rays reported that Flacco was good-natured throughout his candid conversation using the media, but it is obvious he'll have something to prove once the Ravens host the Texans in Sunday's divisional 2010 nfl playoffs.

Flacco may be the only quarterback in National football league history to entitled to the postseason in all of his first four seasons within the league. He is able to use valleys that match his peaks, but veteran linebacker Ray Lewis thinks Flacco absolutely is capable of doing leading Baltimore to the first Super Bowl because the 2000 season.

"There is something about Joe I have loved from Day 1," Lewis stated Wednesday, based on the Connected Press. "You need to appreciate a youthful kid who arrives with this much talent, and you see where his talent is certainly going. Now he's much more of a mentor, obtaining the offense to know him. The thing is his composure and just how he's settling directly into really control this offense. Now where we're, why would not it be Joe to guide us to some Super Bowl?"

Flacco has more naysayers than possibly Lewis realizes. Fortunately for that QB, he is able to make use of the the following month to change his status permanently.

For anybody who's wondering why North Park possession required a U-turn and made the decision to help keep coach Norv Turner and gm A.J. Cruz to another playoff-less season which was regarded as do-or-die for, here’s the way to go:

“I’m loving it,” North Park running back Mike Tolbert stated moments after learning that you will see status quo in North Park in 2012. “I’m a large fan. I really like playing for coach Turner … I can’t get an adequate amount of what is the news.”

The support for that North Park brass within the locker room was apparent once the Battery chargers centered the Raiders, 38-26, in a game title the Raiders required to win to seize control from the AFC West per week following the Battery chargers were removed from playoff contention. Many Battery chargers gamers have supported Turner, brought by passionate support from star quarterback Philip Rivers.

The Chargers’ performance on that day clearly was the determining element in North Park owner Dean Spanos determining not to create a change. Combined with players' support, Spanos made the decision there weren’t better options and that he thinks the Battery chargers are poised to leave an average division to finally fulfill their immense potential. The move surprised many because it absolutely was considered a near certainty that Turner -- and possibly Cruz -- would go when the Battery chargers didn’t result in the 2010 nfl playoffs.

It had been a courageous decision by Spanos. Many within the North Park group of followers happen to be clamoring for something new at both coach and gm. The Battery chargers have underachieved yesteryear 2 yrs and didn’t work through the divisional playoff round within the two previous seasons after evolving towards the AFC championship game in 2007, that was Turner’s first season.

Using the Battery chargers getting some trouble selling tickets this year and also the team attempting to drum up funds for any new downtown stadium, selecting to stay using the unpopular (locally) Turner and Cruz most likely will earn Spanos critique in North Park.

But he remains steadfast with this particular group.

“Bottom line, In my opinion both of these males provide us with the very best chance to return to the 2010 nfl playoffs,” Spanos stated inside a statement. “A.J. Cruz is the greatest guy to enhance our roster, and Norv Turner is the greatest guy to guide that roster around the area.

“Together, we've stability and experience that’s difficult to find within the National football league. They’ve both experienced this league a very long time. I don’t think there's what they have to haven’t seen or experienced. They’ve brought us through some difficult situations.”

I believe the important thing here's that Spanos desired to restore Turner. He might have fired Turner and stored Cruz or he might have stored Turner and fired Cruz. The second scenario wouldn’t make sense if a brand new gm was introduced in, the coach will be a lame duck. So, Turner and Cruz will receive a opportunity to further prove themselves together.

It isn't as if both of these haven’t been effective in North Park.

The Battery chargers have won 88 games and five division tiles in Smith’s nine seasons because the gm. The Battery chargers won 13 games total within the 3 years before Cruz was marketed. Turner is 52-34 in North Park. His winning area of .605 is the greatest in team history. The Battery chargers -- who won four from the final five games this year after losing six straight games -- are 21-3 in December/The month of january under Turner.

Still, nobody in North Park is going to be happy unless of course this group reaches the Super Bowl. That needs to function as the goal now more than ever before.

Because Spanos is adhering with Turner and Cruz, all of them must show the anxious group of followers that they're fed up with underachieving and they're devoted to improving. Under Cruz, the Battery chargers haven’t been excessively active in free agency. That might need to change this season. I am not saying the Battery chargers have to put money into gamers just to get it done. But they have to improve, especially on defense. Investing cash on the best gamers is going to be necessary.

There has to be emergency in North Park. When the Battery chargers neglect to result in the 2010 nfl playoffs again in 2012, Spanos may have no choice but to hear fans and house clean and that he will need to answer why it required such a long time.

Zach Tomaselli, the 3rd guy to accuse the previous Syracuse assistant men’s basketball coach Bernie Fine of sexual abuse, filed a suit against him in Pittsburgh on Thursday, even while the government analysis of Tomaselli’s accusations continues.

Tomaselli, 23, of Lewiston, Me., filed the suit within the Allegheny County Court of Common Pleas. He states Fine sexually mistreated him in 2002, when he was 13, once they traveled to some Syracuse game in Pittsburgh.

Fine has refused the accusations and is not billed. Federal researchers the inquiry is ongoing and it has incorporated searches of Fine’s office and home at Syracuse, simply by Secret Service agents.

William Fitzpatrick, the Onondaga County da, stated Wednesday that Fine couldn't be punished by New You are able to Condition for accusations produced by two former Syracuse ball boys, Bobby Davis and Mike Lang, who say Fine mistreated them once they were children.

Fitzpatrick stated that although he thought that Davis and Lang were being truthful about being mistreated, the statute of restrictions had go out on the claims. Inside a news conference, Fitzpatrick also stated he'd sent exculpatory evidence on Tomaselli’s states federal researchers, implying that Tomaselli’s school records refuted his declare that he is at Pittsburgh at that time he stated he was attacked by Fine. Fitzpatrick wouldn't give particulars, and also the U . s . States attorney’s office wouldn't comment.

Tomaselli also stated Wednesday he would plead guilty to sexually mistreating a 13-year-old boy in a camp in Maine.

Tomaselli stated he was filing his suit against Fine to avoid further abuse. He read an argument in a news conference in Pittsburgh nevertheless, “I am using this action to aid another males which have gone public and fit everything in I'm able to to safeguard other kids from harm by Bernie Fine and effective males like him.”

Tomaselli also stated within the statement he was sorry for his crime and was seeking help.

Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby's will miss the following two games like a precaution carrying out a collision with teammate Chris Kunitz in Monday night's loss to Boston.

Gm Ray Shero stated Wednesday the previous MVP wasn't "feeling 100 %Inch after unintentionally having Kunitz within the third period and can sit out Thursday's game in Philadelphia and Saturday's trip to the brand new You are able to Islanders.

Crosby and Kunitz were skating near center ice once they went into one another. Both gamers were slow to obtain up and required their time making their method to the bench. Crosby later came back to the overall game, playing over 21 minutes while being held scoreless inside a 3-1 defeat.

The 24-year-old Crosby downplayed the incident after the overall game but didn't skate on Tuesday.

"I'm not sure things i hit my knee on, whether it was his leg or, yeah, just type of a little of the stinger," he stated. "Nothing major."

Shero states Crosby visited together with his medical team on Wednesday and demonstrated no recurrence from the concussion-like signs and symptoms that sidelined him in excess of 10 several weeks this season.

"He saw Dr. Micky Collins of UPMC today and required an effect test, which demonstrated no problems," Shero stated. "However, all of us think it is best he sits the next two games like a precaution."

The 2007 MVP has two goals and 10 assists in eight games since his return. He or she is available once the Penguins host Detroit next Tuesday.

In September, Cubs chairman Tom Ricketts stated he'd a difficult time imagining Carlos Zambrano coming back towards the team following the pitcher's early exit in August. But Theo Epstein, the Cubs' leader of baseball procedures, is giving Zambrano an chance to earn his long ago. Ricketts stated Tuesday he'll defer to Epstein.

"What Theo stated openly is he's prepared to give Carlos an opportunity to earn his long ago around the team," Ricketts stated. "It's [Epstein's] decision, and that i support it 100 %.Inch

Zambrano makes three begins for Caribes within the Venezuelan Winter League, but was sidelined after going for a line drive away his face in the last begin November. 18. He might go back to the mound in a few days.

Ricketts addressed other subjects on Tuesday, including baseball's new Collective Negotiating Agreement, that will cap the quantity of dollars a team can invest in its Draft picks. Which will affect what Epstein & Co. do in June. The Cubs spent a franchise record $12 million this year within the Draft. Last Year and '10, they spent an overall total of $8.7 million combined on Draft picks. Did Ricketts begin to see the changes coming?

"People understood this was a problem that might be talked about within the CBA," he stated Tuesday. "I had been personally amazed at what lengths it went. I figured there can be some changes, however i wasn't sure what lengths it might go. It is a large change, a larger change than I was expecting. We understood it had been possible that something similar to this could are available in.Inch

Does it change the way the Cubs choose gamers? Ricketts deferred to Epstein and GM Jed Hoyer how their assets are allotted.

Ricketts stated he's speaking to city authorities on which they are able to do in order to get makeovers done at Wrigley Area. It's unlikely they've got everything performed by 2014, the ballpark's 100th anniversary.

"There is nothing concrete at this time -- no pun intended," Ricketts stated.

For new manager Dale Sveum, Ricketts stated they'd a couple of ales together in Milwaukee throughout the overall Managers Conferences.

"There is no litmus test type of question which i desired to hear," Ricketts stated. "I'd be encouraging from the decision from the baseball men. I figured it might be good to sit down lower and speak with him and become familiar with him and that i was very impressed."

There's talk from the Cubs finding yourself in repairing mode this year. Does which means that they win the coming year?

"Obviously, we are able to win in 2012," Ricketts stated. "Like I stated [in the finish of year, you receive 25 men playing hard, cooperating, and remain healthy, baseball informs you many things can happen when you are getting that. We'll observe how the offseason goes. I imagine we'll be in it the coming year.Inch

It appeared as though the honeymoon ended rapidly for that Ricketts family, which required within the Cubs in 2009. They has finished in fifth devote the nation's League Central at the spine-to-back seasons.
"I truly don't think about it when it comes to 'Q ratings' or honeymoons," Ricketts stated. "Ultimately, as we win, individuals will think i was good proprietors, and when we lose, we are bad proprietors. As lengthy as you concentrate on doing what you could to win, everything will fall under place."

Stuck in prison and his career derailed, Plaxico Burress insisted he’d be back in the NFL one day.

The Jets are giving him that second chance.

“I’m just grateful,’’ a confident yet humble Burress said last night. “I’m excited about the opportunity and I’m going to give them everything I’ve got because they put their trust in me to be able to come in and contribute and have an impact.’’

Burress signed a one-year deal with the Jets yesterday after recently being released from prison after serving 20 months on a gun charge. Burress, who turns 34 Aug. 12, caught the winning touchdown pass in the Giants’ upset of the unbeaten Patriots in Super Bowl XLII in 2008, before he accidentally shot himself in a New York nightclub later that year.

“When something’s taken away from you that you love, you know you love it more,’’ he said. “You learn that playing in this business is definitely a privilege.’’

Burress will join the recently re-signed Santonio Holmes as one of Mark Sanchez’s top receivers.

“I’ve never played with a guy on the other side of me who was that explosive,’’ Burress said of Holmes. “It’s going to be fun. I think we’re going to drive some defensive coordinators crazy.’’

ESPN first reported the deal, saying it is for more than $3 million guaranteed. Burress was at the airport in Los Angeles on his way to a meeting with the 49ers, but canceled that trip when the Jets contacted him. He agreed to come back to New York, but in green and white this time, without even visiting with the Jets or speaking to coach Rex Ryan.

“There was no sales pitch needed,’’ he said. “You just look at all the pieces that are in place. You get a chance to compete for a world championship every year.’’

Burress had 505 catches for 7,845 yards and 55 TDs in nine seasons with the Steelers and Giants.

In another Jets move, Mark Brunell will be back as Sanchez’s backup after signing a one-year deal.

Seahawks cut Tatupu
Lofa Tatupu was cut after the Seahawks’ defensive captain reportedly declined to restructure his contact. He leaves after anchoring the middle of Seattle’s defense for most of six seasons, including three Pro Bowl appearances and a major hand in taking the Seahawks to their only Super Bowl appearance, following his rookie season in 2005. It certainly wasn’t a simple decision for Pete Carroll, who also coached Tatupu at Southern Cal. But the 28-year-old Tatupu has struggled with injuries the past few seasons and seen a decline in production . . . Olin Kreutz’s 13-year run in Chicago is over after the Bears agreed to a two-year contract with former Seahawks center Chris Spencer. A six-time Pro Bowl pick and team leader, Kreutz had backed off his request for a multiyear contract and was willing to take a one-year deal. Even so, the sides couldn’t reach an agreement . . . The 49ers expect running back Frank Gore to join the team today after a four-day holdout. A team spokesman said Gore has decided to practice while he attempts to negotiate a contract extension. Gore is scheduled to earn $2.9 million in base salary and $2 million in a roster bonus during the final season of his current deal . . . Pro Bowl tight end Marcedes Lewis is ending his five-day holdout with the Jaguars, without a long-term contract. The Jaguars placed the franchise tag on Lewis, who signed a one-year tender offer worth nearly $7.3 million. But both sides want to work out a long-term deal and are continuing to negotiate.

Linebacker Nick Barnett didn’t last long in free agency, agreeing to a three-year, $12 million contract with the Bills. The deal came two days after Barnett was released by the Packers. The Bills were in need of an inside linebacker after Paul Posluszny signed with Jacksonville last week. Barnett has ended two of the last three seasons on injured reserve . . . All-Pro fullback Vonta Leach signed a three-year, $11 million deal with the Ravens. The Texans were hoping to re-sign the 6-foot, 255-pound Leach . . . Unrestricted free agent Cedric Benson is returning to Cincinnati. Benson, the Bengals’ leading rusher since 2008, agreed to a one-year deal . . . The Cardinals signed two-time All-Pro tight end Todd Heap to a two-year contract. It will be a homecoming for Heap, who grew up in Mesa and starred at Arizona State. Heap was released by Baltimore on Thursday after 10 seasons. He is the Ravens’ career leader in receiving touchdowns and is second in receptions and receiving yards . . . Wide receiver James Jones and running back John Kuhn both agreed to return to the Packers on three-year deals . . . Free safety Michael Huff will be back with the Raiders after signing an undisclosed contract. Oakland may be without wide receiver/kick returner Jacoby Ford for the rest of the preseason after Ford broke his hand in practice Saturday . . . The Falcons agreed to terms with left guard Justin Blalock on a six-year contract. Blalock has started all 64 games that he’s played since Atlanta drafted him in the second round in 2007 . . . The Redskins acquired running back Tim Hightower from the Cardinals for defensive lineman Vonnie Holliday and an undisclosed draft pick. Washington also re-signed right tackle Jammal Brown to a five-year, $27 million contract . . . The Broncos signed running back Willis McGahee to an undisclosed contract . . . Former Patriots tight end Daniel Graham signed a multiyear deal with the Titans . . . First-round picks J.J. Watt (11th, Texans) and Christian Ponder (12th, Vikings) agreed to contracts.