ekansekans's blog: "df"

TORONTO – Without much choice otherwise at the moment, Ron Wilson has implored his team to better support its struggling pair of netminders. Torrey Smith Purple Jersey . James Reimer and Jonas Gustavsson are both squarely under the microscope as the Leafs cling to a playoff position. Six losses in seven games with increasingly ineffective play between the pipes has the tide rising with a tough matchup against the Sharks on deck, the second of a four-game homestand. "Its not an easy spot to play," Cody Franson said. "They can be the highlight reel or the blooper reel in any two seconds in the game." Unfortunately for Gustavsson, such a blooper emerged on Tuesday evening, Mark Faynes point shot skipping past the 27-year-old in overtime as the Leafs fell to the Devils 4-3 at the Air Canada Centre. The goal capped a rather uninspiring performance from the third-year netminder, one of many in recent weeks from the Leafs goaltending duo. In spite of the struggles, the club still remains eighth in the Eastern Conference, hoping to better aid the pair who could very well hold the keys to any postseason aspirations. "I think the biggest thing is just be positive in the room and support them vocally," Franson said. "I think that when us as players are going through something, it doesnt help to have negativity around you. It doesnt help to have people questioning some of your last plays or constantly on you for a mistake or something like that. So I think as long as were supportive towards them, trying to help them out as much as possible, try and have a little bit of fun; couple laughs here and there is huge. "Its one of those things where when youre going through tough spots, its not always the easiest to just think about other things. If you can help them just get away from it for a bit and then focus in on game-day, it can be a good thing for them." Easing the emotional glare of the microscope could serve to alleviate the increasing pressure, but its clear that support on the ice lies atop the list of priorities. Skating with more vigour and speed against the Devils, the Leafs played a better overall game than at any point in recent weeks, tightening up in spurts defensively while turning fewer pucks over. Ultimately, its a stingier effort in the defensive zone that will lighten the burden in goal. Paying greater attention to such detail in January, the Leafs allowed just 25 goals in 12 games with Gustavsson thriving with three shutouts along the way; a mind-set theyll strive to re-adapt in the closing stages of February. "I think for the players, its all about playing defence first," Mike Brown said. "Weve stressed that before where at times were looking at too much offence and were not really back-checking with a purpose, coming back and helping out, coming back to home-plate, really getting in a structure. When goalies are struggling, you just have to play that defence-first mentality and help them out."  In conversation with TSN 1050 on Wednesday evening, Brian Burke indicated a willingness to at least explore the trade market for goaltenders, a revelation which suggests real concern with whats in place at the moment. For the time being, the best the Leafs can do is support the pair they have. The rest is up to the goaltenders. Haloti Ngata Limited Jersey . So did future Texas teammate Jordan Spieth, who also offered a well-done handshake to the California kid who couldnt steal the U. Kelechi Osemele Jersey . After surviving three tough innings, Richard not only settled down on the mound but drove in three runs to help the San Diego Padres rally for a 9-5 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Friday night. http://www.baltimoreravensfanjerseys.com/ray-lewis-jerseys . He is certain Chicago is the place for him, though. The White Sox announced a three-year, $12 million contract with Keppinger on Monday after reaching an agreement last week, adding a versatile infielder who could fill a hole at third base. Tyrod Taylor Womens Jersey . Nine days after the two divers captured bronze together in the synchronized 10m event, Benfeito, of Montreal, looked particularly strong as an individual with a final score of 359. Torrey Smith Womens Jersey . Calgary ended its regular season with a fourth straight victory, a 30-27 decision over the Edmonton Eskimos on Friday night.SUGAR LAND, Texas -- Roger Clemens will pitch to his oldest son Friday when he makes his second start for the independent Sugar Land Skeeters. In a statement issued by the team on Wednesday, the seven-time Cy Young Award winner said having Koby Clemens as his catcher in an Atlantic League game against Long Island is "cool stuff." "Having Koby, my oldest son, back there to catch a game will be great," he said in the team statement. The 50-year-old Clemens threw 3 1-3 scoreless innings for Sugar Land on Aug. 25 in his first professional outing since 2007. Koby Clemens has spent eight seasons in the minor leagues since he was drafted by Houston in 2005. He played alongside his fatther as a third baseman at Single-A Lexington in 2006 when Roger Clemens was preparing to join the Astros. Ray Lewis Game Jersey. The 25-year-old catcher spent the 2012 season with Single-A Dunedin and Double-A New Hampshire in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He batted .299 with three homers and seven RBIs in 23 Single-A games and .218 with five homers and 17 RBIs in 41 Double-A games. In the Skeeters statement, the younger Clemens thanked the Toronto organization "for allowing me this opportunity to catch my pops in what should be a fun-filled event in Sugar Land." Sugar Land is a Houston suburb. The scheduling of the father-son pairing was first reported by KRIV-TV of Houston. ' ' '