ekansekans's blog: "df"

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Joe Pavelski knew the game was going to get intense. He didnt realize it would happen so early. Pavelski had two goals, Patrick Marleau scored again -- though only once -- and the undefeated San Jose Sharks beat the Vancouver Canucks 4-1 on Sunday. The game became feisty even before the puck dropped as Ryan Clowe and Alexandre Burrows got into it at centre ice and it remained that way. "We know there is a lot of stake when we play them," Pavelski said. "The intensity was set . . . Id like to stay at the first puck drop but it was before that. Thats the first time Ive seen something like that." Joe Thornton also scored for the Sharks, who improved to 5-0-0. Antti Niemi made 23 saves as coach Todd McLellan earned his 200th career victory. "We were ready to go. I think that Clowie getting us going early was huge for us," Thornton said. "Every game against these guys is just a really, super competitive game, and I think we saw that again. Both teams are engaged early." Marleau scored two goals in each of the first four games of the season, becoming the first NHL player to do that since 1917. "It would have been nice to keep it going," Marleau said. "But I got a lucky one tonight and Ill take it." Burrows scored for the Canucks, who had a three-game unbeaten streak end. Cory Schneider also stopped 23 shots. "We obviously dislike each other," Burrows said. "Weve seen them in the playoffs a couple of years ago. Theyre a Western Conference rival and they make for good games." Clowe tied a Sharks record with eight penalties, all in the first two periods, and a career-high 35 penalty minutes. Fights between Clowe and Zack Kassian in the first period and Douglas Murray and Aaron Volpatti in the third were lengthy and bloody. "Were not happy about the penalties and thats all I am going to say," McLellan said. "I owe Ryan Clowe my conversation. I have a lot of respect for him. I am happy we won with a good, gritty effort." Pavelski, Marleau and Thornton have each recorded points in the first five games for the Sharks Thornton put the Sharks on the scoreboard 43 seconds into the contest, intercepting a pass from Jason Garrison in front of the net and beating Schneider. Pavelski also stole a pass late in the first and scored. He caught Alexander Elders pass, also in front of the net. "I just happened to be there," Pavelski said. "I think he was trying to get some wings on it and I happened to get it." Burrows scored midway through the second period. His shot bounced off Niemis pads and then deflected off the back of Dan Boyles skates and into the net. "We made a few mistakes there that ended up in the back of net," Burrows said. "But I think we bounced back pretty good. We had some chances. We had some looks, we hit some posts. At the end of the day we have to score some goals on our power play." Marleau, who scored his ninth goal of the season, also got a lucky bounce. Boyles shot hit off Marleaus skate and went into the net. "I felt something hit my foot but I was just standing there," Marleau said. "Im just trying to be in front of the net when shots are coming and creating havoc." Pavelski added another goal midway through the third. Notes: Thornton has 46 points (12-34) points in 39 games against the Canucks. ... Vancouver coach Alain Vigneault remains two wins away from 400. ... Canucks LW Daniel Sedin had recorded a point in his first four games. ... The Canucks were 3-0-1 against the Sharks last year. ... The Sharks went 101:27 without allowing a goal. RG3 Womens Jersey . - Three members of the Ontario Hockey Leagues Sault Ste. Robert Griffin III Womens Jersey . It was Barcelonas league-record 15th victory in 16 rounds and came just after floundering Madrid had conceded in the final minutes to draw 2-2 at home with the Catalan clubs crosstown rival Espanyol. "This league is ours to lose," said Barcelona defender Gerard Pique. http://www.dancewithmeusa.com/new.html . With Adam Linds demotion from the Jays and Vladimir Guerreros seemingly-imminent arrival in Toronto, many Jays fans are keeping an eye on the minors.LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Coach Lovie Smith says the Chicago Bears are still evaluating injuries to linebacker Brian Urlacher and several other players in Sundays overtime loss to Seattle. Smith indicated Monday that Urlacher pulled a hamstring on the games final drive, but backed away from that after a follow-up question. Urlacher told a Chicago TV station he was simply sore. Either way, the Bears (8-4) are banged-up. They had already lost guard Lance Louis to a season-ending knee injury in the previous game and ruled out Devin Hester (concussion) and guard Chris Spencer (knee) during the week. They lost a few more players in a 23-17 loss to Seattle. Safety Chris Conte (illness) and receiver Earl Bennett (concussion) left the game, and cornerback Tim Jennings (shoulder) was injured on the final drive, a few plays before Urlacher hobbled off the field. Urlacher came up lame in coverage on the games second-to-last snap, a 12-yard pass from Russell Wilson to Doug Baldwin that put the ball on the 13. He was not on the field for Sidney Rices winning touchdown catch. Would Urlacher have been able to return had the hamstring issue cropped up earlier in the game? "Pulled hamstring?" Smith shot back. "What is your question again?" Asked if Urlacher actually has a pulled hamstring, Smith said, "Hamstring injury to take you out of the game? Im asking you. What is your question?" Smith went on to say, "If you have an injury and you cant play, we take you out of the game whenever that happens." Urlacher told Fox Chicago on Sunday night, "Its not an injury yet. Its just sore. Its a little bit sore right now. Its sore right now. Thats all it is is sore right now." The Bears next game is at Minnesota, their second against the Vikings in three weeks, and if Urlacher isnt ready, Nick Roach would likely start at middle linebacker. The hamstring problem is just the latest issue for the eight-time Pro Bowl player. Urlacher was sidelined almost all of the preseason because oof a knee injury and hasnt been as explosive as he was in the past, although he did force an early fumble by Marshawn Lynch that led to the games first touchdown.dddddddddddd Even if hes not at his physical peak, Urlacher remains an integral part of the defence for his leadership, and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, the Bears will have a decision to make. All that will play out later. Smith was clear about one thing Monday -- the Bears will not be bringing in another receiver. They were down three after Bennett went out, with Hester and Alshon Jeffery (knee) sidelined. And Brandon Marshall lobbied after the game for free agent Mike Sims-Walker, his teammate at Central Florida. Smith insisted thats not happening. "Were going to go with the guys that we have right now," he said. "Were going to get some guys back this week and well be fine." The Bears hope Jeffery can return this week after missing six of the past seven games -- four with a hand injury before hurting his knee against San Francisco on Nov. 19. The Bears are also hoping Hester and Bennett wont be far behind in coming back from their injuries. It would help, too, if another receiver stepped up to take the load off Marshall. He has 91 of the Bears 217 receptions and nearly half of their 2,436 yards receiving with 1,182. Part of the lack of distribution to other targets falls on the blocking, with Jay Cutler often rushed and with no time to find his second or third option. But the other receivers arent without blame. Jeffery has shown promise opposite Marshall at times, but Smith would like to see more from that group. "I think weve been saying that for a while, someone needs to (step up)," he said. "I think the guys will say that. Hopefully, we still have time. Hopefully, well get Alshon Jeffery back. He has wanted to move into that role when hes been healthy. Hopefully, we get Devin Hester back in the mix. Were getting plays from Earl. Eric Weems (Sunday) did some good things." ' ' '