Vorlagen » Firus had the skate of a lifetime in

TORONTO - Collapses have become a part of the Maple Leafs in recent years. There was the infamous 18 wheeler in 2012 that saw them win just seven of their final 29 games. Then Game 7 in 2013. A year ago, it was 12 losses in their final 14 games. This season, a remarkable 10-1-1 stretch that had the Leafs sitting just two points off the Atlantic Division lead on December 17 has been followed up by a stretch of just three wins in their next 15 games, leaving them seven points out of a playoff spot with two games to go before the All-Star break. Daniel Winnik was not around for the first three collapses. He finished the 2012 season with the San Jose Sharks before spending the last two years with the Anaheim Ducks, participating in the playoffs each of those seasons. Despite the Leafs sudden disappearance of offence, Winnik has been trying to encourage the group to avoid giving up on their newfound defensive structure that interim head coach Peter Horachek has tried to implement since taking over from Randy Carlyle as head coach six games ago. I know it sounds weird with just one goal in the last four games but the way were playing really translates into wins, explained Winnik. The teams Ive been successful on, thats what they do, they play this defensive style. The offensive things are going to come and its going to translate into wins down the road. Horachek finds himself in a difficult position. Attempting to overhaul the way a team plays starting in training camp is one thing but doing so mid-season with a playoff spot growing farther and farther out of reach is even more difficult. When immediate results dont follow, the tendency is strong to stray from the message being delivered. The Leafs held opponents to under 30 shots in four consecutive games under Horachek - a feat never accomplished during Carlyles tenure – before slipping somewhat, allowing 42 shots against the San Jose Sharks and 33 against the St. Louis Blues. They are just 1-5 under Horachek. Times have never been as bleak though this season – even after 6-2 loss to the Buffalo Sabres followed by a 9-2 defeat against the Nashville Predators in mid November - as they are right now. Coming off an 0-for-4 road trip in which they scored just one goal, its difficult to maintain a positive approach but thats exactly the message being delivered by the coaching staff as the Leafs get ready to host the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday night. Thats always a concern, said Horachek, of frustration permeating the locker room. Guys kind of start feeling let down a little bit and feeling frustration, you cant let that seep in. You have to keep them propped up and keep the attitude at a good place. You have to approach it like were coming home for a Game 6 in the playoffs; we have to have a little more sense of urgency. Dont give them any excuse; dont give them any reason to doubt anything. So far, even without immediate results in terms of wins, it seems like Horachek has captured the attention of his players. Petes a very positive guy which is really good, said David Booth. He demands from his players but within that message hes positive and hes not really getting on guys but just teaching us through it. I think guys listen when theyre taught in a positive manner. But now seven points out of a playoff spot, time is running out to get things back on the rails. As a team were not happy that we havent been able to get wins lately but I think were happy that were improving in every area except scoring goals, said Morgan Rielly. Were taking strides forward and thats the most important thing. I think we are improving, added Booth. Were upset with ourselves, you have to get results but I think over the course (of the season) the results kind of even out. Maybe we didnt deserve to win some of those games in December but maybe we deserved to win a couple on the road. After a brutal west coast swing, the schedule lightens up for the Maple Leafs over the next eight games, as they face just one team – the Nashville Predators – currently in a playoff position. If it hasnt been told already, more poor results against weaker competition over this next stretch will tell the tale on the Leafs season. Injury Updates Any upgrade to the lineup would be a welcomed sight for the Maple Leafs at this point but Peter Hollands return from an upper body injury suffered on December 31 against the Boston Bruins is not expected this week in either of the two games before a week long All-Star break. I dont expect to have Peter before the All-Star break so Im not really even paying attention to that until we get to the break, said Horachek. The injury has forced Holland to miss the last eight games. As for Leo Komarov, who suffered a shoulder-related injury on January 12 against the Los Angeles Kings that led to his absence the last three games, Horachek neither ruled out nor guaranteed his participation this week. I didnt know what Leos status would be, Horachek said as the team held off-ice workouts on Sunday. I was hoping once we get through today, he could give me something on whether or not hell be available for these next two games. Bernie Williams Jersey . The 29-year-old from Port Colborne, Ont., who trains out of San Diego, will fight bantamweight champion (Rowdy) Ronda Rousey on July 5 in the co-main event of UFC 175 in Las Vegas. C.C. Sabathia Jersey . You can, too, Clay Buchholz, if we ignore the sixth inning of Game 2. Doug Fister and Jake Peavy, youre up next in Game 4 and theres a lot to live up to. http://www.yankeesrookiestore.com/Yankee...es-Kids-Jersey/. Kripps, of Summerland, B.C., and Edmontons Barnett used a terrific second run to move up two spots, putting the Canadian duo in medal contention with the final two runs set for Monday (11:15 a.m. ET, streaming live at cbc. Gary Sanchez Yankees Jersey .com) - Colorado forward P. Zach Britton Yankees Jersey . He wants to seize that opportunity. The trouble is, Firus has had more bumps on the road to Sochi than most. Last year, Firus had the skate of a lifetime in the short program at the Canadian championships when he landed his first triple Axel in competition and finished third in a stacked field.NEW YORK -- The Baltimore Orioles have acquired right-hander Preston Guilmet from the Cleveland Indians for outfielder Torsten Boss in an exchange of minor leaguers. The Orioles announced the deal Monday during their game against the New York Yankees. Gimlet was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk. Nolan Reimold was transfferred from the 15-day to the 60-day disabled list to make room for Guilmet on the 40-man roster.dddddddddddd Reimould is recovering from cervical spine fusion surgery. The 26-year-old Guilmet has a 2.57 ERA and 90 saves in 196 minor league games. He had a 1.68 ERA