Stick control: Washington's Dennis Wideman moves the puck in front of Carolina's Zac Dalpe in the second period on Friday night. The last-place Hurricanes beat the first-place Capitals 3-0. APJokinen had two goals and Cam Ward made 23 saves for his 18th career shutout in the Hurricanes' 3-0 victory over the Washington Capitals on Friday night.Jiri Tlusty added a late goal and Eric Staal had two assists, including the early hustle play that led to Carolina's eighth short-handed goal of the season.The Hurricanes, who entered in last place in the Southeast Division, beat the first-place Capitals for the first time this season and defeated them in regulation at home for the first time in more than two years."It's a huge thing for us. We still feel our division is wide open, and our best chance to make the playoffs is to win the division," Jokinen said. "Obviously, that's a huge feeling. . . . I hope we can keep climbing up."Tomas Vokoun stopped 30 shots for Washington, which had won four of five and entered 8-0-1 in its last nine against Carolina. The Capitals were 0-for-3 on the power play while the Hurricanes had two goals with the man advantage plus the short-handed one, leading new coach Dale Hunter to conclude that special teams were the difference in this one."Our power play gave up more chances than we got," he said.Ward earned his fourth career shutout against Washington. He was impenetrable in his second shutout of the season and first since blanking Chicago in October.His best save might have come midway through the second period, when he froze while making a pretty glove save on Mathieu Perreault's slap shot, perhaps unsure of whether he actually had the puck."I thought we worked our butts off and played a solid 60-minute game," Ward said. "It's a tough team to play against. They play a different style now. They're looking for that low-scoring (game), not their traditional 6-5 games in the past. You've got to be careful because you're not doing a whole lot of work, but they've got a ton of skill over there, and we were sharp all night." Blackhawks 3, Panthers 1In Chicago, Patrick Kane ended a seven-game goal drought and set up linemate Jonathan Toews' breakaway score in a victory over Florida.Defenseman Duncan Keith added his first goal in 30 games to help the Blackhawks take the NHL lead, a point ahead of Detroit. Chicago has won three straight and is 5-0-1 in its last six games.Ray Emery made 18 saves, allowing only Jason Garrison's power-play goal 43 seconds into the third period.The Panthers dropped their eighth straight on the road and slipped to 1-3-3 in their last seven overall. Toews, who leads Chicago with 27 goals, has goals in four straight games and extended his points streak to six games. Kane's goal was his second in 14 games.The game started a little over a half-hour late, at 8:08 p.m., because of snow. The announced attendance at the 20,500-seat United Center was 21,555, but about 2,000 seats remained empty.The Panthers' bus from their downtown hotel arrived at the arena at about 6:45 p.m.Five Florida players who were on Chicago's 2010 Stanley Cup championship team — defenseman Brian Campbell and forwards Tomas Kopecky, Kris Versteeg, John Madden and Jack Skille — skated against their former club. Penguins 5, Canadiens 4 (SO)In Pittsburgh, Evgeni Malkin scored in his fifth straight game and added the lone goal in the shootout to give the Penguins their fifth straight victory.Malkin capped a two-goal third-period rally with his 25th of the season with 2:43 left in regulation. The NHL scoring leader then beat Peter Budaj in the shootout.Dustin Jeffrey scored twice and added an assist for Pittsburgh, and Kris Letang had a goal and an assist. Marc-Andre Fleury overcame a shaky start to finish with 25 saves.Andrei Kostitsyn and Erik Cole each had a goal and an assist for Montreal. Lars Eller and Max Pacioretty also scored, and Budaj made 34 saves. Lightning 2, Stars 1In Dallas, Teddy Purcell scored twice, and Mathieu Garon made 27 saves to help Tampa Bay beat the Stars.Purcell carried the puck from the right circle into the slot and backhanded a shot past goalie Kari Lehtonen at 3:36 of the final period. Martin St. Louis had the primary assist on each of Purcell's goals.The Lightning have won two straight following a seven-game winless streak (0-6-1).Tom Wandell scored, and Lehtonen stopped 20 shots. The Stars are 1-4-1 in their last six.
Showing posts with label surprise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label surprise. Show all posts
Monday, January 23, 2012
Hurricanes surprise Caps
RALEIGH, North Carolina — Jussi Jokinen scored when the Carolina Hurricanes were both up and down a man. That kind of production made their special teams seem, well, pretty special.Stick control: Washington's Dennis Wideman moves the puck in front of Carolina's Zac Dalpe in the second period on Friday night. The last-place Hurricanes beat the first-place Capitals 3-0. APJokinen had two goals and Cam Ward made 23 saves for his 18th career shutout in the Hurricanes' 3-0 victory over the Washington Capitals on Friday night.Jiri Tlusty added a late goal and Eric Staal had two assists, including the early hustle play that led to Carolina's eighth short-handed goal of the season.The Hurricanes, who entered in last place in the Southeast Division, beat the first-place Capitals for the first time this season and defeated them in regulation at home for the first time in more than two years."It's a huge thing for us. We still feel our division is wide open, and our best chance to make the playoffs is to win the division," Jokinen said. "Obviously, that's a huge feeling. . . . I hope we can keep climbing up."Tomas Vokoun stopped 30 shots for Washington, which had won four of five and entered 8-0-1 in its last nine against Carolina. The Capitals were 0-for-3 on the power play while the Hurricanes had two goals with the man advantage plus the short-handed one, leading new coach Dale Hunter to conclude that special teams were the difference in this one."Our power play gave up more chances than we got," he said.Ward earned his fourth career shutout against Washington. He was impenetrable in his second shutout of the season and first since blanking Chicago in October.His best save might have come midway through the second period, when he froze while making a pretty glove save on Mathieu Perreault's slap shot, perhaps unsure of whether he actually had the puck."I thought we worked our butts off and played a solid 60-minute game," Ward said. "It's a tough team to play against. They play a different style now. They're looking for that low-scoring (game), not their traditional 6-5 games in the past. You've got to be careful because you're not doing a whole lot of work, but they've got a ton of skill over there, and we were sharp all night." Blackhawks 3, Panthers 1In Chicago, Patrick Kane ended a seven-game goal drought and set up linemate Jonathan Toews' breakaway score in a victory over Florida.Defenseman Duncan Keith added his first goal in 30 games to help the Blackhawks take the NHL lead, a point ahead of Detroit. Chicago has won three straight and is 5-0-1 in its last six games.Ray Emery made 18 saves, allowing only Jason Garrison's power-play goal 43 seconds into the third period.The Panthers dropped their eighth straight on the road and slipped to 1-3-3 in their last seven overall. Toews, who leads Chicago with 27 goals, has goals in four straight games and extended his points streak to six games. Kane's goal was his second in 14 games.The game started a little over a half-hour late, at 8:08 p.m., because of snow. The announced attendance at the 20,500-seat United Center was 21,555, but about 2,000 seats remained empty.The Panthers' bus from their downtown hotel arrived at the arena at about 6:45 p.m.Five Florida players who were on Chicago's 2010 Stanley Cup championship team — defenseman Brian Campbell and forwards Tomas Kopecky, Kris Versteeg, John Madden and Jack Skille — skated against their former club. Penguins 5, Canadiens 4 (SO)In Pittsburgh, Evgeni Malkin scored in his fifth straight game and added the lone goal in the shootout to give the Penguins their fifth straight victory.Malkin capped a two-goal third-period rally with his 25th of the season with 2:43 left in regulation. The NHL scoring leader then beat Peter Budaj in the shootout.Dustin Jeffrey scored twice and added an assist for Pittsburgh, and Kris Letang had a goal and an assist. Marc-Andre Fleury overcame a shaky start to finish with 25 saves.Andrei Kostitsyn and Erik Cole each had a goal and an assist for Montreal. Lars Eller and Max Pacioretty also scored, and Budaj made 34 saves. Lightning 2, Stars 1In Dallas, Teddy Purcell scored twice, and Mathieu Garon made 27 saves to help Tampa Bay beat the Stars.Purcell carried the puck from the right circle into the slot and backhanded a shot past goalie Kari Lehtonen at 3:36 of the final period. Martin St. Louis had the primary assist on each of Purcell's goals.The Lightning have won two straight following a seven-game winless streak (0-6-1).Tom Wandell scored, and Lehtonen stopped 20 shots. The Stars are 1-4-1 in their last six.
Stick control: Washington's Dennis Wideman moves the puck in front of Carolina's Zac Dalpe in the second period on Friday night. The last-place Hurricanes beat the first-place Capitals 3-0. APJokinen had two goals and Cam Ward made 23 saves for his 18th career shutout in the Hurricanes' 3-0 victory over the Washington Capitals on Friday night.Jiri Tlusty added a late goal and Eric Staal had two assists, including the early hustle play that led to Carolina's eighth short-handed goal of the season.The Hurricanes, who entered in last place in the Southeast Division, beat the first-place Capitals for the first time this season and defeated them in regulation at home for the first time in more than two years."It's a huge thing for us. We still feel our division is wide open, and our best chance to make the playoffs is to win the division," Jokinen said. "Obviously, that's a huge feeling. . . . I hope we can keep climbing up."Tomas Vokoun stopped 30 shots for Washington, which had won four of five and entered 8-0-1 in its last nine against Carolina. The Capitals were 0-for-3 on the power play while the Hurricanes had two goals with the man advantage plus the short-handed one, leading new coach Dale Hunter to conclude that special teams were the difference in this one."Our power play gave up more chances than we got," he said.Ward earned his fourth career shutout against Washington. He was impenetrable in his second shutout of the season and first since blanking Chicago in October.His best save might have come midway through the second period, when he froze while making a pretty glove save on Mathieu Perreault's slap shot, perhaps unsure of whether he actually had the puck."I thought we worked our butts off and played a solid 60-minute game," Ward said. "It's a tough team to play against. They play a different style now. They're looking for that low-scoring (game), not their traditional 6-5 games in the past. You've got to be careful because you're not doing a whole lot of work, but they've got a ton of skill over there, and we were sharp all night." Blackhawks 3, Panthers 1In Chicago, Patrick Kane ended a seven-game goal drought and set up linemate Jonathan Toews' breakaway score in a victory over Florida.Defenseman Duncan Keith added his first goal in 30 games to help the Blackhawks take the NHL lead, a point ahead of Detroit. Chicago has won three straight and is 5-0-1 in its last six games.Ray Emery made 18 saves, allowing only Jason Garrison's power-play goal 43 seconds into the third period.The Panthers dropped their eighth straight on the road and slipped to 1-3-3 in their last seven overall. Toews, who leads Chicago with 27 goals, has goals in four straight games and extended his points streak to six games. Kane's goal was his second in 14 games.The game started a little over a half-hour late, at 8:08 p.m., because of snow. The announced attendance at the 20,500-seat United Center was 21,555, but about 2,000 seats remained empty.The Panthers' bus from their downtown hotel arrived at the arena at about 6:45 p.m.Five Florida players who were on Chicago's 2010 Stanley Cup championship team — defenseman Brian Campbell and forwards Tomas Kopecky, Kris Versteeg, John Madden and Jack Skille — skated against their former club. Penguins 5, Canadiens 4 (SO)In Pittsburgh, Evgeni Malkin scored in his fifth straight game and added the lone goal in the shootout to give the Penguins their fifth straight victory.Malkin capped a two-goal third-period rally with his 25th of the season with 2:43 left in regulation. The NHL scoring leader then beat Peter Budaj in the shootout.Dustin Jeffrey scored twice and added an assist for Pittsburgh, and Kris Letang had a goal and an assist. Marc-Andre Fleury overcame a shaky start to finish with 25 saves.Andrei Kostitsyn and Erik Cole each had a goal and an assist for Montreal. Lars Eller and Max Pacioretty also scored, and Budaj made 34 saves. Lightning 2, Stars 1In Dallas, Teddy Purcell scored twice, and Mathieu Garon made 27 saves to help Tampa Bay beat the Stars.Purcell carried the puck from the right circle into the slot and backhanded a shot past goalie Kari Lehtonen at 3:36 of the final period. Martin St. Louis had the primary assist on each of Purcell's goals.The Lightning have won two straight following a seven-game winless streak (0-6-1).Tom Wandell scored, and Lehtonen stopped 20 shots. The Stars are 1-4-1 in their last six.
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
City opens new year with surprise loss to Sunderland
LONDON — Manchester City gave its title rivals renewed hope on Sunday by slumping to a second Premier League defeat of the season, conceding a last-gasp goal to lose 1-0 to Sunderland and cap a weekend of surprise results.
Stunner: Sunderland's Ji Dong Won (left) celebrates his goal with teammate Sebastian Larsson on Sunday at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland edged Premier League leader Manchester City 1-0. AP PHOTOManchester United's shock 3-2 defeat by bottom team Blackburn on Saturday handed City the chance to pull clear at the top but the cross-town rivals remain locked together on points at the halfway stage of the season after Ji Dong Won's dramatic winner at the Stadium of Light.Four seconds of the three minutes of stoppage time were remaining when the South Korea striker tapped into an empty net after rounding City goalkeeper Joe Hart.The impact of City's defeat will also be felt in London, with third-place Tottenham six points behind with a game in hand despite its 1-1 draw at Swansea on Saturday.Arsenal is three points further back in fourth while even Chelsea, which was upset 3-1 at home to Aston Villa on Saturday, and Liverpool might still feel in contention 11 points off the lead.In Sunday's other game, Everton climbed into the top half of the table by beating West Bromwich Albion 1-0 thanks to substitute Victor Anichebe's 87th-minute winner.Ji's goal, which came with a suspicion of offside, came even later to continue City's recent wobbles in the league.After looking irrepressible early in the season in its hunt for a first title since 1968, Roberto Mancini's side has won only two of its last five matches.Even the goals, which flowed in record style for the first four months of the campaign, have dried up, with the Sunderland defeat coming hot on the heels of a 0-0 draw at West Brom on Monday."We deserved to win this game," Mancini said. "It's incredible . . . I don't know how many chances we had."Micah Richards missed the best of them, the substitute defender heading downwards and onto the bar with the goal at his mercy in the 88th minute. Earlier, Edin Dzeko had wasted a number of chances in both halves, crashing a shot against the bar with one in the 34th minute."We knew we were going to have withstand ferocious pressure from Manchester City. We did it and we did it remarkably well," said Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill, whose team climbed three places to 13th.The O'Neill effect has lifted the gloom at Sunderland, with the team winning three of its five matches since the Northern Irishman replaced Steve Bruce as manager at the start of December."We've got the belief going into games that we're going to win now," Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole said.City will look to bounce back when it hosts Liverpool on Tuesday, when Mancini will no doubt recall Sergio Aguero and David Silva to the starting lineup after the attacking pair were used as second-half substitutes against Sunderland.City also plays Tottenham in the league this month and has a mouthwatering F.A. Cup third-round match at home to United to come on Sunday.Anichebe came off the bench to grab his first goal since March 2010, pouncing on a poor defensive header by West Brom midfielder Paul Scharner to score from close range.It was the Nigeria striker's first appearance since injuring himself on international duty at the start of September."He's not even had a reserve game," Everton manager David Moyes said. "He's a big-time player because of what he can do and what he brings to us."LONDON — Gary Ablett, the only player to win the F.A. Cup with both Liverpool and Everton, has died. He was 46.The former defender died on Sunday night after a 16-month fight against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, England's League Managers Association said Monday."There was also a steely determination about Gary," said Paul Walsh, who played alongside Ablett at Liverpool. "You don't get in the Liverpool team and come through the ranks at Liverpool and play 100 times for them if you haven't got that little bit of steel."While never appearing for the England national team, Ablett won the league championship twice and the F.A. Cup in 1989 during a 147-game stint at Liverpool between 1986 and 1992.He made the rare switch to neighbor and rival Everton in 1992.
Stunner: Sunderland's Ji Dong Won (left) celebrates his goal with teammate Sebastian Larsson on Sunday at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland edged Premier League leader Manchester City 1-0. AP PHOTOManchester United's shock 3-2 defeat by bottom team Blackburn on Saturday handed City the chance to pull clear at the top but the cross-town rivals remain locked together on points at the halfway stage of the season after Ji Dong Won's dramatic winner at the Stadium of Light.Four seconds of the three minutes of stoppage time were remaining when the South Korea striker tapped into an empty net after rounding City goalkeeper Joe Hart.The impact of City's defeat will also be felt in London, with third-place Tottenham six points behind with a game in hand despite its 1-1 draw at Swansea on Saturday.Arsenal is three points further back in fourth while even Chelsea, which was upset 3-1 at home to Aston Villa on Saturday, and Liverpool might still feel in contention 11 points off the lead.In Sunday's other game, Everton climbed into the top half of the table by beating West Bromwich Albion 1-0 thanks to substitute Victor Anichebe's 87th-minute winner.Ji's goal, which came with a suspicion of offside, came even later to continue City's recent wobbles in the league.After looking irrepressible early in the season in its hunt for a first title since 1968, Roberto Mancini's side has won only two of its last five matches.Even the goals, which flowed in record style for the first four months of the campaign, have dried up, with the Sunderland defeat coming hot on the heels of a 0-0 draw at West Brom on Monday."We deserved to win this game," Mancini said. "It's incredible . . . I don't know how many chances we had."Micah Richards missed the best of them, the substitute defender heading downwards and onto the bar with the goal at his mercy in the 88th minute. Earlier, Edin Dzeko had wasted a number of chances in both halves, crashing a shot against the bar with one in the 34th minute."We knew we were going to have withstand ferocious pressure from Manchester City. We did it and we did it remarkably well," said Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill, whose team climbed three places to 13th.The O'Neill effect has lifted the gloom at Sunderland, with the team winning three of its five matches since the Northern Irishman replaced Steve Bruce as manager at the start of December."We've got the belief going into games that we're going to win now," Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole said.City will look to bounce back when it hosts Liverpool on Tuesday, when Mancini will no doubt recall Sergio Aguero and David Silva to the starting lineup after the attacking pair were used as second-half substitutes against Sunderland.City also plays Tottenham in the league this month and has a mouthwatering F.A. Cup third-round match at home to United to come on Sunday.Anichebe came off the bench to grab his first goal since March 2010, pouncing on a poor defensive header by West Brom midfielder Paul Scharner to score from close range.It was the Nigeria striker's first appearance since injuring himself on international duty at the start of September."He's not even had a reserve game," Everton manager David Moyes said. "He's a big-time player because of what he can do and what he brings to us."LONDON — Gary Ablett, the only player to win the F.A. Cup with both Liverpool and Everton, has died. He was 46.The former defender died on Sunday night after a 16-month fight against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, England's League Managers Association said Monday."There was also a steely determination about Gary," said Paul Walsh, who played alongside Ablett at Liverpool. "You don't get in the Liverpool team and come through the ranks at Liverpool and play 100 times for them if you haven't got that little bit of steel."While never appearing for the England national team, Ablett won the league championship twice and the F.A. Cup in 1989 during a 147-game stint at Liverpool between 1986 and 1992.He made the rare switch to neighbor and rival Everton in 1992.Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Schwartzel surprise winner at Masters
AUGUSTA, Ga. — Charl Schwartzel of South Africa closed with four straight birdies Sunday to win the Masters over a pair of Australians in one of the most dramatic finishes ever at Augusta National.
Schwartzel's final putt from 20 feet curled into the side of the cup for a 6-under 66, the best closing round at the Masters in 22 years. It gave the 26-year-old a two-shot victory over Adam Scott and Jason Day.
"Just an exciting day," said Schwartzel, who finished at 13-under 274. "So many roars, and that atmosphere out there was just incredible. A phenomenal day."
Scott shot a 67 and Day finished with two straight birdies for a 68, leaving the Aussies in second place at 276. It was bitter disappointment for themselves and their country: the Masters is the only major an Australian has never won.
Tiger Woods was in a group at 278, failing to capitalize after making four birdies and an eagle to shoot a 31 on the front side. He missed short putts at both the 12th and 15th holes, limping to the finish with a 36 on the back nine.
"It could have been," he said. "I hit it good all day."
Ryo Ishikawa turned in a strong final round to share 20th and Asian amateur champion Hideki Matsuyama ended his impressive week in a tie for 27th.
"It's nice to have a birdie-birdie finish. I played those last two holes the way I wanted to," Ishikawa said. "I was out of breath like a marathon runner in the end."
At age 19, Ishikawa was already making his third Masters appearance and playing the weekend rounds for the first time.
"I've never played a major tournament for four days this consistently. I believe I have a great year ahead of me if I can play this kind of golf," Ishikawa said.
Rory McIlroy, who entered the day with a four-stroke lead, meanwhile, suffered a stunning collapse.
Still leading by one shot as he headed to the back nine, the Northern Ireland golfer hit a tee shot next to the cabins left of the 10th fairway and twice hit a tree to make triple bogey. He three-putted from 7 feet for bogey on the 11th, four-putted from about 12 feet on the next hole and then buried his head into his forearm as the loss began to settle in.
McIlroy shot 80, the highest final round by the 54-hole leader since Ken Venturi in 1956.
Schwartzel's victory comes on the 50th anniversary of South Africa's Gary Player becoming the first international player to win the Masters.
"I am absolutely delighted for Charl and South Africa. Congratulations and very well done to him. That is how you finish like a champion!" Player said on Twitter.
Eight players had at least a share of the lead at some point during the back nine Sunday. The steady hand came from the eventual champion Schwartzel, whose only bogey was on the fourth hole.
Schwartzel's final putt from 20 feet curled into the side of the cup for a 6-under 66, the best closing round at the Masters in 22 years. It gave the 26-year-old a two-shot victory over Adam Scott and Jason Day.
"Just an exciting day," said Schwartzel, who finished at 13-under 274. "So many roars, and that atmosphere out there was just incredible. A phenomenal day."
Scott shot a 67 and Day finished with two straight birdies for a 68, leaving the Aussies in second place at 276. It was bitter disappointment for themselves and their country: the Masters is the only major an Australian has never won.
Tiger Woods was in a group at 278, failing to capitalize after making four birdies and an eagle to shoot a 31 on the front side. He missed short putts at both the 12th and 15th holes, limping to the finish with a 36 on the back nine.
"It could have been," he said. "I hit it good all day."
Ryo Ishikawa turned in a strong final round to share 20th and Asian amateur champion Hideki Matsuyama ended his impressive week in a tie for 27th.
"It's nice to have a birdie-birdie finish. I played those last two holes the way I wanted to," Ishikawa said. "I was out of breath like a marathon runner in the end."
At age 19, Ishikawa was already making his third Masters appearance and playing the weekend rounds for the first time.
"I've never played a major tournament for four days this consistently. I believe I have a great year ahead of me if I can play this kind of golf," Ishikawa said.
Rory McIlroy, who entered the day with a four-stroke lead, meanwhile, suffered a stunning collapse.
Still leading by one shot as he headed to the back nine, the Northern Ireland golfer hit a tee shot next to the cabins left of the 10th fairway and twice hit a tree to make triple bogey. He three-putted from 7 feet for bogey on the 11th, four-putted from about 12 feet on the next hole and then buried his head into his forearm as the loss began to settle in.
McIlroy shot 80, the highest final round by the 54-hole leader since Ken Venturi in 1956.
Schwartzel's victory comes on the 50th anniversary of South Africa's Gary Player becoming the first international player to win the Masters.
"I am absolutely delighted for Charl and South Africa. Congratulations and very well done to him. That is how you finish like a champion!" Player said on Twitter.
Eight players had at least a share of the lead at some point during the back nine Sunday. The steady hand came from the eventual champion Schwartzel, whose only bogey was on the fourth hole.
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