11-27-2019, 02:37 AM
MONTREAL -- The notion that Henrik Lundqvist cant play at the Bell Centre has been officially dispelled. Air Max 90 Homme Destockage . The goalie called King Henrik made 40 saves as the New York Rangers took control of the Eastern Conference final with a 3-1 victory over the desperate Montreal Canadiens on Monday night. The Rangers lead the best-of-seven Eastern Conference final 2-0 heading back to New York for Game 3 on Thursday and Game 4 on Sunday. The Canadiens, missing star goalie Carey Price to injury, came out blazing in a bid to avenge a listless 7-2 thumping in the series opener only to run into the Lundqvist wall. "I thought we played well, and the only reason we lost was Lundqvist," said Montreal coach Michel Therrien. "He stole that game." There was concern that Lundqvist may have a mental block about playing in Montreal as a string of weak outings at the Bell Centre had moved successive coaches John Tortorella and the current Alain Vigneault to not even play him there. He hadnt started a game in Montreal in more than two years. But the goalie who was bested by Price at the Sochi Olympics as Canada beat Sweden in the final has allowed only three goals on 63 shots in the series. The Canadiens got the opening goal 6:14 in from Max Pacioretty, but Ryan McDonagh tied it only 17 seconds later on a shot that went in off defenceman Josh Gorges and a goalpost. "We knew they were going to come hard, but we put ourselves in a tough spot there by not getting pucks out," said Lundqvist. "They were all over us. "But to tie it up quickly like that, I think that was important to kind of even out the momentum a little bit." Rick Nash and Martin St. Louis also scored on Dustin Tokarski, the surprise starter for Montreal ahead of regular backup Peter Budaj. Tokarski looked shaky at times, but had no chance on two of the three Rangers goals. The Canadiens had announced Monday morning that Price, the Olympic gold medallist who hurt his right knee in the series opener when he was crashed into by Chris Kreider, would miss the rest of the series. They hope to have him back if they reach the Stanley Cup final, but their situation looks bleak heading to New York. "It was a lot of fun," Tokarski said after his first NHL playoff start. "There was a lot of adrenaline. You grow up as a kid wanting to play in the playoffs, and I got the opportunity and just came up a bit short." Coach Michel Therrien said he opted for Tokarski over Budaj because of the youngsters record of winning championships at other levels. The 24-year-old from Humboldt, Sask., has a Memorial Cup, a world junior championship and an AHL title on his resume. "Hes a winner," said Therrien. "I thought he played well. We talked to Peter and he reacted as a pro. Hes a good teammate." A grinning New York coach Alain Vigneault said Montreals goalie choice was no surprise. "Somehow, we had an inkling (Sunday) night that it was probably going to be that gentleman (Tokarski)," Vigneault said with a grin. "Hockeys a small world." But in the end, he agreed that Lundqvist was the difference in the game. "Hes the only reason we were still in the game," he said. "They had total control of the pressure. "A lucky bounce changed the dynamics of the game." Montreal outshot New York 41-30. The high-paced action from the start between two of the leagues best skating teams had the 21,273 roaring in their seats for most of the game. Montreals worst fears were realized in the first period, which they dominated while still falling behind 2-1. A long period of sustained pressure produced the first goal as Lundqvists clearing attempt went off Pacioretty and into the net at 6:14. But only 17 seconds later, the hockey gods gave it back to New York as McDonagh swiped a puck toward the net from the point and saw it go in off Gorges leg and a goalpost. McDonagh had a goal and an assist to give the defenceman six points in the opening two games of the series. "The Canadiens were coming wave after wave in the first period," said St. Louis. "If it wasnt for Lundqvist, there might have been a different result after the first. "He gave us time to find our legs. The goal by Mac was a big one. It calmed everyone down and allowed us to regroup." The crowd was booing Kreider when he sent a pass across to the right side and Nashs one-time went in off the midsection of Tokarski, who was late getting across. It was the second in as many games and second of the playoffs for Nash. Tokarski had no chance as St. Louis wired a shot from the slot on a power play inside the post at 8:03 of the middle frame. The Rangers played a thorough defensive game in the third to prevent a comeback. St. Louis scored a day after he and his teammates attended the funeral of his mother, who died suddenly just before Mothers Day. The Rangers have rallied around the grieving veteran and have won five in a row since her death. "Its been an emotional weekend," said St. Louis. "Ill definitely never forget this weekend for many reasons, but I think the grieving process will still take a while. "But that stuff is behind me. Tonight, we wanted to make sure wed have the emotion wed need to win this game because we knew they would come out hard, especially rallying, losing their best player, so I thought we answered." Notes -- Montreals Alex Galchenyuk returned from an injury to see his first playoff action for Montreal, replacing Michael Bournival. He got 13:23 of ice time and looked rusty. . New York forward Derick Brassard, who suffered a suspected shoulder injury in Game 1, was replaced by grinder Dan Carcillo. . . Price was photographed at the Bell Centre with a brace on his right knee. . . Prime Minister Stephen Harper attended the game. Vapormax Plus Soldes . Venable and Jeremy Hermida drove in three runs apiece, and the Padres beat the Colorado Rockies 7-2 on Sunday to snap a nine-game losing streak. Air Max Plus Homme Pas Cher . -- Having already fallen behind because of the NFL lockout, Blaine Gabbert couldnt afford a lengthy holdout. http://www.maxnikepascher.fr/grossiste-a...femme.html . Beanballs were the theme Friday night as the Red Sox and Rays had another AL East rumble, with Boston earning a 3-2 victory on A.PORT CHARLOTTE, Florida – Aaron Sanchez was so impressive on Friday afternoon against the Rays big league line-up, he had Tampa Bays hitters giving him props to catcher Dioner Navarro. "Theyve never seen him," said Navarro. "Theyve never faced him and they get this young, lanky, tall guy whos throwing cheese and hes got pretty good movement. I think his composure on the mound was pretty good, his demeanour was pretty good, his body language, everything around him was pretty good today." Sanchez played the role of top prospect, shutting out the Rays over five-and-a-third innings in Torontos 5-0 win. He allowed three hits, all singles, and walked three, but helped his cause be forcing three double-play balls. One each came off the bats of Evan Longoria and Wil Myers. Sanchez struck out two, his fastball was clocked consistently in the mid-90s and his patented curveball was sharp. "It was extremely impressive, theres no doubt about it," said pitching coach Pete Walker. "He came out throwing strikes. He was composed. Faced their line-up, Im sure close to their opening day line-up, faced all their big hitters and certainly handled them pretty well. Pounded the zone, got ahead of the hitters, didnt work from behind in the count, showed an explosive fastball and, like I said, a lot of poise and a lot of ground-ball outs." Watching Sanchez pitch on Saturday, its easy to fall in love with his stuff, his composure, and easy to forget about where he is in his career. The Blue Jays have taken great care, some would say too much care, since drafting him 34th-overall in 2010. Hes only 21, turns 22 on Canada Day, and hasnt thrown a pitch in pro ball above High-A Dunedin. Sanchez hasnt exceeded 100 innings in three pro seasons, although factoring in Arizona Fall League appearances, combined with his time in Dunedin, he tossed 109 2/3 last year. If the Blue Jays increase his innings load by 20 per cent this year, hed throw approximately 130. A 30 per cent increase and Sanchez would throw about 140 innings. He authored a 3.34 ERA in 22 appearances, 20 starts, for Dunedin in 2013. His strikeouts per nine innings dropped to 7.8, but that was by design. Hes worked to become a better ground ball pitcher, which was evidenced by the double play turns in Fridays game. Its tempting for a coaching staff that can see the future but knows another failed season likely means it wont be a part of it; a coaching staff which knows theres at least one glaring hole in the current composition of its starting rotation. "I guess it would be hard not to just from watching and laying eyes on him," said Walker of whether he thinks about Sanchez breaking camp. "But obviously we want to make sure hes ready when the time comes." Hes an affable young man, but also smart. Sanchez doesnt make much noise around the clubhouse; he knows his role as a young player. Hes the Blue Jays top pitching prospect but restricts the projection of swagger and confidence to his mound appearances. "Its good to get my feet wet," said Sanchez of his first big league camp. "Coming into camp, for me, it was to soak everything all in, learn from the veteran guys, just go out and have fun." "I think some of the intangible things that you try to look for in young players in an atmosphere that can be uncomfortable at times, you know, is he so reserved? Is he getting involved in the drills and some of the meetings? Hes handled himself very well and that says a lot about his character and who he is," said bench coach DeMarlo Hale, who served as manager on Friday. It rremains to be seen whether Sanchez will throw again for the Blue Jays in spring training. Air Max 97 Off White Pas Cher. . Walker will sit down with manager John Gibbons and draw up a schedule. Sanchez likely starts his season at Double-A New Hampshire. A good showing there and its next stop, Buffalo. Or, maybe, Toronto. THE PIGGYBACK Theres been open musing in the press box about the idea of Dustin McGowan joining R.A. Dickey, Brandon Morrow, Mark Buehrle and Drew Hutchison in the starting rotation. Why not cap McGowan at four or five innings as he builds up arm strength and piggyback him with one of two long relievers, either Esmil Rogers or Todd Redmond? "Still trying to sort through it," said pitching coach Pete Walker when presented with the idea. "Obviously, theres still some time left in spring training. Guys are going to get the ball; get their opportunities to stand out right now. Obviously, Dustin looked great yesterday and Sanchez looked great today and the other guys, Redmond and Rogers, have thrown the ball well. Obviously, wed like to see [J.A.] Happ pitch well on the 25th and well continue to take a look at how it works out." Walker didnt have the opportunity to speak to McGowan before leaving for Port Charlotte, but said reports are the 31-year-old "felt fine" after throwing three scoreless innings against the Phillies on Thursday. TUIASOSOPOS NUMBERS General manager Alex Anthopoulos ist shy about scouring the waiver wire for players. On Thursday, he picked up Matt Tuiasosopo from the Diamondbacks. "Played well for the Tigers last year and we had good reports on him," said Anthopoulos in a statement. "He gives us a right-handed bat that gives us positional versatility. Obviously, there isnt a lot of time left but hell come in and compete for a spot." Time is of the essence and Tuiasosopo is going to need more of it than usual to join the ballclub. He was in Australia, where the Diamondbacks are opening their regular season with two games against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Its difficult to see, on the surface, where Tuiasosopo fits in. Hes a right-handed bat who got off to a strong start with the Tigers last season, hitting six of his seven home runs before the All-Star break, including four in a personal five-game span between June 18 and July 11. He can play the corner outfield positions, first base and third base in a pinch. "Youre talking about, maybe, from the right side where there could be an option there," said bench coach DeMarlo Hale. Tuiasosopo hasnt proven he can hit left-handers at the big league level. In 194 at-bats against lefties, Tuiasosopo has hit .196/.287/.345 with eight home runs. Against right-handers, his slash line is .221/.287/.368. Over his major league career, Tuiasosopo has struck out in 31.7 per cent of his big league at-bats. By comparison, while acknowledging the sample size is small, Moises Sierra hits left-handers at a .267/.327/.478 clip with four home runs. "Decisions havent been made, Im sure of that," said Hale. "I cant speak for Alex and Gibby, but it becomes added depth and well see what hes got over these next four or five days left of spring training.” Like Sierra, Tuiasosopo is out of options, meaning he would first have to pass through waivers before being assigned to the minor leagues. If the Blue Jays go with an eight-man bullpen to start the season, carrying both is out of the question. The back-up catcher, likely Erik Kratz, and Maicer Izturis must be accounted for, which leaves only one additional roster spot. ' ' '