I dont necessarily blame a player, or a team, for thinking that a fight or a game full of scraps might deliver a spark. Dave Casper Raiders Jersey . Hockeys rulebook doesnt say you cant fight - it merely says you shouldnt fight if you want to stay out of the penalty box. But, time and again, my thumb points down when I see how inspirational fighting is carried out. Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf, perhaps tired of hearing that hes not providing the necessary leadership, picked a fight with Milan Michalek of the Ottawa Senators. It earned Phaneuf a unanimous decision and a heap of scorn. He should have fought Chris Neil. The Philadelphia Flyers figured nothing else was working, so they might as well call on their Broad Street Bullies history and rough up the Pittsburgh Penguins. Sure enough, the Flyers showed more spirit than is usually the case this season and they won the game. But the accent on violence led Zac Rinaldo to demonstrate a predictable lack of discipline in the form of a boarding infraction that knocked Kris Letang out of the game. Rinaldo was ordered to depart, as well, and will answer for his actions in a Monday phone hearing with NHL Player Safety. Hell be contrite, which wasnt the case immediately after the game when he basically took credit for the Flyers victory. He wont be participating in any others soon, as he faces a lengthy suspension. There wasnt a better way for Rinaldo to deliver his message? Of course there was, but he doesnt know it. And among NHL players, hes not alone. -- Assessing the NHL season at this break created by the All-Star Game, I will deliver a qualified thumbs up to the team that has impressed me the most so far - the Chicago Blackhawks. To explain, my capsule comment on the Hawks is that they often leave me wanting more. Their most recent win was a 3-2 decision via shootout over the injury-riddled Penguins. Chicago led 2-0 and it appeared the final score might be 5-0. Never mind that the Blackhawks removed their skates from the pedal and allowed the Pens to come back, because Chicago won, right? Well, sure, but there have been other similar games, just a few that represent the difference between where the Hawks sit in the standings - third in the Central division - and where they should be - first in the league. Im not prepared to say that the All-Star voting, which sent five Blackhawks to Columbus before any other players were named, proved anything, but there was no real objection to the support received by Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook and Corey Crawford. Thats because they represent the team that many others think is the NHLs best. Im guessing that others might join me in wanting to see more proof. Antonio Smith Womens Jersey . - The Chicago Cubs say they have agreed to one-year contracts with pitchers Jason Hammel and James McDonald. Lester Hayes Jersey . Darvish is scheduled to make his season debut Sunday at Tampa Bay after getting through an extended bullpen session without any issues.PORTLAND, Ore. -- The Portland Timbers season-opening draw with Philadelphia left them wondering what they could have done to pull out the win. "I think every single guy, if they look at that game, theyll say Yes, I could have done more. We have to fix that," captain Will Johnson said. Newcomer Gaston Fernandez scored on a header in stoppage time to give the Timbers the 1-all draw against the re-tooled Union on Saturday night. The goal in the 93rd minute got past goalkeeper Zac MacMath in driving rain, and the Timbers stole three points from the Union, who got a goal in the 64th minute from Jack McInerney. The Timbers went 14-15-5 last season to finish atop the Western Conference. Portland advanced to the conference finals in the playoffs, losing to Real Salt Lake. First-year coach Caleb Porter was named MLS Coach of the Year for guiding his team to a 23-game turnaround from the previous season. "The coach in me is always looking down the road and how we can get better," Porter said after the opener. "But I am happy we pulled out the point." Portlands 15 draws last season were the most in the league since 2011. The Union went 12-12-10 last season, finishing seventh in the Eastern Conference and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. But Philadelphia looked like a new team in the opener, pressuring the Timbers from the start. After a scoreless first half, McInerney, with help from newcomer Maurice Edu, headed the ball past Ricketts off a corner from Cristian Maidana in the 64th minute. It was the 25th goal of McInerneys career. He had 12 goals last season for the Union. "To give one up in injury time is a tough way to lose a couple of points, but Portlands a really good team, so youve got to think theres a lot to build on frrom that game," Union coach John Hackworth said. Dave Casper Womens Jersey. Philadelphias off-season moves were headlined by the addition of Edu, acquired from English Premier League side Stoke City in late January. The Union also added Maidana and traded for Austin Berry. Unlike the Union, the nucleus of the Timber remained largely intact, including Goalkeeper of the Year Donavan Ricketts, top scorer and Newcomer of the Year Diego Valeri and All-Star Will Johnson, the teams captain. Portland added Fernandez and defender Norberto Paparatto, both of Argentina. Porter called Fernandezs goal in the opener important for his acclimation to the team. "Its big. I think part of scoring goals is confidence," Porter said. "Hopefully it gets him rolling." Ricketts had to dive to fend off Maidanas shot in the 20th minute as the rain swirled in the gusty wind. Portland appeared tentative until late in the first half, but a rally fell short when Valeris hard shot from out in front of the box sailed just wide. The Timbers looked to have a chance to even it in the 71st minute, but Valeri was called for a hand ball and the whistle blew before his shot hit the back of the net. Philadelphia played without midfielder Conor Casey, who also missed the preseason with a calf strain. Portland pulled defender Pa-Modou Kah in the 34th minute when he went down behind the play. Kah was replaced by Futty Danso. The Timbers inducted Mick Hoban, the teams first contracted player before their inaugural 1975 NASL season, into the teams Ring of Honor. Following his retirement from the game in 1978, Hoban was hired by Blue Ribbon Sports -- which later became Nike -- to help develop the shoemakers soccer business. He has remained one of Portlands most dedicated soccer ambassadors. cheap nfl jerseyscheap jerseys ' ' '
