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| 908 Beiträge - Forenjunkie
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TORONTO -- The C on Eric Staals sweater stands for captain. But it could just as easily be a symbol that represents character. A trying season ended up bringing out the best in the Carolina Hurricanes centre, who rebounded from a dreadful start to lead his team on a spirited charge in the second half. It was an experience Staal would just as soon have avoided in his eighth NHL season. However, it came with some important lessons. "I learned I dont like to roll over," Staal said this week in an interview. "It was an extremely difficult start -- pretty easy for someone to say You know what, its just not going to be my year. "Its one of those times that you go through and I think for me I kind of regrouped and refreshed and started playing the kind of hockey that got me to this level and gotten me to this point and gotten me the numbers Ive had in the past." Staal emerged from the first month of the season with a minus-13 rating, the worst of any player in the NHL. By the new year, hed slipped to an ugly minus-22 and sported unusually low offensive totals with nine goals and 25 points in 41 games. Many speculated that the poor play stemmed from his brother Marcs lengthy recovery from a concussion -- the result of a hit from Eric the previous season -- although that has been downplayed by those around the Hurricanes organization. Coincidence or not, Eric Staals turnaround can be traced to directly after Marc returned to the New York Rangers lineup for the Winter Classic. Since Jan. 6, hes climbed up the NHL scoring charts with 14 goals and 43 points in 36 games, among the best totals of any player in that time. An added bonus has come in the form of an improved faceoff percentage of 52.2 per cent -- easily the best of his career. "His competitive level has been great," said Hurricanes coach Kirk Muller. "Theres no question hes in the top three or four forwards in the NHL from Christmas on. Hes doing everything for us. ... "I think his pride has kicked in, his intensity level is high and hes having fun playing." That has been on display during a number of recent games, including one in Winnipeg last week where Staal scored twice and set up the late winner during a 4-3 victory over the Jets. It was a dominant performance. Reflecting back, the 27-year-old admits that his early-season struggles took a toll. "Ive never doubted myself, never doubted my ability and knowing what I can do in this league," said Staal. "But you definitely battle confidence. I think every player does, I dont care who you are. "I think theres times where the net seems bigger and when it doesnt. For me, it didnt seem very big early in the year." Teammates came away impressed with his steady demeanour and work ethic, particularly when the questions start mounting about the rough start. Behind closed doors, Staal continued to exude the confidence that comes with being one of 25 players ever to win a Stanley Cup, Olympic gold and IIHF World Hockey Championship gold. "It didnt really show that much and thats what you like to see," said sophomore forward Jeff Skinner. "Youre going to go through those ups and downs every year and its how you handle them that sort of shows who you are." Its also a reminder why Staal sports the captains C in Carolina. OWINGS MILLS, Md. - The Baltimore Ravens and tight end Dennis Pitta reached agreement on a five-year contract Friday. According to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun, the deal is worth $32 million. Pitta, Baltimores fourth-round pick in 2010, was set to become an unrestricted free agent when free agency starts March 11. "I could not be more excited to remain a Baltimore Raven," Pitta said in a statement. "There is no better organization or fan base in sports. To be given the opportunity to continue my career here is incredible. This organization drafted me and has always stood by me — especially during my difficult recovery last season. And for that, I am extremely grateful." Pitta has become a favourite option of quarterback Joe Flacco in recent seasons. He missed most of 2013 while recovering from a dislocated and fractured hip, but he returned to catch 20 passes for 169 yards and a touchdown in the final four games. He had 61 catches for 669 yards and seven touchdowns during the 2012 regular season and then added 14 catches for 163 yards and three touchdowns in the playoffs in helping the Ravens win the Super Bowl. "Dennis creates a number of mismatch problems for defences," Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome said.dddddddddddd. "He makes it tough on them. And because of that, he really helps out our wide receivers. "Opponents have to always pay attention to where he lines up and where his routes take him. Dennis is also a big target with very good hands, and his presence in the red zone is very important to us." Without Pitta for most of 2013, Baltimore finished just 18th in passing offence. "It was obvious when Dennis was out last year that we really missed him," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "We all admire how he fought back from the hip injury and helped us down the stretch. Having Dennis as a part of the Ravens now and in the future is exciting news for us. "Dennis has a large catch radius and can snatch the ball in traffic. Not only is he a reliable player, but he is an outstanding person as well. Having a weapon like Dennis makes everyone on our offence better." The deal came a day after the Ravens terminated the contracts of three-time Pro Bowl fullback Vonta Leach and six-year linebacker Jameel McClain. Cheap China Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China China NFL Jerseys Cheap Jerseys Cheap Jerseys China ' ' '
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| Beitrag vom 28.06.2016 - 02:44 |
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