Post by dengdai on Nov 11, 2013 7:56:30 GMT
NEW YORK -- A "reckless elbow" has landed Calgary Flames forward Rene Bourque in hot water. nike free schweiz online . NHL disciplinarian Brendan Shanahan suspended Bourque five games Wednesday for his elbow to the head of Washington Capitals forward Nicklas Backstrom. The incident occurred midway through the third period of Calgarys 3-1 loss on Tuesday night. Backstrom was cruising through the neutral zone and had just delivered a pass when Bourque blindsided him with an elbow to the jaw. "This is a hit to the head and a clear violation of Rule 48: Illegal Check to the Head," Shanahan said in a video posted on NHL.com. Bourque was assessed a minor penalty on the play. Backstrom played two more shifts before leaving the game. "We believe Bourques assertion that this was an instinctive reflex rather than a premeditated attempt to injure," Shanahan said. "However, as all of the parties in the hearing agree, this reckless elbow to the head is indefensible." Shanahan added the fact that Bourque was suspended for two games just 16 days earlier for a hit from behind on Chicago Blackhawks defenceman Brent Seabrook played a part in the length of the ban. Backstroms inability to continue also played a role, he added. Bourque, who will be eligible to return Jan. 17 at San Jose, is classified as a repeat offender under the leagues CBA and will forfeit US$203,252.05 in salary. The money goes to the Players Emergency Assistance Fund. www.nikefreeschuheschweiz.com/nike-free-herren-ms-17/nike-free-xt-motion-vo-54/ . The more recent spat is buried. With the regular season winding down, the Dallas Mavericks are tuning up nicely for the playoffs. www.nikefreeschuheschweiz.com/nike-free-damen-mk-17/nike-flex-experience-ch-55/ . -- The NFL has granted permission for Saints coach Sean Payton, general manager Mickey Loomis and assistant head coach Joe Vitt to attend New Orleans home game Sunday night against San Diego, in which Drew Brees can break a tie with Johnny Unitas for the NFL record of consecutive regular-season games with a touchdown pass.CINCINNATI, Ohio -- Reds outfielder Ryan Ludwick is expected to miss at least three months following surgery on Wednesday to repair torn cartilage in his right shoulder. Ludwick dislocated his non-throwing shoulder while sliding into third base in Cincinnatis opening 3-1, 13-inning loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Monday. An MRI a day later found the cartilage tear. The Reds initially were reluctant to put a timeframe on his return, waiting to see what doctors found during the surgery. Manager Dusty Baker was told that Ludwick could be out for 13 to 14 weeks. "Hopefully sometime after the All-Star break well get a fresh and new player back," Baker said. The Reds put Ludwick on the 15-day disabled list and called up outfielder Derrick Robinson to make his major league debut. Chris Heisey, who has been a reserve outfielder the last few years, will get a chance to play in left field full-time. "I havent done it for four years now, I guess," Heisey said. "Ive done it for stretches of two or three weeks, but for a long stretch of time I havent. Itll be an adjustment, but Im looking forward to it." Ludwick played a leading role in the Reds drive to their second NL Central title in three years last season. When first baseman Joey Votto tore cartilage in his knee, Ludwick became the Reds top run producer. He batted .340 with 12 homers and 36 RBIs during the 48 games that Votto missed. Ludwick also led the team with three homers during a first-round playoff loss to San Francisco. The Reds brought the 34-year-old outfielder back on a two-year, $15 million deal. Baker moved second baseman Brandon Phillips into Ludwicks cleanup spot Wednesday for the second game of the series against the Angels, batting between left-handers Votto and Jay Bruce. Heisey was in the second spot. Heisey started 80 games last season, playing all three outfield spots. "For Heisey, thiis is his opportunity," Baker said. www.nikefreeschuheschweiz.com/nike-free-3-0-v4-vb-96/. "I hope he doesnt put too much pressure on himself. Its his opportunity for extended play. Im making it as easy on him as I can, to bat in front of Joey Votto. Its up to him." When Votto -- the 2010 National League MVP -- got hurt last season, the Reds were looking at a long stretch without their top hitter. They won 97 games and the division title with other players taking the lead on offence. "This is a very resilient team," Baker said. "We just have to find a way. Its a big blow, especially in the middle of our lineup. Hes one of the leaders on the team. But much like last year with Joey, I hope we have the same success with whoevers taking Ryan Ludwicks place. "We missed Joey for 50 games last year. Everybody wrote us off then. But this team has a way of coming together." The Reds dont have an experienced outfielder in the minors who was the obvious choice to fill in. Robinson had a solid spring training and impressed the Reds with his speed, something their roster lacks. Baker said that gave him the advantage over others. Billy Hamilton wasnt a viable option. He stole a record 155 bases in the minors last season, but is a career shortstop just learning to play outfield. He will start at Triple-A Louisville for the first time in his career. "I know a lot of people want Hamilton, but Hamilton has a lot to learn and is still a ways (away)," Baker said. "We dont know how hes going to do at Triple-A. By process of elimination, (Robinson) was the guy that looked the best and was the guy we thought could help us." The 25-year-old outfielder was solid all-around during spring training, which worked in his favour. "Everything I did, I was focused," Robinson said. "I didnt give away any at-bat or was lackadaisical in the outfield or fell asleep on the base paths." ' ' '