It's Sunday

It's Sunday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is May 6th, the 127th day of 2012. There are 239 days left in the year.

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Saturday's Scores:

East --

Washington 3, New York Rangers 2 (Series tied 2-2)

West --

No games

Sunday's Games:

West --

St. Louis at Los Angeles (Los Angeles leads series 3-0) 3:00pm EDT NBC

East --

Philadelphia at New Jersey (New Jersey leads series 2-1) 7:30pm EDT NBCSN

Hitchcock to alter Blues' lineup for Game 4.

Flyers juggle lines at practice.

Visit the official league website, http://www.nhl.com/.

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James Gordon Bennett published the "New York Herald" for the first time on this date in 1835.

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U.S. Men's National Team Defeats Canada in Overtime, 5-4,
at 2012 IIHF Men's World Championship

Captain Johnson Scores Two Power-Play Goals, Including Game-Winner

HELSINKI, Finland - Team captain Jack Johnson (Ann Arbor, Mich./Columbus Blue Jackets/Univ. of Michigan) led the U.S. Men's National Team to a 5-4 overtime victory over Canada by scoring his second power-play goal of the game at 1:47 of the overtime period here today at Hartwall Arena. The game featured four ties before Johnson's heroics improved Team USA's record to 1-1-0-0 (W-OTW-OTL-L) at the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Men's World Championship.

“Whenever you play Canada, it’s a big stage, it’s a big deal,” said Johnson, “and I’m sure we’ll see these guys again in this tournament.”

For Johnson, playing on his fifth world championship team, the game-winner came unassisted on a slapshot from the top of the left circle.

“For sure,” said Johnson when asked if this was the most satisfying world championship game he has ever played in for Team USA. “I haven’t had as much success as I’d like in the past, but this is a start. It’s only the second game of the tournament and we need to play a lot more hockey before it’s really gratifying.”

“We played a complete game and that was really important,” said U.S. Head Coach Scott Gordon. “I liked the way we competed throughout. I’m proud of guys. We beat a very good hockey team.”

Canada tied the game at four with 1:39 remaining in the final period on a Duncan Keith blast, but John Tavares made an inadvertent play, knocking the puck out of the air and into the stands with 1.1 seconds left, resulting in a delay of game penalty.

Just two minutes prior to Keith’s goal, U.S. alternate captain Nate Thompson (Anchorage, Alaska/Tampa Bay Lightning) put the U.S. ahead 4-3, scoring after successfully swatting at the puck for a second time in close and seeing it trickle through goalie Cam Ward’s pads.

Perhaps the most sensational goal of the contest came with the U.S. playing shorthanded and the game tied at two, 6:43 into the third. Charging into the Canadian zone 2-on-2, Carolina Hurricanes forward Patrick Dwyer’s (Spokane, Wash./Carolina Hurricanes/Western Michigan Univ.) wrist shot was denied by his NHL teammate Ward, but he continued to hustle, grabbing the puck while circling around the net and stuffing it in the corner to give the U.S. a 3-2 lead.

Despite a game where neither team ever led by more than a goal, the U.S. outplayed Canada for much of the contest. Team USA out-shot Canada 46-34, including 18-6 in the second period.

“The coaches put a good game plan in place and everyone did a good job executing,” said Johnson.

Detroit Red Wings netminder Jimmy Howard (Syracuse, N.Y./Detroit Red Wings/Univ. of Maine) stopped 30-of-34 shots to earn the victory.

Team USA got off to a quick start when alternate captain Jim Slater (Lapeer, Mich./Winnipeg Jets/Michigan State Univ.) sliced from the top of the right circle towards the slot and fired a quick wrister past Ward for the game’s opening goal 1:10 into the tilt.

Canada answered about five-and-a-half minutes later when Tavares beat a sprawling Howard with a backhander from in close.

Jeff Skinner gave the Canadians their only lead, scoring 7:34 into the second period. The U.S. then capitalized on its third power play of the game when Johnson fired a rocket past Ward from the right circle.

“Every year we come here expecting to win a medal and it hasn’t worked out that way in the past,” said Johnson. “Everyone here is really excited and buying into the ultimate goal of winning a medal.”

The U.S. Men's National Team has a day off before resuming Group H play on Monday (May 7) against Slovakia. Faceoff is 8:15 p.m. local time (1:15 p.m. ET). The NBC Sports Network will air the game live in the United States.

NOTES: Through two games, Team USA is 4-for-10 on the power play and has killed all six opponent power plays … Jack Johnson has three power-play goals ... Jim Slater, who scored the first goal of the game, was named Team USA's Player of the Game ... Defenseman Jack Johnson is the captain of Team USA. The alternate captains are forwards Jim Slater and Nate Thompson ...  For Team USA's updated roster, click here ...  Twenty of the 23 members of Team USA played U.S. college hockey ... Six of the 23 players announced are products of USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, including Joey Crabb, Justin Faulk, Cam Fowler, Jimmy Howard, Jack Johnson and Kyle Palmieri ... Fourteen NHL teams are represented on the roster. The Anaheim Ducks have three representatives, while the Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings and Tampa Bay Lightning have two players apiece ... Scott Gordon is the head coach of the 2012 U.S. Men's National Team. Greg Cronin and David Quinn are serving as assistant coaches ... The 2012 U.S. Men’s National Team is under the direction of the U.S. Men’s National Team Advisory Group, led by Jim Johannson, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. Other members include NHL general managers Stan Bowman (Chicago), Brian Burke (Toronto), Paul Holmgren (Philadelphia), Dean Lombardi (Los Angeles), David Poile (Nashville), Ray Shero (Pittsburgh) and Dale Tallon (Florida) and Pittsburgh Penguins pro scout Don Waddell ... USA Hockey's international council, chaired by Tony Rossi, vice president of USA Hockey, has oversight responsibilities for all U.S. national teams ... Sixteen teams will compete at 2012 IIHF Men's World Championship. There will be two groups of eight with one group playing in Helsinki, Finland, and the other playing in Stockholm, Sweden. The semifinals and medal games will be conducted in Helsinski ... NBC Sports will televise all Team USA games in the 2012 IIHF Men's World Championship. The complete television schedule is available here.

GAME SUMMARY

Scoring By Period

USA 1 1 2 1 5
Canada 1 1 2 0 4

First Period – Scoring: 1, USA, Slater (Lasch), 1:10; 2, CAN, Tavares (Keith), 6:38. Penalties: USA, Braun (tripping), 9:43; CAN, Tavares (interference), 19:57.

Second Period – Scoring: 3, CAN, Skinner (Tavares, Bouwmeester), 7:34; 4, USA, Johnson (Pacioretty, Ryan), 13:54, (pp). Penalties: CAN, Phaneuf (slashing), 4:10; CAN, Ladd (tripping), 12:42; USA, Slater (slashing), 19:05.

Third Period – Scoring: 5, USA, Dwyer (unassisted), 6:43; 6, CAN, Kane (unassisted), 9:51; 7, USA, Thompson (Crabb, Dwyer), 16:19; 8, CAN, Keith (unassisted), 18:21. Penalties: USA, Faulk (slashing), 5:04; CAN, Tavares (delaying the game), 19:59.

Overtime – Scoring: 9, USA, Johnson (unassisted), 1:47 (pp). Penalties: none.

Shots by Period
1 2 3 OT
Total
USA 13 19 10 4 46
Canada 7 12 15 0 34

Goaltenders (SH/SV) 1 2 3 Total
USA, Howard, 61:47 7/6 12/11 15/13 0/0 34/30
Canada, Ward, 61:47 13/12 19/18 10/8 4/3 46/41

Power Play: USA 2-4; CAN 0-3
Penalties: USA 3-6; CAN 4-8

Team USA 2012 IIHF Men's World Championship Schedule
May 4 - 20 • Helsinki, Finland & Stockholm, Sweden

Date Opponent Location Time (Local/EDT)
Television

Fri., May 4 France Helsinki 12:15 p.m./5:15 a.m. W, 7-2
Sat., May 5 Canada Helsinki 7:00 p.m./12:00 p.m. W, 5-4 OT
Mon., May 7 Slovakia Helsinki 8:15 p.m./1:15 p.m. NBC Sports Network (Live)
Thurs., May 10 Belarus Helsinki 4:15 p.m./9:15 a.m. NBC Sports Network (Live)
Fri., May 11 Kazakhstan Helsinki 4:15 p.m./9:15 a.m. NBC Sports Network (Live)
Sun., May 13 Finland Helsinki 4:15 p.m./9:15 a.m. NBC Sports Network (Live)
Tues., May 15 Switzerland Helsinki 8:15 p.m./1:15 p.m. NBC Sports Network (Live)
Thurs., May 17 Quarterfinals Helsinki TBD NBC Sports Network (Live)
Sat., May 19 Semifinals Helsinki TBD NBC Sports Network (TBD)
Sun., May 20 Bronze Medal Game Helsinki 4:00 p.m./9:00 a.m. NBC Sports Network (Live)
Gold Medal Game Helsinki 8:30 p.m./1:30 p.m. NBC Sports Network (Delay/9 p.m. ET)

Arenas: Hartwall Arena (Helsinki); Ericsson Globe (Stockholm)

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The first adhesive postage stamps went on sale in Great Britain on this date in 1840.

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Esks picks get NFL tries.

New Lion Kirby Fabien mature, laid-back … but all business on the field.

Visit the leagues' official website, http://www.cfl.ca/.

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The mechanical refrigerator was patented by Dr. John Gorrie on this date in 1851.

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Watching the Fresh Beat Band is fun Daddy!

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Let's see, what's on the agenda for today....Go to church, wash dishes (shouldn't be too much work), watch some hockey, maybe some baseball and love my family, as usual. How 'bout you?

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St. Petersburg, FL. -- The Rays commiserated over a loss on Joe Maddon's 1,000th game as manager in typical Maddon-fashion: With a three-man mariachi band performing in the clubhouse following the 4-3 extra-inning defeat to the A's.

"This team is different than any other team I've ever been on," said Joel Peralta, who surrendered a 12th-inning solo homer to former Ray Jonny Gomes. "That's why I think we win more often than not."

Read the rest here.

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Linus Yale patented the clock-type lock on this date in 1851.

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San Francisco, CA.-- Madison Bumgarner stayed in character as he answered waves of questions regarding the end of San Francisco's losing streak and the continuation of his own personal winning streak.

"I just go out there with the same mindset every time to make pitches," Bumgarner said after the Giants beat the Milwaukee Brewers, 5-2, on Saturday, ending the team's four-game slide. "I always try to be that way. My command feels pretty good now and I just try and pitch."

Read the rest here.

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Happy 81st birthday to my childhood hero Willie Mays, born on this date in 1931.

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Today in Elvis History

1956 - Elvis Presley's first engagement in Las Vegas ended. The two-week run began on April 23.

1957 - Elvis Presley began doing costume fittings, makeup tests and dance rehearsals for the film "Jailhouse Rock."

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The Pablo Picasso painting of a Dutch girl was sold for $154,000 in London on this date in 1959. It was the highest price paid (at the time) for a painting by a living artist.

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Today in Beatles History:

1964 - "Around The Beatles" aired on ITV.

1977 - The album "Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl" was released in the U.K.

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On this date in 1994, the Chunnel officially opened. The tunnel under the English Channel links England and France.

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Today in Sports History:

1903 - The Chicago White Sox committed 12 errors against the Detroit Tigers.

1915 - Babe Ruth hit his first major league home run while playing for the Boston Red Sox. The game was also his pitching debut.

1921 - The American Soccer League was formed.

1925 - Ty Cobb hit his 5th homerun in only 2 games. The feat tied Cap Anson's record in 1884.

1929 - The American League announced that it would discontinue the MVP award.

1934 - The Boston Red Sox hit a record of four consecutive triples.

1946 - The New York Yankees became the first major league baseball team to travel by plane.

1954 - British runner Roger Banister broke the four minute mile.

1973 - The New England Whalers beat the Winnipeg Jets in the first WHA championship.

1992 - Anthony Young (New York Mets) began a losing streak of 26 games.

1995 - The Classic Sports Network began on cable TV.

1997 - The NHL's Hartford Whalers became the Carolina Hurricanes.

1997 - Rick Pitino became the head coach of the Boston Celtics.

2004 - It was announced that "Spider-Man 2" ads would not appear on bases in major league games during games from June 11-13. The advertising plan had been announced the previous day.

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On this date in 2002, "Spider-Man" became the first movie to make more than $100 million in its first weekend.

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TALLADEGA, Ala. -- With a slingshot move past Sprint Cup teammate Kyle Busch five laps into overtime, Joey Logano won the Aaron's 312 on Saturday at Talladega Superspeedway.

In a race that saw Eric McClure injured and Danica Patrick using her Chevrolet for payback, Logano beat Busch to the finish line by 0.034 second to win his second Nationwide Series race of the season and 11th of his career.

Defending series champion Ricky Stenhouse Jr. ran third and took the points lead from Elliott Sadler. Cole Whitt was fourth, followed by Dale Earnhardt Jr., his JR Motorsports teammate and boss.

Read the rest here.

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Weather today at my house: Mostly sunny with a high of 86. Breezy from the west/southwest too.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway 12:00pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Oakland Athletics 1:40pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Milwaukee Brewers 4:05pm EDT

Monday --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers 10:10pm EDT

Tuesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers 10:10pm EDT

Wednesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Los Angeles Dodgers 10:10pm EDT

Thursday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at New York Yankees 7:05pm EDT

Friday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 at Darlington Raceway 6:30pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Baltimore Orioles 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks 9:40pm EDT

Saturday --

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Bojangle's Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway 6:30pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Baltimore Orioles 7:05pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks 8:10pm EDT

Sunday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Baltimore Orioles 1:35pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants at Arizona Diamondbacks 4:10pm EDT

Monday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays 7:07pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Colorado Rockies 10:15pm EDT

Tuesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays at Toronto Blue Jays 7:07pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Colorado Rockies 10:15pm EDT

Wednesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Boston Red Sox 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs St. Louis Cardinals 10:15pm EDT

Thursday --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs St. Louis Cardinals 3:45pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Boston Red Sox 7:10pm EDT

Friday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Atlanta Braves 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Oakland Athletics 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Oakland Athletics 4:05pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Atlanta Braves 4:10pm EDT

Nascar Sprint Cup Series -- Sprint Showdown/Sprint All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway 7:00pm EDT

Sunday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Pioneer Hi-Bred 250 at Iowa Speedway 1:30pm EDT

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Atlanta Braves 1:40pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Oakland Athletics 4:05pm EDT

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That's it for today. Thanks for stopping by, I hope that you'll do so tomorrow too. Thanks again!