It's Friday

It's Friday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is May 4th, the 125th day of 2012. There are 241 days left in the year.

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Thursday's Scores:

East --

New Jersey 4, Philadelphia 3 OT (New Jersey leads series 2-1)

West --

Los Angeles 4, St. Louis 2 (Los Angeles leads series 3-0)

Friday's Games:

East --

No games

West --

Phoenix at Nashville (Phoenix leads series 2-1) 7:30pm NBCSN

Yakupov, Forsberg top Scouting Combine invites.

NHLPA files appeal of Torres' 25-game suspension.

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

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Today's Birthdays: Actor Richard Jenkins (Six Feet Under, nominated for an Oscar for The Visitor) is 65; Rock guitarist Mick Mars (Mötley Crüe) is 61; Actor Will Arnett (Blades of Glory, Arrested Development) is 42; ESPN reporter and Dancing with the Stars celeb Erin Andrews is 34; Golfer Rory McIlroy is 23.

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Johnson Tabbed to Captain 2012 U.S. Men's National Team

Slater, Thompson Named Alternate Captains


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Defenseman Jack Johnson (Ann Arbor, Mich./Columbus Blue Jackets/University of Michigan) has been named captain of the 2012 U.S. Men's National Team, while forwards Jim Slater (Lapeer, Mich./Winnipeg Jets/Michigan State University) and Nate Thompson (Anchorage, Alaska/Tampa Bay Lightning) were tabbed alternate captains. The 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Men's World Championship begins tomorrow (May 4) and runs through May 20 in Helsinki, Finland, and Stockholm, Sweden.

Johnson was the captain of the 2010 U.S. Men's National Team and served as an alternate captain on the 2011 U.S. Men's National Team. The 2012 IIHF Men's World Championship marks the 10th time Johnson has represented the United States in international competition. He was a silver medalist at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and has participated in four IIHF Men's World Championships (2007, 2009-11), two IIHF World Junior Championships (2006, 2007-bronze medal) and two IIHF Men's World Under-18 Championships (2004-silver medal, 2005-gold medal). He has 28 points (13-15) in 61 career games for Team USA, including 14 points (7-7) in 22 games in the IIHF Men's World Championship.

Slater and Thompson are each alternate captains for the first time. Slater is making his first appearance as a member of Team USA since the 2002 IIHF World Junior Championship. Thompson will be debuting as a member of a U.S. National Team.

Team USA begins play in the 2012 IIHF Men's World Championship tomorrow (May 4) against France at Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, Finland. Game time is 12:15 p.m. local time (5:15 a.m. EDT) and the game can be seen live in the U.S. on NBC Sports Network.

NOTES: In its only pre-tournament game, Team USA beat Sweden, 3-2, on Tuesday (May 1) in Galve, Sweden. Jim Slater and Kyle Okposo each had a goal and an assist. Jimmy Howard started in goal and stopped all 25 shots he faced ... 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 will serve 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.

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. NBC Sports Network (Live)
Sat., May 5 Canada Helsinki 7:00 p.m./12:00 p.m. NBC Sports Network
(Delay/7:30 p.m. ET)
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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Dutch explorer Peter Minuit landed on Manhattan Island on this date in 1626. Native Americans later sold the island (20,000 acres) for $24 in cloth and buttons.

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Edmonton, AB. -- The Edmonton Oil Kings edged the visiting Portland Winterhawks 3-2 in Game 1 of the 2012 WHL Championship series on Thursday night in Edmonton, AB.

Jordan Peddle’s shorthanded marker 14:30 into the second period gave the Oil Kings a 3-0 lead and proved to be the game-winner. Rhett Rachinski had a goal and an assist and Martin Gernat also scored for the Oil Kings, who went 0-for-5 on the power play but scored the shorthanded marker.

Marcel Noebels and Sven Bartschi scored less than two minutes apart shortly after Peddle’s goal to make it 3-2 before the end of the second period. But, that’s as close as the Winterhawks would get in the Game 1 loss.

Laurent Brossoit made 24 saves on 26 shots to record his 13th victory of the playoffs for the Oil Kings. Mac Carruth turned aside 26 shots in a losing cause for the Hawks.

The Oil Kings will host the Winterhawks for Game 2 of the 2012 WHL Championship series on Friday, May 4th in Edmonton.

Edmonton leads best-of-seven series 1-0.

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Weather today at my house: Mostly sunny, high near 89, with a light breeze from the northwest.

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Heenan taken first overall by Riders.

Lions trade up, draft Westerman second overall.

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

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MAY THE FORCE 4TH - Today is Star Wars Day. "May the 4th be with you!"

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To slide, or not to slide. That is the question.

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Let's see, what's on the agenda for today....wash dishes (Only a few thankfully), cook dinner, watch some hockey, maybe some baseball and love my family, as usual. How 'bout you?

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St. Petersburg, FL. -- Will Rhymes allowed himself a moment to reminisce on Thursday afternoon.

The Rays' infielder and their starting pitcher on Thursday, Jeff Niemann, were teammates at Houston's Lamar High School. Thursday's game was the first time the close friends had played together in a regular season Major League game.

"That was pretty special, man," said Rhymes, who started at second base. "I was standing out there thinking about that today. We started playing together when we were like 13. We were on the same team in Pony League, then All-Star teams and through high school and stuff. So that was a while ago now, so it was pretty special to stand out there behind him. Try to make plays for him."

And Rhymes did just that, igniting a second-inning rally that proved to be all the Rays needed in a 4-3 win over the Mariners at Tropicana Field, before a crowd of 11,575.

Read the rest here.

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Osama Bin Laden's thoughts near the end of his life are being posted online. [His greatest fear was that he wouldn't live long enough to see the final movie in the Batman trilogy.]

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San Francisco, CA.-- Twenty-five games into the regular season is no time for a ballclub to yield to absolute despair. But the Giants had every reason Thursday to imagine that they're short on luck. Or skill.

Their day began with the news that third baseman Pablo Sandoval, their biggest power threat and run producer, would miss four to six weeks with a broken hamate bone in his left hand. Then the Giants played the Miami Marlins. Shortstop Brandon Crawford perpetuated San Francisco's season-long defensive woes by christening the game with a fielding error that led to an unearned run. That accompanied what has become a typical offensive performance by the Giants: poor situational hitting and an 0-for-5 effort with runners in scoring position.

The result: a third consecutive one-run loss to the Marlins, who triumphed, 3-2, and completed a series sweep. The Giants fell to 2-4 on their nine-game homestand while losing their sixth game in a row to the Marlins at AT&T Park.

Read the rest here.

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In an online version of the old-school pen-and-paper chain letter, a new site called The Listserve randomly chooses one person per day from among its 15,000-and-growing email subscribers to share a self-penned essay with the rest of the listserve. If chosen to write an email you'll have 3 days to respond. You can sign up at TheListserve.com.

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Today in Elvis History

1967 - Elvis Presley finished his work on the movie "Clambake."

1967 - Elvis and Priscilla Presley flew to Memphis to complete their honeymoon.

1973 - Elvis Presley began a 25-show engagement at the Sahara Tahoe Hotel in Stateline, NV. The engagement was cancelled after Presley fell ill.

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Another stereotype has been shattered as we learn that men LOVE to shop... as long as it's from their Lay-z-Boy. According to a survey (by iProspect), men are spending more money shopping online than women. Guys are spending 20% to 30% more per transaction, and 84% of the purchases are for themselves. The No. 1 website for dudes is Amazon.com.

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Today in Beatles History:

1963 - The Beatles' "From Me To You" was released.

1968 - Mary Hopkins won on the ITV talent show "Opportunity Knocks." Paul McCartney saw the performance and makes Hopkins the first signed artist on the Apple label.

1973 - Wings released "Red Rose Speedway" in the U.K.

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A Minnesota house was due to be demolished -- so locals figured they might as well plow through it with a tank. The 150-year-old home (in Kasota) went out with a bang thanks to a company called "Drive a Tank." The firm offers civilians the chance to do just that. Check out the video.

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Today in Sports History:

1871 - The first game of the National Association of Baseball Players was played. Fort Wayne beat Cleveland 2-0.

1929 - Lou Gehrig hit three consecutive home runs.

1954 - The first intercollegiate court tennis match in the U.S. It was between Yale and Princeton.

1954 - The Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals set a national league record when they used 42 players in one game. The Phillies won 14-10.

1963 - Pitcher Bob Shaw set a record with 5 balks in a game.

1973 - The Phillies beat the Braves 5-4 in 20 innings in the longest game to date at Veterans Stadium.

1975 - Bob Watson (Houston Astros) scored the one-millionth run in major league baseball history.

1980 - Mike Squires (Chicago White Sox) played the position of catcher in the final inning against the Brewers. It was the first time a left handed catcher had played since 1958.

1984 - Dave Kingman hit a fly ball that got stuck in the ceiling of the Metrodome.

1991 - Chris James (Cleveland Indians) set a club record with nine RBIs in a game.

1993 - Dale Hunter (Washington Capitals) was suspended 21 games for his blindside check of Pierre Turgeon (New York Islanders) in a game played on April 8.

1994 - Charles Barkley (Phoenix Suns) scored 56 points, 38 of which came in the first half, against the Golden State Warriors.

2004 - Alex Rodriguez (New York Yankees) hit his 350th career home run and drove in his 1,000th run. He was the youngest player to reach 350 homeruns at 28 years, 282 days.

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Idaho Gem was born on this date in 2003. He was the first member of the horse family to be cloned.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Oakland Athletics 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Milwaukee Brewers 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Aaron's 312 at Talladega Superspeedway 3:00pm EDT

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

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Oakland Athletics 7:10pm EDT

Sunday --

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 --

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

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

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Aaron's 312 at Talladega Superspeedway 3:00pm EDT

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

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

Sunday --

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

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

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

It's Thursday

It's Thursday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is May 3rd, the 124th day of 2012. There are 242 days left in the year.

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Wednesday's Scores:

East --

New York Rangers 4, Washington 3 3 OT (New York leads series 2-1)

West --

Nashville 2, Phoenix 0 (Phoenix leads series 2-1)

Thursday's Games:

East --

Philadelphia at New Jersey (Series tied 1-1) 7:30pm EDT NBCSN

West --

St. Louis at Los Angeles (Los Angeles leads series 2-0) 10:00pm NBCSN

Bergevin selected as new Montreal GM.

Preds' Radulov, A. Kostitsyn to miss Game 3.

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

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Today's Birthdays: Actress Ann B. Davis (The Brady Bunch) is 86; Inventor Ron Popeil is 77; Actress Christina Hendricks (Mad Men) is 37; Dancing with the Stars dancer Cheryl Burke is 28; Celebrinot Levi Johnston is 22.

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Addition of Giguère means the Ticats have plenty of options to ponder.

Tough to predict CFL draft.

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

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Washington, DC, was incorporated as a city on this date in 1802.

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Can I wear it this way Daddy?

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Let's see, what's on the agenda for today....wash dishes (Only a few thankfully), cook dinner, watch some baseball and hockey and love my family, as usual. How 'bout you?

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St. Petersburg, FL. -- James Shields gutted one out and the Rays got just enough offense to take a 5-4 win over the Mariners Wednesday night at Tropicana Field with 9,837 watching.

The Rays are now 11-1 at Tropicana Field and 17-8 on the season after winning their fourth straight game and 10th of their last 11.

Read the rest here.

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Did you hear about the Harley-Davidson lost in that Japanese tsunami that washed ashore in Canada? [The owner is excited about having it returned so he can finally complete his mid-life crisis.]

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San Francisco, CA.-- The Giants absorbed the type of defeat Wednesday night that normally would have knocked the collective wind out of them. Instead, their 3-2, 10-inning loss to the Miami Marlins left the Giants holding their breath.

The Giants weren't brooding about Giancarlo Stanton's homer in the 10th that snapped a 2-2 tie. Until further notice, they must worry about third baseman Pablo Sandoval, who sustained a left-hand injury and was removed from the game after grounding out in the sixth inning. "He took a swing, had quite a bit of pain and had to come out," manager Bruce Bochy said.

Read the rest here.

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Today is National Two Different Colored Shoes Day. Organizers say the "simple and lighhearted act of purposely wearing two different colored shoes demonstrates the courage to take a risk and step outside of one's daily routine."

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Today in Elvis History

1957 - Elvis Presley worked on the soundtrack recordings for "Jail House" rock.

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For a new book on President Obama, author David Maraniss managed to track down several of Obama's old girlfriends. One says Obama did the crossword in a sarong: "On Sundays [he] would lounge around, drinking coffee and solving The New York Times crossword puzzle, bare-chested, wearing a blue and white sarong."

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Today in Beatles History:

1976 - Paul McCartney made his first American stage appearance in 10 years when the "Wings Over America" tour began in Ft. Worth, TX.

1980 - Paul McCartney's single "Coming Up" hit #2 in the U.K.

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If we can do this, how far behind can a cure for cancer be? Jolene Van Vugt, a stunt woman and motocross champion, set a new world record on a motorized toilet. The toilet hit 46 mph, beating the old record by more than 4 mph.

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Today in Sports History:

1936 - Joe DiMaggio (New York Yankees) made his major league debut. He got three hits.

1938 - Lefty Grove got the first of a record 20 consecutive wins.

1951 - Gil McDougald (New York Yankees) became the fifth player to get 6 RBIs in an inning.

1969 - U.S. President Nixon attended the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY. It was the first time a sitting U.S. president attended the race.

1980 - Willie McCovey (San Francisco Giants) hit his 521st and final home run.

1980 - Ferguson Jenkins (Texas Rangers) became the fourth player to win 100 games in the American League and the National League.

1981 - Sally Little won the LPGA CPC Women's Golf International.

1986 - Don Mattingly (New York Yankees) became the 6th player to hit 3 sacrifice flies in a game.

1992 - Gregg Olson (Baltimore Orioles) became the youngest player to record 100 saves. He was 25 years old.

1992 - Eddie Murray (New York Mets) became the 24th player to hit 400 home runs.

1995 - David Bell debuted for the Cleveland Indians.

2007 - The Golden State Warriors defeated the Dallas Mavericks in Game 6. It was the first time a No. 8 seed team had defeated a No. 1 seed team in a 7-game playoff series.

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Thomas Edison organized the Edison Phonograph Works on this date in 1888.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Seattle Mariners 1:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Florida Marlins 3:45pm EDT

Friday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Oakland Athletics 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Milwaukee Brewers 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Aaron's 312 at Talladega Superspeedway 3:00pm EDT

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

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Oakland Athletics 7:10pm EDT

Sunday --

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 --

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

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

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Aaron's 312 at Talladega Superspeedway 3:00pm EDT

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

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

Sunday --

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

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

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

It's Wednesday

It's Wednesday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is May 2nd, the 123rd day of 2012. There are 243 days left in the year.

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Tuesday's Scores:

East --

New Jersey 4, Philadelphia 1 (Series tied 1-1)

West --

No games

Wednesday's Games:

East --

New York Rangers at Washington (Series tied 1-1) 7:30pm EDT NBCSN

West --

Phoenix at Nashville (Phoenix leads series 2-0) 9:00pm CNBC

Blues searching for answers after Game 2 loss.

Capitals prospect Kuznetsov staying in Russia.

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

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Today's Birthdays: Actress Christine Baranski (The Good Wife, The Bounty Hunter, Cybill) is 60; Actor Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson is 40; Soccer celebrity David Beckham is 37; Singer/songwriter Lily Allen is 27.

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U.S. Men's National Team Defeats Sweden, 3-2,
in Tune-Up Prior to 2012 IIHF Men's World Championship

Slater, Okposo Tally Goal and Assist Each in Victory

GAVLE, Sweden - Jim Slater (Lapeer, Mich./Winnipeg Jets/Michigan State University) and Kyle Okposo (St. Paul, Minn./New York Islanders/University of Minnesota) each tallied a goal and an assist as the U.S. Men's National Team defeated Sweden, 3-2, in a pre-tournament game prior to the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Men's World Championship. The tournament will run from May 4-20, in Helsinki, Finland, and Stockholm, Sweden.

"It was a good first game for our team," said Scott Gordon, head coach of the U.S. Men's National Team. "I liked our pace and we created some quality scoring chances. We look forward to the start of the tournament."

Slater gave the U.S. an early lead at 1:55 of the first period when he netted a pass from Okposo at the top of the crease. Jimmy Howard (Syracuse, N.Y./ Detroit Red Wings/University of Maine) stopped all 19 shots he faced in the opening frame to give Team USA a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.

Bobby Ryan (Cherry Hill, N.J./Anaheim Ducks) gave the U.S. a 2-0 lead at 3:32 of the second period with a wrist shot from the top of the right circle that snuck under Sweden goaltender Viktor Fasth. Paul Stastny (St. Louis, Mo./Colorado Avalanche/University of Denver) assisted on the tally. Okposo extended the U.S. lead to 3-0 when he banged home a rebound at 10:40. But Sweden tacked on two goals in the last five minutes of the period to make it a 3-2 game heading into the final frame.

Richard Bachman (Salt Lake City, Utah/Dallas Stars/Colorado College) entered the game in goal midway through the second period and made several saves in the final minutes of action to preserve a 3-2 victory for Team USA.

The U.S. Men's National Team will open tournament play against France on Friday (May 4) at 5:15 a.m. EDT. The game will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network and scoring updates will be available on Twitter. Use the hashtag #2012MWC to join the conversation surrounding the tournament.

NOTES: Bobby Ryan was named Team USA's Player of the Game ... The exhibition game was played in front of a sold out crowd of 7,519 in Lakerol Arena ...  For Team USA's updated roster, click here   ... Twenty of the 23 members of Team USA announced 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 will serve 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 is scheduled to 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 - 2- 0- 3
SWE 0 - 2- 0- 2

First Period – Scoring: 1, USA, Slater (Okposo), 1:55. Penalties: USA, Stastny (charging), 4:19; SWE, Ekholm (tripping), 16:27; USA, Ryan (holding), 17:04.

Second Period – Scoring: 2, USA, Ryan (Stastny), 3:32; 3, USA, Okposo (Lasch, Slater), 10:40; 4, SWE, Lundqvist (Pettersson, Ekholm), 16:39; 5, SWE, Larsson (Silfverberg, Jarnkrok), 19:24 (pp). Penalties: SWE, Kruger (tripping), 11:28; USA, Slater (tripping), 17:25; SWE, Hedman (hooking), 18:04; USA, Butler (tripping), 18:42.

Third Period – Scoring: None. Penalties: USA, Bench (too many men on the ice), 15:35.

Shots by Period
1 2 3 Total
USA 10 8 3 21
SWE 19 12 12 43

Goaltenders (SH/SV) 1 2 3 Total
USA, Howard, 30:40 19/19 6/6 -- 25/25
USA, Bachman, 29:20 -- 6/4 12/12 18/16
SWE, Fasth, 60:00 10/9 8/6 3/3 21/18

Power Play: USA 0-3; SWE 1-5
Penalties: USA 5-10; SWE 3-6

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. NBC Sports Network (Live)
Sat., May 5 Canada Helsinki 7:00 p.m./12:00 p.m. NBC Sports Network
(Delay/10:30 p.m. ET)
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)

Brian Smith Named 2012-13 Brian Fishman Intern

14th Recipient of Prestigious Brian Fishman Internship to Begin Duties in June

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - USA Hockey announced that Brian Smith (Woburn, Mass.) has been named the recipient of the 2012-2013 Brian Fishman Internship. Smith will work in the communications department at USA Hockey's national office in Colorado Springs, Colo., beginning in June.

The Brian Fishman Internship is awarded annually to an outstanding college graduate pursuing a career in athletic communications. It was established in 1999 in honor of the late Brian Fishman, who served as the manager of communications and marketing for USA Hockey's National Team Development Program. He died unexpectedly on Jan. 7, 1999, at age 28.

"Being selected for this internship is a tremendous honor and I sincerely thank the Fishman family and USA Hockey for providing me with this amazing opportunity," said Smith. “I hope that my passion and love for hockey will allow me to carry on Brian’s legacy for years to come, striving to work with the same enthusiasm, integrity and dedication to the sport that Brian displayed.”

Smith’s responsibilities will include assisting with various communication projects, event promotions and publishing initiatives, including working with USA Hockey Magazine.

Smith, who will graduate from Boston College in May, currently works for the Boston Bruins, where he has spent the past two years as a communications intern and as a member of the game night staff. His duties have included writing game recaps and feature stories, assisting with media accreditation and compiling game stats and notes. He was a part of the Bruins staff that was awarded the 2011-2012 Dick Dillman Award for the NHL’s Eastern Conference, given annually to the team judged to be the best in media relations.

Smith has also spent time with the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer. While working with the Revolution, the Massachusetts native oversaw donations from the New England Revolution Charitable Foundation and also assisted with public relations projects that involved matches with U.S. Soccer, the Spanish National Team and Manchester United, including publishing articles in Matchday Magazine and other periodicals.

While at Boston College, Smith was a four-year member of the varsity track team, where he competed as a sprinter in the Atlantic Coast Conference and was named to the All-New England Team as a freshman in 2009. He also earned a spot on the ACC Academic Honor Roll each of the past four years and was awarded the Athletic Director’s Award for Academic Achievement.

NOTES: Smith will become the 14th Brian Fishman Intern. Previous Brian Fishman Interns include (most recent listed first): Alex DiFilippo (East Tawas, Mich./Michigan State University) Caryn Switaj (Farmington Hills, Mich./Boston College), Matt Caracappa (Randolph, N.J./Penn State University), Carly Peters(Bloomington, Minn./Syracuse University), Chris Peters (Chicago, Ill./Iowa State University), Craig Stancher (Calumet, Mich./Michigan Tech University), Alex Clark (Glenview, Ill./Colgate University), Christy Jeffries (White Lake, Mich./Boston University), Caitlin Lazaro (Effingham, N.H./University of New Hampshire), Seth Cole (Blue Hill, Maine/St. Michael's College), Yariv Amir(Plainsboro, N.J./Colgate University), Cassy Maxton (Vandalia, Ohio/Miami University) and Jennifer Dame (St. Louis Park, Minn./St. Cloud State University).

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May is: Get Caught Reading Month, Grapefruit and Kiwi Month, National Barbeque Month, National Egg Month, National Hamburger Month, National Good Car Keeping Month, National Salad Month, National Salsa Month, Potatoes and Limes Month and Sweet Vidalia Onions Month.

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City of Regina asks Sask. Gov't for $230 million for stadium and downtown redevelopment.

Stampeders add quarterback called Gunslinger.

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

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Today is the Great American Grump Out and Roberts Rule of Order Day.

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It doesn't fit so good this way Daddy.

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Let's see, what's on the agenda for today....wash dishes, cook dinner, watch some hockey and baseball and love my family, as usual. How 'bout you?

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St. Petersburg, FL. --On a night when most wondered what the Rays' offense would resemble without Evan Longoria, Matt Joyce took care business in leading the Rays to a 3-1 win over the Mariners at Tropicana Field.

The Rays have now won seven in a row at Tropicana Field, where they have a 10-1 record on the season.

Read the rest here.

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Congrats to Borge Ousland and his new wife, Hege, who recently got married...at the North Pole. Borge used a helicopter to whisk his fiance, a priest, and a party of 15 to the northern most point on earth to get hitched. Why? Borge said, "For me it was all about marrying the woman I love in a place I love." Borge is an arctic explorer who has been to the area numerous times. Lots of pictures here.

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San Francisco, CA.-- Reality interfered with the Giants' fondest fantasy Tuesday night.

A fabulous story seemed destined to unfold. Buster Posey batted in the eighth inning with the bases loaded, one out and the Giants trailing the Miami Marlins by one run. Surely, Posey would deliver the hit that not only would win the game but also subdue the opponents San Francisco faced last May 25 when he sustained multiple left leg injuries in a home-plate collision. A measure of revenge would be exacted, though Posey has repeated that facing Miami has no special significance.

The scene developed quite differently. Facing reliever Edward Mujica, Posey smacked an inning-ending, rally-killing double-play grounder and a 2-1 loss to the Marlins was virtually sealed.

Read the rest here.

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Ann Romney has called her husband "wild and crazy". [For instance, there was this one time when Mitt took her to the Olive Garden without having reservations.]

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Today in Elvis History

1956 - For the first time in "Billboard" chart history, five singles were in both the pop and the R&B top 10. The singles were Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel," Carl Perkins' "Blue Suede Shoes," Little Richard's "Long Tall Sally," the Platters' "Magic Touch," and Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers' "Why Do Fools Fall in Love."

1959 - Elvis Presley's "(Now And Then There's) A Fool Such As I" hit #2 in the U.S.

1960 - Filming began on Elvis Presley's "G.I. Blues." It was his first post-Army movie.

1964 - The Elvis Presley soundtrack album "Kissin' Cousins" hit #6 in the U.S.

1969 - Elvis Presley shot the final scene for his final movie, "Change of Habit."

2000 - The Elvis Presley movie "G.I. Blues" was released on DVD.

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Facebook is all about sharing, and now Mark Zuckerberg wants you to take that to the next level by sharing, say, your kidney. Facebook is now allowing users to post to their timelines that they are organ donors, and provide an easy link to sign up with official organ donor registries. Zuckerberg says he was inspired to take the step both by his med student girlfriend, Priscilla Chan, and the plight of Steve Jobs, whose life was extended by a liver donation.

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Today in Beatles History:

1964 - "The Beatles' Second Album" hit #1 in the U.S. It replaced the album "Meet The Beatles!" in the #1 spot.

1975 - The Beatles closed Apple Records.

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Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson are proud new parents of a healthy baby girl they've named Maxwell Drew.

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Today in Sports History:

1876 - Ross Barnes hit the first homerun in the National League.

1904 - Laska Durnell became the first woman to own a Kentucky Derby starter and winner with Elwood.

1920 - In Indianapolis, the first game of the National Negro Baseball League was played.

1923 - Walter Johnson pitched his 100th shutout.

1939 - Lou Gehrig set a new major league baseball record when he played in his 2,130th consecutive game. The streak began on June 1, 1925.

1954 - Stan Musial (St. Louis Cardinals) set a new major league record when he hit 5 home runs in a doubleheader against the New York Giants.

1958 - The New York Yankees threatened to broadcast games nationwide if the National League went ahead with plans to broadcast their games into New York.

1970 - Diane Crump became the first female jockey to ride in the Kentucky Derby.

1988 - The Baltimore Orioles signed a 15 year lease to remain in Baltimore and get a new park.

1988 - Pete Rose (Cincinnati Reds) was suspended for 30 games for pushing an umpire.

2002 - Mike Cameron (Seattle Mariners) hit four home runs against the Chicago White Sox.

2009 - The Dallas Cowboys practice bubble collapsed during a storm during a practice. At the time, 27 players were working out. Almost all were drafted last weekend or signed as undrafted rookies. Twelve people were injured.

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Jack Benny's first radio show debuted on NBC Radio on this date in 1932.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Seattle Mariners 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Florida Marlins 10:15pm EDT

Thursday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Seattle Mariners 1:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Florida Marlins 3:45pm EDT

Friday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Oakland Athletics 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Milwaukee Brewers 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Aaron's 312 at Talladega Superspeedway 3:00pm EDT

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

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Oakland Athletics 7:10pm EDT

Sunday --

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 --

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

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

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Aaron's 312 at Talladega Superspeedway 3:00pm EDT

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

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

Sunday --

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

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

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

It's Tuesday

It's Tuesday. Here's what's happening....

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Today is May 1st, the 122nd day of 2012. There are 244 days left in the year.

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Monday's Scores:

East --

Washington 3, New York Rangers 2 (Series tied 1-1)

Wast --

Los Angeles 5, St. Louis 2 (Los Angeles leads series 2-0)

Tuesday's Games:

East --

New Jersey at Philadelphia (Philadelphia leads series 1-0) 7:30pm EDT NBCSN

West --

No games

Adams finalists: Hitchcock, MacLean, Tortorella.

Alfredsson to play for Sweden at World Championship.

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

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Today's Birthdays: Former astronaut Scott Carpenter (one of the original seven astronauts selected for NASA's Project Mercury) is 87; TV personality Paul Teutul Sr. (American Chopper) is 63; Country singer/actor Tim McGraw (Friday Night Lights) is 45.

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NTDP Announces Six Commitments for 2012-13 Season

Three Forwards, Two Defensemen and One Netminder Latest to be Named to U.S. Nat'l Under-17 Team

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - Forwards Anders Bjork (Mequon, Wis.), Nolan Stevens (Manhattan Beach, Calif.) and Joe Wegwerth (Brewster, N.Y.), along with defensemen Ryan Collins (Bloomington, Minn.) and Johnathan MacLeod (Dracut, Mass.) and netminder Blake Weyrick (Ojai, Calif.) have committed to join USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program for the 2012-13 season, it was announced today. The players, all from the 1996 birth year, will compete as members of the U.S. National Under-17 Team.

“We are proud and excited to welcome these six players,” said Peter Ward, director of player personnel for the NTDP. "The character and commitment level on each of these young men is outstanding."

Bjork appeared in 29 games for the Chicago Mission Midget Minor team of the High Performance Hockey League, tallying 14 goals and recording nine assists. His six game-winning goals were most in the HPHL, while his three power-play markers were a team best. Additionally, Bjork helped lead his team to the 2012 National Championship, Tier I Youth Under-16 semifinals.

Stevens played for the Los Angeles Junior Kings Midget Minor team of the Tier One Elite League. He averaged over a point per game (1.33), scoring 17 goals and adding 15 assists in 24 contests, missing time earlier in the year due to injury. He also helped lead his squad to the 2012 National Championship, Tier I Youth Under-16 semifinals.

Wegwerth comes from the Brewster Bulldogs of the Empire Junior Hockey League where he served as team captain during the 2011-12 season. He tallied 17 goals and collected 35 helpers in 34 games played.

Collins skated for Benilde-St. Margaret's (Minn.) High School of the Minnesota State High School League and notched one goal and recorded four assists in 29 games as the Red Knights claimed the 2012 MSHSL Class AA State Championship. He also registered a plus-11 rating on the season.

During the 2011-12 season, MacLeod skated for Kimball Union Academy (N.H.), helping the Wildcats claim the New England Prep School Ice Hockey Association championship. He collected 13 assists in 31 games.

Weyrick was most recently featured between the pipes for Shattuck-St. Mary's (Minn.), where he posted a 18-4-8 (W-L-T) record. He recorded a 2.43 goals-against average and a .900 save percentage.

NOTES: Wegwerth competed for Team USA in the 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games from Jan. 13-22, 2012, in Innsbruck, Austria ... The 2012-13 U.S. National Under-17 Team will play in the United States Hockey League, the top junior league in the U.S. It will also compete in three international competitions, including the 2013 World Under-17 Challenge … The U.S. National Under-17 Team will be comprised of two goaltenders, 12 forwards and eight defensemen ... The roster currently stands at 11 forwards, seven defensemen and one goaltender, having previously announced commitments by forwards Jack Eichel (North Chelmsford, Mass.), Jared Fiegl (Parker, Colo.), Ryan Hitchcock (Manhasset, N.Y.), Dylan Larkin (Waterford, Mich.), Ryan MacInnis (St. Louis, Mo.), Sonny Milano (Massapequa, N.Y.), Alex Tuch (Baldwinsville, N.Y.) and Chris Wilkie (Omaha, Neb.), along with defensemen Louis Belpedio (Skokie, Ill.), Nathan Billitier (Spencerport, N.Y.), Ryan Bliss (Bedford, N.H.), Jack Glover (Golden Valley, Minn.) and Joshua Wesley (Raleigh, N.C.).

Palmieri Added to 2012 U.S. Men's National Team

Team USA to Compete in IIHF World Men's Championship, May 4-20, in Finland

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Forward Kyle Palmieri (Smithtown, N.Y./Anaheim Ducks/Univ. of Notre Dame) has been added to the U.S. Men's National Team roster for the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation Men's World Championship it was announced today by USA Hockey. The tournament begins Friday (May 4) and runs through May 20 in Helsinki, Finland, and Stockholm, Sweden.

Palmieri will be making his U.S. Men's National Team debut, however, he is no stranger to international competition. He helped the United States capture the gold medal at the 2010 IIHF World Junior Championship and also a bronze medal at the 2011 IIHF World Junior Championship. He was also part of the bronze medal-winning U.S. National Under-18 Team at the 2008 IIHF Men's Under-18 World Championship.

Team USA's roster now includes 13 forwards, seven defensemen and three goaltenders. The maximum roster size is 25, which includes three goaltenders and 22 forwards and defensemen.

For Team USA's updated roster, click here.

NOTES: Twenty of the 23 members of Team USA announced 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 will serve 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 is scheduled to televise all Team USA games in the 2012 IIHF Men's World Championship. The complete television schedule is available here.

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. NBC Sports Network (Live)
Sat., May 5 Canada Helsinki 7:00 p.m./12:00 p.m. NBC Sports Network
(Delay/10:30 p.m. ET)
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)

USA Hockey Renews Agreement with Easton Sports


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- USA Hockey today announced the renewal of an agreement with longtime partner Easton Sports as an Official Equipment Supplier and an Official Marketing Partner.

Easton will provide hockey equipment to all U.S. National Teams and various USA Hockey programs over the term of the agreement.

"It was important for us to extend our relationship with such a valued brand," said Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey. "Easton has been a significant partner for many years and shares in our interest in the continued growth and development of the sport."

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with USA Hockey," said Chris Zimmerman, president of Easton Sports. "Their expertise in elevating youth hockey in the United States is unparalleled and with the enormous responsibility they carry in moving the sport forward in the coming years, we are proud to play a role."

ABOUT USA HOCKEY
USA Hockey, Inc., founded in 1937 and headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colo., is the National Governing Body of the sport of ice hockey in the United States. With a membership of nearly 600,000 players, coaches, officials and volunteers that span all 50 states, USA Hockey provides the foundation for the sport of ice hockey in America; helps young people become leaders, sometimes even Olympic heroes; and connects the game at every level while promoting a lifelong love of the sport. For more information, visit usahockey.com.

ABOUT EASTON:
Easton Sports is a developer, manufacturer, marketer and distributor of baseball, softball, hockey, and lacrosse equipment for both sports professionals and enthusiasts. Easton focuses on its ability to innovate and create products of unmatched quality and performance including the #1 bat in the College World Series®, Women’s College World Series®, Little League World Series®, and Slow-Pitch Softball, as well as the #1 stick in the National Hockey League. Headquartered in Van Nuys, Calif., Easton Sports maintains facilities in Utah, California, Mexico, Canada and Asia. For further information, please visit the company online at www.easton.com.

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Bread Pudding Recipe Exchange Week and Update Your References Week both start today.

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Saskatchewan tosses around new stadium pitch from Regina, but no price tag.

Sanchez, Geathers vying to be Leos.

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

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Today is: Amtrak Day, Batman Day, Childhood Depression Awareness Day, Executive Coaching Day, Global Love Day, Keep Kids Alive! Drive 25 Day, Law Day, Lei Day, Loyalty Day, Mother Goose Day, National Dance Day, New Homeowner's Day, School Principal's Day, Silver Star Day, Stepmother's Day and World Asthma Day.

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Are you ready for some football?

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Let's see, what's on the agenda for today....Go to the doctor (different one), wash dishes, cook dinner, watch some hockey and love my family. How 'bout you?

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St. Petersburg, FL. -- The Rays received another dose of walk-off magic Monday night, ending April on a high note as they beat the Mariners, 3-2, in 12 innings before a Tropicana Field crowd of 9,458.

In Tampa Bay's first extra-inning game of the season, Elliot Johnson knocked an RBI single to left field against Mariners closer Brandon League to score Ben Zobrist. Zobrist reached on a one-out walk and moved to second on Carlos Pena's single, then scored on Johnson's first career walk-off hit.

The win brought the Rays' April record to 15-8, the second-best in franchise history behind only the 17-6 mark they posted in April 2010.

Read the rest here.

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ON DVD TODAY - Joyful Noise (Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton); Haywire (Gina Carano, Michael Fassbender, Michael Douglas); New Year's Eve (Halle Berry, Jessica Biel, Jon Bon Jovi, Abigail Breslin, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Robert De Niro, Josh Duhamel, Zac Efron, Héctor Elizondo, Katherine Heigl, Ashton Kutcher, Seth Meyers, Lea Michele, Sarah Jessica Parker, Michelle Pfeiffer, Hilary Swank, Sofía Vergara); W.E. (directed by Madonna); Who Do You Think You Are? - Season 2; Kojak - Season 4; Felicity - Season 1; Felicity - Season 2

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San Francisco, CA.-- Barry Bonds gestured toward a Jumbotron-size photograph of a teenage girl, clad in a Giants cap and full uniform, sitting on the top step of AT&T Park's home dugout while resting a bat on her left shoulder and gazing longingly toward home plate.

"That's who I saw," Bonds said, sharing his enduring image of Alexis Busch.

Read the rest here.

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The Avengers movie opens Friday. [An all-star group of superheroes form a new team and soon face their first major challenge: staying under the salary cap.]

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Today in Elvis History

1956 - The Elvis Presley album "Heartbreak Hotel" and his single "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You," were released.

1962 - Upon returning to California, from Hawaii, Elvis Presley resumed filming "Girls! Girls! Girls!" on Stage 5 at the Paramount Studios.

1967 - Elvis Presley and Priscilla Beaulieu were married in Las Vegas. They were together until 1973.

1987 - A U.S. federal court ruled that a British retailer could not sell unlicensed Elvis Presley merchandise.

2001 - Lisa Marie Presley sold her waterfront mansion in Clearwater, FL, to Kirstie Alley.

2003 - Lisa Marie Presley was a guest and performer on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

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Nadya Suleman, better known as "Octomom," is officially bankrupt. The mother of 14 has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in federal court.

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Today in Beatles History:

1963 - The Beatles hired Tony Barrow as their press agent.

1966 - The Beatles played for their last paying audience in the U.K. The event was the New Musical Express Poll Winner's Party. Actor Clint Walker presented the Beatles with their award.

1968 - At London's Royal Albert Hall, Paul McCartney and John Lennon attended Bill Haley's concert.

1970 - George Harrison and Bob Dylan recorded together. They played the Beatles' "Yesterday," Dylan's "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues," and "Da Doo Ron Ron."

1999 - An exhibition of Paul McCartney's paintings opened in Seigen, Germany. One of the works was a portrait of David Bowie.

2012 - The documentary "George Harrison: Living In The Material World" was released.

2012 - The soundtrack "Early Takes Volume 1: Music From The Martin Scorsese Picture Living In The Material World" was released.

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One of the Jonas Brothers is jumping on the reality TV bandwagon. Married To Jonas will follow the newly married Kevin and Danielle Jonas as they face the struggles of everyday life and staged television scenarios together. Ryan Seacrest Productions has undertaken the project and will produce a 10-episode, half-hour series for E!

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Today in Sports History:

1883 - In Philadelphia, the first National League game was played since 1876.

1884 - Moses Walker became the first black player in major league baseball.

1901 - The Detroit Tigers committed 12 errors against the Chicago White Sox.

1901 - Herb McFarland hit the first grand slam in the American League.

1920 - Babe Ruth hit his first home run as a New York Yankee. It was his 50th career home run.

1920 - The Brooklyn Dodgers and the Boston Braves tied after a 26-inning game.

1922 - Charlie Robertson (Chicago White Sox) pitched a perfect no-hit, no-run game against the Detroit Tigers. The Sox won 3-0. Another perfect game did not come along until 46 years later.

1926 - Satchel Page made his pitching debut in the Negro Southern League.

1951 - Mickey Mantle hit his first home run.

1951 - Minnie Minoso became the first black player to play for the Chicago White Sox.

1962 - Bo Belinsky pitched a no-hitter in only his fourth start.

1969 - Leonard Tose bought the NFL's Philadelphia Eagles for $16,155,000.

1986 - Bill Elliot set a stock car speed record when he went 212.229 mile per hour.

1991 - Nolan Ryan (Texas Rangers) pitched his 7th no-hitter.

1992 - The Los Angeles Dodgers postponed three games due to riots due to the Rodney King case.

1992 - Rickey Henderson stole his 1,000th base.

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If you like Men in Black movies and time travel movies, Will Smith hopes you like this summer's Men in Black III. The idea to turn MiB III into a time travel flick was his idea -- conceived ten years ago during the filming of Men in Black II.

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Coming up:

Tonight --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Seattle Mariners 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Florida Marlins 10:15pm EDT

Wednesday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Seattle Mariners 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Florida Marlins 10:15pm EDT

Thursday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Seattle Mariners 1:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Florida Marlins 3:45pm EDT

Friday --

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Oakland Athletics 7:10pm EDT

MLB -- San Francisco Giants vs Milwaukee Brewers 10:15pm EDT

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Aaron's 312 at Talladega Superspeedway 3:00pm EDT

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

MLB -- Tampa Bay Rays vs Oakland Athletics 7:10pm EDT

Sunday --

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 --

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

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

Saturday --

Nascar Nationwide Series -- Aaron's 312 at Talladega Superspeedway 3:00pm EDT

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

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

Sunday --

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

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

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