{allcanada} Underdogs have their day at Juno Gala

 

The underdogs had their day at the Juno Awards. As did The Sheepdogs.

The shaggy Saskatoon rockers snapped up two trophies at Saturday's non-televised gala, winning New Group of the Year and Rock Album honours for their third record Learn & Burn.

The disc beat Arkells' Michigan Left, Matthew Good's Lights of Endangered Species, Sam Roberts Band's Collider and Sloan's Double Cross in the album race, while the band defeated Braids, Hey Rosetta!, Mother Mother and Rural Alberta Advantage in the group stakes.

The awards — the band's first Junos — cap a year-long Cinderella story for the hard-working quartet, who shot to prominence after winning a Rolling Stone contest and having their picture grace the music mag's cover in 2011. They could extend their winning streak to three on Sunday, when their song I Don't Know will vie for Single of the Year during the televised broadcast hosted by William Shatner. Ironically, the band's well-established work ethic — they're on tour in Australia supporting John Fogerty — kept them from enjoying their success in person.

Singer-songwriter Feist also won another pair of Junos on Saturday, bringing her career total to 10. Her fourth album Metals took the Adult Alternative Album prize, while the documentary Look at What the Light Did Now won the Music DVD trophy.

"I'm a little shocked," said Feist, accepting her album prize. "I guess I just want to say that I'm really proud that I get to keep making records."

She's also up for Artist and Songwriter of the Year — two of the seven remaining awards to be handed out at Scotiabank Place.

Feist was one of only a few big names to attend the ceremonies — a situation reflected in the evening's events, which saw Goliaths defeated by Davids and favourites fall to dark horses in several of the 36 categories. Among the upsets:

• Hamilton rockers The Arkells took Group of the Year honours, beating Nickelback, Sam Roberts Band, Hedley and Down With Webster. Not bad for five guys who just won Best New Group two years ago. "It's like March madness and we're a 15th seed that just beat a second seed ... we're gonna go all the way," said frontman Max Kerman, adding "we're excited for all the vitriol from Hedley fans on Twitter." Don't cry for Nickelback, either; they're still up for Album and Single of the Year, along with the Fan Choice Award.

• Vancouver-based pop-punks Hedley — fronted by the flamboyant Jacob Hoggard — won Pop Album of the Year with Storms, knocking out discs by Avril Lavigne, Down With Webster, Lights and Marianas Trench. "It's been a long time coming," admitted Hoggard after bounding onto the stage. Indeed, it was only their second Juno after 18 nominations, and probably sweeter than the Video of the Year trophy they got last year. Consider their Juno curse broken.

• Winnipeg's KEN mode snatched the inaugural Metal / Hard Music Album trophy from the clutches of sentimental favourites Anvil. The Prairie metalheads — whose first name stands for Kill Everyone Now — were rewarded for their critically acclaimed fourth album Venerable, which defeated the long-suffering Toronto vets' unfortunately titled Juggernaut of Justice. Despite being giant killers, the trio remained humble. "We respect them," drummer Shane Matthewson said. "They've been a band longer than we've been alive. We're sorry to spoil the party."

• Vancouver indie-folk singer-songwriter Dan Mangan — up for his first Junos — went home with the Alternative Album prize thanks to his disc Oh Fortune, which outperformed David Comes to Life, the universally acclaimed rock opera from Toronto punks F---ed Up. "I'm a big fan of all the bands in this category, so it's really mindblowing," Mangan said. "It's kind of surreal." The rising star is also up for New Artist and Songwriter of the Year this weekend.

Other notable winners on Saturday:

• Drake's outstanding sophomore album Take Care won the Rap Recording prize over discs by Classified, D-Sisive, Kardinal Offishall and Swollen Members. He's also up for three more prizes on Sunday, though he's not expected to attend after being stiffed at the awards last year. Fellow nominees Justin Bieber and Michael Buble are also expected to be no-shows.

• Recent Grammy double-winner Melanie Fiona added another piece of hardware to her trophy case, taking the R&B / Soul Recording prize for Gone and Never Coming Back.

• Homegrown folk legend Bruce Cockburn won his 11th Juno for Small Source of Comfort, which garnered the Solo Roots and Traditional Album prize.

• Alberta singer Terri Clark won her third Juno for Country Album of the Year, thanks to her eighth record Roots and Wings.

• Montreal pop-punks Simple Plan were honoured with the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award for their charitable work. The band's foundation funds a number of youth-oriented causes. Fittingly, they are the youngest recipients of the accolade.

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{allcanada} VAN BEILEN STEPS INTO SPOTLIGHT AT CANADA'S OLYMPIC SWIM TRIALS

 

MONTREAL -- Tera Van Beilen stole the show in Saturday's marquee race and made Canada's Olympic swim team in a second event.

The women's 200-metre breaststroke final was billed as a showdown between world record holder Annamay Pierse and world championship bronze medallist Martha McCabe.

But it was Van Beilen, an 18-year-old from Oakville, Ont., who touched the wall first in a time of two minutes 24.03. McCabe was second in 2:24.81, which was also good enough to qualify for London.

Those times are currently the second- and third-fastest in the world this year, according to Swimming Canada, behind the 2:22.73 of reigning Olympic champion Rebecca Soni of the U.S.

With one day of trials remaining Sunday, 30 athletes have earned the right to represent Canada in the pool in London.

A maximum of two swimmers per event can qualify with the exception freestyle because four swimmers have to be chosen for the relay.

Julia Wilkinson of Stratford, Ont., picked up her third victory by winning the 100-metre freestyle. Runner-up Victoria Poon of Hong Kong also qualified.

Toronto's Heather MacLean and Samantha Cheverton of Pointe-Claire, Que., round out the women's freestyle relay team.

Joe Bartoch of London, Ont., will race the men's Olympic 100-metre butterfly for the second time in his career. Toronto's Tobias Oriwol qualified in the men's 200-metre backstroke.

Vancouver's Savannah King and Toronto's Alexa Komarnycky finished first and second respectively in the women's 800-metre freestyle to book their tickets to London. King also qualified in the 400-metres earlier this week.

Van Beilen burst into tears when she finished second in the 100 breaststroke Tuesday and qualified for London for the first time.

The pressure to make the Olympic team off her shoulders, the first-year University of British Columbia student was more in control of her emotions Saturday.

"I said to myself this morning if I do end up making the team, the tears are going to stay inside of me this time," she said. "A lot of people came up to me two days ago saying I got them to tears, so I didn't want to do that again.

"I wanted to race and have fun and be more happy when I came out."

Pierse, who still holds the long-course record of 2:20.12 set in 2009, was fifth in 2:27.14.

"It's actually really hard to see because I know how much Annamay has put into the sport and she's a really hard worker," McCabe said. "We really wouldn't be where we are today in breaststroke if it wasn't for Annamay.

"She still has the world record, so she knows something we don't know still. You can't take away from her."

Pierce is the second swim star to fall short of the Olympic team at these trials. Mike Brown, fourth in the 100-metre breaststroke at the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing, also did not qualify.

After setting the world record in 2009, Pierse had a difficult season. She suffered through a debilitating bout of dengue fever contracted at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.

"It really has been the hardest two or three years of my life," Pierse said through her tears. "This is sport. It's what I love about it. It's what I hate about it, the ups and the downs.

"Unfortunately, I've had more downs than ups in the last little while."

Wilkinson was also first in the 100-metre backstroke and the 200-metre individual medley at trials. She'll try for a fourth win in the 200-metre backstroke Sunday.

"My dad, when I was little, used to bribe me to do well at meets, so he said on the subway today 'you know, if you go four-for-four I'll buy you an iPad,"' Wilkinson said. "The 200-back is going to be hard, but iPad right?"

Bartoch says Canada needs more depth in men's butterfly.

"A couple of years ago, I put it out (there) if somebody beats me, I'll retire," the 29-year-old said. "No one's really come up to the challenge yet. When Mike Minentko retired, there was a big void there. I had to catch up where he was.

"I wish somebody was coming up. No one is coming to London and saying 'I want to train with Joe Bartoch and do what he's doing' so they're kind of paying for it It's always good to train with someone faster than you. I've been around for awhile so I have a lot of advice I could give."

Oriwol finished 15th in backstroke in the event in Beijing.

"My hopes are to be deep in the final," Oriwol said. "As you can see already at the Olympic trials, if you're in the final anything can happen. Upsets happen and people don't swim like they're supposed to. Once I'm in the final, I just want to have a lane."

McCabe was cheered on a large contingent in green T-shirts that said "Team Fleabag."

"My dad used to call me the flea growing up," she explained. "I didn't know they were going to do that."

McCabe cautioned than even though she and Van Beilen posted eye-catching times, there are other countries who have yet to hold their Olympic trials and everyone will be quicker come London.

"Those times might get bumped down," McCabe said. "Whether they do or not, by the time we get there, we're going to have to be faster."

The Paralympic trials are running in conjunction with trials. Montreal's Benoit Huot won his fourth race in as many nights with a victory in the 100-metre butterfly.

Valeria Grand-Maison, a triple gold medallist at the 2008 Paralympics, was fastest in the 100-metre butterfly.

Summer Mortimer of Burlington, Ont., took the women's 100-metre freestyle. Kyle McMahon of Prince George, B.C., was the men's 50-metre butterfly victor.

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{allcanada} Capitals blow lead, beat Canadiens 3-2 in shootout

 

WASHINGTON (AP)—The Washington Capitals welcomed back Nicklas Backstrom and took a big step toward the playoffs Saturday night, blowing a two-goal lead for the second game in a row before taking the shootout for a 3-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens.

The result, coupled with Toronto's 4-3 win over Buffalo, moved the Capitals two points clear of the Sabres with three games to play. Washington also moved within two points of Southeast Division leader Florida.

Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin scored in the shootout for the Capitals. David Desharnais had his attempt stopped by goaltender Michal Neuvirth, and Max Pacioretty missed wide for the Canadiens.

The Capitals essentially put on a repeat performance from Thursday, when they also lost a 2-0 lead at Boston before getting a 3-2 shootout win.

Mathieu Perreault and Jay Beagle scored first-period goals, and Neuvirth made 38 saves for the Capitals, but the main attraction was top-line center Backstrom, who was sidelined for 40 games with a concussion.

Backstrom received a roaring reception when he was the last player introduced in the starting lineups, and even the singer of the Canadian and American national anthems wore a Backstrom No. 19 jersey.

The 24-year-old forward, who is fifth on the team with 42 points despite all the games he missed, took the faceoff that began the game.

Backstrom had been out since Jan. 3, when he was elbowed in a game against Calgary by Rene Bourque, who now plays with the Canadiens. Backstrom played nearly 20 minutes Saturday night and won 12 of his 18 faceoffs.

Erik Cole and Tomas Plekanec scored for the Canadiens. Peter Budaj made 31 saves.

The Canadiens are the worst team in the East, and they looked like it early. They gave the Capitals three power plays in the first 14 minutes, including one after Budaj was whistled for playing the puck outside the trapezoid behind the net.

The Capitals didn't convert any of those man-advantage chances, but they scored with a pair of easy odd-man rushes. On a two-on-one, Semin had his shot saved but corralled the rebound and passed to trailer Perrault for the goal. Beagle made it 2-0 with his third goal of the season, skating in unmarked to tap in a pass from Matt Hendricks.

But Washington lost the lead. Montreal cut it to one in the final minute of the period when Cole poked in a rebound, and the Canadiens' assertive play in the second period was rewarded when Plekanec skated around defenseman Roman Hamrlik to put a shot over Neuvirth's glove.

Notes: Canadiens C Petteri Nokelainen left the game in the second period with an upper body injury. … The Capitals placed D John Erskine on injured reserve with a lower body injury. He hasn't played since Feb. 12. … The Capitals have won six straight over Montreal.

 

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{allcanada} Halle Berry Gets Slimed at Kids' Choice Awards

 

 

Kids' Choice Awards 2012 host Will Smith wasn't just blowing smoke when he said Saturday night's show would be the "best show ever."

As soon as Smith hit the stage he warned: "No one is safe from the slime." Especially not Oscar winner Halle Berry, who was the first celeb to get covered in the neon green sludge.

Also not immune to the show's slime-for-all was first-timer Chris Colfer. The Glee star was presenting with Heidi Klum when one of Nickelodeon's award blimps spewed into his unsuspecting face.

The "hottest" slime of the night, though, goes to Taylor Lautner who fell prey to a fire-hose of slime after he won the favorite butt-kicker award.

But, by far the biggest, best slime of the night was saved for surprise celebrity guest and favorite male singer winner Justin Bieber. Slime exploded onto him and Will Smith to close out the show, and it looked like First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Sasha and Malia just barely missed being sprayed.

Check Nick.com for a complete list of nominees and winners.

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{allcanada} BAUTISTA HOMERS, BLUE JAYS BEAT HALLADAY AND THE PHILLIES

 

CLEARWATER, Fla. -- Roy Halladay was just glad to make it to the mound at all.

The ace right-hander pitched two innings in a rain-shortened final spring start, and the Philadelphia Phillies went on to an 8-5 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday.

Halladay allowed two runs and three hits, struck out three and walked none before a 37-minute rain delay interrupted the exhibition game. He finished his work inside the batting cage and is set to face the Pirates in Pittsburgh on opening day.

"I got to face some hitters which for there a little while we weren't sure if I was going to be in the cage from the get-go - I'll take it," said Halladay, who warmed up before the game with ominous clouds closing in on Clearwater. "If it's every going to rain it might as well be today on a short (start) as opposed to one where you're supposed to throw six or seven innings."

The 34-year-old Halladay will throw a side session on Monday in Philadelphia before making his 10th straight opening-day start on Thursday. No pitcher in baseball has made more consecutive opening-day starts.

"I'm happy with everything," Halladay said of his spring. "The last week is always tough. I'm looking forward to a change of scenery; I've been here since December, so I'm ready."

Jose Bautista, Edwin Encarnacion and Luis Valbuena homered for Toronto. Bautista hit a solo drive off David Herndon for his fourth spring homer.

Blue Jays left-hander Ricky Romero prepped for his opening-day start by retiring all six batters he faced, striking out two.

"I think that's the best I've felt all spring," Romero said. "I was sharp with all of my pitches. It's where I wanted to finish."

The 27-year-old Romero will make his second consecutive opening-day start on Wednesday in Cleveland. As the Blue Jays prepared to break camp, Romero spoke optimistically about the team's chances this season.

"I've said it all along, I lead by example, I'm not a rah-rah guy - I just come in and do my work," Romero said. "I feel like everyone is a leader in their own way. We're arrogant in a good way and know we can win. I think those are good qualities to have."

Phillies outfielder John Mayberry Jr. ended an 0-for-19 skid with a solo home run off Clint Everts in the seventh inning. It was Mayberry's first spring homer.

NOTES: Philadelphia RHP Mike Stutes (shoulder soreness) played catch. He will stay in Clearwater when the Phillies break camp Sunday and could throw in a minor league game Tuesday or Wednesday. The Phillies have not ruled him out for opening day. . RHP Jose Contreras "probably" will start the season on the disabled list, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro said. Contreras had elbow surgery in September and didn't begin throwing in games until mid-March. He could be activated on April 10. . Philadelphia C Carlos Ruiz continued his torrid spring by going 2 for 2 with a double. Ruiz is hitting .512 (21 for 41) with two home runs and seven doubles in 15 games. ... Toronto RHP Dustin McGowan (right foot plantar fasciitis) will begin the season on the disabled list. "The foot continues to feel better but we want to be sure every symptom is out of there," manager John Farrell said. "If the injury starts to alter the arm slot that starts to get into a dangerous area." . Blue Jays OF Ben Francisco (hamstring) was not with the team in Clearwater. Francisco is scheduled to play in a minor league game on Sunday. . Toronto 1B Adam Lind (lower back) could be back in the lineup Sunday. Lind, who has been out since Tuesday, resumed baseball activities Saturday. "He's feeling better and his back is free," Farrell said.

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From: surroundsound@googlegroups.com [mailto:surroundsound@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Greg Saydak
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{allcanada} Luongo expected to start

 

VANCOUVER -- Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo is expected to start Saturday when Vancouver hosts the Calgary Flames.

Coach Alain Vigneault confirmed Luongo will start, despite the goaltender experiencing stiffness in his neck Friday morning that led to backup Cory Schneider getting the start versus Dallas.

"I was able to loosen it up and see how it felt (Saturday) morning," said Luongo after his club's optional morning skate. "I feel fine. I was able to track pucks with my head, and I didn't have any problems."

The Canucks brought minor-league goaltender Eddie Lack to Rogers Arena just in case Luongo could not go. Lack's Chicago Wolves squad had just played two games in nearby Abbotsford, B.C., but Vigneault sent him home to the Windy City after learning an emergency recall was not necessary.

"We just kept him on hold for half and hour and then he went back," said Vigneault.

Luongo was scheduled to start Friday against Dallas, but he left the pre-game warmup early and was replaced by Schneider in the game, which the Canucks won 5-2. The Canucks No. 1 netminder experienced stiffness in his neck Friday morning, but did not loosen up sufficiently after the morning skate, afternoon treatment or the warmup.

Although Luongo has played through different ailments before, he felt this one was severe enough to impact his game.

"It was a tough call," said Luongo. "If this was a few years ago, I might have been a little bit more stubborn and tried to play."

While no update was provided on defenceman Kevin Bieksa, who missed two previous games because of what Vigneault has described as maintenance days, winger Andrew Ebbett was pencilled in for his first game since suffering a broken collarbone in Boston in early January.

"Our plan was to give him a couple of games here before the end of the (regular) season, so tonight is one of those games," said Vigneault.

Vigneault left it up to Ebbett to tell him when he was ready. The winger was cleared for contact within the past 10 days. Doctors gave him the okay Wednesday and then he told Vigneault he was ready to go.

Ebbett's return gave the Canucks a healthy extra forward for the first time since high-scoring winger Daniel Sedin was sidelined with a concussion March 21 in Chicago. Vigneault said he did not have an update on Sedin.

Keith Ballard, recuperating from a concussion and neck injury that has sidelined him since early February took part in the optional skate. But the defenceman still has not been cleared for contact.

"Every day has been good, I've been progressing," said Ballard. "I feel good on the ice just skating up and down. I had a lot of hard skates, starting when the team was on the road, but that's just skating, doing footwork, edgework. You are getting a lot of conditioning that way, but game situations are different."

The Canucks close out their regular season with games Thursday in Calgary and Saturday at home against Edmonton in the week.

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{allcanada} DeadMau5 Madonna Feud Was THE WORST

Seems Deadmau5 is experiencing a little post-feud remorse ... admitting things didn't go exactly as planned in his cyber-feud with Madonna.

The super DJ was at Pearson International Airport in Canada yesterday ... when he was asked about the Madonna thing ... and he replied, "How is it?! It's terrible."

As we previously reported, Deadmau5 had accused the singer of promoting drug use at a recent electronic music festival ... but Madge fired back, claiming he totally misinterpreted her comments ... and scolded him for not addressing his gripe privately.

Now, it's obvious Deadmau5 just wants the controversy to go away ... saying, "It's just a little trite ... everyone will forget about it."

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{allcanada} QMJHL: TITAN EDGE SAGUENEENS TO FORCE GAME 6

The Acadie-Bathurst Titan aren't finished just yet.

Down three games to one and their season on the line, Sebastien Trudeau scored at 15:34 of overtime in Game 5 as the Titan edged the host Chicoutimi Sagueneens 3-2 on Friday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League playoff action.

Captain Christophe Losier and Christophe Lalancette also had goals for the Titan, who have been outscored 22-13 in the series.

Steve Lebel and Etienne Brodeur each scored for the Sagueneens, who lost for the first time on home ice in six contests dating back to the regular season.

Robert Steeves stopped 27 shots for the win as Christopher Gibson turned away 39 shots in a losing effort.

Acadie-Bathurst went 0-for-1 on the power play while Chicoutimi scored once on three chances with the man advantage.

The Sagueneens now lead the series 3-2 with Game 6 scheduled for Sunday in Bathurst, N.B.

Lebel opened the game with a goal at 2:26 of the first period to give Chicoutmi a 1-0 lead after 20 minutes of play.

Both clubs combined for 22 total shots in the second period but neither team could find the back of the net.

Losier tied the game at 8:52 of the third, then at 14:30 Lalancette scored to give the Titan a 2-1 lead.

The lead didn't last long as Brodeur scored on the power play at 17:07 to force overtime.

Each team managed nine shots on goal in the extra time but it was Trudeau who scored with less than four minutes remaining to keep his club alive.

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{allcanada} OHL: RANGERS ADVANCE TO SECOND ROUND WITH WIN OVER ATTACK

The Kitchener Rangers are moving on to the second round of the Ontario Hockey League playoffs because of a trio of veteran players.

Tobias Rieder had two goals and added two assists as the Kitchener Rangers eliminated the Owen Sound Attack from the post-season on Friday with a 4-2 victory.

Rieder's four points moved him into second place in OHL playoff scoring with 13 points, one behind teammate Michael Catenacci, who collected a pair of assists on the night.

Andrew Crescenzi also had two goals and an assist for the Rangers to improve his series totals to four goals and eight points.

Crescenzi's three-point effort has him tied for fifth in playoff scoring, which gives the Rangers three of the top five league scorers through one round of playoff hockey.

Cameron Brace scored both goals for the Attack.

John Gibson stopped 51 shots for the win while Scott Stajcer turned away 23 of 27 shots in a losing effort.

Kitchener went 3 for 7 on the power play as Owen Sound scored once on six opportunities with the man advantage.

After taking their opening series 4-1, the Rangers will now have to wait for both the Plymouth Whalers-Guelph Storm series and Sarnia Sting-Saginaw Spirit series to finish before they know who they will face in the second round.

Elsewhere in the OHL, it was: Saginaw 5, Sarnia 2 and Ottawa 5, Belleville 2.

At Kitchener, Ont., Crescenzi opened the scoring with a power-play goal just 1:15 in to the game.

Brace responded with the man advantage for Owen Sound at 5:22 but Crescenzi added another power-play goal 1:09 later to give the Rangers a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes of play.

Rieder scored Kitchener's third power-play goal of the game at 7:31 of the second period however Brace scored shorthanded at 10:24 to make it a one-goal game heading into the final period of the game.

Owen Sound outshot the Rangers 18-7 in the final period but Gibson turned away everything he faced and Rieder added an insurance goal at 11:51.

---

Spirit 5 Sting 2

At Sarnia, Ont., Brandon Saad scored twice and set up two more and defenceman Steven Strong earned the game's first star by chipping in with three assists as Saginaw defeated the Sting to take a 3-2 series lead.

---

67's 5 Bulls 2

At Ottawa, Shane Prince had three goals while Tyler Toffoli and Sean Monahan each had a goal and an assist as the 67's took a 3-2 series edge with their third win at home over Belleville.

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{allcanada} WHL: CHIEFS BEAT GIANTS TO AVOID ELIMINATION

VANCOUVER -- Mitch Holmberg scored twice as the Spokane Chiefs defeated the host Vancouver Giants 5-1 on Friday in Western Hockey League playoff action.

Darren Kramer, Blake Gal and Liam Stewart also scored for the Chiefs while Mike Aviani chipped in with two assists.

Brendan Gallagher scored the lone goal for the Giants, who have now dropped three straight games after opening the series with two victories at home.

Eric Williams made 23 saves for the win while Adam Morrison turned away 19 shots in defeat.

Spokane went 1 for 4 on the power play as Vancouver scored once on six chances with the man advantage.

The Chiefs now lead the Western Conference Quarterfinal series 3-2 with Game 6 to be played on Sunday in Washington at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena.

Warriors 5, Pats 2

MOOSE JAW, Sask. -- James Henry had a goal and an assist as the Moose Jaw Warriors eliminated the visiting Regina Pats from Western Hockey League playoff action with a 5-2 win on Friday.

Moose Jaw won the Eastern Conference first-round series 4-1.

Justin Kirsch scored 16 seconds into the game for the Warriors and before the period was through, they held a 4-0 lead.

"The start was huge. That's what we emphasized in the room," said Warriors captain Kendall McFaull. "We can't sit back and see how they come out to play, we have to come out and dictate the pace,"

Brayden Point, Torrin White and Cody Beach also scored first-period goals for Moose Jaw while Cam Braes and Dallas Ehrhardt chipped in with two assists each.

While the Warriors scored four times on 14 shots in the first 20 minutes, Regina failed to register a single shot on goal.

"Any time you can hold a team to no shots it's pretty impressive," said Braes.

Trent Ouellette and Lane Scheidl both scored for the Pats.

Luke Siemens made 14 saves for the win as Adam Beukeboom stopped 27 of 32 shots in a losing effort.

Moose Jaw went 1 for 3 on the power play while Regina failed to score on either of their chances with the man advantage.

The Warriors will face the Medicine Hat Tigers in round two and their first game will be next Friday in Moose Jaw at Mosaic Place.

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{allcanada} Calgary (35-29-15) at Vancouver (48-21-9)

Calgary (35-29-15) at Vancouver (48-21-9)

• TV: CBC

• Puck Drop: 10:00 pm EDT Sat Mar 31, 2012

Superb goaltending is one reason the Vancouver Canucks are already Northwest Division champions for a fourth consecutive season, and are attempting a run at another Presidents' Trophy.

It looks like the Calgary Flames may miss out on the playoffs for a third straight season.

The Canucks look to extend their longest winning streak of 2011-12 and officially eliminate the Flames from the playoff race Saturday night at Rogers Arena.

Stellar work from netminders Cory Schneider and Roberto Luongo has helped Vancouver (48-21-9) win five in a row to pull within a point of St. Louis for first place in the Western Conference. The Canucks are two points behind the New York Rangers in the race for the Presidents' Trophy, which they won for the first time last season.

All three clubs have four games left in the regular season, and Schneider and Luongo may provide the difference in the race.

Schneider is 12-2-1 with a 1.79 goals-against average and one shutout in his last 15 games, including a 1.00 GAA while winning three in a row. He made 28 saves in Friday's 5-2 victory over Dallas.

Luongo is 2-0-1 over his past three starts, including a 1-0 victory over Los Angeles on Monday, his most recent outing. Schneider has started the last two games - made necessary after Luongo woke up with a stiff neck Friday and couldn't get loose during warmups.

"You never want to be forced into that situation," Schneider said. "You hope everything is fine with Lou, but that's my job."

Vancouver now will try to win six straight for the first time since a seven-game run March 5-16, 2011.

All-Star center Henrik Sedin had three assists Friday for the Canucks, giving him 10 over his last nine contests and six during the five-game winning streak.

Twin brother Daniel Sedin, the team leader with 30 goals, is expected to miss a sixth consecutive game with a concussion.

Chris Higgins has been filling the scoring void effectively, netting four goals in four games to match the total from his previous 33 games. Higgins has two goals and two assists in his last three meetings with Calgary.

The Flames (35-29-15) are on the brink of elimination due in part to a 1-4-3 slump, which has left them five points behind Dallas and Phoenix for the final two playoff spots with three games left in the regular season.

Calgary has been held to two goals or fewer in each loss during that woeful stretch, including Friday's 4-1 home defeat to Colorado.

"In the last eight games, that's probably been the worst defensive games I've seen this team play all year and that's why our offense has struggled," coach Brent Sutter said. "You can't score seven goals in seven games when you're having 20-some goals scored against you. It doesn't work."

Jarome Iginla ended a seven-game goal drought when he tallied against the Avalanche. However, the captain has just one goal in his last 13 meetings with Vancouver - none in the past four.

These teams will conclude their season series Thursday in Calgary in the penultimate game of the regular season for both clubs.

Team Comparison

Team	G	W	L	OTL	Pts	Standings	GF	GA	Road/Home
Calgary	79	35	29	15	85	3rd, Northwest	192	219	14-17-9 Road
Vancouver	78	48	21	9	105	1st, Northwest	236	189	24-10-4 Home

Injuries

Mikael Backlund C

Steve Pinizzotto RW, Aaron Volpatti LW, Keith Ballard D

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{allcanada} Canada seeks Olympic berth vs. Mexico

The math is easy.

There are no confusing tie-breakers. No goal difference comparisons to make. No need to figure out how results in other games fit into the picture.

None of that.

All Canada has to do to qualify for the London Games is defeat Mexico in Saturday night's CONCACAF Men's Olympic qualifying semifinal match in Kansas City.

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PROGRAMMING ALERT: Watch Canada play Mexico Saturday in the semifinals of CONCACAF Olympic qualifying on Sportsnet East, West, Ontario and Pacific. Coverage begins at 8:30 p.m. ET/ 5:30 p.m. PT with 30-minute SOCCER CENTRAL pre-show featuring Gerry Dobson and Craig Forrest teeing up the do-or-die match from Livestrong Sporting Park in Kansas City. Watch the live stream of the match on sportsnet.ca HERE

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Win, and they're in. Lose, and Canada's Olympic drought, which dates back to 1984, continues for at least another four years.

Despite its shocking 2-0 upset win over the United States in the tournament group stage, Canada's under-23 side enters Saturday's winner-take-all affair with Mexico as the decided underdog.

The Canadians looked limp in settling for a 1-1 draw against lowly Cuba in their final round-robin match, while the Mexicans blanked Panama 1-0 to finish the group stage with a perfect three wins from three games, beating their opponents by combined score of 11-1.

Mexico also boasts no fewer than nine players who played for their country's senior side at last year's Copa America (South American championship) in Argentina.

The odds are clearly against Canada, but coach Tony Fonseca maintains a fearless attitude ahead of the match.

"We are very aware the huge mountain ahead of us but as far as I'm concerned it's a 50-50 chance. It's like playing the lottery: you're in it to win it," Fonseca told reporters on a conference call Friday.

"We know how important this is for the program, the players, for the country. We know our responsibilities and we're going to try our best."

It's that kind of mindset that Craig Forrest believes Canadian players need to have if they are to upset the heavily-favoured Mexicans.

"They should take the confidence they got from the (U.S.) game into the Mexican game," said Forrest, a former goalkeeper for Canada's national senior team.

"There's been lots of changes in the team and the lineup with three games in five days ... They've had lots of time to rest. Go into it with some confidence. Have a real go and leave it on the pitch."

Canada has received excellent play from Michal Misiewicz. The FC Edmonton goalkeeper has earned two shutouts in this competition, and he's made a handful of timely and crucial saves for Canada. More importantly, he's shown great poise and maturity.

"He wasn't even necessarily the No. 1 (goalkeeper) coming in, but he's certainly stamped his authority on that position. If he plays anywhere near what he's done in this tournament against Mexico, we'll be pretty impressed," Forrest said.

Canada's defence has only surrendered one goal thus far in the tournament. They should have their hands full Saturday with the Mexican striker tandem of Alan Pulido and Marco Fabian, who have combined for seven of their country's 11 goals.

Fonseca was tight-lipped about his starting line-up and how he plans to tactically approach this match, saying only that Mexico is a dangerous opponent.

"We are very aware of what Mexico can do," Fonseca conceded. "Obviously we're not going to mention any tactics about the game. We'll save that for ourselves."

How focused is Fonseca on Saturday's match? So focused that he doesn't want anybody to bring up how Canada battled Mexico to a 1-1 draw in qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Games.

That was then, and this is now, the Canadian coach bluntly stated.

"We don't focus too much on the past. The past belongs to the museums. It's about the present," he said.

El Salvador plays Honduras in Saturday's other semifinal. The two semifinal winners automatically qualify for the London Olympics. The CONCACAF tournament final is scheduled for Monday evening in Kansas City.

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{allcanada} 'Mr. Hockey' turns 84, still revered in Wings' room

 

DETROIT -- Gordie Howe turns 84 years old on Saturday, but his connection to the Detroit Red Wings never seems to age.

The man who became known as "Mr. Hockey" while wearing the Winged Wheel on his chest has always had a connection to the Red Wings and Detroit since his playing days, and it remains a strong bond even now.

Howe and fellow Red Wings legend Ted Lindsay have been known to make appearances in the Detroit locker room for practices and games, and aren't shy about doling out advice or opinions.

"Well, obviously [Howe] and [Alex Delvecchio] and [Ted Lindsay], they're the guys who are around the most, but we have a huge alumni and I think you're going to see that next year at the Winter Classic and I think it's important for those guys to be involved," Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said on Friday. "When you're in a franchise as historic as this and they can be involved, it's a special, special thing."

Babcock said he was friends with Howe's nephew, Bruce Clark, when he was a kid and always looked forward to meeting the legend.

"[Even] thinking of just meeting him was a thrill … never mind getting to be around him, having him walking into your room and talking to the guys," Babcock said. "It's spectacular. That's what's great about the Original Six."

Red Wings star forward Henrik Zetterberg agrees. He's Swedish, but said Howe is one of only a few NHL stars from the distant past who is revered in Sweden.

"There's not many that get talked about back home, but he's definitely one of them," Zetterberg told NHL.com on Friday. "He's Mr. Hockey. You knew right away, especially when you get drafted here. That came up right away. He is big back home."

Zetterberg said that Howe and Lindsay are not above dishing out some friendly advice after a tough loss, especially when it comes to puck placement on shots. Those times are some of his favorite interactions, especially with Howe.

"When he comes down [to the locker room] and you missed a shot or something the game before, he's always on you about where you should've put it and not in the pads," Zetterberg said. "It is cool. That's the way he is. Having Gordie coming down and having Ted Lindsay coming down on a regular basis and having their names on the [locker] stalls, it is pretty neat and that's one of the reasons it is special to play here."

Babcock had his own favorite Gordie Howe story to share.

"This is a number of years ago, [but] we lost a game 3-2 and he came down afterwards and said, 'Coach, I don't know if you know this, but during the game someone was laughing on the bench and you guys were down 3-2,'" Babcock said. "I said, 'Who?' and [he said], 'No, don't worry about. I already looked after that.' I thought that was good enough. There's lots of great stories, but that's one that stands out in my mind. [Those guys have] a tattoo on them for life. They're proud Red Wings and they should be."

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{allcanada} Chan wins 2nd straight gold

NICE, France -- Canada's Patrick Chan is golden again.

The 21-year-old from Toronto claimed his second consecutive world figure skating title Saturday.

Chan scored 176.70 to win the free skate to "Concierto de Aranjuez," despite falling on his double Axel. He finished with 266.11 overall.

"It was the hardest competition so far in my career," said Chan. "On the double Axel, it was a combination of being a bit late to the music and it's a long program. I lost concentration a bit.

"It isn't me if I don't make a little mistake."

Chan, who hasn't lost a competition in more than a year, landed two quad jumps early in the program and looked poised to run away with the victory before his uncharacteristic fall on his takeoff on the Axel with about a minute to go in the program.

A good portion of the fans at the Palais des Expositions clearly didn't agree with the judging, booing and whistling as Chan's winning score was announced.

Daisuke Takahashi of Japan was second with a total of 259.66, while countryman Yuzura Hanyu was third with 251.06. Kevin Reynolds of Coquitlam, B.C., was 12th.

Chan, who won gold at last year's world championships in Moscow, is the first Canadian to win back-to-back world titles in any discipline since Elvis Stojko in 1994 and '95. He's the first skater to win consecutive men's titles since Switzerland's Stephane Lambiel (2005 and '06).

Reynolds' 12th-place finish guarantees three entries for Canada in men's singles at next year's world championships in London, Ont.

Canadian ice dancers Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir captured their second world title earlier in the week.

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{allcanada} Good start for Howard

BASEL, Switzerland -- Canada is off to a good start at the world men's curling championship.

Glenn Howard opened round-robin play Saturday with a 7-5 victory over Thomas Dufour of France. Howard and his team of third Wayne Middaugh, second Brent Laing and lead Craig Savill scored three in the seventh end to pull ahead to stay.

"The boys hung in there," Howard said. "We didn't panic, we just did what we had to do. I thought we outplayed France in the last half of the game and that basically was the difference."

Canada will play Germany and the United States on Sunday. Top skips like Norway's Thomas Ulsrud, Scotland's Tom Brewster and Sweden's Niklas Edin are on tap next week.

In other early games, Norway needed an extra end to defeat Denmark 6-3, Germany outscored the Americans 8-6 and Scotland topped New Zealand 5-3.

The Canadian players looked slick with their black and red shirts, white belts and black pants. The Norwegians, playing on the next sheet over, retained their usual fashion edge with their colourful flag-inspired trousers.

The atmosphere was rather tepid at the 9,000-seat St. Jakobshalle as only a few hundred fans were in attendance.

There were pockets of fans from each country in the arena. A few Canadian flags and banners were spotted and some vocal French supporters were on hand as well.

Howard is looking to win the world championship for the fourth time. His previous titles came in 1987, 1993 and 2007.

He teamed with Laing, Savill and Richard Hart to win his last world title. Middaugh joined the team prior to this season after Hart's retirement.

Round-robin play continues through Thursday. If necessary, tiebreaker games will be played Friday.

The Page playoff system will be used at this event. Playoff games begin Saturday and the medal games are on tap April 8.

Teams also have an opportunity to earn Olympic qualifying points for their countries at the competition.

Manitoba's Jeff Stoughton beat Scotland 6-5 in last year's world championship in Regina. The 2013 event will be held in Victoria.

Notes: The Canada-France game was featured prominently on the lone big-screen monitor in the venue. ... World Curling Federation vice-president Patrick Hurlimann threw the traditional first stone. Howard and Swiss skip Jan Hauser handled brusher duties. Hurlimann skipped Switzerland to a gold medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano. ... Basel hosted the European Curling Championships in 2006. ... Canada has won the world men's curling title in four of the last five years. Host Switzerland's last gold medal came in 1992.

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