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Friday, January 31, 2014

{allcanada} LEROUX LEADS U.S. OVER CANADA IN WOMEN'S SOCCER FRIENDLY

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Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy - Helen Fielding

RISCO, Texas -- Canadian women's head coach John Herdmann says he's tired of seeing his team lose to the United States.

Winless against its arch rival since 2001, Canada dropped its latest contest -- a friendly between the two nations on Friday night -- 1-0 on a goal by Canadian-born Sydney Leroux.

"We're disappointed because we're sick of saying 'good try,' 'well done,' and 'we battled hard,"' Herdmann said. "At some point we've got to beat this team and if it's not now, then when? And hopefully it's (at the Women's World Cup) in 2015."

Leroux, who is a U.S. citizen, scored in the 78th minute to break a scoreless tie against Canada and give the U.S. the victory in both teams' 2014 opener.

It was Leroux's fourth goal in the past three games, with two of them coming against the country of her birth.

"I love to watch her," Herdmann said. "She's a phenomenal player and she's great to watch ... and she scores against us. I've just told her (after the game) to stop doing that, man. You do it against anyone else but not us."

The game looked as if it was going to be a scoreless draw before Leroux's late offence, largely thanks to strong play by Canadian goalkeeper Erin McLeod and no clear goal chances for the U.S.

"I always hope that we're going to get one," said Leroux, who was stopped several times in the first half.

"That's kind of how we play, and we push to the very last second. I'm just happy that we came out on top of the game 1-0. It was a good game. It was physical and I'm glad we came out on top."

The Americans sent plenty of chances into the zone, but McLeod calmly caught and parried several crosses. But in the 78th minute, a bit of nifty footwork gave the U.S. the lead.

Becky Sauerbrunn started a run with the ball outside the 18-yard box, fed the ball to substitute Christen Press and then immediately got it back, going toward the right post.

Press then weaved a pass through McLeod and defenders Kadeisha Buchanan and Sura Yekka to find Leroux waiting all alone 3 yards.

Leroux one-timed the ball with the inside of her left foot for the game-winner.

The Americans extended their home unbeaten streak to 78 games (68-0-10).

The U.S., ranked No. 1 in the world, also remains undefeated under second-year coach Tom Sermanni (14-0-3), and is a perfect 11-0 all time when playing in Texas.

The win marks a strong start to a World Cup qualifying year for the Americans. CONCACAF qualifying is at the end of the year, and the U.S. should be favourites to emerge out of the region.

Canada, the hosts the 2015 Women's World Cup, automatically qualifies for the tournament.

The 20,862 fans at FC Dallas' home stadium were the largest crowd since 2003.

"I was a bit anxious about this game because we haven't played a game for a long time," said Sermanni, whose team hadn't played since a 4-1 victory against Brazil.

"The players have had time off. Canada has played some international recently."

The Americans thought they took the lead in the 38th minute when defender Whitney Engen popped in a headed pass, but she was called offside by about 6 yards.

Canadian midfielder Josee Belanger took possession at the top of the U.S. zone moments after Engen's offside and dinked the ball through two American defenders to Diana Matheson.

U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo cut down the angle and Matheson's cross-body chip from about 6 yards trickled past the far post to preserve the scoreless half.

It was Solo's only test of the first half, and she didn't have to make a save until diving to her right in the 87th minute to stop Jonelle Filigno and preserve the shutout.

"You know they're going to score," Herdmann said. "I've never known a game where the U.S. doesn't score."

Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding

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{allcanada} Raptors end decade-long drought in Denver

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Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy - Helen Fielding

DENVER — Toronto coach Dwane Casey wasn’t ready to celebrate after the Raptors ended a decade-long drought in Denver. He was too upset about his team’s lacklustre finish.

DeMar DeRozan scored 19 points, Terrence Ross had 18 and Toronto, after opening a 25-point lead, settled for a 100-90 victory over the Nuggets on Friday night.

"We will take the ‘W,’ but it was not a quality finish," Casey said. "I let the players know I was disappointed in the close. You can’t come in and feel like you have the game won with a 20-point lead. You have to continue to execute, be strong with the ball and continue to execute defensively if you want to be serious about winning in this league."

Jonas Valanciunas and Kyle Lowry added 13 points apiece for the Raptors, who snapped a nine-game losing streak in the Mile High City dating to 2003.

Still, Casey’s postgame critique on his team’s fourth-quarter play — the Raptors were outscored 20-14 in the period — outweighed any sense of relief over the end of the streak.

"We have to finish a lot better," Lowry said. "This is the NBA. Teams are going to make a run. We’re not going to be negative. We won the game. But we have to finish better than that."

The Nuggets were dealing with their own problems. They announced during the game that guard Nate Robinson had season-ending surgery earlier Friday to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Robinson was injured in a spill underneath the Nuggets’ basket during the first quarter of Wednesday night’s loss to the Charlotte Bobcats.

The Nuggets also were without leading scorer Ty Lawson, who missed his second consecutive game Friday with a left rotator cuff strain.

"We don’t want anybody to feel sorry for us and we won’t feel sorry for ourselves," Nuggets coach Brian Shaw said. "We just have to continue to fight, stay positive, keep working and just be more fundamentally sound."

J.J. Hickson and Evan Fournier led the Nuggets with 18 points apiece. Hickson also had 13 rebounds. Randy Foye, normally a shooting guard switched to the point in the absence of Lawson and Robinson, had 10 points and a career-high 16 assists. But he also committed eight of the Nuggets’ 26 turnovers, which led to 29 points for Toronto.

"Randy played 43 minutes, Evan 38 minutes, and they’re not accustomed to playing that many minutes as well," Shaw said. "They started getting tired, then we started losing our fundamentals and throwing the ball all over the place. That was our biggest thing tonight."

Hickson said it is also going to take some time for players to adjust to new, sometimes unfamiliar roles thrust on them by the backcourt injuries.

"It’s going to be a process," Hickson said. "I can’t say it’s going to be a long process, because we don’t have much time. It has to be a quick process. But I think once guys get adjusted and settled in, we’ll be good."

Toronto moved to a season high four games above .500 (25-21) and tied a franchise record with its 11th win in January. The Raptors also won 11 games in January 2002.

Leading by seven at halftime, the Raptors put together an 11-2 run late in the third quarter to go up 84-68 with 2:46 left in the period. DeRozan ignited the surge by driving through traffic and putting in a reverse layup off the glass and helped keep it going by knocking down a pair of jumpers.

By the start of the fourth quarter, the Raptors led by 16 points and 50 seconds later, Valanciunas dunked to stretch Toronto’s advantage to 90-70.

After Timofey Mozgov scored on a turnaround jumper for Denver, Toronto reeled off seven straight points, including a 3-pointer by John Salmons for a 97-72 lead with 8:47 left. The Nuggets made a late push with a 14-2 run cutting it to 99-86 on a dunk by Kenneth Faried with 3:32 remaining.

But Ross then blocked Fournier’s driving layup attempt and after Valanciunas made one of two free throws, the Nuggets lost another possession on a turnover by Foye, failing to get the deficit under double digits.

The Raptors turned a steal into a breakaway dunk by Ross for a 60-53 lead at halftime. The rim-rattling jam brought the Raptors’ bench to its feet.

NOTES: Foye had 11 assists in the first half, most by a Nuggets player in a half since Steve Blake had 11 on Feb. 14, 2007. … Toronto won for the first time in Denver since an 81-74 victory on Dec. 30, 2003. … Hickson has had a double-double in 12 of his last 23 games.

Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding

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{allcanada} OHL: STORM MAKE IT NINE WINS IN A ROW BY BEATING STING

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Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy - Helen Fielding

GUELPH, Ont. - Robby Fabbri and Kerby Rychel each had a goal and two assists as the Guelph Storm extended their win streak by downing the visiting Sarnia Sting 6-1 on Friday in Ontario Hockey League play.

Justin Auger, Zack Mitchell and Scott Kosmachuk had a goal and an assist apiece for the Storm (38-8-3), who won their ninth game in a row, while Ryan Horvat added a single goal.

Nikolay Goldobin scored the lone goal for the Sting (15-29-6), who are winless in three outings.

Guelph's Matthew Mancina made 26 saves for the win as Brodie Barrick turned away 34-of-40 shots for Sarnia.

The Storm went 3 for 4 on the power play while the Sting failed to score on seven chances with the man advantage.

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FRONTENACS 3 WHALERS 2

PLYMOUTH, Mich. -- Sam Bennett scored the winner at 19:08 of the third as Kingston edged the Whalers.

Corey Pawley and Spencer Watson also scored for the Frontenacs (27-18-4) while Bennett picked up an assist on both.

Ryan Hartman and Zach Lorentz supplied the offence for Plymouth (17-27-5).

Kingston's Matt Mahalak made 21 saves for the win as Alex Nedeljkovic turned away 49-of-52 shots for the Whalers.

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SPIRIT 7 BULLS 0

SAGINAW, Mich. -- Jesse Graham had three goals and an assist and Jake Paterson made 29 saves as the Spirit blanked Belleville.

Justin Sefton, Eric Locke and Kristoff Kontos each had a goal and an assist for Saginaw (24-21-5) and Blake Clarke added a single goal.

Defencemn Adam Bignall and Jordan Subban were both a team-worst minus-3 for the Bulls (14-31-4).

Belleville's Michael Giugovaz turned away 40-of-47 shots in a losing effort.

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COLTS 6 RANGERS 4

KITCHENER, Ont. -- Andreas Athanasiou scored once and set up three more as Barrie toppled the Rangers.

Mitchell Theoret had a goal and two assists for the Colts (25-19-3) and Aaron Ekblad, Joseph Blandisi, Brendan Lemiex and Michael Webster each scored once.

Kitchener (16-30-2) got goals from Nick Magyar, Max Iafrate, Curtis Meighan and Justin Bailey.

Barrie's Daniel Gibl made 18 saves for the win as Jordan DeKort turned aside 22-of-27 shots for the Rangers.

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STEELHEADS 2 ICEDOGS 1

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. -- Spencer Martin made 38 saves, including 22 in the second period, as the Steelheads edged Niagara.

Sam Babinstev's goal at 5:09 of the second period stood up as the winner for Mississauga (19-27-4) while Brett Foy scored the game's first goal.

Zach Wilkie scored his first-career OHL goal the IceDogs (17-27-6), who have dropped three straight contests.

Jon D'Ilario turned away 20-of-22 shots for Niagara.

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OTTERS 4 ATTACK 3

OWEN SOUND, Ont. -- Oscar Dansk made 24 saves and three Erie skaters recorded multi-point outings as the Otters handed the Attack their fourth loss in a row.

Michael Curtis, Connor McDavid and Brendan Gaunce each had a goal and an assist for Erie (39-9-2), which won its fourth straight contest, while Andre Burakovsky scored once.

Zach Nastasiuk had a pair of goals for Owen Sound (21-21-6) and assisted on Kyle Platzer's goal as well.

Brandon Hope stopped 36-of-40 shots for the Attack.

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KNIGHTS 3 WOLVES 2

SUDBURY, Ont -- Jake Patterson made 39 saves and Max Domi had a goal and an assist as London slipped past the Wolves.

Chris Tierney also had a goal and an assist for the Knights (33-11-5) while Alex Basso added a single goal.

Dominik Kahun and Nathan Pancel scored for Sudbury (27-14-8).

Franky Palazzese turned away 39-of-42 shots in a losing cause for the Wolves.

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BATTALION 5 GENERALS 1

OSHAWA, Ont. -- Brendan O'Neill made 25 saves as North Bay defeated the Generals.

Brett McKenzie, Matt MacLeod and Ben Thomson each had a goal and an assist for the Battalion (26-18-6) while Mathew Santos and Jared Steege added a goal apiece.

Michael Dal Colle scored the lone goal for Oshawa (31-14-4).

Daniel Altshuler stopped 33-of-38 shots in a losing cause for the Generals.

Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding

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{allcanada} QMJHL: AUGER STOPS 53 AS SEA DOGS SHUT OUT FOREURS

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Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy - Helen Fielding

VAL-D'OR, Que. -- Sebastien Auger stopped 53 shots for his second shutout of the season as the Saint John Sea Dogs blanked the host Val-d'Or Foreurs 2-0 on Friday in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League action.

Auger made 29 saves through 40 minutes of action, but was at his best in the third period as his club was outshot 24-1.

Mathieu Joseph opened the scoring for the Sea Dogs (16-30-4) with a power-play goal at 10:22 of the second period while Oliver Cooper's insurance goal was into an empty net at 19:39 of the third.

Guillaume Gelinas and Nicolas Aube-Kubel led the Foreurs (31-18-2) with seven shots apiece on Auger. Val-d'Or's Antoine Bibeau kicked out 19-of-20 shots in a losing cause.

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TIGRES 6 ISLANDERS 2

CHARLOTTETOWN -- Jean-Francois Plante scored twice and set up one more and Francois Tremblay made 30 saves as Victoriaville downed the Islanders for its eighth win in a row.

Angelo Miceli, Mark Tremaine, Philippe Hudon and Jan Mandat also scored for the Tigres (25-19-6) while Carl Marois and Cameron Yarwood each had two assists.

Troy Vance and Spenser Cobbold scored for Charlottetown (17-30-5), which is on an eight-game skid.

Eric Brassard turned away 46-of-52 shots in a losing cause for the Islanders.

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SAGUENEENS 4 PHOENIX 3 (OT)

CHICOUTIMI, Que. -- Simon Tremblay scored twice, including the winner 3:30 into overtime, as the Sagueneens edged Sherbrooke to snap a three-game slide.

Dominic Beauchemenin had two goals and an assist for Chicoutimi (25-25-1) while Laurent Dauphin added three assists.

The Phoenix (15-29-7) got goals from Julien Bahl, Matej Beran and Kevin Domingue.

Domeninc Graham made 23 saves for the Sagueneens as Sherbrooke's Gabriel Parent stopped 34-of-38 shots in defeat.

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ARMADA 6 REMPARTS 4

QUEBEC CITY -- Ryan Tesink scored twice and Philippe Sanche tacked on three assists as Blainville-Boisbriand halted Quebec's seven-game win streak.

Emil Aronsson, Marc-Olivier Roy, Danick Martel and Marcus Hinds also scored for the Armada (31-10-9), who went 3 for 4 on the power play.

Anthony Duclair had a goal and two assists for the Remparts (30-13-8), who went 2 for 5 with the man advantage, while Tyler Brown, Adam Chapman and Nick Sorensen each scored once.

Blainville-Boisbraind's Samuel Montembeault made 29 saves for the win. Francois Brassard started in net for Quebec and allowed five goals on 22 shots through 40 minutes of action. Callum Booth started the third period for the Remparts and stopped 4-of-5 shots in relief.

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VOLTIGEURS 6 OLYMPIQUES 5 (SO)

DRUMMONDVILLE, Que.-- Frederick Gaudreau scored the winner in the seventh round of the shootout as the Voltigeurs toppled Gatineau.

Ryan Culkin scored once and set up two more for Drummondville (32-16-3) and Nikolas Brouillard, Olivier Caouette, Matthew Boudens and Alexandre-Grande-Maison had the others.

Alexandre Chenier-Allard had a pair of goals for the Olympiques (30-17-4) while Taylor Burke, Jake Coughler and Simon Tardif-Richard each scored once.

Louis-Philip Guindon made 16 saves for the Voltigeurs as Gatineau's Robert Steeves stopped 23 shots in defeat.

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MOOSEHEADS 4 CATARACTES 3

SHAWINIGAN, Que. -- Jonathan Drouin had two goals and an assist as Halifax slipped past the Cataractes.

Nikolaj Ehlers had a goal and an assist for the Mooseheads (34-17-1) and Brent Andrews scored what turned into the game winner.

Alex Filatrault, Alexis D'Aoust and Nicholas Welsh scored for Shawinigan (13-31-7) and Brandon Gignac helped out with two assists.

Halifax's Kevin Darveau made 23 saves for the win as Marvin Cupper stopped 31-of-34 shots for the Cataractes.

Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding

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{allcanada} Setoguchi's late goal lifts Jets past Canucks

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Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy - Helen Fielding

WINNIPEG - The Vancouver Canucks ran out of comebacks in their first visit to Winnipeg since 1996.

Devin Setoguchi scored his second goal of the game with 2:56 remaining in regulation gave the Winnipeg Jets a 4-3 victory against the Canucks, who were making their first appearance at MTS Centre since the former Atlanta Thrashers relocated here in 2011. They had not played in Winnipeg since the first edition of the Jets moved to Phoenix after the 1995-96 season.

Setoguchi fired a shot from the right side past goaltender Eddie Lack during a delayed penalty for his 10th of the season. He came into the game with one goal in his previous 25 games.

The Canucks had overcome 2-0 and 3-2 deficits, finally tying the game on a goal by defenseman Jason Garrison at 11:50 of the third period. They pressured Winnipeg heavily throughout the third period but have lost three consecutive games.

Coach John Tortorella will return from his six-game, 15-day suspension in time for the Canucks' game Monday against the Detroit Red Wings.

Trying to establish traction in the Western Conference standings and fend off four teams chasing them for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot, the Canucks embarked on a five-game trip that began in Winnipeg. The Canucks did so with two major losses on their blue line in Kevin Bieksa (foot) and Chris Tanev (hand), plus captain Henrik Sedin (ribs), who missed his sixth consecutive game.

The Jets, now 7-2-0 with new coach Paul Maurice, are one of those four teams pursuing Vancouver and pulled within six points. A four-game road trip that begins Sunday against the Montreal Canadiens will take them into the break for the 2014 Sochi Olympics.

Alexander Edler's fourth goal and Ryan Kesler's team-leading 19th got the Canucks even after they fell behind 2-0. Kesler also had up two assists. Jets defenseman Zach Bogosian scored with his third goal of the season, and Michael Frolik added his 11th.

Lack, who played his first season in North America in 2010-11 as a Winnipeg farmhand with the American Hockey League's Manitoba Moose, started for the Canucks and made 31 saves. Ondrej Pavelec made his 10th start in the Jets' past 11 games, stopping 23 Vancouver shots.

The Jets used two goals in a 1:05 span early in the first period to put Vancouver in a quick hole. Bogosian ripped a left-point shot past Lack at 5:02. Setoguchi backhanded tip at 6:07 made it 2-0.

However, the Canucks' 29th-ranked power play went to work after Winnipeg's Chris Thorburn took an offensive-zone holding penalty. Eight seconds into Thorburn's minor, Edler snuck into a scramble in front of the Winnipeg net and jabbed a loose puck past Pavelec's right pad at 10:27.

Kesler tied the game 2-2 at 4:48 of the second period on the Canucks' ninth shot of the game, stepping into the slot and backhanding a rising shot that fluttered past Pavelec's glove.

But Frolik restored the Jets' one-goal advantage 1:53 later when he one-timed Andrew Ladd's behind-the-net feed into the slot past Lack at 6:41.

Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding

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{allcanada} LIGHTNING (31-18-5) at CANADIENS (29-20-5)

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Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy - Helen Fielding

 
Saturday, February 1, 2014
1:00 PM ET

LIGHTNING (31-18-5) at CANADIENS (29-20-5)

TV: CBC, RDS, SUN

Last 10: Tampa Bay 5-4-1; Montreal 4-6-0

Season series: This is the third of four games between the Montreal Canadiens and Tampa Bay Lightning. The teams have split the first two games, each winning by a 2-1 score in the other team's building.

Big story: The Lightning is coming off consecutive losses for the first time in nearly two months, and it doesn't look like things will get any easier in Montreal. In addition to the continued absence of Steven Stamkos, coach Jon Cooper lost another important forward and potentially both of his goalies during a 5-3 road loss to the Ottawa Senators on Thursday.

Center Valtteri Filppula is doubtful with a lower body injury he sustained against Ottawa, and backup goalie Anders Lindback is out after being injured in the same game. Starting goalie Ben Bishop is questionable after he was hit in the head by teammate Nikita Kucherov's skate, forcing him from the game against Ottawa.

A decision on Bishop will be made Saturday morning.

The Canadiens are on the opposite end of the spectrum, coming off consecutive wins for the first time in 2014 and looking to build on it in their second straight game against a team ahead of them in the Atlantic Division standings following a 4-1 win Thursday against the Boston Bruins.

"The last two games gave confidence to the players," coach Michel Therrien said. "We have to realize that we can have success when we stick to the system and follow the team concept. We've proven we can be a good team when we follow the plan."

Team Scope:

Lightning: The Lightning allowed five goals against the Senators and has now allowed at least three goals in five of its past six games. Prior to this stretch, the Lightning allowed three or more goals in five of its previous 16 games.

Missing Bishop, if indeed he can't play, won't help that situation. But Cooper appears more concerned with the level of desperation and urgency being exhibited by his club of late.

He felt the Lightning did not display any of those qualities against Ottawa until the late stages of the third period, by which point it was too late.

"Maybe we'll show [the players] the last four minutes of the game [Thursday] night and tell them this is how we used to play for a full 60," Cooper said Friday.

Canadiens: The Canadiens were in a similar situation, having allowed at least four goals in six straight games, but they appear to have righted the ship during their modest two-game winning streak. Montreal has allowed one goal in its past two games against two of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference, the Carolina Hurricanes and the Bruins.

It's not a coincidence in the eyes of Therrien that the offense came to life at the same time, scoring seven goals in two games after scoring five times in the previous four games.

"The fact we've played well defensively has given us a chance to win games," he said. "When you don't play well defensively, you get in trouble. When you play well defensively, the offense usually takes care of itself. But we've been attacking and that's allowed us to spend more time in the offensive zone. The more we do that, the better we are."

Who's hot: For the Lightning, rookie Tyler Johnson has five goals and four assists in his past seven games…Canadiens forward Brendan Gallagher has a goal and three assists in his past two games.

Injury report: The Lightning are without Stamkos (leg), Lindback (lower body), probably Filppula (undisclosed) and perhaps Bishop (head). Cooper said Filppula would likely be back in the lineup Tuesday at the Minnesota Wild, and if Bishop doesn't play he would be back Tuesday as well…The Canadiens are missing defenseman Davis Drewiske (shoulder), and forwards Alex Galchenyuk (hand) and Ryan White (upper body), though White skated with the team Friday. Forward Brandon Prust missed practice Friday with an illness and is questionable.

Team Stats
GP Record Home Road L10 G/G GA/G PP% PK% PIM/G S/G SA/G FO%
54 31-18-5 16-6-3 15-12-2 5-4-1 2.85 2.46 17.3 80.0 10.8 29.9 29.1 48.0
54 29-20-5 15-9-3 14-11-2 4-6-0 2.44 2.44 19.0 86.0 11.8 28.5 30.2 49.0

Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding

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{allcanada} Intriguing players in NHL trade market

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Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy - Helen Fielding

The NHL trade deadline is March 5, but there is a deadline before that because some teams would like to make moves before the Olympic trade freeze.

No trades are allowed from 3 p.m. ET on Feb. 7 to 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 23. Some deals are expected to happen next week as general managers try to avoid the trade deadline rush.

The 10 most intriguing rental players (those who will be unrestricted free agents on July 1):

1. Dan Girardi (New York Rangers): The consensus is general manager Glen Sather will be able to re-sign him. If he can't, Girardi could have many suitors. He's a proven, rugged, top-pairing shutdown defenseman. Think how much stronger the Anaheim Ducks would be if they land him.

2. Ryan Callahan (Rangers): The perception is the Rangers will have a more difficult time re-signing their captain than Girardi. Although the Rangers are in the playoff hunt, they are expected to move Callahan if he isn't signed. He can score, hit or block a shot and would be highly desirable for a top team looking to improve its postseason chances.

3. Steve Ott (Buffalo Sabres): Contenders are very interested because he can be an irritating presence in a playoff series. He can be a super pest, a true distraction for an opponent. He's also a solid hockey player, a good teammate and leader. He has nine goals in 53 games. The word is that the Sabres want a good return and they might get it.

4. Matt Moulson (Sabres): An injury could keep him out through the Olympic break, but most contenders will be interested. The three-time 30-goal scorer has gifted hands, and few goal scorers are available.

5. Brad Boyes (Florida Panthers): Interest is high because he is essentially a 20-goal scorer with a $1 million salary. Even teams at the cap ceiling could figure out how to squeeze him in. He can be a good fit for a team in need of scoring.

6. Thomas Vanek (New York Islanders): He would top the list, except his salary cap hit tops $7 million. Some teams would have difficulty fitting even his pro-rated salary into their structure. But think how much the Los Angeles Kings or Minnesota Wild could use his scoring ability.

7. Ryan Miller (Sabres): The quality netminder is having an exceptional season, but the Sabres have some issues dealing him. He has a limited no-trade clause and his salary tops $6 million. Tim Thomas is a less expensive option, and not many teams are looking for a goalie. The St. Louis Blues have been mentioned as a destination, but they'd have trouble fitting him under their salary cap.

8. Ales Hemsky (Edmonton Oilers): The skilled forward has had some seasons of high productivity — but not lately, with 16 goals in his past 86 games. Still, there is a league-wide romance with the idea that he could add sizzle to a team's offense.

9. Marcel Goc (Florida Panthers): The highly respected role player is making $1.7 million and could be an attractive addition for a team looking to improve its depth.

10. Lee Stempniak (Calgary Flames): Some teams would much rather have Stempniak's teammate, Mike Cammalleri, but his cap hit is $6 million. The dynamic Cammalleri has speed and is a better goal scorer. Stempniak ($2.5 million) would be desirable for teams looking to spice their offense for a lower price.

Honorable mention: David Legwand (Nashville Predators). He has a no-trade clause and might not waive it. Otherwise he's top 10. He can skate, plays well defensively and would be a fit for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Bridget Jones's Diary - Helen Fielding

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{allcanada} Justin Bieber's Super Bowl-Bound Jet Searched for Drugs, Singer Allowed Into New Jersey After Authorities Come Up Empty

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Doctor Sleep - Stephen King

Justin Bieber 

Justin Bieber hit a little turbulence on his way back into the United States.

Two days after he was charged with assault in Toronto, a jet carrying the mischievous pop star and a group that reportedly included his dad landed in New Jersey with the intention of ferrying its occupants into town for Super Bowl XLVIII festivities.

Upon arrival at Teterboro Airport, however, the aircraft was searched by authorities with drug-sniffing dogs due to suspicion that there was marijuana onboard. The search could also be considered routine because the plane was en route from Canada, i.e. crossing an international border.

No drugs or other contraband were found, according to WNBC, but the passengers, including Bieber, were briefly detained by customs officials in a holding area and questioned before being allowed to leave the airport and carry on. (Whether Bieber kept calm or not is not immediately known.)

The private plane appears to have taken off from Toronto's Pearson International Airport and arrived at Teterboro at 2:53 p.m. ET.

Per WNBC, Bieber's ability to return to the States hinged on whether he has been convicted of a crime or not. He is facing criminal charges in Florida and his native Canada, all misdemeanors or their equivalent, but he has not been convicted of anything.

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{allcanada} CAMILO'S EXIT FROM WHITECAPS OPENS THE DOOR FOR OTHERS

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Doctor Sleep - Stephen King

VANCOUVER -- Camilo Sanvezzo's dramatic departure from the Vancouver Whitecaps stunned the club and its supporters.

The Brazilian star striker forced his way out of town in unprecedented fashion, first practising with Mexico's Queretaro F.C. before having his photograph taken in the team's kit -- all while he was still under contract in Major League Soccer.

With no other option, the Whitecaps finally sold the reigning MLS Golden Boot winner and his 22 goals in mid-January.

Viewed as a disaster by many, captain Jay DeMerit sees opportunity for the remaining strikers with the club's pre-season training schedule already underway.

"With Camilo being gone, something we have to make these guys understand is there's a spot open now," said the veteran defender. "A lot of times, when you're a competitor you look for opportunities to come in and make a difference.

"With that spot being open, there's guys that have that chance. Ultimately as a pro you want that chance."

One of those guys up front is 20-year-old Omar Salgado. The first overall pick in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, Salgado has been hampered by injury early in his career. Now healthy, he will be counted on, along with fellow strikers Kenny Miller, Kekuta Manneh and Darren Mattocks, to pick up the slack.

"It's one person less to compete with and we have to make up for those 22 goals he scored," Salgado said after Friday's fitness testing. "Between all the forwards we're going to have to accomplish that.

"I'm feeling really good. I'm feeling better than I have in the past year and a half so I'm excited about this year and excited about the start of the season."

Although there's opportunities up front with the Whitecaps, there are also many question marks.

Miller, the club's only current designated player, was also hampered by injury last season and it's unclear where the 34-year-old stands with his contract set to expire in June.

Mattocks, 23, fell out of favour with former manager Martin Rennie last year and blasted the team on Jamaican television after the season.

Manneh, meanwhile, burst on to the scene with a memorable hat trick against the Seattle Sounders, but it's hard to pin your goal-scoring hopes on a 19 year old.

Miller, Mattocks and Manneh weren't made available to the media Friday, but rookie Whitecaps head coach Carl Robinson said he's pleased with the different styles his current stable of strikers provide.

"What they do is they offer me flexibility in the forward positions depending on what system I decide to play, which I know -- having variations of players playing in multiple positions," said Robinson. "Omar can play wide left, he can play centre forward. Kekuta can play wide left, centre forward or in the hole (behind the strikers), Kenny the same.

"Obviously disappointed to lose Camilo -- losing 22 goals is a big thing -- but I want players that want to be here and if he doesn't want to be here then he shouldn't be here. That's put to bed now and we move on."

And although he's happy to sing the praises of his current strike quartet, it's clear Robinson is eager to add more bodies to his attack.

"I think it's no secret and part of it's how I want to put my stamp on this team," said the former Welsh international. "It might not be one, it might be two forward-thinking players and creative players. I think we've lacked a little bit of creativity over the last two years since I've been here.

"I think that's what we need to do to incorporate the strengths of the players already here."

To say Robinson's first six weeks on the job have been hectic would be a gross understatement.

His baptism by fire started with the Camilo saga and moved on to the MLS SuperDraft. Now a week into training camp, which opened Monday at the University of British Columbia, Robinson has finally had time to breathe.

"It's been different. It's been exciting. I think the boys have bought into what me and the coaches have wanted to do," said Robinson. "We've made it exciting for them. We've made it enthusiastic and they've put in the work.

"I don't think you can really envisage anything after the first couple of weeks I've had on the job but it is what it is. It's football, it's soccer and you move forward. I'm excited with this group that I have."

With 13 of the 23 players on the first team being 23 years of age or younger, one of the veterans Robinson will count on in his inaugural season will be DeMerit.

"One thing I always said was when I got an opportunity to be a manager, I will use the experience of the senior players," said Robinson. "I've been there and I've done it and I know what senior guys you need to be important within your team, on the field as well as off the field."

DeMerit, 34, showed his commitment and resolve last season when he suffered a devastating Achilles injury in the first game, only to return in time to try to help the Whitecaps in their failed attempt to make the playoffs.

"As older leaders of this group, it's our job to help him," said DeMerit. "There's a lot of young guys here that need that little push sometimes or that bit of mentorship or that little bit of leadership.

"Myself and a couple of other guys will take that leadership role this year and we're looking forward to it."

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{allcanada} Banged-up Canucks intend to stay the course

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Doctor Sleep - Stephen King

WINNIPEG -- The Vancouver Canucks begin a five-game road trip with some questions to answer when they face the Winnipeg Jets on Friday at MTS Centre.

The Canucks have lost two games in a row and are trying to fend off four teams, including the Jets, chasing them for a Stanley Cup Playoff spot in the Western Conference.

"Right now, we're facing what every team goes through at some point in the year," said right wing Alexandre Burrows, who has not scored a goal this season in 23 games. "Right now, we're in it. But we're sticking together. We're 20 guys who are going to push together to get out of it, and we're confident that we're going to get it done."

Interim coach Mike Sullivan will also be manning the Canucks' bench for the final time in place of John Tortorella, who will complete his six-game, 15-day suspension in time for their next game Monday against the Detroit Red Wings.

The Canucks' battered blue line will be without Kevin Bieksa (foot) and Christopher Tanev (hand). To supplement the defense corps, the Canucks recalled defenseman Frank Corrado from the American Hockey League's Utica Comets on Thursday. Corrado, a 20-year-old rookie, logged six NHL games earlier in the season.

Captain Henrik Sedin (rib) will miss his sixth consecutive game while center Mike Santorelli (shoulder) is out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery Thursday. Forward Dale Weise will be a healthy scratch, and Kellan Lain will play.

The Jets, who are 6-2-0 with new coach Paul Maurice, will attempt to right themselves after a 4-3 loss against the Nashville Predators on Tuesday. Maurice has stressed process over results since his arrival.

"We're going to hit some bumps, but that doesn't mean we've changed direction," Maurice said after the Jets' morning skate. "Right now, we're playing a fairly high-energy, fairly focused game. The focus in terms ... of the way we're going to play, it's going to take a while to get those systems in place."

Maurice's message has also taken hold inside the Jets' dressing room.

"I think we have confidence in the way that we've played in the last little while," captain Andrew Ladd said. "I think that's something that we're trying to instill -- a loss shouldn't change that at all. We should be a confident group that understands that if we play a certain way, we'll be successful."

Left wing Eric Tangradi, who has sat out eight straight games as a healthy scratch, will play his first game since Jan. 11 and skate on the fourth line. Tangradi will replace Eric O'Dell, who will return to the team Friday after the birth of his daughter Thursday. Left wing Evander Kane (hand) remains out of the Jets' lineup and will not return until after the Olympic break.

Eddie Lack will start for the Canucks against the Jets, who will counter with Ondrej Pavelec.

Here are the probable lineups for the Canucks and Jets:

CANUCKS

Chris Higgins - Ryan Kesler - Zack Kassian

Daniel Sedin - Jordan Schroeder - Alexandre Burrows

David Booth - Brad Richardson - Jannik Hansen

Tom Sestito - Zac Dalpe - Kellan Lain

Alexander Edler - Jason Garrison

Dan Hamhuis - Yannick Weber

Ryan Stanton - Frank Corrado

Eddie Lack

Roberto Luongo

Scratched: Dale Weise

Injured: Andrew Alberts (upper body), Kevin Bieksa (foot), Henrik Sedin (ribs), Mike Santorelli (shoulder), Christopher Tanev (hand)

JETS

Andrew Ladd - Bryan Little - Michael Frolik

Chris Thorburn - Mark Scheifele - Blake Wheeler

Devin Setoguchi - Olli Jokinen - Dustin Byfuglien

Eric Tangradi - James Wright - Anthony Peluso

Zach Bogosian - Tobias Enstrom

Mark Stuart - Jacob Trouba

Adam Pardy - Keaton Ellerby

Ondrej Pavelec

Al Montoya

Scratched: Eric O'Dell, Zach Redmond

Injured: Grant Clitsome (back), Matt Halischuk (forearm), Evander Kane (hand), Jim Slater (sports hernia)

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{allcanada} Stamkos takes contact in practice, not game-ready yet

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Doctor Sleep - Stephen King

MONTREAL -- Steven Stamkos absorbed the most contact he's taken during his recovery from a broken right tibia at Tampa Bay Lightning practice on Friday.

The Canadian Olympic team member said after the hour-long skate that he's not quite ready to proclaim his return to NHL game action, but he's getting closer.

"I feel good. It was a good practice [Friday]," Stamkos said after the Lightning skated at Bell Centre. "I got to participate in all the drills, do a little light contact. It's still not where I want it to feel but it's definitely getting better and it's progressing. I don't feel I'm where I need to be in order to play in a game yet but it's getting there."

The contact element of Friday's practice was encouraging to Stamkos because he feels the mental element of being able to face game situations without fear of re-injuring his leg will be one of the more difficult hurdles he'll need to overcome before he returns to play.

"I was in the corners a little more and getting bumped around. By no means was it full contact," Stamkos said. "It is tough mentally as well, going in there knowing you're a little hesitant in certain areas. I've said it before, that's what you don't want. So I'm trying to overcome that and as you progress and take more contact in practice hopefully that goes away."

A decision on Stamkos' status with the Canadian Olympic team will need to be made before it departs for Sochi on Feb. 9. The Lightning play the Montreal Canadiens on Saturday, a game Stamkos will not play in, but there will be three games remaining prior to the Olympic break: at the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, home against the Toronto Maple Leafs next Thursday and home against the Detroit Red Wings on Feb. 8.

Stamkos remains hopeful he will be able to play in at least one of those games but he will not rush into doing so just because of the looming Olympic deadline.

"You just have to listen to your body," he said. "We're talking a lot because of the Olympics and my goal is to be ready for those games, but your body doesn't lie. When you're doing certain movements and you feel pain, that's an indicator that maybe it's not quite ready. It has gotten better, there's less and less pain every time I get on the ice, but there is still a little discomfort.

"I'm hoping in the next week and a half or two weeks that it feels a lot better and I can do certain movements without having that pain, or at least with some pain that's manageable. Right now it's still a little sharp in certain areas."

Lightning coach Jon Cooper admitted his team, which has gone 19-13-5 without Stamkos, is probably "getting to a time where it's going to be nice to have him back." The simple fact that it is a possibility less than three months after Stamkos sustained the injury Nov. 11 is an incredible feat unto itself, whether he makes it to the Olympics or not, Cooper said.

"If you look at the medical report he is so far ahead what any medical doctor would say he should be right now," he said. "I think we should look at it that way instead of looking at it like if he's going to be ready for the Olympics. He's already been superhuman to get to where he is right now. I don't know if he'll be ready for the Olympics; we all hope he is. But the fact we're even having the conversation is pretty remarkable."

The pain Stamkos is experiencing comes from the area around the broken tibia and not the bone itself. He said the recovery of the fracture has gone extremely well and the bone couldn't be much more stable than it is now.

"The bone itself, the way that it's healed, if everything else felt good I could be playing," he said. "It's just having confidence in a lot of the soft-tissue stuff, ligaments, tendons, muscles that haven't moved in an explosive manner. That's really where the bulk of my discomfort is."

Stamkos likely will have another X-ray when the team returns to Tampa after the game Tuesday in Minnesota, but that only will serve to confirm that the bone remains strong. The actual decision on whether he can go to Sochi will come from Stamkos, and he will need to determine if the level of pain he is experiencing on the ice is tolerable.

"There's a deadline so questions are going to have to be answered," he said. "I'm going to have to make a decision if I'm ready enough to play at that level. I'll obviously have to talk with Steve [Yzerman, Canada executive director] and our medical staff here in Tampa.

"There obviously is going to be an answer next week and hopefully it's going to be a good one."

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{allcanada} Collaros anxious to get going with the Ti-Cats

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Doctor Sleep - Stephen King

HAMILTON, Ont. — Kent Austin knew the question was coming.

On Friday, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats introduced quarterback Zach Collaros, who signed Thursday after being released by the Toronto Argonauts earlier in the week. And the first question put to Austin, the club’s head coach and GM, was if Collaros was the Ticats’ starter.

"Listen, we signed Zach for a reason," he said. "We believe we have a proven player, a proven starter.

"The great thing about Zach is one of the first things he said to me on the phone a couple of days ago was, ‘Coach, I don’t expect to be given anything. I’ll earn what I get,’ and that’s exactly the type of player we have.

"We don’t distinguish a lot between starters and backups on this football team. Everybody we require we expect to play at a high level and Zach will have every opportunity to be our guy."

Collaros, 25, posted a 5-2 record as a starter with Toronto last year while subbing for injured starter Ricky Ray. The six-foot-two, 216-pound Collaros completed 190-of-287 passes (66.2 per cent) for 2,316 yards with 14 TDs and six interceptions.

He also ran 59 times for 246 yards and scored five TDs.

Collaros was scheduled to become a free agent Feb. 15 and Toronto attempted to re-sign him. But with Collaros intent on testing the free-agent waters, the Argos released him early to gain clarity on his situation prior to the start of free agency.

Collaros spent two seasons with Toronto, earning a Grey Cup ring in 2012.

"I kind of lucked out coming to this league with such a great group around me and I was able to learn a lot of things from them that’s translated to the field," Collaros said of the Argos. "I wouldn’t have this opportunity right now if it wasn’t for them."

Collaros joins a Hamilton team that reached the 2013 Grey Cup under veteran quarterback Henry Burris before losing 45-23 to the hometown Saskatchewan Roughriders. Like Collaros, Burris was slated to become a free agent next month but was released by the Ticats shortly after Collaros’s signing.

"I know he (Burris) is going to be successful wherever he lands"’ Austin said. "He was an unbelievable person to coach, player to coach.

"I had a great discussion with him (Thursday) and let him know no matter what he does, where he goes football out of football that he has an advocate in this organization and with me personally to help him in any way."

Burris, 38, is a two-time Grey Cup champion (1998, ’08), a Grey Cup MVP (’08) and in 2010 was the league’s outstanding player. With over 50,000 career passing yards, the 15-year veteran — who is reportedly attracting much interest in Winnipeg — is a sure-fire selection into the Canadian Football Hall of Fame after he retires.

But Collaros isn’t worrying about following in Burris’s footsteps.

"Definitely some expectations there," he said. "I think we all know Henry Burris is a Hall of Fame player in this league.

"I can’t think about things like that. I had to fill in for Ricky Ray last year and I didn’t think about it. I just went about my work during the week and prepared and we were fortunate enough to win a lot of games and it got me this opportunity. If I think about that, it’s going to hinder me."

Collaros helped break the hearts of Ticats fans to finish the 2012 regular season, calmly marching the Argos downfield late to set up Swayze Waters’ 51-yard field goal for a wild 43-30 home victory. That loss eliminated Hamilton from post-season contention.

Austin said there were many reasons why he courted Collaros, not the least of which was being coached by Milanovich in Toronto.

"I have a great deal of respect for Scott, I think Scott is an outstanding coach," Austin said. "I’m familiar with the system he runs and how diligent they are in their preparation.

"He (Collaros) comes from a background of a heavy dose of preparation, not just with Scott but throughout his career. That was a key attribute that we value very highly here."

And there was also Collaros’ ability to lead Toronto to four key September road victories with Ray sidelined.

"I think it’s very important to try to determine the quality of the player especially in tough situations," Austin said. "That was about as tough a situation I think as probably any quarterback faced last year with the starting guy going down and then going on the road.

"Being able to quarterback your football team to those victories proves he’s a winner and he’s proven it in tough situations."

Collaros wore No. 17 in Toronto but will don No. 4 with Hamilton.

"I’m the kind of guy who’s going to pay the price during the week and in the off-season so that the results do come on the field," Collaros said. "Do I want to be a starter? Do I think I can be a starter? Obviously.

"I thought that two years ago when I got to Toronto and Ricky Ray was there. That’s just my personality. I’m just anxious to get to practice and really just to get up here and learn from the staff."

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{allcanada} Injured Pospisil out of Davis Cup doubles match

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Doctor Sleep - Stephen King

Vasek Pospisil will not play in Canada’s Davis Cup doubles match versus Japan.

Pospisil sustained a back injury during the Australian Open, which forced him to pull out of his scheduled third round match in Melbourne.

In Japan for the Davis Cup tie, the 25-ranked Pospisil told Sportsnet’s Arash Madani earlier this week that the injury was “misdiagnosed” in Australia.

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{allcanada} Justin Bieber Says He's Still a "Small Town Kid," Gives "Greatest Dad in the World" a Shout-Out

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Justin Bieber, All That Matters Video, Shirtless VEVO

Justin Bieber is giving a shout-out to those who have stood by him from the beginning.

The 19-year-old pop star took to Twitter on Thursday, Jan. 30, to thank those from his hometown of Stratford, Ontario, who are standing by the hitmaker in the wake of his latest legal woes.

"never forget where you come from or those who supported you before anyone else. still the small town kid. Thanks," he tweeted with a link to a post from the local Stratford news which quotes the mayor saying he stands by the city's native son.

"No matter what happens, it doesn't negate the fact that Justin is from Stratford," Mayor Dan Mathieson said on Jan. 30, just one day after the Biebs was charged with assault after turning himself in at a Toronto Police Station.

The pop star's assault charge stems from an alleged attack on a limo driver that involved his entourage after Bieber attended a Toronto Maple Leafs game on Dec. 29. The singer says he's innocent.

Justin Bieber, Mugshot

And the latest legal woe comes on the heels of the "Beauty and a Beat" singer's arrest for an alleged DUI after he was pulled over for allegedly drag racing in Miami. An attorney has reportedly plead not guilty via a written plea on Bieber's behalf to allegations of driving under the influence, resisting arrest and driving with an expired license stemming from last week's headline-making bust.

An arraignment is also scheduled for Feb. 14, but because the charges are all misdemeanors, Bieber will not be required to appear in person.

"As far as I'm concerned, he is a 19-year-old person who has made some errors," Mathieson said. "I don't condone them, but I also understand that we all have made errors in our life. I hope for his sake that he can get a reset, and get back to music and doing what he loves."

As for the mayor's advice for the young superstar?

Justin Bieber, Jeremy Bieber Instagram

"Stay true to the family and friends who have been there from the start," he said before adding, "And lie low for a bit."

The Biebs is currently in Toronto after spending some time in Stratford with his family early this week. While there, his father, Jeremy Bieber, posted a tranquil photo of his son sleeping in bed with his little brother, Jaxon, on Thursday, Jan. 30, captioning the pic, "Safe and sound."

And today, the performer tweeted the love back to his dad, sharing a black-and-white Instagram photo of his father while thanking his pops for being his biggest role model.

"I have the greatest Dad in the world," he wrote. "He's taught me how to love, learn, and stay true to myself. I will forever be grateful because he was my superehero #batman"

Justin's uncle Leo Nicholson also took to Instagram to defend the "Baby" crooner in the wake of the negative media reports, sharing a photo the singer—what else?—sleeping, while praising the pop star for following his dreams.

Justin Bieber, Kevin Nicholson, Instagram Instagram

"We have a different relationship then most," he wrote. "I'm what he could have been if he didn't follow his dreams. Construction worker never leaving Stratford. It's hard to see everyone after him because of the decisions he has made."

"We were all young once but never lived in a corrupted world of jealously, hate and not knowing the truth," he continued. "Full of talent but sheltered from the world cause everyone is jealous of the fame and fortune but most of all the pure gift this cat brings to people around him. Even for his age I have learned so much especially a life with freedom."

He concluded by saying, "He has a great team around him as he makes the transitions from boy to man. ~pick your path for your future and stick with it. Make choices for your self and be happy *Leo Nicholson #muchrespect #lilbro #growing"

Meanwhile, Bieber is still under investigation in connection with the egging incident that occurred on Thursday, Jan. 9.

The L.A. District Attorney has asked authorities to further investigate the case, and they have yet to decide whether or not they will have a judge issue a search warrant to access the singer's phone, which was taken during a police raid at the singer's Calabasas, Calif., home on Tuesday, Jan. 14 where authorities were looking for evidence linking Bieber or his friends to the egging.

Reps for Bieber are not commenting on our story.

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{allcanada} Hilary Duff's Ex Mike Comrie Spotted Partying With Blondes at Super Bowl Bash-Get the Scoop

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Hilary Duff, Mike Comrie 

Just weeks after announcing that he was splitting from Hilary Duff, Mike Comrie was spotted relishing a guys' night out in New York City.

The former NHL athlete attended Cîroc Presents Bootsy Bellows at the Liquid Cellar in honor of the Super Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 30.

The 33-year-old "definitely seemed to be enjoying himself," according to a fellow partygoer.

"He had a table with a bunch of guys and there were girls all around them."

The eyewitness said that Comrie was dancing throughout the evening and "chatting up a bunch of different blondes." 

The insider added, "He stayed until the very end of the party and didn't leave until 3:30 a.m."

On Jan. 10, Comrie and Duff announced that they were splitting up after three years of marriage.

Duff's rep says in a statement, "They remain best friends and will continue to be in each other's lives. They are dedicated to loving and parenting their amazing son, and ask for privacy at this time."

Comrie wasn't the only famous face in the crowd Thursday night.

Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan were in attendance, but our source said that the two former pals went to great efforts to avoid any contact with each other.

Oh, the drama!

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{allcanada} Cases may mean more than legal woes for Bieber

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LOS ANGELES (AP) — Justin Bieber's court cases on both sides of the U.S.-Canadian border could complicate the pop star's jet-setting ways as his troubles bring more scrutiny by judges and prosecutors,

Legal experts said a decision by Toronto authorities to charge the 19-year-old Bieber with assault on Wednesday makes his legal situation more complicated and difficult to untangle. He is already facing a driving under the influence case in Miami and remains under investigation for felony vandalism in California.

All the cases are in the early stages and it's uncertain whether the Grammy-nominated singer might be convicted of any charges. But if he is, it would impact how judges deal with him, said Stanley L. Friedman, a former federal prosecutor who now practices criminal defense in Los Angeles.

"I think the legal system is much more likely to treat him harshly as somebody who needs to be taught a lesson," Friedman said. "Now he's become a national poster child for being a bad boy."

Andrew Flier, a criminal defense attorney who has represented sports stars and actors, said immigration issues are likely Bieber's biggest problem at this point. If the singer is convicted, he could get closer scrutiny when traveling from his homeland of Canada to the U.S., where he now lives.

"Multiple convictions even on misdemeanors could be troublesome to the non-citizen," Flier said.

Bieber has pleaded not guilty to DUI, resisting arrest without violence and driving without a valid license in the Miami case.

A preliminary toxicology report released Thursday showed that he tested positive for marijuana and the anti-anxiety drug Xanax. Bieber told police after the arrest that he had been smoking marijuana and had taken a prescription drug.

In California, the singer remains under investigation for an egg-tossing incident that left his neighbor's house with thousands of dollars in damage. If Bieber is charged in that case, a California judge may look at him more harshly in light of the Florida and Toronto cases, said Stan Goldman, a criminal law professor at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles.

"The fact that you've got three is a heck of a lot worse than one," Goldman said.

Bieber has not addressed the vandalism claim in California, and his attorney Howard Weitzman has said the singer's legal team believes their client is innocent in the Toronto case.

Friedman agreed and said Bieber's other cases might make it more likely that he will be charged in Los Angeles. Prosecutors have a lot of discretion in how they pursue cases, and a judge has limited influence in the early stages about what deal Bieber might be offered or whether the case goes forward.

If Bieber is convicted in any of the cases, he would lose the benefit of the doubt that judges often give first-time offenders, Goldman said.

For example, a judge could opt to keep Bieber on a long probation sentence to make sure he stays out of trouble, Goldman said, citing the case of Lindsay Lohan.

The actress has been on some form of probation constantly since taking a plea agreement after being arrested twice for driving under the influence and drug possession in 2007.

Numerous stars have had their international travel curtailed because of legal trouble, and attorneys said the U.S. and Canada both view drug offenses harshly when deciding immigration issues.

A Los Angeles judge restricted Lohan's travel during the height of her probation. Japan blocked the entry of The Rolling Stones over drug convictions and in 1980 deported Paul McCartney for marijuana possession at Narita International Airport. In 2010, Japan blocked Paris Hilton from entering the country just days after she pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor drug charge in Las Vegas.

R&B star Chris Brown must still have his international travel approved by a judge overseeing his probation for a 2009 attack on then-girlfriend Rihanna.

David S. Kestenbaum, an attorney who represents a paparazzo charged with driving recklessly to obtain shots of Bieber, said the pop star's troubles will likely affect his travels.

Kestenbaum agreed with other experts who said Bieber's chances of being deported from the U.S. remain low but said that doesn't mean the pop star will quickly clear customs if he's convicted. Agents could scrutinize Bieber and his entourage more closely in screenings for narcotics or other contraband, and some countries may require him to obtain a special visa, Kestenbaum said.

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