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Rams headed back to Los Angeles; Chargers have option to join

http://www.seahawksofficialnflonline.com/WOMENS_YOUTH_EARL_THOMAS_III_JERSEY.html HOUSTON -- The Rams are moving back to Los Angeles, maybe with company. The San Diego Chargers and Oakland Raiders might end up staying put, although the leadership of both teams didn't come close to making that commitment Tuesday night. Or one of them could be headed to L.A., too. A long day of votes and re-votes ended with 30 of 32 NFL owners approving Rams owner Stan Kroenke's ambitious plan to move his team from St. Louis to the site of the old Hollywood Park racetrack in Inglewood, California, about 10 miles from downtown LA. The Chargers have a yearlong option to join the Rams, followed by the Raiders if the San Diego franchise declines. The Raiders and Chargers had a competing proposal to share a new stadium in nearby Carson, but neither option got the 24 votes needed for approval. After another negotiating session in the afternoon, Kroenke's $1.8 billion project prevailed. The decision ends the NFL's 21-year absence from the nation's second-largest media market. Russell Wilson Womens Jersey "I often said over those 21 years what we need is a great facility," commissioner Roger Goodell said at a news conference about 11 hours after the meetings began. "I think what happened over the last years is we had two outstanding opportunities, both of these stadium projects were outstanding." "Today, with the NFL returning home, Los Angeles cements itself as the epicenter of the sports world," Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement. "We cannot wait to welcome the Rams, and perhaps others soon, as they join a storied lineup of professional franchises, collegiate powerhouses and sports media companies." The fee to move a team is $550 million, Kroenke has the option to either pay that all at once or with 10 annual installments of $64 million, but a source told ESPN's Jim Trotter that Kroenke will pay it in a lump sum. Shaun Alexander Youth Jersey Chargers chairman Dean Spanos was asked if he intended to play in Los Angeles in 2016. "I'm going to take a day off tomorrow I think," Spanos said. "This has really been excruciating for everyone. It's very difficult to say right now I'm going to do this or do that." Oakland is still in debt from a renovation 20 years ago when the Raiders moved back from Los Angeles. City officials have said they won't seek help from taxpayers with a new stadium, and asked the NFL for more time to develop a project in a response to the Raiders' relocation plan. The NFL gave it to them. "We'll see where the Raider nation ends up here," said owner Mark Davis, who was equally noncommittal in comments to reporters outside the news conference. "We'll be working really hard to find us a home. So for our fans and everything else, don't feel bad. We'll get it right." http://www.seahawksofficialnflonline.com/WOMENS_YOUTH_STEVEN_HAUSCHKA_JERSEY.html Ray Perez, a 28-year-old Raiders fan from Sacramento who goes by the moniker Dr. Death, traveled to the Houston meeting in his usual Black Hole garb and was cautiously optimistic after hearing the news. "I will not be completely, fully thrilled until the ink dries on paper and we know we're staying in Oakland in a new stadium," Perez said. "I'm very happy, very happy. But I'm not going to be overjoyed until we sign a stadium deal to keep the Raiders in Oakland with our own stadium."

Ovechkin is good for a game desperate for scoring stars

Brandon Browner Womens Jersey WASHINGTON -- At a time when the game's deep thinkers and even the shallow thinkers ponder how to get more pucks into more nets, it is nice for a change to pause and celebrate the most gifted goal scorer of our generation. From the moment the puck dropped Sunday night at the sold-out Verizon Center, there was a crackle of anticipation. The players felt it too -- even if Alex Ovechkin suggested he did not -- that this would be the night, that it was just a matter of time before Ovechkin scored the 500th goal of his career. As it turned out it was just that -- a matter of time -- as Ovechkin followed a blueprint that has served him so well since coming into the league in 2005-06: biding his time on a power play before ripping a Jason Chimera pass over Ottawa Senators goaltender Andrew Hammond with 3:41 left in the second period of Sunday's 7-1 thumping. http://www.officialauthenticseahawks.com/SUPER-BOWL-MICHAEL-BOWIE-JERSEY In a millisecond, Ovechkin's teammates were on the ice to embrace him, the first Russian-born player to score 500 goals. The 30-year-old, who has always had a keen appreciation of his relationship with the fans in this city, acknowledged them with waves and claps of his gloved hands. He searched the crowd, finding his father and mother, and blew them kisses. "It's a very special moment for them," a subdued Ovechkin told reporters later. He admitted he was surprised at the reaction from his teammates, even though linemate T.J. Oshie said everyone but Ovechkin knew what was going to happen. Derrick Coleman Authentic Jersey "Yeah, 'O' didn't know we were all going out there, but everyone on the team knew we were jumping if he scored," Oshie said. At the start of the season, Jaromir Jagr and Jarome Iginla were the only active NHL players who had scored 500 goals. Marian Hossa will get there in the next few weeks. Patrick Marleau will get there, too. Who else? No one on the immediate horizon. http://www.officialauthenticseahawksstores.com/earl+thomas+iii+super+bowl+jersey.html Ovechkin becomes the 43rd NHL player to reach the fabled milestone.

Tearful Blair ends Vikings' season: 'It's my fault'

http://www.officialbroncosnflauthentic.com/WOMENS_YOUTH_BRITTON_COLQUITT_JERSEY.html MINNEAPOLIS -- Mike Zimmer was blunt. By the end, Blair Walsh was sobbing. So went the postgame emotion Sunday at TCF Bank Stadium, after the Seattle Seahawks' stunning 10-9 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Zimmer had little to say about Walsh's miss of a 27-yard field goal attempt, one that would have put the Vikings ahead with 22 seconds remaining. "It's a chip shot," Zimmer said. "He's got to make it." Walsh felt the same way and broke into tears minutes later in the Vikings' locker room after completing an interview session with reporters. Walsh, who had converted 33 of 34 kicks from inside 30 yards in his career before the fateful attempt, took full blame. He exonerated holder Jeff Locke, who had set the laces toward Walsh instead of away from him, as per standard fundamentals, and said he wasn't immediately sure what went wrong. "It's so quick that I don't know what happened," Walsh said. "You have to go back and look at the film. But I can tell you this: It's my fault. I don't care whether you give me a watermelon whole, I should be able to put that one through. Jeff did his job. [Longsnapper Kevin McDermott] did his job. I'm the only one who didn't do his job. That's on me." C.J. Anderson Womens Jersey Locke was equally morose postgame. "Kevin and I both feel like we missed the kick," Locke said. "It's all three of us. We're a unit. It feels terrible." Although Walsh brushed off the lace issue, Locke was crushed that he did not align them correctly. "I've got to spin it," he said. "Simple as that. In these conditions, it's very difficult to do, to control the spin. But that's part of my job. So I've got to do it. ... http://www.officialbroncosnflauthentic.com/WOMENS_YOUTH_DENNIS_SMITH_JERSEY.html "Kevin and mine job's is to make it look as easy as possible for Blair, and that picture is not the laces staring him in the face."

Mitch Kupchak: Lakers' season about celebrating Kobe Bryant

http://www.authenticcelticsstore.com/authentic-7-jared-sullinger-jersey.html LOS ANGELES -- For much of the 2015-16 season, the Los Angeles Lakers have been trying to balance the development of their younger players while also celebrating Kobe Bryant, who is retiring after his 20th campaign in the NBA. Although the season isn't over, the Lakers sit at 8-28, and general manager Mitch Kupchak told ESPN that this season is about Bryant. Any plans to more frequently feature their younger core are on hold until he is gone. "Under normal circumstances [in a season like this], at some point, you would probably concentrate on just developing all your young players," Kupchak told ESPN on Tuesday. "But we can't do that right now. Shabazz Muhammad Youth Jersey "This [season] is really a justified farewell to perhaps the best player in franchise history. And, God-willing, he's going to want to play every game and he's going to want to play a lot of minutes in every game, because that's just the way he is. "And as long as that continues, which it should, then that's 30-35 minutes that you might give to a young player that you can't. How do you get a feel for your team going forward when you know that your best player is not going to be there next year? So it's really hard to go forward until he's no longer here. "That's not a bad thing. I'm not saying it's a bad thing at all. It's something that I think is a good thing. In some regards, there's a silver lining. Our younger players can make mistakes, and it can kind of go under the radar because Kobe garnishes so much attention. Every game, it's about Kobe. Even when he doesn't play, it's about Kobe. So in a lot of regards, there's a silver lining that our guys can develop under the radar and maybe make a mistake or make two mistakes and it not be a big deal." Rookie point guard D'Angelo Russell (No. 2 overall in 2015) and second-year power forward Julius Randle (No. 7 in '14) were both lottery picks. Jordan Clarkson was a second-round pick in 2014 who became an All-Rookie First-Team selection. Rookie forward Larry Nance Jr. also has emerged as a promising player. Randy Foye Kids Jersey Yet at various points during a season that still hasn't reached its halfway point, those players' minutes and even their roles have fluctuated dramatically. Russell and Randle, for example, started the team's first 20 games before being moved to the bench. Nance is starting in place of Randle. Clarkson is perhaps the steadiest of the group, averaging 14.8 points in 32 minutes per game even if the lineup has shifted around him plenty. Meanwhile, the 37-year-old Bryant has been a focus, with Lakers coach Byron Scott adamantly supporting his former teammate at every turn, even telling ESPN at one point that he would "never, never, never" bench the star no matter how much he struggles. "I was hoping that our young players, in conjunction with the veterans that we added, and Kobe at full health, would lead to a better record than what we have today," Kupchak said. "I didn't have any visions that we'd win 50 games or 45. Could we have won 45 or 40? I guess it's possible. In fact, it still is possible. http://www.authenticlakersstore.com/authentic-5-carlos-boozer-jersey.html "But where we stand today, it looks like we're not going to meet that benchmark. So, in some regards, I'm disappointed with where we are today, but it is what it is. Kobe's made a decision. He can't play every game. He wants to play every game. We have to figure out a way when he does play to play with him, get him the minutes that he wants, get him ready for the next game, hope he plays the next game, and if he doesn't, we have to get our lineup in such a way that we can compete and develop the young players. It's not a perfect scenario, but there's no way to plan this. There just isn't."

Calvin Johnson expects decision in 'not-too-distant future'

Dan Bailey Authentic Jersey Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is contemplating retirement, and a source told ESPN's Ed Werder that Johnson warned his mother a few days ago he wasn't sure if he'll continue to play. Johnson, who is 30 and just completed his ninth NFL season, released a statement Wednesday through the Lions saying he is "evaluating options for my future." "I would expect to have a decision regarding this matter in the not-too-distant future," Johnson said. A source told Werder the question for Johnson is, "Do I want to play football?" Ben Roethlisberger Elite Jersey "I think that's the whole thing," the source said. "I think Calvin [is] that kind of guy if I don't feel I'm into this 100 percent, then I need to think about if I want to be in it at all. "This time of year, you could probably ask a lot of players that question, and their bodies would tell them they wouldn't want to play. I think he's tired. His body probably aches, and probably all of them do." Johnson has dealt with multiple injuries the past few seasons. He hurt his ankle in Week 8 against Kansas City this season, and while he didn't miss a game, finishing with 88 catches for 1,214 yards and nine touchdowns, he was on the injury report every week and missed practices. In 2014, he missed three games and was limited in two others with a high ankle sprain. In 2013, he missed one game because of a knee injury and had to have offseason surgeries to repair his knee and fingers. In 2012, Johnson also had a knee injury and struggled gripping footballs because of a nerve issue. Ka'Deem Carey Youth Jersey A source told Werder that in addition to this season's injury issues, Johnson is frustrated in feeling the Lions have failed to maximize his ability in their offense. It doesn't seem that Johnson is attempting to convince the Lions to provide him a new contract or to trade him, although a source told Werder that Johnson was intrigued when his name was mentioned in possible trade-deadline moves, particularly if he had been sent to a team like the Carolina Panthers, whose 15-1 record is the best in the NFC. At the trade deadline this year, Johnson said he wants to win in his career and that he wanted to win as a Lion and that a trade to another team "hasn't crossed my mind." "I want to win here, you know," Johnson said at the trade deadline. "This is where I've been. So, definitely want to create a winning culture where I'm at." http://www.chargersshopnfl.com/Authentic-Eric-Weddle-Jersey Since that statement, Johnson has said multiple times he would like to play for the Lions his entire career.

Sept. 21, 2001: The night Mike Piazza became a Hall of Famer

http://www.authenticmetsshop.com/authentic-45-zack-wheeler-jersey.html Javy Lopez set up on the outside corner of the plate, the first-base side, and Steve Karsay fired the 0-1 fastball that drifted a few fateful inches to the right. Mike Piazza had taken the first pitch he saw from Karsay in the bottom of the eighth inning. He had no intention of taking the second. It was late Friday night, Sept. 21, 2001, and Shea Stadium had already established itself as the scene of a community revival. People say that sports cannot heal or unite in a time of tragedy, that they can only serve as a temporary sanctuary from the grief and pain. But if you were among the 41,235 fans in the building for the first major sporting event played in New York after the Twin Towers fell on 9/11, you understood this was not just a baseball game providing a distraction for a heartbroken city. This was a symbol of strength and resilience for thousands of New Yorkers in dire need of one. Matt Garza Womens Jersey Long before Piazza sized up that second pitch from Karsay in the eighth, Shea had delivered one gripping drama after another. Diana Ross sang a version of "God Bless America" that was in the same emotional ballpark as Whitney Houston's national anthem at the Gulf War Super Bowl, and a Marine guard fired a 21-gun salute, bagpipers played and fans chanted "USA ... USA." American flags were everywhere in Shea Stadium, and inside the lighted replica of the Manhattan skyline above the scoreboard, the darkened Twin Towers were graced by a red, white and blue ribbon. The Mets and Atlanta Braves, bitter rivals, hugged each other in the pregame, and the crowd would chant for a Yankees fan, Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Later on, during the seventh-inning stretch, Liza Minnelli blew the lid off the place with a rendition of "New York, New York" that included a kick line of cops and firefighters, and a punctuating hug and a kiss for Jay Payton, the Mets batter waiting on deck. Kent Hrbek Kids Jersey Bobby Valentine, the Mets manager, was having a hard time focusing on the base-to-base particulars of the game, and for good reason. He had lost a close friend in the attacks, and Valentine had led a procession of his players to the smoldering Ground Zero site, where they visited devastated ladder companies and comforted rescue workers and relatives of the victims. When Shea became a staging area for the recovery effort, the manager was seen loading supplies in the parking lot deep into the night. Nearly everyone the Mets came across at Ground Zero told them to keep wearing those caps honoring the cops, firefighters, Port Authority police and emergency services personnel. When some tone-deaf suits in the MLB properties division pressed for the Mets to go back to wearing their official team caps, Todd Zeile said, "As far as we're concerned, they're going to have to tear the hats off of us." The Mets donated their game checks -- some $450,000 in all -- to Rusty Staub's fund for the widows and children of fallen heroes, and did the city proud with their commitment to the cause. But something else was needed on the night of Sept. 21, 2001 -- a victory. This was a baseball game, after all, and the Mets had won 20 of 25 to finally get over .500 and stood 5 1/2 back of the first-place Braves, who had seized a 2-1 lead in the top of the eighth on Brian Jordan's double. http://www.officialathleticsshop.com/authentic-36-terry-steinbach-jersey.html Karsay was an appropriate man to take the ball in the bottom of the inning; he grew up 10 minutes from Shea. He got Matt Lawton on a groundout before walking Edgardo Alfonzo, who was replaced by a pinch runner, Desi Relaford. Despite the fact he was working on his third consecutive season of at least 35 home runs, and that he'd led the Mets to the World Series the previous fall (a five-game loss to the dynastic Yankees), Piazza stepped to the plate as a most improbable representative of his adopted town.

Paul DePodesta takes Browns from 'Draft Day' to 'Moneyball'

http://www.patriotsnflofficialonline.com/Jimmy-Garoppolo-Jersey From "Draft Day" to "Moneyball." The Cleveland Browns are either trying to revolutionize the NFL, or they are just so sick of losing they are willing to branch out and try as many different ideas and methods as they can. Perhaps it's a combination of both. The hiring of Paul DePodesta as the team's chief strategy officer brings the model for the Jonah Hill character in "Moneyball" to Berea. DePodesta was the guy who convinced Billy Beane that analytics and numbers and run production were more important than traditional scouting methods.
 That approach has caught on in baseball, where numbers are more clearly defined and easier to assess. While some websites have started using analytics in the NFL -- ProFootballFocus.com is the leader -- the trend still is toward traditional scouting methods that measure height, weight, speed and production. In the NFL, things like heart, desire, toughness and professionalism can't be measured. All the analytics in the world won't make a team that lacks a quarterback into a champion. Joe Montana Kids Jersey Joe Banner and Alec Scheiner brought analytics to the Browns. Scheiner strongly believes in it. But Banner appeared on SportsCenter shortly after the hiring was announced and said conflict could follow if the Browns go all-in on analytics and hire a traditional coach. If the Browns are emphasizing analytics to the extreme, they at least will have to find someone who buys into the thinking. If it is one tool in personnel assessment, they will have to find someone who at least believes in it. A crusty veteran coach like Mike Zimmer in Minnesota probably would lean away from numbers. A guy like Hue Jackson of Cincinnati also seems inclined to the traditional way. There may be tensions between non-football and football people making decisions. The image is rich of a coach with shorts and a whistle debating an Ivy Leaguer in a suit about which player best fits the rush-linebacker role. But DePodesta could be a wise hire to maximize analytics. http://www.footballcowboysprostore.com/Dan-Bailey-Jersey The key is that it's one tool, not the only one. The team's press release about DePodesta said his skills transcend one sport, and is filled with contemporary business jargon (best practices, strategies, comprehensive resources and optimal decisions are in the first sentence) that, boiled down, means help in whatever way possible.

Browns hire Mets' Paul DePodesta as chief strategy officer

Sammie Coates Elite Jersey Continuing their unconventional approach this offseason, the Cleveland Browns have announced the hiring of Paul DePodesta of the New York Mets as the team's chief strategy officer. DePodesta -- who helped the Mets become National League champions last season -- will be above newly hired executive vice president of football operations Sashi Brown in the organizational hierarchy and will report to owner Jimmy Haslam, according to sources. "We are fortunate to bring in Paul, an extremely talented, highly respected sports executive who will add a critical dimension to our front office," Haslam said. "His approach and ambition to find the best pathways for organizational success transcend one specific sport and his experience as a high-level sports executive make him a terrific addition to the Cleveland Browns. Anthony Castonzo Super Bowl Jersey "While we are excited about what Paul will provide our organization, we remain fully focused on the critical task of identifying the right head coach and player personnel executive who will provide the football expertise needed to be successful." The Browns expect DePodesta to help members of the team's player-development, sports-science, high-performance and analytics departments maximize their efforts. He will also have a significant voice in determining Browns personnel decisions, including what, if anything, the team does this offseason with former first-round draft pick Johnny Manziel. He will also be part of the group that conducts the coaching search. "Paul has invaluable experience in management and leadership with a number of highly successful sports teams," Brown said. "His ability to create better processes and systems throughout organizations, his use of data as a tool to produce better outcomes, and his relentless focus on looking for innovative ways to create more success will be a strong asset as we look to be as comprehensive as possible in our decision-making." http://www.officialramsnflproshop.com/AUTHENTIC+NICK+FOLES+JERSEY Those who have worked with DePodesta during his MLB career also speak highly of his front-office acumen. "Paul completely reorganized the Mets; scouting and player-development functions and had an extraordinary impact in both areas, but he was also very directly involved in our trade and free-agent acquisitions," Mets GM Sandy Alderson said. "His commitment to excellence and his passion for innovation will be missed by the Mets and all of baseball. I wish him well with the Browns." Although his success has been achieved in professional baseball, DePodesta has wanted opportunities in the NFL. http://www.billsofficialonlineshop.com/AUTHENTIC+CORDY+GLENN+JERSEY "Cleveland and football have always held a special place in my heart," DePodesta said. "It was 20 years ago this month, after pursing my first love of football and looking at every possible job in the NFL, that I got the biggest break I could imagine -- a job offer from the American League champion Cleveland Indians. As excited as I was then, I am even more excited now to return to Cleveland and to try to help the Browns."

Bryce Harper is our MLB 'Person of the Year' for 2015

Willie Mays Authentic Jersey When it comes to baseball, 2015 will be remembered as the year of Bryce Harper. Sure, you could make an argument for Jake Arrieta or Alex Anthopoulos or a handful of other names, but you'd be wrong. Nothing against his royal Cy-ness or the recently crowned Exec of the Year, but from spring training all the way through October and beyond, both with his actions on the field and his words off it, no individual consistently dominated the baseball conversation the way Harper did. In the process, Harper proved that, in a sport starving for transcendent superstars as it struggles to stay relevant to young America, he's both the present and the future of the game. "Where's my ring?" That's how the Year of Bryce began. It wasn't a clown question, bro, but rather a rhetorical one. Uttered by Harper on the very same day he reported to spring training back in February, the quip -- a reference to how stacked the Washington Nationals were following the offseason addition of $210 million ace Max Scherzer -- thrust Harper into the headlines, where it seemed like he stayed for the next nine months. Womens Roy Halladay Jersey There was, of course, no ring, as the Nationals fell egregiously short of World Series expectations and finished only four games over. 500. But that had less (read: nothing) to do with Harper and more (read: everything) to do with a plague of injuries to key cogs, an inexperienced manager, a flawed lineup, a beleaguered bullpen and a toxic clubhouse. As for Harper, the former first overall pick who turned 23 in October, all he did was lead the majors in on-base percentage (.460) and slugging (.649), becoming the third-youngest player since 1900 to do that. The other two? A couple of dudes named Cobb and Musial. He also finished tied for the National League lead in homers (42) and posted the second-highest average on the Senior Circuit (.330). And that was only half the story: In his first full season playing right field, Harper ranked fourth among NL right fielders with seven defensive runs saved and was a Gold Glove finalist. Put it all into the baseball blender and you come out with a 9.9 WAR, best in the bigs and the most valuable season by a National Leaguer since Barry Bonds in 2004 (10.6). For those who are inclined to ignore Bonds' numbers, Harper's 2015 WAR total was the highest in the NL by a position player since Joe Morgan in 1975. In a year in which youth was served and fresh-faced phenoms such as Kris Bryant and Carlos Correa ascended to the show, Harper's precocious play made it all too easy to forget just how young the four-year vet still is (for the record, Bryant is 286 days older than Harper). Mike Dunleavy Authentic Jersey Just how good was Harper in 2015? In mid-November, when postseason awards were handed out, he became the youngest NL MVP in over 40 years and the youngest unanimous MVP in baseball history. Talk to those who know him best -- teammates, coaches, opponents -- and they all say that the biggest difference this past season, the reason he made the leap, was his discipline at the dish. Harper set an Expos/Nationals franchise record by walking 124 times, four of which came during a Sept. 3 contest against Atlanta, when he became the first player in at least 100 years to score four times and drive in a run without recording an official at-bat. "It reminds you of Barry Bonds," Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman said. "Obviously he's not hitting 70 home runs. But he's gonna take his walks. Then he gets one pitch to hit and he hits it. It's incredible to watch." But talk to the MVP himself, and he'll give you an even simpler reason. "The thing is, I [had success] in high school, I did it in college, I did it at every single level in the minor leagues. But I haven't been healthy," said Harper, who played in a career-high 153 games in 2015 after averaging just 119 in his first three seasons. "Everybody asks me what I'm doing different or did something click. I'm just healthy. This is the type of player I have been and this is the type of player I want to be." Paul Kariya Womens Jersey Even though Harper's historic season didn't net him a ring, it did produce a wring: In the eighth inning of a late September home game, Nats closer Jonathan Papelbon choked his MVP teammate in a highly visible dugout donnybrook. The incident, which started brewing several days earlier when Harper publicly called into question Papelbon's intentional beaning of Orioles All-Star Manny Machado, was the defining dysfunctional moment for the reality show that was the 2015 Nationals. It was also the most indelible singular image from Harper's sensational season, which is saying something considering his seemingly never-ending stream of on-field accomplishments. The dustup ultimately led to the firing of manager Matt Williams, not to mention an active effort by the Washington front office to unload Papelbon this offseason. As for the "Person of the Year," Harper doesn't appear to be going anywhere anytime soon.

Fantasy hockey forecaster Week 13: Jan. 4-10

Loui Eriksson Womens Jersey It seems that injuries often dominate the headlines for fantasy hockey owners, which comes with a negative connotation most of the time, as fantasy teams are losing assets. This week, however, a return to health seems to be the recurring theme in NHL news. A top fantasy centerman, top winger, top goaltender and top defenseman are all back to business for their respective teams. Which represents more than just a little value displacement. Logan Couture, C, San Jose Sharks: It was just Couture's sixth game of the season on Wednesday in his return from a thigh injury, which followed a broken leg. But it looks like he has the strength back in his limbs after skating more than 15 minutes and posting two assists on the power play. He reprised his role on the "second" line with Patrick Marleau and Joel Ward. We quote the "second" because it's arguably as strong as the first unit anchored by Joe Pavelski and Joe Thornton. Having Couture back makes a huge difference for the entire Sharks attack, as opponents now have to respect two strong scoring lines instead of concentrating on one. Expect Couture's return to lift all boats for fantasy value, with the exception of Brent Burns. Chris Kreider Premier Jersey Burns' pace this season for offense has been torrential, and Couture's absence has been prolonged. We aren't so sure the two factors are mutually exclusive. That is to say, perhaps Burns' ridiculous offensive pace has been partly due to making up for the lack of a strong second scoring line for the Sharks. After all, his current pace has Burns finishing with 362 shots on goal, which is downright Ray Bourque-esque and not something we see from defensemen in the NHL. Don't be surprised if Burns eases off the gas pedal a little as an overall part of team strategy. Brendan Gallagher, W, Montreal Canadiens: Just in time for the Winter Classic on Friday, Gallagher has been cleared for a return to action. Expect to see him outdoors in Foxborough playing with Tomas Plekanec and Max Pacioretty. This is a massive boon not only to Gallagher owners but Pacioretty and Plekanec owners as well. We'll remind you one more time of just how much of an impact Gallagher's presence seems to have on the top line: With Gallagher in the lineup, Plekanec and Pacioretty have combined for 40 points in 44 games. Without him, they have 17 points in 34 games played. Kings Rajon Rondo Youth Jersey Sergei Bobrovsky, G, Columbus Blue Jackets: While Bobrovsky won't solve everything going on with the Blue Jackets' offense, his return makes it less important to do so. Even with his lost time to injury, Bobrovsky is second among NHL goaltenders who have played at least 20 games in save percentage since John Tortorella took over as coach on Oct. 22. That's right. Since Torts stepped behind the bench, Bobrovsky has a .936 save percentage and 11 wins in 20 starts before getting hurt in early December. Only Braden Holtby edges him out with a .938 save percentage among 20-start goalies in that same span. This is all to say that Bobrovsky was not just hitting his stride or turning the corner before the injury -- those are massive understatements. Bobrovsky was among the league's best netminders when he went down and may be undervalued by his current owner. http://www.authenticyankeesshop.com/authentic-12-wade-boggs-jersey.html Kris Letang, D, Pittsburgh Penguins: If only Letang could stay healthy. He is still on pace for 50 points this season despite already missing nine games. Back from a series of mysterious ailments, which may or may not have been concussions, Letang had two goals and an assist on Thursday. The Penguins' offense, Sidney Crosby included, seems to be rounding into form with the new year, and Letang is getting healthy just in time to be a part of it. Fantasy owners looking for that risk-reward, boom-bust investment to turn around an ailing team will want to inquire about acquiring Letang's services. His owner could be into taking a stable but less valuable return in a trade, and if Letang stays healthy, he has top-five-defenseman potential.