Dein erstes Forum » ion of Game 4 in Montreal-Tampa

ANAHEIM, Calif. -- A mere three weeks ago, Jonas Hiller was gearing up for the playoffs during another strong season as the Anaheim Ducks starting goalie. After a few poor starts got him benched to end the regular season, Hiller now appears to be the top-seeded Ducks last resort in net in the first round against Dallas. The Swiss Olympian is trying to stay positive for his teammates, but Hiller is undeniably dismayed. "Ive definitely not been the happiest guy to be around lately," Hiller said Monday. "You can ask my wife." Hiller won 29 games during the Ducks best regular season in franchise history, but he realizes hell likely watch one of Anaheims two rookie goalies make his playoff debut at Honda Center on Wednesday. Frederik Andersen and John Gibson have 31 combined games of NHL experience, but theyve both seized the opportunity created by Hillers minor slump. Hiller is still featured prominently on the wallpaper on the Ducks website, but that might be the only place Anaheim fans can see the soon-to-be free agent in uniform again unless the rookies falter. "Ive had a few sleepless nights," Hiller said. "The whole situation isnt easy, but at the same time, Im here in the playoffs, we had the best record in Ducks history, and I know Ive been a big part of it, so its not really a reason to hang your head." The Ducks (54-20-8) have the Western Conferences best record and a Pacific Division title heading to the post-season. What they dont have any more is a clear-cut starting goalie. Yet coach Bruce Boudreau and captain Ryan Getzlaf both claimed thats not a problem as they began preparations for Dallas. "Sometimes you have to make tough decisions," Boudreau said. "The good news is you see (Hiller) out there working really hard. I think were in a position where we have three good goalies. I dont think I can screw it up too bad, whoever I choose." Hiller has been the Ducks starting goalie for most of the past half-decade, starting when he seized the job from beloved veteran Jean-Sebastien Giguere during the 2008-09 season. He has won a playoff series and made an All-Star team while providing steady netminding for an up-and-down club that has frequently played inept defence in front of him. But Hiller has known for months that he could be headed out of Orange County. His contract expires this summer, and he hasnt received an extension from a team with most of its key parts locked up for several years. "Not knowing whats going to be next season and all that stuff makes it even a little tougher," Hiller said. "But at the end, the further we go, the better I think for everybody. I really hope Im going to get another chance, but if not, I want to be able to help the team no matter what." The Ducks apparent decision to relegate Hiller to the bench is based on his recent play, but its also likely influenced by their future. If they let Hiller walk, the Ducks need to know their youngsters can handle the job. So far, theyve been solid. Andersen, a 6-foot-4 Dane with a powerful net presence, hasnt lost a start since mid-March, going 20-5 with a .923 save percentage as Hillers backup this season. The 20-year-old Gibson is widely considered the strongest goaltending prospect in hockey. Although he was only called up when a minor injury sidelined Andersen recently, Gibson was named the NHLs second star for last week, allowing just four goals while winning his first three big-league starts. The Ducks seem confident either rookie can withstand the pressure of a post-season run with no prior experience on that stage. "Ive seen kids step up and run with things all the time," said Getzlaf, who won a Stanley Cup title during his second NHL season in 2006-07. "Sometimes its better not to know whats going on. You just go out there and play. You always hear that old saying, The dumb kids dont know any better. We were like that when we were young. We just went out and played and enjoyed the moment, and were just hoping our goaltenders can do that." Hiller said hell be rooting for the rookies along with his teammates, while still hoping for a chance to finish what he started in Anaheim six seasons ago. "If you want to go all the way, you probably play 20-plus games," Hiller said. "And 20 games ago, I had three shutouts in four games, so it can go quick either way." Nathan MacKinnon Avalanche Jersey . -- Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday for the first time in his seven-year career because of a swollen muscle in his left upper back. Rob Ramage Avalanche Jersey .ca. Kerry, I hope you address Ron MacLeans comment during the second intermission of Game 4 in Montreal-Tampa series. Basically, he suggested that the NHL should not have used a referee from Quebec, following the Game 3 disputed non-goal, because the referee could be biased towards Montreal. http://www.hockeyavalanche.com/authentic...alanche-jersey/. Luke Wileman and I stood in the corridor outside of the Vancouver Whitecaps dressing room at BC Place in Vancouver. Adam Foote Avalanche Jersey . According the CSNBayArea.com, the 31-year-old suffered an ACL injury in his right knee on Friday when he collided with Anaheims Emerson Etem during a pre-season game. Tyson Jost Avalanche Jersey .com) - Mike Conley scored 20 points with five assists to help the Memphis Grizzlies remain unbeaten with a 91-89 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.Michael ONeills Northern Ireland face a vital home clash with Azerbaijan in World Cup qualifying on Friday, live on Sky Sports 1. ONeills side, who have four points from their first three games, are three points behind Azerbaijan, who have started Group C with two wins and a draw. N Ireland vs Azerbaijan November 11, 2016, 7:30pm Live on Get Sky Sports Get a Sky Sports pass If Northern Ireland can win at Windsor Park, they will leapfrog Azerbaijan into second place, behind leaders Germany, who face San Marino on Friday. Northern Ireland are on their best home run for 32 years, having won their last five games at Windsor Park. Northern Ireland manager Michael ONeill needs a vital win against Azerbaijan Team newsONeill has suffered the loss of Jamie Ward and Stuart Dallas through injury for both this and next Tuesdays friendly clash against Croatia.QPR striker Conor Washington is a doubt with a groin strain, having sat out of Thursdays training session at Windsor Park. Extraordinary scenes outside Northern Irelands team hotel on Wednesday when a car is believed to have developed a technical fault and went on fire Ross County striker Liam Boyce was added to Northern Ireland squad late on Thursday evening, with Wigan striker Will Grigg also hoping for action in Belfast.Midfielder Chris Brunt is back in the side for the first time in 13 months following his injury for West Brom last season. Chris Brunt returns for Northern Ireland after 13 months out of the side A serious knee injury ended Brunts season back in February and denied him a spot in the Euro 2016 squad when the 31-year-old utility man may have otherwise been considering a swansong in France.dddddddddddd.Opta factsThis will be the fifth meeting on the international stage between these two nations, with both Northern Ireland and Azerbaijan winning once each (D2).Indeed, the side playing at home has never lost in the four previous contests (W2 D2). Northern Ireland lost in Germany last time out Northern Irelands only previous victory against Azerbaijan came back in September 2005, courtesy of goals from Stuart Elliot and Warren Feeney.ONeills side have failed to score in six of their last eight matches, netting four vs San Marino and two vs Ukraine.However, the Green Army have won seven and lost none of their last nine fixtures on home soil. Northern Ireland host Azerbaijan in World Cup qualifying live on Sky Sports Azerbaijan are one of four sides yet to concede a goal in European World Cup 2018 qualifiers (also England, Germany and Belgium).Charlies predictionI think this will be an awkward one. Everyone anticipates that theyll win these sort of games comfortably because they did well in the Euros. Results will come their way but they still have to work their socks off.Kyle Lafferty gets all the credit but Steve Davis is their star player by a mile. Hes the one that dominates game and have the energy and craft that makes Northern Ireland tick.These are awkward and sit in and frustrate, successfully so given theyve recorded three successive clean sheet, so Im going for Gareth McAuley, whose scoring record is brilliant, to see them get the win.Charlie predicts: 1-0 and McAuley to score first (25/1 with Sky Bet) Get a Sky Sports Pass Dont miss Northern Ireland v Azerbaijan. Watch live on NOW TV for ￡6.99. No contract. ' ' '