Kritik und Lob » ewed commitment to defense. The Blaze

The Colorado Avalanche are searching for answers, trying to find a way out of the tailspin that has them 0-3-1 on their homestand.They might have a kindred spirit in Saturdays opponent, the Dallas Stars, who visit Colorado on Saturday night in the homestand finale. The Stars lost the first three of their four-game road trip and four of their last five overall, including a 6-2 setback to Pittsburgh on Thursday night.Its a tough stretch for Dallas (9-10-6), which won the Central Division last season, but its not an unfamiliar feeling. The Stars had stretches last season where they went 1-5-2 and 1-6-0 but bounced back.We went through this last year, coach Lindy Ruff told The Dallas Morning News. I think were struggling and saying, Theres got to be an easier way. But there is no easier way. You have to put the work in.Similar sentiments are being said in the Avalanche camp. Colorado (9-12-1) played poorly at home all season, going 4-7-1 at Pepsi Center. It failed to capitalize on a decent road record to build momentum, often going stretches of games with a lack of intensity.It hurt in Thursdays 3-2 loss to Columbus.We have fits and starts of really good hockey, but its not long enough, Matt Duchene told HockeyBuzz.com. We have to make sure that were the team thats taking control; its just more of a killer instinct, more of an attitude to make things happen instead of worrying about making mistakes.The Avalanche fell behind 2-0 Thursday before a couple of goals in the second period got them even. They took three straight minor penalties in the third, and although they killed them off -- including Columbus having a two-man advantage for 40 seconds -- a turnover soon after they got back to full strength led to the Blue Jackets winning goal.One of the Avalanche goals was scored by Samuel Henley in his NHL debut. He, along with Gabriel Bourque, were assigned to San Antonio on Friday after being recalled Thursday.Colorado scored the first goal in just six of its 23 games and is 5-10-1 when trailing 1-0.Its the start of games, the start of periods (when) were just not ready, as ready as we should be, and Im not sure why, Duchene told HockeyBuzz.com. Itd be nice to strike first and dictate the game a little more. I think thats a big key to success in this league, playing with the lead and dictating the game. We have to be more determined to do it early.The Avalanche scored first in their opener against Dallas on Oct. 15 and went on to win 6-5. They would like to mirror that effort but eliminate the part where they nearly gave away a three-goal lead before holding on.The Stars, on the other hand, want to avoid a repeat of that game, and they want to start a winning streak. Dallas, like Colorado, has not won more than two in a row this season.When I get my top guys on the right side, then we will win games on a consistent basis, Ruff told The Dallas Morning News. Im looking at the job Ive been doing, and it hasnt been good enough because the guys I take so much pride in arent on the right side for me, and that bothers me.Star Lotulelei Jersey . LOUIS -- St. Devin Singletary Jersey . The catch: It needs a lot of money, and it needs it fast. http://www.wholesalebillsjerseys.com/?tag=youth-vladimir-ducasse-jersey . Manuel was offered a position the day he was fired. He accepted earlier this week and the team made the announcement Friday. DaMari Scott Jersey . -- Matt Ryan needed one of the best games of his career to lead the Falcons and their depleted offence out of their three-game losing streak last week. Shaq Lawson Jersey . The defence is doing its part, too. Drew Brees threw a pair of touchdown passes in the first half and the guys on the other side made sure that was enough, sending the Saints to a 17-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday night.PORTLAND, Ore. -- While Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum didnt have their usual offensive outburst against Miami, they both got baskets when it mattered.Lillard scored 19 points and McCollum had 17, including a pair of late baskets, to rally the Portland Trail Blazers to a 99-92 victory over the Heat on Saturday night.We just find a way, Lillard said. Youve got to gut one out like that. Find a way when your offense isnt there. I think that shows great character for our team and it shows growth.Hassan Whiteside had 28 points and 16 rebounds for the Heat, who missed out on their first three-game winning streak of the season.Whitesides follow shot put the Heat ahead 91-85, but McCollum made a 3-pointer with 2:57 left and Maurice Harkless free throws narrowed the gap to 91-90 with 2:26 remaining.Wayne Ellington hit a free throw for Miami, but McCollum converted a layup and Harkless banked in a jumper to give Portland a 94-92 lead.McCollum added a jumper with just under a minute left and Portland held on for the win, outscoring the Heat 14-1 in the final 2:57.Harkless also scored 17 points for Portland, which has won three of four.The Heat, at 7-13, have struggled at times following Dwyane Wades departure for the Chicago Bulls after 13 seasons in Miami.Youd like to go 3-0 but anytime you go positive on a road trip its a motivation, Whiteside said, noting the Heat went 2-1 on the three-game swing. We can build on this.Miami also is grappling with injuries. The team announced before the game that forward Luke Babbitt would not play because of a hip flexor. He joined forward Justise Winslow (wrist), guard Dion Waiters (groin) and Josh Richardson (ankle) on Miamis injured list and left the Heat with only 10 players available for the game.Ellington, appearing in hiss fourth game since returning from a deep thigh bruise, made his first start for the Heat.dddddddddddd He finished with 12 points.Meyers Leonards alley-oop dunk from Evan Turner gave the Blazers a 73-68 lead late in the third quarter. The Heat were hurt with 20 seconds left when James Johnson was ejected with a second technical when he got upset about a non-call.Portlands recent resurgence comes with a new focus on defense.We locked in, guard Allen Crabbe said. Defense is really a priority for us now.TIP-INSHeat: The team ate on Friday night at 23Hoyt, the Portland restaurant that is partly owned by Miami coach Erik Spoelstra. Spoelstra grew up in Portland, and played for the Portland Pilots. ... The Heat had three technical fouls in the first half.Trail Blazers: Following Saturday nights game, Portland heads out on a five-game road trip. ... McCollum missed a foul shot in the third quarter, snapping a run of 30 consecutive made free throws.WINNING TRIPSpoelstra said the positive road trip wouldnt sink in until later.By the time we get on the plane Im sure well feel that way, but right now it stings, he said. You get up six and we really started to clamp down against a very dynamic, talented, well-schooled and experienced offensive team. They bring a lot at you but our guys were not backing off and making it as tough as possible.KEEPING IT UNDER 100It was just the third game this season that Portland has kept its opponent under 100 points -- demonstrating again the renewed commitment to defense. The Blazers are 3-0 in those games.UP NEXTHeat: Host the New York Knicks on Tuesday.Trail Blazers: Visit the Chicago Bulls on Monday.[url=ewed commitment to defense. The Blazeale Baseball Jerseys[/url] ' ' '