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zake201
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May 16 2014, 09:50 AM
Post #1
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NASHVILLE – His career as a Nashville Predator was over in less than thirty minutes. Not exactly bursting with sentimental feelings, Matthew Lombardi makes an odd return to the state of Tennessee on Thursday night. The 29-year-old signed a three-year contract with the Predators in the summer of 2010, but suffered a concussion in just his second game with the club, never to play in Music City again. "All in all, it was a pretty weird year to say the least," Lombardi told the Leaf Report, ahead of Thursdays matchup at Bridgestone Arena. "I did have a bit of an experience there, but nothing too emotional or anything like that." It was over after 29 minutes and 39 seconds, 34 shifts to be exact. Four nights after his Nashville debut – a 4-1 over Anaheim – Lombardi would suffer a concussion at the United Center in Chicago, his career with the Predators over before it started. His health and future very much in question, Nashville saw little choice but to move the Montreal native in the summer, sending him to Toronto for Brett Lebda (salary relief) and Robert Slaney in a package that also included Cody Franson. Against all odds and expectation, Lombardi triumphantly returned to start the regular season, scoring the shorthanded winner in a 2-0 opening night victory over Montreal. It was a remarkable early peak on a comeback that has seen its fair share of expected waves along the way. Without a concrete training camp to fall back on – he played in only one exhibition game – Lombardi has been forced to shake off the rust of a year-long absence on the fly, a tall task in any league let alone the NHL. "You dont just turn the switch on," he said. "I wish it was that easy. Its not. Its a good league obviously. Its different for everybody, but I feel like Im making progress." The Leafs have seen flashes of the player who scored 19 goals and 53 points with Phoenix in 2009-2010. Theyve seen him utilize what is unquestionably his greatest asset – speed – more and more often and at more advantageous times. Exploiting that speed and the opportunities it creates will help to grow an offensive game that remains hidden beneath the surface; Lombardi has just two goals and six points through the first 18 games. "I definitely feel like I want to contribute," said Lombardi, who has gone the last nine games without a goal, but chipped in with an assist on Tuesday night. "Obviously hasnt been there consistently this year, but I definitely want to build back into that. I feel like I can still do that. Its just getting back to being consistent and helping the team." The Leafs could certainly use his help. With firepower beyond Phil Kessel (13 goals) and Joffrey Lupul (9 goals) in very short supply and Mikhail Grabovski and Clarke MacArthur suddenly down with injuries, the Leafs are hunting for goals anywhere they can find it. While not expected to chip in consistently, some production from the bottom two lines would help to balance the waters offensively. Over the last nine games, the bottom six forward group has managed to create just three goals, two by Joey Crabb and one from Mike Komisarek, initiated by the efforts of Lombardi and Crabb. While hes not yet returned to past levels of performance, Lombardi could eventually provide a kick-start to the Leafs third line with an intriguing blend of speed and intelligence. "Im starting to feel like theres some positive things," he concluded with optimism. "Ive just got to stick with it. The good thing is I know I can be better." -- Tim Connolly should provide an immediate boost offensively with Grabovski sidelined for at least the next two weeks with a lower-body injury. The 30-year-old Connolly is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Predators after missing four games with an upper-body injury. "Feel good, ready to go," said Connolly. "Im able to take a full stride and shoot fully. I wasnt quite there Monday. Just feels good to be ready to go and get back in the lineup." Connolly – one goal and four points – will skate with new linemates in Nashville, likely paired with the struggling Nikolai Kulemin and still goal-searching Matt Frattin. Kulemin has gone eleven games without a goal and has just two so far this season, while Frattin remains on the hunt for his first in the NHL. With impressive vision and creativity, Connolly could help to jump-start the two struggling scorers. Tyler Bozak remains with the continually efficient Kessel and Lupul. -- Franson is the other former Predator set to make a return. The B.C. native played his first two NHL seasons in Nashville, but has thus far been limited to just four games of action with the Leafs, the seventh defenceman on a crowed blue-line. "I wouldnt say Im frustrated or anything like that," said Franson. "Its a bit of a tough spot, but what can you do." The Leafs are likely to dress seven defencemen against the Predators, giving Franson an opportunity to make an impression against his old club. "Every games a chance for me to prove something to people," he said. "When youre in a situation Im in youve got to take advantage of every opportunity you get and try and leave a good impression out there, whether youre going back in the lineup the next night or not." The 24-year-old has been the victim of tough circumstance in the last two games hes dressed; the Leafs were shelled 6-2 in Boston on October 20th, pounded 7-0 at home two weeks later. http://www.authenticjaguarsshop.com/Josh-Scobee-Jaguars-Jersey . "Its nice. Different questions," he said contentedly. After a record-setting nine straight losses to start the MLS season, Winter finally had a win to talk about thanks to Danny Koevermans 88th-minute goal against the Philadelphia Union. http://www.authenticjaguarsshop.com/Eugene-Monroe-Jaguars-Jersey . Torrealba, who was designated for assignment on July 31, will become a free agent on Friday if he is not claimed off waivers. The 34-year-old Venezuelan backstop batted . http://www.authenticjaguarsshop.com/Marcedes-Lewis-Jaguars-Jersey .Y. -- New York Islanders head coach Jack Capuano is out of the hospital following surgery to treat kidney stones, but it is unknown when he will make his season debut behind the bench. http://www.authenticjaguarsshop.com/J-T-Thomas-Jaguars-Jersey . -- David Lee knows Golden State is doing things few expected. http://www.authenticjaguarsshop.com/Stephen-Burton-Jaguars-Jersey . Beachy improved his major league-best ERA with a five-hitter and the Atlanta Braves beat the Miami Marlins 7-0 Thursday night. Malcolm Subban was good, but for the first time in seven games another goaltender was better. Jaroslav Pavelka made 42 saves Thursday as the Windsor Spitfires defeated the Belleville Bulls 2-1 in the Ontario Hockey League. The contest boiled down to a goaltending battle between Subban, the reigning OHL goalie of the month, and Pavelka. The at Windsor goalie was at his acrobatic best, stopping all 22 Belleville shots in the second period. Subban made 29 saves in a losing effort for the Bulls, who had their six-game winning streak come to an end. Michael Clarke and Saverio Posa scored for Windsor. Stephen Silas replied for Belleville. Elsewhere in the OHL, Niagara beat Peterborough 5-2 and Barrie downed Owen Sound 5-3. At Windsor, Ont., Silas opened the scoring in the game for Belleville (19-10-0) early in the second period after splitting two Windsor defenders and wiring a wrist shot pastt Pavelka.dddddddddddd Clarke tied the game for the Spitfires (15-14-4) early in the third period when he deflected a shot by Stephen Alonge past a screened Subban for his 11th goal of the season. Posa scored the game-winner with just under six minutes remaining in the third. He jumped on a loose puck at the right point and circled past two Belleville defenders before cutting in front of the Bulls net and firing low. Special teams continue to play a significant role for the Spitfires. They stymied all six Belleville power-play opportunities to run their streak to 21-straight penalty kills. IceDogs 5 Petes 2 At Peterborough, Ont., Niagaras top-ranked power play scored three times to lead the IceDogs (16-11-3) over Peterborough (14-11-5). --- Colts 5 Attack 3 At Barrie, Ont., Tanner Pearson had two goals and an assist as the Colts knocked off Owen Sound. ' ' '
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