Technik » The Redskins finally addressed their shaky offensive lin

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Blackhawks lost No. 1 goalie Corey Crawford to a lower-body injury three weeks ago, forcing the Stanley Cup champions to hand the net over to an untested rookie from Finland. The Blackhawks had no idea what they had in Antti Raanta. They hoped for the best, and they got it. Raanta made 26 saves in his first NHL shutout, Brandon Saad scored in the first period, and Chicago beat Los Angeles 1-0 on Monday night, sending the Kings to their first three-game losing streak in nearly a year. "There was only one goal for us, so I knew if we wanted to win the game, I had to stop all the pucks," Raanta said. "I thought about it maybe the last two or three minutes." With Crawford nearing a return, Raanta improved to 10-1-3 while bouncing back from one of his worst performances. He allowed two late goals in Chicagos 6-5 shootout loss at St. Louis on Saturday. Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville was non-committal when asked about the teams goalies after Crawford returns. But it is hard to imagine Raanta returning to the minors after the impressive start to this NHL career. "Its a nice situation," Quenneville said. "He really, really helped solidify something that looked a little bit concerning at that time." Saad scored his sixth goal in his last 11 games. Chicago, which leads the NHL with 158 goals, played its lowest-scoring game since a 2-1 shootout win at Dallas on Nov. 29. Los Angeles Martin Jones made 29 saves in his second straight loss after beginning his career with eight consecutive wins, tying the NHL record. The Kings, who have yielded a league-low 80 goals, played a tough, physical game after losses to Dallas and Nashville. But they are on their first three-game slide since dropping the opening three games of last season in January. "We had our chances. They had some chances," Kings centre Mike Richards said. "We just didnt capitalize on our looks at the net." Chicago forward Patrick Kane had a career-best point streak snapped at 14 games. He had eight goals and 17 assists in the surge. Last seasons Western Conference finalists faced off for the second time this season. The Blackhawks scored three first-period goals, and Raanta made 21 saves in a 3-1 victory over the Kings on Dec. 15. Raanta lost his shutout chance in that one when Kings defenceman Alec Martinez scored with 3:54 remaining. This time, he finished the job. Raanta faced his biggest test in the second period when Dustin Brown made a strong charge to the net. The 24-year-old Finn turned away the rush by the Kings captain, and then stopped him again when he was awarded a penalty shot. "Its nice to have a great 60 minutes," Raanta said. "Last game in St. Louis, it wasnt so great the last three minutes, so its nice to bounce back like this." Anze Kopitar also had a chance in front of Chicagos net with 2 minutes to go, but Raanta was there when the centre tried to stuff the puck into the net. The Kings had a couple of chances to stop the Blackhawks scoring chance that produced the only goal. Bryan Bickells pass to Saad went off the stick of Los Angeles defenceman Matt Greene, and Richards had an opportunity to knock away the puck before Saad flipped it in at 7:05 for his 14th goal. "It was just a broken play, and their guy was able to pick up the loose puck," Jones said. "I mean thats the difference in the hockey game right there, a broken play like that. The little things make a big difference." The Blackhawks appeared to have a second goal in the third, but Andrew Shaws tip-in was waved off because his stick was above his shoulders. NOTES: Browns penalty shot was Los Angeles first this season and the sixth against the Blackhawks. ... Crawford participated in the morning skate, but didnt play. He has missed 10 games. ... Kane is the only NHL player with multiple point streaks of at least 10 games. ... The Kings scratched Martinez and forwards Daniel Carcillo and Matt Frattin. ... The Blackhawks also scratched defencemen Michael Kostka and Sheldon Brookbank. ... The teams will meet once more on Feb. 3 in Los Angeles. Will Barton Jersey . And it showed Thursday night. The Canadiens, playing in their second game in as many days, however, got a good performance in the end from their backup goaltender as he filled in for an injured Olympic gold medallist . Jamal Murray Nuggets Jersey . According to the CFL Scouting Bureaus January rankings, four of the top five Canadian prospects line-up on the offensive side of the trenches, which is good news for Bombers general manager Kyle Walters. With only one selection in the first two rounds — Walters sent his second-round pick to Saskatchewan in the days ahead of the 2013 trade deadline — the No. http://www.nuggetsprostore.com/kids-malik-beasley-nuggets-jersey/ .com) - Cincinnati Reds pitcher Mat Latos had an arthroscopic procedure performed on his right elbow last week, the teams official site reported Wednesday. Carmelo Anthony Jersey . Raymond, 31, started 15 regular-season games for the Stamps in 2013, racking up 51 tackles. He also returned two kickoffs for 79 yards including a 61-yarder. Thomas Welsh Jersey .Patterson marked his anniversary by proving his worth — once again.Lou Williams poured in 26 points, and Patterson drained two huge three-pointers late in the fourth quarter, as the Raptors topped the Denver Nuggets 112-107 in overtime Monday.Dallas Cowboys 1 (16) - Zack Martin, OT, Notre Dame; 2 (34) - Demarcus Lawrence, DE, Boise State; 4 (119) - Anthony Hitchens, OLB, Iowa; 5 (146) - Devin Street, WR, Pittsburgh; 7 (231) - Ben Gardner, DE, Stanford; 7 (238) - Will Smith, OLB, Texas Tech; 7 (248) - Ahmad Dixon, SS, Baylor; 7 (251) - Ken Bishop, DT, Northern Illinois; 7 (254) - Terrance Mitchell, CB, Oregon Top Picks Analysis: Even the guy who always makes the wrong decision -- Cowboys owner/GM Jerry Jones -- made the right one this time as team passed on the sizzle (Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel) and took the steak, Notre Dame offensive lineman Zack Martin. Martin was one of the safest picks in this draft and can play any position on the offensive line. With Tyron Smith at left tackle, Travis Frederick at center and now Martin, probably at left guard, the Dallas offensive line, which was one of the worst in football two years ago, is now an undeniable strength. Jones and his sycophants were back at it in the second round, though, acting like they won the Super Bowl when they traded up in the second round to get pass rusher Demarcus Lawrence but what are the odds he produces like the other DeMarcus that the Cowboys let walk? Best Value Pick: Fourth-round linebacker Anthony Hitchens is short but was real productive at Iowa and the Cowboys have virtually nothing at the position outside of Sean Lee. Questionable Calls: Giving up a third-round pick to get Lawrence was shaky. There are just too many needs of this team to be so cavalier with premium selections. Summary: The worst-case scenario for Dallas is Johnny Manziel turning into a future superstar but Jones is the house in regards to that bet. Its certainly possible Manziel succeeds but he will have to overcome plenty of road blocks. Meanwhile, the odds say Martin turns into a 10-year starter in north Texas. FINAL GRADE: B- Undrafted rookie free agent signings: QB Dustin Vaughan, West Texas A&M; P Cody Mandell, Alabama; TE Evan Wilson, Illinois; G Ronald Patrick, South Carolina; S Ryan Smith, Auburn; DT Chris Whaley, Texas; DL Andre Cureton, Cincinnati; LB Joe Windsor, Northern Illinois; LS Casey Kreiter, Iowa; WR LDamian Washington, Missouri; RB Ben Malena, Texas A&M; FB J.C. Copeland, LSU; DE Davon Coleman, Arizona State; QB Kolton Browning, Louisiana-Monroe; OT Jarrod Pughsley, Akron; RB Glasco Martin, Baylor; OT Josh Aladenoye, Illinois State; CB Jocquel Skinner, Bethel; S Marvin Robinson, Ferris State; LB Keith Smith, San Jose State; LB Dontavis Sapp, Tennessee; CB Dashaun Phillips, Tarleton State; TE Jordan Najvar, Baylor; G Brian Clarke, Bloomsburg New York Giants 1 (12) - Odell Beckham, WR, LSU; 2 (43) - Weston Richburg, OC, Colorado State; 3 (74) - Jay Bromley, DT, Syracuse; 4 (113) - Andre Williams, RB, Boston College; 5 (152) - Nat Berhe, SS, San Diego State; 5 (174) - Devon Kennard, OLB, USC; 6 (187) - Bennett Jackson, CB, Notre Dame Top Picks Analysis: The Giants went receiver over offensive tackle by selecting the fast-rising Odell Beckham, Jr., perhaps the most versatile option among the drafts deepest position. Beckham has the speed to be a terror outside the numbers and the route-running skills to be an impact from the slot. With Victor Cruz already dominating inside for "Big Blue," however, its likely Beckham at least starts as an outside receiver. In the second round New York GM Jerry Reese reached for Colorado State center Weston Richburg, a solid player who figures to upgrade a need position but its tough to justify Richburg as one of the top 43 talents in this draft. Third-round run-stuffer Jay Bromley, meanwhile, projects as the replacement for Linval Joseph, who left for Minnesota in free agency. Best Value Pick: Fourth-round running back Andre Williams is a big, powerful runner who projects as an East Coast weather back, although he must improve on his receiving skills to become more than a complimentary player. Questionable Calls: The Giants certainly need to get younger and more athletic on the offensive line but taking Richburg as early as they did reeks of prioritizing need over talent on the draft board. Summary: The Giants seemed to go into this process with the intent of plugging holes and that is rarely a good idea in todays scouting world. Beckham was a solid choice but things got away from Reese after that. FINAL GRADE: C Undrafted rookie free agent signings: DL Kelcy Quarles, South Carolina; DE Emmanuel Dieke, Georgia Tech; LB Dan Fox, Notre Dame; DT Eathyn Manumaluene, BYU; DE Kerry Wynn, Richmond; TE Xavier Grimble, USC; S C.J. Barnett, Ohio State; LB Justin Anderson, Louisiana-Lafayette; S Thomas Gordon, Michigan Philadelphia Eagles 1 (26) - Marcus Smith, OLB, Louisville; 2 (42) - Jordan Matthews, WR, Vanderbilt; 3 (86) - Josh Huff, WR, Oregon; 4 (101) - Jaylen Watkins, CB, Florida; 5 (141) - Taylor Hart, DE, Oregon; 5 (162) - Ed Reynolds, FS, Stanford; 7 (224) - Beau Allen, DT, Wisconssin; Top Picks Analysis: Philadelphia traded out of No.dddddddddddd 22, enabling Cleveland to select Johnny Manziel. Four spots later, the Eagles took Louisville linebacker Malcolm Smith, perhaps the biggest reach in the first round of the 2014 draft. However, Philadelphias second-round pick, Vanderbilt WR Jordan Matthews, probably made up for it. In fact if you are an Eagles fan, you might want to consider Matthews, a big receiver who is a tailor-made fit for a Chip Kelly offense, the Birds top choice and Smith as the second option. "Hell fit in beautifully in Philadelphia and in Chip Kellys offense," NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock said when taking about Matthews. "He makes tough catches. He has a big body. He ran faster than a lot of people anticipated (4.46-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine)." Matthews also excelled catching bubble screens at Vandy, something featured heavily in Kellys offense. On the downside Matthews needs to show a little more consistency catching the ball after accumulating 10 drops in his final college season. Smith has potential as an edge rusher but carried a second- or third-round grade depending on who you are asking. The narrative in Philly is that the Eagles were scared Washington would take him early in the second, an interesting spin because the Eagles didnt seem to mind when DeSean Jackson bolted to the Beltway. Third-round receiver Josh Huff is a Kelly acolyte from Eugene, a former running back who is another guy who excels with manufactured touches. Unlike Matthews, though, Huff will do little else. Best Value Pick: Sammy Watkins brother Jaylen was the first pick in the fourth round and is a versatile cornerback who will add to the teams depth and help on special teams. Questionable Calls: Smith was an undeniable reach at No. 26 overall and a sign the Eagles were caught off guard by the players picked between 22 and their choice. Summary: A .333 batting average will get you into the Hall of Fame in baseball buy anytime you go 1-for-3 with your premium picks in the NFL Draft, you are in deep trouble and thats what Philadelphias effort looks like on first impression. FINAL GRADE: C- Undrafted rookie free agent signings: OL Josh Andrews, Oregon State; TE Blake Annen, Cincinnati; OL Karim Barton, Morgan State; WR Kadron Boone, LSU; TE Trey Burton, Florida; RB David Fluellen, Toledo; CB Josh Fulton, Alabama; OL Kevin Graf, USC; OL Donald Hawkins, Texas; RB Henry Josey, Missouri; DT Wade Keliikipi, Oregon; S Daytawion Lowe, Oklahoma State; DE Frank Mays, Florida A&M; WR Quron Pratt, Rutgers; K Casey Spear, Vanderbilt Washington Redskins 2 (47) - Trent Murphy, OLB, Stanford; 3 (66) Morgan Moses, OT, Virginia; 3 (78) - Spencer Long, OG, Nebraska; 4 (102) - Bashaud Breeland, CB, Clemson; 5 (142) - Ryan Grant, WR, Tulane; 6 (186) - Lache Seastrunk, RB, Baylor; 7 (217) - Ted Bolser, TE, Indiana; 7 (228) - Zach Hocker, PK, Arkansas Top Picks Analysis: This time it hurt. Talented Auburn offensive tackle Greg Robinson became the eighth player, and quite possibly the best, taken by the St. Louis Rams with the picks acquired from the Robert Griffin III trade with the Redskins. Of course, offensive tackle also happens to be a major need position in the nations capital these days. The Skins had some lesser options at the position when they finally got around to picking at No. 47 overall in the second round but passed on former Alabama star Cyrus Kouandjio, likely due to concerns over his balky knee, along with Virginias Morgan Moses in favor of Stanford edge player Trent Murphy, who figures to be stick behind Brian Orakpo and Ryan Kerrigan on the depth chart. "This will be interesting to see how hes used," NFL Network draft analyst Charles Davis said of Murphy. "Hes not an explosive dynamic pass rusher but hes relentless." The Redskins finally addressed their shaky offensive line in the third round by getting Moses, who fell to them at No. 66, and Nebraska guard Spencer Long. Best Value Pick: Moses doesnt have great feet but a lot of scouts had him rated as a potential first-round or early-second-round selection. His long arms and strength make him tailor-made for the right tackle position. Questionable Calls: Murphys arrival signals the long-term prospects of Orakpo staying inside the beltway after this season are virtually nil. That said, Murphy isnt expected to be a major contributor until 2015 and its tough to sell that narrative in a year when you dont have a first round pick. Summary: A 3-13 disaster of a team without a first-round selection really shouldnt be taking luxury picks. FINAL GRADE: C- Undrafted rookie free agent signings: LS J.R. Carr, Tennessee; RB Silas Redd, USC; WR Cody Hoffman, BYU; QB Tommy Rees, Notre Dame; WR Rashad Lawrence, Northwestern; OT Chris Davenport, LSU; DB Justin Blake, Hampton; WR Lee Doss, Southern; DT Robert Thomas, Arkansas; WR Kofi Hughes, Indiana ' ' '