Technik » as Kootenay snapped a four-game winning streak.---WIN

HAMILTON - Nic Grigsby has quickly become a key part of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats offence.In just three games the five-foot-11, 195-pound Grigsby has emerged as a bona fide rushing threat in a predominately pass-oriented offence. And thats something the Montreal Alouettes must account for Sunday in the East Division final at Tim Hortons Field.Grigsby has 146 yards rushing since joining the Ticats on Oct. 21 after being released by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. But Grigsby had 93 yards and a TD on 19 carries in a 29-15 home win over Montreal on Nov. 8 that clinched Hamilton first in the East Division and home-field advantage for the conference finale.And the swirling winds at Tim Hortons Field combined with the likelihood of rain Sunday could make Grigsby an important contributor for the Ticats, who are looking to secure a second straight Grey Cup berth. Hamilton lost last years title game 43-25 to the hometown Saskatchewan Roughriders.The running game in the playoffs is very important, Grigsby said. You just cant throw the ball all four quarters.Youve got to establish the run to win the game. Youve got to establish that presence, move the ball, move the chains and hold the ball.Hamilton was ranked sixth overall in rushing (91.2 yards per game) despite posting the second-fewest carries (304). By comparison, the Ticats attempted 622 passes, second only to the Toronto Argonauts (681).A balanced offence is much more challenging to defend than one thats one-dimensional. But when the weather turns cold and windy — and impacts the passing game — being able to run effectively becomes crucial.The more versatile you can be, especially this time of year, the better, said Ticats head coach/GM Kent Austin. If you have multi-facets to your offence that they have to defend, its not just the production but its also the adjustments that have to be made that may buy you time with respect to staying ahead in the gameplan and playcalling.The run game was certainly important for Montreal in its 50-17 East Division semifinal win over the B.C. Lions last weekend. The Alouettes rushed for over 200 yards and four TDs in the contest.They rely on the run game and getting the ball to their playmakers, Austin said. We understand weve got to be stout against the run.Hamiltons defence has been tough to run against all season, allowing a league-low 76.8 yards per game. The Ticats also held Montreal to just 17 rushing yards in their last matchup.The key is just to be disciplined, said Ticats linebacker Simoni Lawrence. You have to trust everybody around you . . . and just make plays when its time to make plays.Last weekend, I thought Montreal did a great job making plays. B.C. was caught off guard a little bit, they werent where they were supposed to be and with Montreal you have to be very disciplined and do what you have to do.Lawrence said Hamiltons defensive gameplan Sunday will be a simple one.Its to play as hard as we can, take care of our business and understand were a good enough team that if we play our best were going to win, he said. As long as we prepare, there shouldnt be any pressure.Pressure is only for people who dont come prepared and I feel we do a great job of preparing for games.And after roughly a month in Hamiltons offence, Grigsby says hes feeling more comfortable these days.Theres less pressure than jumping in right away with all the expectations, he said. It loosens you up now that you get the feel of your offensive linemen up front and the game slows down a little bit.It relaxes you and lets you just play.Grigsby said establishing the run creates two advantages for an offence: It keeps a defence on its heels while setting up other elements of the offensive gameplan.It opens a lot up because the defence must pick its poison, Grigsby said. It must come down in the box or sit back and defend against the pass because we have great players on that side with Speedy (Brandon Banks), Sink (Terrell Sinkfield), Bakari (Bakari Grant), Task (Luke Tasker) and Fantuz (Andy Fantuz).We have many guys who can open stuff up.However, Grigsby said it all starts with quarterback Zach Collaros and Hamiltons offensive line.Zach is very mobile so that takes a lot of pressure off us that he makes plays on his own, he said. Our offensive line is also starting to come together right now, they know whats at stake, theyre hungry up there and its good to have that.But Montreal held B.C. to just 102 yards passing with two interceptions last weekend. Defensive back Jerald Brown had one of the picks and a 104-yard fumble return for a TD.Montreals defence will be physical so you have to strap up every play and be ready to go, Grigsby said. If youre not, theyre going to hit you in the mouth.Of course were going to take the positives (from Nov. 8 win) but well also take the negatives and evaluate them and see what we have to do to get better . . . we must execute no matter what. Todd Frazier Jersey . (AP) -- The head of the committee that developed Major League Baseballs plan to expand instant replay says he is optimistic the system will be in place this season, even though owners and unions for players and umpires have yet to approve. Wilson Ramos Jersey .com) - The fading Ottawa Senators have a chance to make up some ground in the playoff race on Tuesday night as they play host to the New York Rangers. http://www.metssale.com/mets-juan-lagares-jersey/ . Or, for that matter, the aged. Dwight Gooden Mets Jersey . Sam, who joined the Cowboys in early September, has spent the entire season on the practice roster. Carlos Gomez Mets Jersey . Blackhawks RW Patrick Kane came up big when it counted, tallying two goals and an assist. He scored the game-winner with 4:45 remaining in the third period, stopping on the right hashmarks, carrying the puck up through the top of the Kings zone, then firing a wrist shot from the top of the circles past Jonathan Quick, who had his view obstructed by Andrew Shaw.PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Washington Nationals right-hander Doug Fister left a minor league start after one inning Thursday with a strain of the latissimus dorsi muscle on the right side of his back and may not be able to take his first turn in the rotation on April 6. Fister, who missed time earlier in spring training because of elbow inflammation, will be examined by team physician Dr. Wiemi Douoguih on Friday in WWashington.dddddddddddd. "It certainly is a setback," manager Matt Williams said. Acquired from the Detroit during the offseasonTigers this off-season, Fister was hoping to be ready for the April 6 game at home against Atlanta. Williams said that is uncertain. "He came back fairly quickly from the elbow inflammation," Williams said. "Its a little early to tell right now." ' ' '