jeny
初级会员
注册日期: 2011-10-10
发贴数: 11
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| 发贴日期: 2011-10-10 16:15 | IP 已记录
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Michaleks often compared to Jagr The future would appear to be limitless for Milan Michalek with his best years clearly ahead of him in Ottawa. Chicago White Sox Bill Melton Jersey . Though somewhat embarrassed by the comparison, Michaleks size, skill, speed and smarts is reminiscent of another Czech star -- Jaromir Jagr. "Its nice when people compare me to Jagr, but he is the only one," Michalek said. "Everybody knew him when I was growing up. There was no NHL on television back then, but everybody knew his name and knew he was really good. We watched him in the World Championships and the Olympics. He was a role model for the kids in the Czech Republic and everybody loved him, myself included." Like Jagr, who was universally respected for his game-breaking skill, Michalek has shown a penchant for scoring goals in the clutch. He rated among the best in the League in each of the last three seasons. Last season, he tied Heatley and 10 other shooters with six game-winning goals. He did the same the season before when he tied the former Ottawa sniper with eight game-winners. And in 2006-07, the young Czech ended the season tied second overall with nine game-winning goals. "I have had some pretty good seasons, but I think I can step up my game," Michalek said. "I believe that I can get more points and be more useful for the team. I try to score every time I go on the ice. As for the game-winning goals, I dont know if luck has anything to do with it or what, but I work just as hard if its the first period or the third period. I dont change the way I play." But you have to be good to be lucky. "Yes, thats true," Michalek said with a smile. "Maybe it all gets down to work ethic. When I was growing up in Czech we had a farm and we always worked hard. Our dad always told us to work hard no matter what. Thats how we were taught as we grew up and thats what we do." -- Karl Samuelson Milan Michalek proved to be well worth the wait. Michalek scored his first NHL hat trick Thursday night to spark the Ottawa Senators to a 7-1 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning. Two of his three goals came with the Senators shorthanded. Michalek, who came to the Senators along with Jonathan Cheechoo in the Dany Heatley trade, entered the night with only one point, a goal, in Ottawas first five games, so the pressure was starting to build. But when Michalek connected on a power play midway through the third period to complete his big night and to give the Senators a 6-1 lead, the hats started pouring onto the ice. "To see all the people standing and clapping for me was an awesome feeling," Michalek said. "Hopefully, therere many goals to come." From the moment Heatley announced that he wanted to be traded this summer, there was speculation in Ottawa about what a potential deal would yield. The Edmonton Oilers seemed to be first out of the gate in the Heatley sweepstakes, and by August other teams figured prominently in the rumor mill. The San Jose Sharks were among those teams and names were bandied about both in two-way and three-way trades. When the dust finally settled on the deal that sent Heatley to San Jose, one player involved was never even considered by most armchair general managers as being available in a potential trade -- Michalek. Just 24 and already a fixture on the potent San Jose attack, Michalek was deemed by most outsiders as virtually untouchable. A responsible two-way performer whose maturity belies his youth, Michalek was nurtured in the San Jose organization ever since he was drafted with the sixth pick of the 2003 Entry Draft. And he responded in spades with three consecutive 20-plus goal seasons and a walloping plus-49 rating in 317 games with the Sharks. "Michalek came into the deal fairly late," said Senators GM Bryan Murray, who had been in discussion with Sharks GM Doug Wilson about Heatley all summer. "We certainly felt that he was the quality guy that can play on our top line. We had a variety of names that we talked about and eventually I asked about Michalek. "There were a lot of calls and negotiating and trying to make something happen that is realistic for both clubs. What we feel were getting is a top line left winger (in Michalek) and Jonathan Cheechoo, who underachieved last year partly because of the injury factor." While Cheechoo had been the subject of trade rumors all summer, there was no serious talk about Michalek being involved in any deal. The native of Jindrichuv Hradec in the Czech Republic was surprised by the announcement, but to his credit he has quickly adapted to his new home. "It is a fresh start for me," Michalek said. "Its going to be different here than in California. I knew this team had a lot of great players, but when I came I realized quickly that there is an unbelievable amount of talent up front with Daniel Alfredsson, Jason Spezza, Mike Fisher and the rest of the guys. I am happy to be here with them in the locker room, practicing with them every day, watching them on the ice. Its great for me." IN THE SPOTLIGHT Rangers Staal ready to go on the attack Dan Rosen - NHL.com Staff Writer Rangers coach John Tortorella wants his defenseman involved in the offense, and Marc Staal is doing his best to keep up. READ MORE › Prospal thrives under the demanding Tortorella Cheechoo confident he can go back in time Rookies Duchene, OReilly rely on friendship ALL IN THE SPOTLIGHT STORIES › Growing up in the Czech Republic, Michalek idolized Jaromir Jagr, but his mentor was his father, Milan Sr. "My dad wasnt involved in sports but he was always a good mentor," Michalek said. "He was always there for us, drove us to practices and games. It was great. When I got traded to Ottawa I called him and he was really surprised. But its going to be closer for them to come see me play. Instead of an 11-hour flight it will be a 6-hour flight. My family will come over and see me play." Another person Michalek spoke with following the trade was former Senator and fellow countryman Martin Havlat, now a marquee player with the Minnesota Wild. Havlat didnt dispense any technical advice, but simply told the younger Czech to soak up the hockey culture in his new home. "Marty told me a lot about Ottawa," Michalek said. "I asked him what it was like here and he told me a lot of great things, about all the guys he played with here, the fans being awesome, and he introduced me to some of his friends. He didnt give me particular advice on how to play. I know what I have to do -- be relaxed, play hockey and have fun." Michalek is up for the challenge and wants to send a clear message to Senators Nation. "I know I will work as hard as I can every shift," Michalek said. "I want to be as useful as I can for the team and do anything possible to earn the win. I know the fans love hockey here and everybody knows a lot about the game. If I have a bad game during the long season, I will have to get over it, but Im always going to do my best and work hard. "I would love to be used in all situations. Last year I was used on the power play as well as killing penalties, and I loved it. If I can play both here, it would be awesome. But I will give everything I have no matter what role I am given on this team." Teammates agree that Michalek will be a big part of any Senators revival. "Milan is a good, young guy and a big guy who skates well," Fisher said. "He is a good all-around player who is fitting in real well. Milan is a big body that can skate really well. Hes got a good scoring touch and I think he has just touched upon his potential. We will be counting on him and Im sure he is going to have a good year for us." Material from wire services was used in this report Replica Brian Cushing Jersey .500 mark once again on Friday night when they continue their four-game series at Comerica Park against the Detroit Tigers. Chris Harris Jersey . 1 Caroline Wozniacki was an easy second-round winner Wednesday, while American Venus Williams battled through a groin injury to advance at the 2011 Australian Open. Heyward-Bey Jersey . Some measures may be justified for the sake of public interest, but some may sound absurd. Zhu Dake, a cultural critic with the Shanghai-based Tongji University, warned in 2007 that the mania for real-name registration might lead to a society with no privacy. Cleveland Browns Peyton Hillis Jersey . Fabregas was forced off with the injury in the 29th minute of the 1-1 draw against Sunderland on Saturday. Carolina Panthers Stewart Jersey . Danny Worth also drove in two runs in the win. Justin Verlander went six innings without giving up a run as he gave up six hits and a walk with seven strikeouts. Replica Patriots Jersey . Armand made good on 6-of-8 from three-point range for the Gaels (12-6, 6-1 MAAC) as they logged their fourth straight win. Rashon Dwight and Jermel Jenkins both checked in with 10 points as well. The Red Foxes (4-15, 3-4) were paced by Sam Prescott who tallied 10 points, the lone double-digit scorer as they lost their second in a row and the fifth in six tries. Replica Darren Sharper Jersey . According to the plan proposed by the Beijing Municipal Government, the former Dongcheng, Xicheng, Chongwen and Xuanwu districts at the core of Beijing will merge to form the new Dongcheng and Xicheng districts. Miami Dolphins Chad Henne Jersey . Hairston, 28, batted .248 with 17 home runs and 31 RBI in 112 games for the Padres in 2008. Originally taken by Arizona in the third round of the 2001 First-Year Player Draft, Hairston has hit .RICHMOND, B.C. - The last year has been a battle for long-track speedskater Clara Hughes, but the Olympic gold medallist believes it is a fight that will make her stronger for the 2010 Winter Games. The first dark cloud was a traffic accident last spring in Montreal where a split-second decision probably saved Hughes from being killed by a drunk driver. Since then she has struggled on the speedskating World Cup circuit, failing to reach the podium while trying to sort out equipment and technique problems. Her strength has also been sapped by food poisoning in January and a lung infection in February that prevented her from competing in last weekends final World Cup race of the season. Instead of feeling beaten down, Hughes has examined her hardships and used them as a rallying cry. "Its all a test," she said Monday during a news conference to promote this weekends world single distance championships at the Richmond Olympic Oval. "Its just challenging me and saying how badly do you want to do this? "Its the human condition. Life is essentially a struggle. Its what you do with that. I really believe its led me to beautiful things in my life and outside of sport." Hughes, who won a gold medal in the 1,500 metres and silver in team pursuit at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics, will be part of a 15-member Canadian team competing at this weekends world championships. It will be the only international event to be held at the Olympic venue prior to next years Games, but Hughes isnt going into the competition believing she must win a medal to salvage the season. "All I want out of this weekend is to finish my race and just have the feeling I skated well (and) wasnt out there feeling like I dont know how to skate anymore," said the 36-year-old. "If I can do that, I think it will be a pretty good race." Hughes dream of repeating as an Olympic champion could have ended on a warm night last spring. She was driving home from the airport when a drunk driver almost rammed her passenger door. Hughes saw the car coming and at the last moment slammed on her brakes. In the resulting collision the other vehicle flipped over. Both cars were totally destroyed. Hughes escaped with some neck problems, but it could have been much worse. "I actually wouldnt be here right now if I didnt see him at the last moment," said the Winnipeg native, who now lives in Glen Sutton, Que. "I got really lucky. "I left that thinking I shouuld be re-evaluate my life and thinking of all the things I wanted to do and things Im going to change. Cardinals Fitzgerald Jersey. And I came up with nothing, because everything is just great. In my life Im doing everything I have ever dreamed of and more. It was a good reminder to stay on the path." Hughes spent the World Cup season testing new skate boots and blades. Not feeling comfortable on her equipment altered her skating style. After eight years of looking for the perfect skates, Hughes has finally decided to return to the boots she wore when winning the bronze medal in the 5,000 metres at the 2002 Salt Lake Games. "Ive always gone back to my first pair of boots," she said. "Im just realizing now my time has run out. I just have to settle with good enough. These are good enough." Hughes now faces a battle of mind over body, trying to correct the bad habits shes developed over the season. "When you start getting bad technical habits its muscle memory," she said. "You have to over think it for a while. Once you get past the point of getting the muscles to do the right thing, then its a matter of letting go the thinking and letting it go through you." As frustrating as this season has been, Hughes believes she can turn things around before the Olympics. "What doesnt kill you, makes you stronger," she said with a grin. "Its a matter of letting go any frustrations and freeing yourself to skate. "What ever happens this year, it is fuel for the fire. Every day is a new day. I want to do everything I can to be at the Olympics and be at my absolute best." Hughes understands better than most what it takes to climb on the Olympic podium. She won two bronze medals in cycling at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and was a television commentator for the sport at last summers Games in Beijing. She knows having great results in the months or weeks heading into the Games doesnt guarantee a medal when the Olympic flame is lit. "The Olympics are something special, something very fickle in terms of performance, in terms of managing pressure, managing your state of health," Hughes said. "Its such a complicated puzzle that very few people put it together. "Its a total crapshoot. You just never know on the day. So why not me? Thats what I believe in and I bring into the race." Visit CTVOlympics.ca and RDSolympiques.ca for full coverage of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. ' ' '
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主题: Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. ’
