Magicgames II » nkle) is improving but not ready to resume baseb

SOCHI, Russia – Not much has changed for Phil Kessel, other than the fact that hes stealing the Olympic hockey stage. "No difference at all," chirped U.S. roommate and linemate James van Riemsdyk. "Its still the same cranky Phil." An endlessly static personality, Kessel continued his 2014 domination on Sunday afternoon, racking up a hat trick in the Americans final preliminary round game against Slovenia, a thorough 5-1 victory at Shayba Arena. Currently the hottest player on the planet, the 26-year-old has already strung together four goals and seven points in three games on the Olympic stage. He entered Russian airspace in an absolute zone for the Toronto Maple Leafs, ringing up 11 goals and 27 points in the final 15 games (11 wins) before the Olympic break. In fact, no NHL player has more points since January 1 than the reluctant Madison, Wisconsin-born star. Kessel is the epitome of the never-high, never-low sports cliché, quiet and introverted in times both good and bad. Rooming during these Olympics with his Toronto linemate van Riemsdyk, Kessel has been consuming the Friday Night Lights TV series on his iPad during off-time from the rink. "We havent really had much dialogue in the room except when he wants to chirp me now and again," said van Riemsdyk with a laugh. "Its been fun though." American teammate Ryan Suter grew up in the same Wisconsin hometown as Kessel and said not much has changed. "Quiet," said Suter, whose father Bob coached Kessel as a kid. "The same as he is now. Doesnt talk much. Goal scorer. He was always scoring goals." But perhaps never like this. During his first test on the Olympic stage four years ago, Kessel had just a goal and an assist in six games. But from that point he has noticeably evolved into a more complete player and person. "Just more mature," Suter said. "I think hes more comfortable with himself. I think in 2010 he was kind of a little hesitant to talk or to try things and now hes comfortable with where he is and hes making a lot of good plays." "Obviously its a great honour to play for your country and its always exciting," said Kessel. "Im happy to be here." Silver medalists in Vancouver, Team USAs chances for gold in Sochi only rise higher with Kessel locked into this kind of zone. They wrapped up Group A with the win over Slovenia after beating the Russians in a shootout just a day earlier. Kessel played a large part in that, scoring his second hat trick in February (he had one for the Leafs on Feb. 1). The second of his three markers was a watch, rewind and watch again type of goal, the kind only a sniper with his natural gifts could score. Joe Pavelski, the third member of a highly productive third line trio for the Americans, was driving just right of the Slovenian goal when he flipped a pass from almost behind the net to his scorching linemate, charging hard left. Employing the hand-eye coordination of a baseball player, Kessel batted the puck – mid-air – behind helpless keeper Luka Gracnar. "Just get him the puck," said van Riemsdyk. "Thats pretty much it, get him the puck and let him do his thing." "Hes always been a good player," added Suter. "Hes always been a goal scorer. Hes always been quick, explosive. Hes doing all the things that he should do. He has all the tools. Hes putting them together." Jalen Davis Jersey . The team announced the defensive coordinator will not be offered a contract extension. Mike Gesicki Jersey . -- Ben Bishop had a milestone game against one of the NHLs greatest goalies. http://www.wholesaledolphinsjerseys.com/...y-mccain-jersey. Now the Minnesota Vikings have set their sights on soccer. Jakeem Grant Jersey .C. United to a 4-1 victory over short-handed FC Dallas on Saturday night. Jayrone Elliott Jersey . A fully booked flight forced me to leave two hours later. After a nice meal in which I studied the stats of the Argo win, I prepared to leave the restaurant. As I was gathering my things to leave many large individuals began to walk up and wait for tables.CHICAGO -- Josh Donaldson checked out the video and figured out the problem. The quick fix led to a big night. Donaldson had a career-high five hits while driving in four runs, helping Jon Lester and the Oakland Athletics beat the Chicago White Sox 11-2 on Tuesday. Donaldson also scored two runs as Oakland got just its third win in 12 games. It was quite a turnaround for Donaldson after striking out four times the previous night. Watching video at the hotel after Mondays game, the All-Star third baseman noticed the position of his hands was throwing off his timing. "I think baseball is just a stupid game," he said. "Its just one of those things where last night, I didnt even come close to touching anything -- four punches. Tonight, I was able to get the most hits in my career in one game. You just try to turn the page, try to forget it." Lester (14-10) gave up two runs over eight innings, and the Athletics took advantage of a season-high five errors by Chicago. One negative for Oakland was Craig Gentry suffering a concussion in a collision at first base while beating out a bunt single in the fifth. He was replaced by Josh Reddick. The Athletics are trying to hang on to a wild card after plummeting out of the AL West race, and they came away with a much needed win. Lester gave up seven hits, struck out eight and walked two after going 0-3 in his previous four starts. He was sailing along with a 5-0 lead when Dayan Viciedo homered leading off the seventh. Carlos Sanchez got thrown out trying to stretch an RBI double to a triple, ending the inning, and Oakland pulled away. Chicagos John Danks (9-11) lasted six innings, allowing four runs -- two earned -- and seven hits. He is 0-5 in his past eight starts. Third baseman Marcus Semien had a rough night with three errors, and the White Sox lost for the fifth time in six games. "I can look at the plays all I want," Semien said. "I can practice them. I just want to come back tomorrow, have a good day of work, and if Im in there, forget about today and move on." Donaldson singled and scored in a two-run fourth, and then added a two-run double in the fifth to make it 4-0. That hit camee right after Gentry left the game.dddddddddddd Coco Crisp had just reached on an error leading off the inning when Gentry got down a bunt toward the right side. He beat Danks throw, but his head collided with Sanchezs shoulder while the second baseman was covering the bag. Gentry stayed down for several minutes, holding his head while being tended to, before walking gingerly off the field. "Thats tough to see," Lester said. "Thats kind of the whole personality behind this team. You go hard until you get knocked down. We try to use it as a figure of speech, not actually literally go out there and get knocked out. Hopefully its not that bad." TRAINERS ROOM Athletics: Closer Sean Doolittle (strained muscle in the rib area) will throw a side session on Wednesday and, barring a setback, could rejoin the bullpen on Thursday, manager Bob Melvin said. ... Melvin hopes C John Jaso will be cleared to play after he consults with concussion expert Dr. Micky Collins in Pittsburgh on Wednesday. ... Melvin said C/OF Stephen Vogt (sprained left ankle) is improving but not ready to resume baseball activities. White Sox: Manager Robin Ventura isnt sure when retiring 1B Paul Konerko (fractured left hand) will be ready to swing again. He is expected to return before the season -- and his career -- ends. UP NEXT Jeff Samardzija (4-5, 3.70 ERA) makes his first start in Chicago since the Cubs traded him to Oakland on July 5, while Chris Bassitt (0-1, 7.36 ERA) pitches for the White Sox. MISSING CESPEDES? Tuesdays game aside, its no secret Oakland has struggled on offence since sending Yoenis Cespedes to Boston in the Lester trade. But when asked if the Athletics are missing the slugger, Melvin sidestepped the question. "The balance was, do we have enough offence or do we need more pitching?" Melvin said. "And thats what we came to terms with, is when you get a Jon Lester, you get a Jon Lester, and we try to mix