News & Neuigkeiten » Rangers.Jeffress said he had faced much adve

The Ottawa Senators reward for winning their first-round playoff series may be getting star centre Jason Spezza back on the ice. General manager Bryan Murray said Friday that Spezza has made progress in his recovery from back surgery and skated the last two days with the "Black Aces," players called up from AHL Binghamton. Murray hopes his first-line centre will be practising with the NHL team at some point during the Eastern Conference semifinals. But he said its too early to say when he will be ready to play in a game. "Where he is as far as being game-ready, Im not sure," said Murray. "I think over the weekend probably hell continue to work hard and well see. "Id like to see Jason on the ice. Hes a good player. Hes an important player for us. He hasnt played all year though. Its a big step to throw him into a series where everybodys been playing for a long time. I hope to see him at some point in round two. Whether that will happen or not, I dont know." Spezza played only five games this season before he was sidelined with a back injury. He had surgery Feb. 1 on a herniated disc. The six-foot-three Spezza is the most dangerous offensive threat on a team that struggled to score without him during the regular season. He had 34 goals and 84 points in 80 games last season. The Senators got a boost when defencemen Erik Karlsson and Jared Cowan returned from long-term injuries just before the playoffs. Theyll certainly get another when Spezza is ready to play. "Like the other players who were out for a period of time, it takes them getting on the ice with the group, getting involved, working hard," Murray said. "Hopefully hell make himself available at some point for the coaches to decide if its time or not. "I dont pretend to know what that time is." The Senators; players were rewarded with a two-day holiday following their 6-1 victory in Montreal on Thursday night. That win cemented their best-of-seven opening series in five games and moved Ottawa into the second round for the first time since 2007 when it reached the Stanley Cup final. Seeded seventh in the Eastern Conference, Ottawa still doesnt know who its next opponent will be. If Pittsburgh defeats the New York Islanders on Saturday, the Senators will face the top-seeded Penguins. The Senators relied on Craig Andersons stellar goaltending, strong play from their big defence corps and balanced scoring to defeat second-seeded Montreal. It was a big victory on many fronts for Ottawa, where many Canadiens fans remain from before the Senators franchise began play in 1992. "When you win a series, particularly against Montreal, a traditional top team, a team that in this market still has a big footprint, you feel good about yourself and you should," said Murray. "I think the guys were very proud of being able to step up and beat the No. 2 seed in the East. "We know we have a tough road ahead, but I hope there was a real sense that they did a lot and theyre now confident to step up the next time, whoever we play." The Senators were plagued by injuries this season, but coach Paul MacLean managed to get his club into the playoffs for a second straight season while using several callups from Binghamton. Some turned in key performances, including centre J.G. Pageau, who had three goals in Game 3. MacLean said it helped the new generation bond and earn the trust of the old guard led by a players like captain Daniel Alfredsson and defenceman Chris Phillips. "Since I came here we had the 07 group led by Alfie and the veteran players, and we had the Bingo boys that won the (AHL) championship, and now theyve won something together," said MacLean. "Theyve won a playoff series together. "Theyre actually one group. Theres no separation amongst them." And the teams progress suggests it could contend for years to come. "Down the road, its only going to get better and better for our organization," MacLean said. "You look at Jean-Gabriel Pageau, he was a player that was going to play maybe in and out of the lineup in Binghamton. "With the injuries we had, now suddenly hes playing all the time down there for (coach) Luke Richardson and he learns how to play. Now hes playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs and gets a hat trick. If you would have told us Jan. 19, I would have said, Are you crazy? That aint happening. "Eric Gryba, that aint happening. Hes not ready to play on our team. He needs to spend a whole season and a half more down there. But I think what weve proved is if you have good young players and you provide them with a good opportunity and a stable environment with a leadership group, that they can improve very quickly and they can play in the league." Murray said while some players are nursing bumps and bruises, the Senators look to have escaped the first round with no major injuries. Discount Nike Air Max 1 . -- PGA TOUR Canada member Steve Saunders took a three-stroke lead Saturday in the Web. Cheap Nike Air Max 1 . Aaron Harrison scored a 22 points for Kentucky (6-1), which has won four in a row following a Nov. 12 loss to current No. 1 Michigan State. Julius Randle overcame a scoreless first half and added his sixth double-double in as many games with 14 points and 10 rebounds. https://www.cheapairmax1store.com/ . Here are his mid-season NBA awards. MVP: (KEVIN DURANT-Thunder) - Has been sensational this season and more importantly, the most consistent player in the league. Considering that his team has been without star guard Russell Westbrook and with the free agent departure of sharpshooter Kevin Martin, hes had to carry the majority of the load to not only keep his team afloat but more importantly, at an elite level. Nike Air Max 1 Store . Following a lopsided 5-2 loss against the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday night, Paul MacLean told reporters that "theres a lack of focus, theres a lack of leadership and theres a lack of preparation" with his struggling team. That came on the heels of Bryan Murray taking the unusual step of going into the locker room at the Prudential Center and addressing the players himself. Replica Nike Air Max 1 . Brett Kulak and Jackson Houck of the Vancouver Giants were each charged with assault causing bodily harm on Aug. 18, according to the B.C. court services. ARLINGTON, Texas -- Rangers reliever Jeremy Jeffress will remain on the restricted list while entering an unspecified treatment program following an arrest on a drunken driving charge.The right-hander apologized to his teammates and fans in a statement issued through the players union Wednesday. Jeffress, who was arrested last week in Dallas, asked for privacy while in rehab.Make no mistake, drinking and driving is wrong, said Jeffress, who was twice suspended on drug violations while in the minor leagues. I made a mistake that not only jeopardized my wellbeing, but the wellbeing of others, and I thank God that nobody was hurt because of my mistake.The 28-year-old was pulled over on a traffic stop early Friday morning and booked several hours later in the Dallas County jail. Hes out on $500 bond.Major League Baseball is investigating the arrest, and Jeffress could face a suspension.The Rangers commend Jeremy for seeking treatment and taking responsibility for his actions, Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. Our thoughts are with him as he is dealing with this situation.Jeffress came to Texas with catcher Jonathan Lucroy from the Milwaukee Brewers in a tradee Aug.dddddddddddd 1. He was first suspended for 50 games in the minors in 2007 and then for 100 games two years later.The hard-throwing Jeffress became the closer this season for the Brewers, recording 27 of his 28 career saves before the trade. As one of the setup men for American League West-leading Texas, Jeffress has no record and no saves with a 4.00 ERA in nine appearances with the Rangers.Jeffress said he had faced much adversity in his life -- some of it self-inflicted -- and that he was trying to be a positive influence to those around him, including his daughter, Jurnee.Moving forward, I promise to do everything I can to live my life the right way, as I look to put this incident behind me, Jeffress said. And I will begin this process by being away from the team while I get the help I need to overcome these difficult personal issues.Jeffress thanked police for their professionalism and said he planned to become an advocate speaking out against what he called impaired driving.I hope others will learn from my mistake, he said.