Forum » Toronto Maple

TORONTO -- Tyler Bozak is anxious to get back into the Toronto Maple Leafs lineup after missing almost a month with a hamstring injury. But that doesnt mean hes making any promises about playing Saturday against the Washington Capitals. Bozak was one of just three players to skate Friday and said he was fine despite leaving the ice earlier than Mark Fraser and Frazer McLaren. "Its all good, just a little bit of a hard skate," Bozak said Friday. "Its needed, and hopefully Ill feel good tomorrow morning and go from there." Bozak has missed 11 straight games dating back to the Leafs game at the Columbus Blue Jackets on Oct. 25. He has been nearing a return all week, but theres no guarantee hell play against Washington. He said hes not going to rush back if the hamstring doesnt feel right. "You want to get back out there but at the same time, its a long season," Bozak said. "Theres a ton of hockey still to be played, so you dont want to push yourself and tweak something or get hurt again or even just not be able to play to your ability and hold the team back a little bit." The plan was for Bozak to get treatment Friday night and then again Saturday morning. "Hopefully it all works well," the centre said. Roommate, friend and regular linemate Phil Kessel has been asking Bozak "quite a bit" when hell be back. In Bozaks absence, Kessel has played on a line centred by Nazem Kadri, James van Riemsdyk and, most recently, Peter Holland. Still, Bozak said Kessel doesnt want him to come back too soon. And theres a need for some self-restraint, too, given that hamstring injuries can linger. "The hamstring you use quite a bit in this sport," Bozak said. "Whatever you do, its probably something thats going to nag for a little bit so I want to get most of it healed up before I try to do too much strenuous activity." NOTES -- The Leafs did dry-land workouts Friday, the morning after losing 4-2 to the Nashville Predators. Coach Randy Carlyle wondered after the game if he and the coaching staff pushed players too hard in practices or morning skates and said its their job to monitor fatigue. Carlyle did not address the media Friday. ... Toronto signed forward Connor Brown to a three-year, entry-level contract. The 2012 sixth-round pick leads the OHL in points with 46 while playing for the Erie Otters. Jawaan Taylor Jersey . Torres scored the first goal by an English team in the knockout phase of the Champions League this season when he met Cezar Azpilicuetas cutback in the ninth minute of their first leg match in the last 16. But Chelsea failed to make the most of its counterattacks and the Turkish champions equalized in the second half after gaining in confidence and cutting out their defensive mistakes. Taven Bryan Womens Jersey .S. international midfielder Michael Bradley is complete. http://www.authenticjaguarslockroom.com/...e-Elite-Jersey/. The Eastern Conference-leading Celtics finished their recent trek at 3-1 on Monday in Salt Lake City when Rajon Rondo made a key jumper with 24.1 seconds remaining, as Boston held off the Utah Jazz, 107-102, at EnergySolutions Arena. Marqise Lee Womens Jersey . -- Golden State Warriors reserve centre Ognjen Kuzmic is expected to miss at least six weeks after undergoing surgery on his fractured right hand. Quincy Williams II Womens Jersey . New York (16-9-8) took over first place in the Eastern Conference and has the best record in the league with one game remaining. Houstons five-game unbeaten streak was snapped, and the Dynamo (13-11-9) are sixth in the East with one game remaining.LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Steve Stricker became the third and final assistant on U.S. Ryder Cup captain Tom Watsons staff, an honour that came with just a hint of regret. "I feel old," Stricker said shortly after the announcement was made at Valhalla Golf Club, where hes playing in the PGA Championship. "The way my body feels make feel old, too." The 47-year-old Stricker played on the last three U.S. teams. But watching from the sidelines this time wont diminish his desire for revenge. He was left standing on the 18th green at Medinah in 2012, when Martin Kaymer of Germany sealed the win for Europe with a putt for a 1-up win in the match. "Theres a bunch of guys who want to try to get that cup back," Stricker said. He joins Raymond Floyd, 71, and fellow Wisconsin native Andy North, 64, as Watsons assistants. Given his friendship with North, Stricker was asked how the two would divvy up responsibilities when the matches are contested Sept. 26-28 at Gleneagles in Scotland. "Hes the big cheese," Stricker laughed. "Hes always been big cheese in Wisconsin." Stricker also played five times at the Presidents Cup, where his low-key personality made him a good match and frequent playing partner for Tiger Woods. Though he was also part of Woods foursome during Wednesdays practice, Stricker never mentioned being seleected as an assistant.dddddddddddd "He didnt tell me," said Woods. "I guess he was focused on his game. "I think its great," added Woods, who is still angling for a spot on the Ryder Cup team as a wild-card pick. "Because Strick is not only a good guy, hes also one of our peers. ... I think its important to have someone who is out here on a regular basis, who knows the guys, knows their personalities, knows their games inside and out. I think thats well deserved." For his part, Stricker said twice that he wanted Woods on the team -- provided his oft-injured back isnt a problem. "We know how important he is in the game of golf, and how good a match play player he is; when you really do need him, hell be there," Stricker said. "So well see. Well see how it plays out this week. Hopefully hes healthier and he can get his game going." In making the announcement, Watson, who turns 65 next month, couldnt help tickling his newly named assistant on the age issue. When someone pointed out to Watson that Stricker was "obviously of a different generation to the other two vice captains that youve selected," the captain cut the question off. Turning to Stricker, he said, "Are you a different generation than North?" "A couple generations," Stricker replied, to a round of laughter. ' ' '