The Sixth Man: Collins starting to crack in Philly

The Sixth Man: Collins starting to crack in Philly | CharlotteObserver.com & The Charlotte Observer Newspaper

Extra! Extra! Read all about it...Flyers clinch playoff berth by dumping Habs

by Bob Herpen
Phanatic Hockey Editor

With two bus loads of fans from Claude Giroux's hometown of Hearst, Ontario in attendance, the Philadelphia Flyers made the 17-hour trek by bus worth their while, clinching a berth in the postseason thanks to a 4-1 victory over the fading Montreal Canadiens on Saturday night.

For the 16th time since the first lockout triggered a change in the franchise's fortunes, the Orange and Black will play significant hockey into the Spring.

Danny Briere fueled the win by posting his first multi-goal effort since early January, while Giroux delighted his devoted followers with an assist that set up Kimmo Timonen's first-period tally. The hosts exploded for three power-play goals in five opportunities.

Ilya Bryzgalov stood tall once again, making 23 saves and improving to 10-1-1 in March. His acumen was never more needed than during a Canadiens' two-man advantage for 81 seconds in the middle portion of the third period, where he made several key stops on close chances.

Philly improved to 5-1-1 in its last seven games and closed within two points of the Penguins, who suffered an 8-4 defeat in Ottawa.

"I thought coach made a good point before the game," Jaromir Jagr said. "We want our games to mean something, and not get in a situation where it won't really mean much for our (playoff) position if we win games in the final week. I think this could go down to the final game."

The Flyers, who spent much of the latter portion of last season at or near the top of the standings, clinched on March 19 but struggled down the stretch. This year, it's a different story, as 96 points is only good enough for fifth spot.

Tomas Plekanec notched the lone score for the Habs, who have dropped five of their last seven and remained tied with the Islanders for last place in the East.

Peter Budaj was a surprise starter over Carey Price, and took the loss after allowing all four scores on 33 shots.

"It really comes down to special teams, both ways. I think our power play had the opportunity at the end to get us one and get us into it to pull us a little closer there and who knows what can happen after that," said Montreal head coach Randy Cunneyworth. "We made some choices in the first period which were to our benefit and the chances were there. We need to finish."

The Francophone still under the microscope, Briere, gave the hosts two key insurance tallies during man advantages in the second period which snapped a 1-1 tie.

On the first, with Alexei Emelin in the box for interference, Matt Carle unleashed a floating shot from the point which somehow made contact with Briere's stick as he stood to the left of price. The tally, his first non-empty-netter in more than two months, gave Philly the lead at 7:57.

For the latter, as Erik Cole stewed in the sin bin for high sticking, Jagr sent Briere on his way with a short lead pass along the right wing. The diminutive center slipped his shot under the crossbar on the short side for a two-goal margin at 17:38.

It came with a little help from Bryzgalov, who smartly hit Jagr with his own outlet pass while the Habs tried to switch up on the fly.

"The chances were always there, but I just couldn’t finish. I knew at some point it was going to turn,” Briere admitted.

Things threatened to get out of hand just after the midway point of the third, as Wayne Simmonds was hit with an extra minor for a scrap with Montreal's Ryan White and Bryzgalov was whistled for tripping Habs defenseman Andrei Markov after stoning the blueliner from in close 39 seconds later.

But the fort was held by an aggressive penalty killing unit aided by the Canadiens' hesitation, and the visitors squeezed off two shots which were hardly tough saves. The futility reached a crescendo when Lars Eller slipped on his one-timer from the right circle just as the one-man edge expired.

"We got careless out there at times, and he made some big saves for us," Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette said of his starter. "He's a big guy and he's been like a wall for us lately."

Matt Read capped a spirited shift inside of two minutes remaining in regulation. Denied his initial chance by Budaj, the rookie remained in the zone and found open space on the left wing, where he one-timed a Sean Couturier pass for the 4-1 final.

The Flyers produced the lone tally in an opening period defined by sloppy play on both ends -- a symptom of Montreal's slide to the bottom of the standings and Philadelphia's nervousness with the chance to lock up the playoff spot in front of the home crowd.

Only six seconds after Tomas Plekanec was sent off for slashing Carle, Giroux won a left-circle draw and chipped back to Timonen, who moved into position at the point and ripped a seeing-eye shot into the left corner of the net. The score, coming at 11:07, was the least probable chance of eight first-period shots.

Plekanec knotted the game with 3:44 gone in the second. He slipped between Braydon Coburn and Nick Grossmann up the middle, and, sprung by an Eller lead pass, rolled in alone and scored inside the right post with a backhander.

Notes: According to Elias Sports Bureau, Bryzgalov became the first Flyers goaltender to allow two or fewer goals in 11 straight starts since Bernie Parent during the middle portion of the 1974-75 campaign...Briere's two-goal night was his first since his hat trick against Ottawa on January 7...Flyers captain Chris Pronger made his first appearance in Philadelphia since his concussion, and was given a standing ovation when shown on the ArenaVision while sitting next to chairman Ed Snider...Philadelphia extended its league-high power-play goal total to 61...The Flyers won three of four in the season series, and have taken five of six here against Montreal since February of 2010.

Soul pull plug on Power in record-setting performance

PITTSBURGH  – In another record-setting night, the  Philadelphia Soul (2-0), led by Donovan Morgan, defeat the Pittsburgh Power (1-1),  84-59,  in front of 7,094 fans on Friday night.

The 84 points by the Soul were the most in franchise history.

“We really didn’t have enough game balls to hand out tonight,” said Soul head coach Doug Plank.  “This team has that ‘bounce back’ characteristic that winning team have.  I really like how this team has come together and its ability to fight through adversity.”

Morgan, who was named the National Guard MVP, Offensive Player of the Game and AFL Playmaker of the Game, led the team with 12 receptions for 112 yards and four touchdowns.  Derrick Ross had nine carries for 35 yards and three rushing touchdowns in addition to a 16-yard scoring reception, while Tiger Jones had three receptions for 56 yards and one touchdown.

Philadelphia quarterback Dan Raudabaugh finished by connecting on 19-of-29 passes for 207 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions.

Pittsburgh quarterback Bill Stull led the Power by connecting 26-of-42 passes for 299 yards, six touchdowns and three interceptions.  Wide receiver Randy Hymes was Pittsburgh’s leading receiver with seven receptions for 112 yards and two touchdowns.  Mike Washington added nine receptions for 80 yards and two touchdowns, while Tyre Young led in rushing yards with five carries for a gain of 23 yards.

Philadelphia started the scoring on their first drive when Raudabaugh found Morgan on a 6-yard scoring pass to take a 7-0 lead with the successful field goal by Phil Marfuggi.  Following a Pittsburgh touchdown by Washington and a failed kick by Collin Wagner, Pittsburgh recovered their own kick off bringing the score to 12-7 with another failed kick by Wagner. Morgan received a 12-yard scoring pass from Raudabaugh and Pittsburgh replied with a 5-yard scoring run by Young bringing the first quarter to end with Philadelphia trailing 19-14.

Second quarter scoring began with a 16-yard pass from Raudabaugh to Derrick Ross.  Morgan scored again and Pittsburgh was able to score twice, including a 27-yard pass from Stull to Hymes. Ross finished what he started, ending the quarter with a 2-yard run bringing the first half to a close with the Soul leading 41-33.

The Soul maintained the lead throughout the third quarter. After a 30-yard pass from Raudabaugh to Jones, the Soul recovered their own kick off, regaining a possession that resulted in a 12-yard touchdown pass to Larry Brackins.  Justin Parrish of the Power scored on a 40-yard fumble recovery, but Kent Richardson replied by recovering a blocked kick and running the length of the field for a touchdown that ended the third quarter with the Soul leading 57-53.

Morgan started off the fourth quarter with a 30-yard scoring reception. Pittsburg’s Lonnell Dewalt gained Pittsburgh’s final points with a 9-yard reception, followed by three more Philadelphia touchdowns including an onside kick return for a touchdown by Michaeux Robinson and a 37-yard interception return by Joe Goosby.

The Soul will face the Cleveland Gladiators in the 2012 home opener next Sunday night at 8 p.m. at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.  The game can be heard on 950 ESPN Radio.

Three Union players called to U-18 U.S. Men's National Team

Chester, Pa. - Philadelphia Union Homegrown midfielder Zach Pfeffer and Union Academy members goalkeeper Zack Steffen and defender Miguel Alves have been called up by the U-18 U.S. Men's National Team for a training camp at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. from March 25-April 1, U.S. Soccer announced today.

Pfeffer, 17, signed as the Union's first Homegrown Player on December 22, 2010. He made his first official League appearance in 2011, starting in a 1-0 victory against the Columbus Crew on September 17. Pfeffer also started in Philadelphia's regular season finale against the New York Red Bulls.

Steffen, 16, helped lead the Union's U-18 squad to an undefeated fall season, the Academy's first full season of competition. In addition to participating in Philadelphia's academy system, Steffen plays for Youth Development Affilliate FC DELCO. He was also on the roster for Union Reserve League matches in 2011.

Alves, 16, also plays for a Youth Development Affiliate of the Union, Players Development Academy (PDA), and was recently invited to join Philadelphia's academy program.

Pfeffer and Steffen both represented the U.S. in the 2011 Mondial Minimes Montaigu Tournament in Montaigu, France from April 18-26. In 2012, Pfeffer, Steffen and Alves were called up for another U.S. U-18 training camp in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. from Jan. 2-9.

Cherry and White Game coming to the Linc

PHILADELPHIA – Temple football’s annual Cherry & White Game, the team’s final scrimmage of the spring season, will be held at Lincoln Financial Field on Saturday, April 14 at 11 a.m.

Admission is FREE. All fans must enter through the Pepsi Gate at Head House Plaza.

Parking is FREE in Lot K to all who arrive before 11 a.m.  Vehicles arriving after kickoff will be charged $15 to park due to the Phillies’ 4:05 p.m. game with the Mets.

This is the first time that the Owls have played their spring game at Lincoln Financial Field, their home stadium since 2003.  In years past, Temple hosted the Cherry & White contest at its on-campus practice facility, Edberg-Olson Hall, which is in the midst of a $10 million expansion.  Construction has significantly reduced sideline space and balcony access for spectators.  The expansion is expected to be completed in July.
 
The Owls open the 2012 season with Villanova in the fourth annual Mayor’s Cup, sponsored by Dunkin’ Donuts, at Lincoln Financial Field on Friday, August 31. Temple entertains Maryland on Sept. 8 before travelling to Penn State on Sept. 22.  The Owls’ last non-conference game is Nov. 17 at Army.

Temple will play in the BIG EAST Conference this fall. The remainder of the schedule is expected by the end of March.

Soul's Hughley names AFL MVP of the Week

PHILADELPHIA  – The Arena Football League has named Philadelphia Soul WR/KR Jeff Hughley the National Guard MVP of the Week for his performance this past Sunday in the Soul’s 63-62 victory in their season opener against the New Orleans VooDoo.

Jacksonville’s WR/DB Terrance Smith and Tampa Bay’s WR Prechae Rodriguez were also up for the award.

“It’s a great honor just to see that I’m recognized by the league.  I’m thankful for the ability that God gave me and I used it that day,” said Hughley on winning the award.  “Hopefully on Friday we’ll do the same thing.”

Hughley finished the day with 265 yards on 10 kick returns, including one for a touchdown.  He also caught four passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns.  The impressive outing setseveral team records, including the single-game record for all-purpose yards (360), eclipsing Charles Pauley’s mark of 277 yard set on May 5, 2007.

The effort also saw Hughley set the team’s single-game record for kickoff return yards (265), shattering the previous record set by Mike Brown (196) on March 1, 2008 against the Orlando Predators.  Hughley also tied Brown’s record for most kickoff returns (10) in a single game.  Brown set the mark on April 12, 2008 against the San Jose SaberCats.

Eagles' Reid responds to LA Times report

Sam Farmer of the Los Angeles Times is reporting that Andy Reid threatened to walk away for the Eagles if full say over personnel wasn't restored.

Farmer, citing two NFL insiders, also said Reid was hot on Peyton Manning but that the new Broncos quarterback had no interest in joining a team from the NFC East since he would have to play his brother twice each season.

There must be something to Farmer's report since Reid and the Eagles were quick to issue a statement:

"We look into everything, as all teams do. And I have the highest regard for Peyton Manning," Reid said. "But as I said publicly last month, that wasn't the direction we were heading in. Michael is our guy."

"As far as the personnel control, I have had final say on personnel matters for quite some time here and that’s never been an issue or a point of contention.

"Our front office works very well together and that’s one of our strengths."

The Sixth Man: Heat simmering on low

The Sixth Man: Heat simmering on low - Miami Heat - MiamiHerald.com

Soul's Hughley is AFL's Ironman of the Week

PHILADELPHIA - Soul WR/KR Jeff Hughley has been named the AFL Ironman of the Week for his performance this past Sunday in the Soul’s 63-62 victory in their season opener against the New Orleans VooDoo.


Hughley finished the day with 265 yards on 10 kick returns, including one for a touchdown.  He also caught four passes for 92 yards and two touchdowns.  The impressive outing set several team records, including the single-game record for all-purpose yards (360), eclipsing Charles Pauley’s mark of 277 yard set on May 5, 2007.


“No one works harder on our team to get better than Jeff does.  He’s very deserving of the award,” said Soul head coach Doug Plank.  “His explosiveness on special teams can’t be underappreciated.  Whether it be scoring on a big return or setting up a short field for our offense.  He adds a whole new dimension to our game.”

The effort also saw Hughley set the team’s single-game record for kickoff return yards (265), shattering the previous record set by Mike Brown (196) on March 1, 2008 against the Orlando Predators.  Hughley also tied Brown’s record for most kickoff returns (10) in a single game.  Brown set the mark on April 12, 2008 against the San Jose SaberCats.

The Soul return to action when they take on the Pittsburgh Power this Friday, March 23 at 8 p.m. at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh on the NFL Network’s “NET10 Arena Football Friday”.

Union's Williams added to the U-23 U.S. Men’s National Team

Chester, Pa. – Philadelphia Union defender Sheanon Williams has been added to the U-23 U.S. Men’s National Team for the upcoming CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament.

Williams, who was previously in camp with the U-23 squad in the offseason, replaces Molde-based defender Josh Gatt who was recalled by his club after the team experienced a series of injuries. Williams will travel to Nashville, Tenn. tomorrow morning to prepare for the team’s first game against Cuba on March 22.

Williams joins Union teammates Freddy Adu and Amobi Okugo who have been in camp since March 13.  The trio will miss this weekend’s Union game at Chicago and could miss the match against Vancouver on March 31, should the U-23 team advance to the semi-final round.

U.S. Soccer also announced that Head Coach Caleb Porter has selected Adu as captain. Adu, 22, is the only player on the current U-23 roster with previous experience in qualifying, having scored four goals in three appearances during the 2008 tournament.  Currently in his second season with Philadelphia, Adu has been involved with the U.S. National Team on a variety of levels, including 17 appearances for the senior squad.

The team begins its quest for Olympic qualifying this week, when the squad faces off against Cuba on March 22 at 9:00 p.m. EST in Nashville, Tenn.  The team will then take on Canada on March 24 and El Salvador on March 26.  The semifinal and final matches will be played at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kan., on March 31 and April 2, respectively.

Meszaros has successful back surgery

"Andrej [Meszaros] had successful surgery this morning to remove a disc fragment that was impinging on a nerve root, " said Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren this morning.

"He will be discharged from the hospital later today. His rehab will begin in one week."

Eagles trade for MLB Ryans

The Philadelphia Eagles have acquired two-time Pro Bowl MLB DeMeco Ryans from the Houston Texans in exchange for a fourth round draft choice in 2012.

That fourth round pick (4th overall selection in that round) was originally acquired by Philadelphia from Tampa Bay. The Eagles and Texans also swapped 3rd round choices in 2012. The Eagles now possess the 89th selection overall, while the Texans have the Eagles’ 77th overall pick.

“DeMeco is a proven Pro Bowl linebacker in this league and we’re excited to be able to plug him into the middle of our defense,” said Eagles head coach Andy Reid. “He’s been the signal caller and a leader on a very good Texans defense for the last several years. He’s a tough, instinctive football player and he’ll be a great fit for our team.”

“We’re thrilled to be able to add a young and productive linebacker in DeMeco Ryans,” added general manager Howie Roseman. “We’d like to thank [Houston general manager] Rick Smith and the Texans. Once we found out that he could be available to us in a trade, we quickly found a way to work together to produce a good outcome for both teams.”

Originally a 2nd round pick of the Texans in 2006 (33rd overall), Ryans has played and started in 86 games, earning Pro Bowl honors following the 2007 and 2009 campaigns and an Associated Press All-Pro selection in 2007. The 27-year-old linebacker and team captain leaves Houston as the Texans all-time leader with 637 tackles while also contributing eight sacks, six forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries and two interceptions in his six-year career.

Ryans (6-1, 247) was immediately plugged into the starting lineup in 2006 and was named AP Defensive Rookie of the Year that season after leading the team in tackles (156) and adding 3.5 sacks and an interception. He went on to start all 16 games and amass over 100 tackles in each of the next three seasons. In his sophomore campaign of 2007, Ryans garnered All Pro, Pro Bowl, and team MVP honors. In 2009, he earned his second trip to the Pro Bowl and was voted as a team captain in 2010.

In 2011, Ryans again started all 16 games at middle linebacker in their newly installed 3-4 scheme and helped contribute to a Texans defense that ranked among the league leaders in many categories including points per game (17.4 – 4th), yards per game (285.7 – 2nd), passing yards (189.7 – 3rd), rushing yards per game (96.0 – 4th), and sacks (44 – 6th). Ryans was voted by his teammates as the team’s recipient of the Ed Block Courage award and also helped the Texans earn their franchise’s first playoff berth and victory.

A native of Bessemer, AL, Ryans played collegiately at Alabama, where he earned first-team All-America honors in 2005. He was a teammate of Eagles left guard Evan Mathis with the Crimson Tide. While in the NFL, Ryans has been a leader on and off the field and his work in the community has been highly regarded in the Houston area.

Sixers waive Nocioni

PHILADELPHIA, PA. – The Philadelphia 76ers announced today that the team has waived forward Andres Nocioni.

"We want to sincerely thank Andres for his contributions to our team and maintaining a true level of professionalism throughout his time here," Sixers President of Basketball Operations Rod Thorn said. "We wish him the best of luck as he pursues future opportunities."

Nocioni (6-7, 225) is in his eighth NBA season and his second with the Sixers.  He was acquired via trade from Sacramento, along with Spencer Hawes, in exchange for Samuel Dalembert on June 17, 2010.

In 11 games with one start this season, Nocioni averaged 1.5 points and 1.3 rebounds in 5.1 minutes per game.

Union's Lopez called up by Costa Rican national team

Chester, Pa. - Philadelphia Union defender Porfirio Lopez has been called up by the Costa Rican National Team to compete in an international friendly against Jamaica on Wednesday, March 21, 8:00 p.m., at The National Stadium in Kingston. Lopez will depart today and return to Philadelphia on Thursday in time to join the Union for their match at Chicago on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. EST on The Comcast Network.

Since arriving in Philadelphia, Lopez has started each of the Union's two regular season games in 2012, playing a full 90 minutes in each.

Lopez has been capped once for Costa Rica, making his first international appearance on August 10, 2011 in a friendly against Ecuador. He started and played 73 minutes in the 2-0 loss.  Costa Rica is currently riding a four-game unbeaten streak, including a 2-2 draw with World Cup champion Spain, a 2-0 road win at Venezuela and a 1-0 victory over Wales in Cardiff.

Previously on loan with Costa Rican First Division champion Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, Lopez was acquired from Chinese First Division side Dalian Haichang on December 22, 2011. The 26-year-old arrived in Philadelphia following back-to-back Apertura and Clausura titles with Alajuelense in 2011. Playing primarily as a left back, Lopez appeared in a total of 16 games in 2011. His first and lone goal in La Liga came in the 62nd minute of a 4-0 victory over Cartagines on Sept. 7, 2011.

Lopez made his professional debut with Santos de Guapiles in 2005, playing in a total of 42 matches before moving to Puntarenas in 2009. He saw action in 31 games with his new club, finding the back of the net on one occasion. In 2010, the defender moved to Dalian Haichang, notching two tallies in ten matches before returning to Costa Rica’s Alajuelense.

Panthers turn back the clock, beat Flyers 2-1

by Bob Herpen
Phanatic Hockey Editor

Someone somewhere must have decided that Tuesday night's game at Wells Fargo Center would comprise of a bad episode of VH1's "I Love the 90s."

Most of the hallmarks of the fabled dead-puck era were present: territorial domination, a lopsided shot total, a dogpile of wasted opportunities, one goaltender made to look better than the other because of the lack of quality chances, and, inevitably, a head-scratching loss.

Ultimately, it was a timeless bugaboo which struck the Philadelphia Flyers, as Sean Bergenheim's goal off a bad bounce early in the second period proved to be the difference as Florida claimed a 2-1 victory.

"We played the way we wanted. We jumped on them early. We just couldn't score," lamented Jaromir Jagr.

The turning point in a largely somnolent contest came at the 6:23 mark of the middle stanza, when Brian Campbell's hard wraparound at the left post wound its way beyond the goal line, only to take a right turn back into play.

That's where an alert Bergenheim collected the puck and beat Ilya Bryzgalov to the short side high to give the Panthers a two-goal edge.

No matter that Eric Wellwood was the recipient of a gift tally 91 seconds later; a 36-13 shot advantage wasn't enough to overcome that bit of rotten luck.

Stephen Weiss notched the other goal for Kevin Dineen's squad, which has won five games in a row and opened up a five-point lead over idle Washington in the Southeast Division.

Scott Clemmensen, a surprise starter over Jose Theodore, acquitted himself well thanks to 35 stops.

"It's never easy coming off a long lay off there but it was a matter of getting a couple of saves under my belt and after that you kind of go from there," said Clemmensen of his first start since March 3. It's just a matter of trying to get in that comfort zone."

Bryzgalov, the First Star in the league two weeks running, ended up with only 11 saves as Philly couldn't maintain momentum from Sunday's OT win over Pittsburgh. The Penguins rolled over the Jets, 8-4, and separated themselves by four points over the Orange and Black in the race for the fourth spot in the East and home-ice in the first round.

Despite spikes in tempo and a pace which didn't reach a crescendo until late in the first, the hosts began rolling up the shot disparity early on. Still, the power play failed to click on four chances, including a 42-second 5-on-3 with under four minutes to go.

Weiss picked up the lone goal of the opening period, with 6:56 remaining, when he was able to elude capture along the right wing, moved in between the circles and beat Bryzgalov high to the far post.

Then, with the Flyers trailing by two, the shot which got them (and the restless yet less-than-capacity crowd) rolling came from the energetic 22-year-old.

He held the puck behind the goal line to the left of Clemmensen, then attempted to center for Danny Briere only to find the dish caromed off the skate of Ed Jovanovski and in.

“We started out the game with plenty of jump. I thought we came out a little bit sleepy in the second period for a few minutes,” Flyers head coach Peter Laviolette said. “They caught a really nice break off the carom off the glass. After that, I think we got back to work.”

The remaining 32:06 of regulation was an exercise in frustration as countless close calls that gave way to missed open shots eventually led to crashing the net that was a step behind the opposing goaltender.

It was a grim repeat of Flyers-Panthers games of a generation ago, which usually saw the latter come up with one more successful finish than the former who was kept to low percentage shots.

Notes: Clemmensen improved to 4-1-1 against Philadelphia in his career...The loss deprived the Flyers of their chance to sweep the Panthers for the first time since going 4-0-0 in the 2005-06 season...Bergenheim scored just his third goal in his last 11 games...The win snapped Florida's five game losing streak in the Quaker City...The 11 saves tied a season-low for Bryzgalov in a full contest, after he recorded the same amount in a 5-1 loss at Tampa Bay on December 27...Campbell led all players in ice time at 25:16 and assisted on both scores...Pavel Kubina returned to the lineup for the first time since March 6, while Max Talbot and Andreas Lilja both came back after one-game absences...To make room on the roster, Philly sent defensemen Eric Gustafsson and Brandon Marshall to Adirondack of the AHL.

Cena in car accident

WWE superstar John Cena was involved in a car accident on the Schuylkill Expressway in Phialdelphia today.

The former WWE champ, who is in town for Monday Night Raw at Wells Fargo Center, was traveling in an SUV when he was rear-ended by a tractor trailer, according to WWE.com


Cena’s driver, Jules Anderson, told the WWE the accident happened around 11:30 a.m. while the wrestler was traveling eastbound on Route 76.

"We were doing some early morning media for the event tonight in Philadelphia and we got in a car accident. The Civic was totaled, but no one was hurt, believe it or not," Cens told WWE.com

While no one was  injured, Anderson told the WWE there was an argument between the drivers after the crash. However, whether because of Cena’s imposing figure or their love for wrestling, Anderson claims the drivers quickly calmed down once they realized Cena was his passenger.

Cena is set for an appearance Monday night at the Wells Fargo Center where he is scheduled for a match
against Mark Henry.

Cena is also preparing for a highly anticipated match against The Rock at WrestleMania XXVIII in less than two weeks.

Eagles sign a pair of backup o-linemen

The Eagles  have signed G/C Mike Gibson to a two-year contract and C/G Steve Vallos to a one-year contract.

Now in his second stint with the Eagles, Gibson (6-3, 298) spent parts of the past three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. He played in the final three games of the 2011 campaign after appearing in 14 contests with eight starts at guard (five at right, three at left) in 2010. He started both postseason games for Seattle at right guard that season as well. The 26-year old was originally a sixth-round draft choice of the Eagles in 2008 and spent that season on the Injured Reserve list with a shoulder injury. He was a member of the Eagles practice squad in 2009 before being signed by Seattle to their active roster and playing in three games. A native of Napa, CA, Gibson was a college teammate of WR DeSean Jackson at California.

Vallos (6-3, 310) spent the previous four seasons with the Cleveland Browns (2010-11) and Seattle Seahawks (2008-09), playing in 40 games (eight starts). Originally a seventh-round draft choice of the Seahawks in 2007, Vallos spent that entire season on the team’s practice squad. The 27-year-old Vallos is a native of Boardman, OH and played collegiately at Wake Forest.

Bryzgalov 'First Star' once again

For the second consecutive week, Philadelphia Flyers goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov earned top honors, leading the list of the NHL's 'Three Stars' for the week ending March 18.

Bryzgalov finished the week with a 3-0-1 record and one shutout, and in a 3-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Thursday managed to set the Flyers' all-time record for scoreless hockey at 249 minutes, 43 seconds. John Vanbiesbrouck held the previous mark of 227:40, set in October of 1999.

The 31-year-old Russian improved to 8-0-1 with a 1.20 goals-against average, .960 save percentage and four shutouts since March 1.

If not for Bryzgalov, this past weekend might have been a lot murkier than the 1-0-1 record the Orange and Black posted against two potential playoff opponents. He stopped 69 of 73 shots in 130 minutes of play, but was 0-for-3 in the shootout at Boston on Saturday.

Phillies finally acknowledge Utley isn't right

Clearwater, FL - Phillies second baseman Chase Utley will visit a specialist as he continues to battle a right knee condition. Utley has yet to appear in a game during spring training.

"Chase's rehab process has come to a bit of a plateau," said Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. in a statement. "He has made some strides but not enough to take the field. He is headed out of town for a few days to be evaluated by a specialist that has helped athletes overcome his issue.

"We anticipate that this trip will allow him to build on what he has already done with [head athletic trainer] Scott Sheridan in order to get over the hump. He wants more than anything to be on the field with his teammates, and we believe that this is a step in that direction."

Utley was also sidelined to start the 2011 campaign because of the knee issue. He missed 46 games and didn't appear in a big league contest until May. The 33-year-old veteran played just 103 games last year and batted only .259, well below his career average of .290, and his power numbers have also dropped.

He reached the 30-homer plateau three times during his career and also knocked in 100 runs four times, but last year he belted just 11 homers and drove in only 44 runs.

Blocked FG leads Soul to win in NOLA

NEW ORLEANS (March 18, 2012) – It was a record-setting night for Philadelphia Soul wide receiver/kick returner Jeff Hughley, but it was a last-second blocked 40-yard field goal by the Soul’s Bryan Robinson that sealed a season-opening, 63-62, victory for the Philadelphia Soul (1-0) over the New Orleans VooDoo (0-1) in front of 5,307 fans at the New Orleans Arena on Sunday night.

“We are excited to get the victory, but we know there are things that we need to work on for next week,” said Soul head coach Doug Plank.  “The good news is that they are all correctable mistakes, but that doesn’t take away from the huge game that Jeff (Hughley) had tonight.”

Hughley, who was named the National Guard MVP, Offensive, Ironman and Playmaker of the Game by the media, set the team’s single-game record for all-purpose yards (357) and kickoff return yards (265), while tying the record for most kickoff returns (10) in a single game.

Philadelphia quarterback Dan Raudabaugh finished by connecting on 22-of-30 passes for 310 yards, seven touchdowns and no interceptions.  Leading the receiving corps for the Soul was Tiger Jones with 10 receptions for 132 yards and three touchdowns, while Donovan Morgan had eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns.  Hughley added four catches for 92 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 265 return yards and a return touchdown.

New Orleans quarterback Kurt Rocco led the VooDoo by connecting on 25-of-39 passes for 314 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions.  Wide receiver Quorey Payne was New Orleans’ leading receiver with 10 receptions for 130 yards and three touchdowns.

The Soul started the scoring on their first drive when Raudabaugh found Jones on a 7-yard scoring pass to take a 7-0 lead.  After a defensive stop on the VooDoo’s first drive Raudabaugh connected with Morgan on a 13-yard pass play to take a 14-0 lead and finished the first quarter up 14-6.

Raudabaugh added a touchdown strike to Hughley and another to Jones and went into the halftime leading 28-20.

Hughley had a 54-yard kickoff return for a touchdown with 5:18 remaining in the third quarter to give the Soul a 42-34 lead.  The teams continued to exchange scores through the third quarter and into the fourth until New Orleans’ Rocco connected with L.J. Castile with 13:33 remaining in the contest to give the VooDoo their first lead of the game, 48-42.

Fourth quarter touchdowns by Hughley, Derrick Ross and the final score by Morgan with 17 seconds remaining to set up the dramatic finished.  The VooDoo thought they had the game-winning catch when Payne failed to hold on to the ball in the endzone with three seconds left, which forced New Orleans to attempt a 40-yard field goal by kicker Josh Shene for the win.

After a good snap and hold, Soul defensive lineman Bryan Robinson broke through and blocked the kick and the clock ran out and gave the Soul the 63-62 victory.

The side story of the game was the Soul’s penalties and turnovers.  Philadelphia committed 12 penalties to New Orleans’ two, while the Soul fumbled twice and the VooDoo did not fumble.

The Soul travel to face the Eastern Division rival Pittsburgh Power next Friday night at 8 p.m. at the Consol Energy Center.  The game will be shown on NFL Network.

National Guard MVP:  Philadelphia’s Jeff Hughley
Russell Athletic Offensive Player: Philadelphia’s Jeff Hughley
Riddell Defensive Player: New Orleans’ Jorrick Calvin
JLS Ironman: Philadelphia’s Jeff Hughley
AFL Playmaker: Philadelphia’s Jeff Hughley
Cutter’s Catch of the Game: New Orleans’ L.J. Castille’s TD catch in the third quarter.
Spalding Highlight of the Game: New Orleans’ L.J. Castille’s TD catch in the third quarter.