News » a lot of good people who work behind the scenes every game

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. - Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon will not play against Carolina on Sunday because of an injury to his lower back.McKinnon didnt practice all week. He was listed as doubtful. The rookie said Friday his condition is nothing he cant play through, but he confirmed he will be held out against the Panthers. That will mean more time in the backfield for Matt Asiata, Joe Banyard and perhaps Ben Tate.Asiata missed the last game with a concussion but has been cleared to return.Defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd was listed as questionable with a knee injury that kept him out last week, but he took part in practice on a limited basis Friday. Coach Mike Zimmer said earlier that Floyd will play.___AP NFL websites: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP_NFL Cheap Jerseys From China .Y. - The New York Yankees made it official Saturday, announcing the completion of a seven-year deal with free-agent outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury and a one-year contract for returning starter Hiroki Kuroda. Wholesale Jerseys Online . Rockies manager Walt Weiss was unhappy, too. Weiss addressed the issue in a 15-minute meeting with his pitcher and catcher after the Rockies gave up 14 hits and lost 10-1. De La Rosa lasted only 4 1-3 innings and allowed five runs in his first opening-day start. https://www.wholesalejerseys2020.com/ .A. Happ. The Toronto Blue Jays will be looking to improve the starting rotation ahead of next season and pitchers like Happ have a chance to show they belong as the disastrous 2013 campaign draws to a close. Cheap NFL Jerseys China . Basketball fans around the globe will be watching as Kobe Bryant makes his season debut - 240 days after tearing his left Achilles - against Toronto, a team he has used as his own personal punching bag. Cheap Jerseys 2020 . According to bodog.ca, Cleveland moved up to grab the best odds to win the Larry OBrian trophy at 4-1 on Friday. By comparison, the Miami Heats odds plummeted from 3-1 favourites before LeBron left, to 50-1.It appears as though the Holiday Break couldnt have come at a better time for the Montreal Canadiens this season. After a roller coaster 4-3 OT win in Nashville on Saturday night, the Habs look like a team that needs a few days of rest and relaxation away from the rink and the game. Montreal has the rare opportunity this particular season to have a stretch of seven days off in between games. In fact, they wont even return to the ice for practice until next Friday when they arrive in Tampa to prepare for a date with the Lightning. While the physical break is always enjoyed, sometimes its the mental break that can be the best thing for a player; a few days away from the arena and the game all together, spending time with family and friends to enjoy the season. Sometimes it can be overlooked how much a few days of family time can do for a player. A good example would be Daniel Briere, who has only been back to his home in Philly with his kids once since arriving in Montreal for training camp. A few days back around the Christmas tree with family can be a great recharge. Max Pacioretty will have his hands full with a new baby to welcome into the family over the break, and no doubt will enjoy a few days off during the whirlwind experience of becoming a father. Its also a case of some good ol home cooking, with several players heading home for the holidays. Ryan White said hes most looking forward to Moms cooking. The holidays also bring out memories of childhood and for players with young kids, a chance to pass on family traditions. Even though Travis Moen recalls his excitement of receiving his first shotgun on Christmas morning at 12 years old, hes not looking to pass on that tradition, saying "we live in the city now, so I cant see that," but jokes that some traditional food dishes are in order and of course the matching pajamas for the whole family. Its a mixed bag for the Habs this year, some who have family coming to Montreal while others will venture home. There are even plans which include enjoying the holidays away in a different destination to escape the madness. One of those spots include Florida, where theyll remain and await the teams arrival next week. No matter which Habs player you talk to, and what the plans are, the common theme remains the same, its all about family. Hockey players are a tight group and the dressing room is much like a family, so its no surprise that remains the focus. So, while the players take a few days off, the fans should as well. Relax, take youur mind off hockey for a few days.dddddddddddd Focus on the people around you. Spend some quality time with family and friends, and enjoy the festive season. Line combinations, statistics, and standings can take an aside for a few days to focus on whats really important. Its a long season in an Olympic year, and theres lots of hockey to still be played. Of course, theres still the World Juniors to watch on Boxing Day on TSN. And now, a few holiday notes... Id like to take a moment to thank all our team at TSN Radio 690 in Montreal. Its been a well-documented wild ride for the last two years, but things look brighter than ever for the future. There are a lot of people behind the scenes that make the station tick day to day and Id mention all the names, but fear of missing some. While you all are most likely familiar with the on-air talent, there is one name you dont hear of often that Id like to mention. He is our game night producer Marco Campagna. Hes the voice at the other end of the line every game for me, and also assembles our Saturday night montage openers. Top notch guy who never misses a game and it wouldnt be the same without him. Congratulations to our colleagues at RDS, who will remain as the Canadiens Regional rightsholder "en francais" for another 12 years. In addition to my friends Pierre Houde and Marc Denis, there are a lot of good people who work behind the scenes every game to bring a quality broadcast and its nice to see theyll still be together. A great piece of news before the holidays. Atlantic Canada, stay tuned, more Habs hockey is coming to a radio near you in 2014! The TSN 690 Habs Radio Network is expanding very soon. To all our listeners from across Canada and around the globe (yes, we know we have listeners in Australia and beyond), thanks for tuning in at all hours of the day. And to answer our most commonly asked question once again, if you have a PVR, pause your TV and listen online to sync up the feeds of TV and radio for a game. And finally, to all our listeners wherever and however you listen, thank you for allowing us into your homes, cars, earphones or any other way you tune in. From 690 AM, to internet, Bell TV, Bell Fibe, TSN Radio apps on your smartphones, NHL Radio on satellite and even podcasts, thank you. Enjoy the holidays everyone, wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all the best to you and yours. Please dont drink and drive. Well see you back on the airwaves Saturday night in Tampa Bay for the Habs and Lightning. ' ' '