Facing the daunting prospect of going up against two of the Western Conferences top teams without their number one defenceman, Maple Leafs assistant GM Claude Loiselle stressed the importance of having other players step up and play a better team game. Cheap Nike Free Nz . ? Speaking on TSN 1050 just hours after the NHL announcement the multiple game ban of Dion Phaneuf, Loiselle noted that the teams inconsistencies on the back-end are due at least in part to not being able to find proper chemistry. “We have not been able to find the right combination,” Losielle said, noting that a mix of three puck-movers and three stay-at-home defenders is a good combo in his mind. According to Loiselle, Torontos blueline has been helped by the arrival of John-Michael Liles, who he says has stepped in after spending 14 games in the AHL – largely because of the Leafs restricted cap situation – and provided steady play. “He brings a veteran presence back there and a calmness thats helping our defence,” Loiselle said. Loiselle also touched on the Dion Phaneuf contract negotiations saying news that the NHLs salary cap will likely be increased by nearly $7-million in 2014 will help the Leafs “tremendously.” At the same time, in order to get a deal done, he said players have to be willing to be reasonable and take a fair number if the team is going to be able to compete in a salary cap system. Loiselle: Cap increase helps tremendouslyNike Free Nz Online . Many of those eyes are in the United States of America, a country that the sport has wanted on its side for some time. On Sunday the football Gods delivered once again, only this time it was time for good old USA to experience as much heartache as joy. Wholesale Nike Free Nz . The Thornhill, Ont., native, who is ranked 11th in the world, said hed hoped he would be ready when Canada begins its World Group first-round tie against Japan in Tokyo on Friday.TAMPA, Fla. - The Tampa Bay Rays couldnt resist adding Grant Balfour to solidify the back end of their bullpen, giving the closer a $12 million, two-year contract Thursday about a month after his $15 million agreement with Baltimore fell through. The Orioles said they had concerns with his physical. Balfour proclaimed hes healthy and looking forward to helping Tampa Bay get back to the playoffs. "Im 100 per cent healthy," Balfour said, adding he had more lucrative offers from other teams but was eager to play for a perennial contender and return to the Tampa Bay area, where he still resides after spending time with the Rays from 2007-10. "Ive had an eventful off-season to say the least," he said. "Its always been a place on my radar. Ill be honest, I never wanted to leave here." Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg made the announcement at a news conference held following a team sponsorship event at the Tampa Museum of Art. He called it a significant move for the budget-minded Rays, who have made the playoffs four times in the past six seasons despite one of the lowest payrolls in baseball. Sternberg noted the team did not enter the off-season expecting to be in a position to pursue the 36-year-old, who was 62 for 67 in save opportunities the past two seasons with the Oakland Athletics. &quuot;Weve have had some exceptional teams," Sternberg said, explaining the decision to spend above the teams projected payroll. Cheap Nike Free Nz Sale. "We want to give this organization the best chance to win, and we know its going to cost us more than we can afford to pay." In his first stint with the Rays, Balfour was part of an improbable run to the 2008 World Series, where Tampa Bay lost to Philadelphia in six games. Sternberg called him a "known quantity" for the Rays. Manager Joe Maddon added the signing will make an already impressive bullpen even more formidable. "He wants to go back to the World Series," Maddon said. "So do we, so do I." Balfour was a first-time All-Star in 2013, when he had a 1.63 ERA while going 25 for 25 in save opportunities the first half of the season. The right-handers 383 appearances, 380 1-3 innings and 410 strikeouts over the past six years are the second-most among AL relievers. Hes first Australian-born pitcher to make an All-Star team and has been a part of five teams that made the playoffs, including two with Tampa Bay. "I want to win a World Series," he said. "We got really close here in 2008, and Im really hoping here in the next two years, or whatever it is I get to play here, that I can win one it would be awesome." ' ' '