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123 Oct 20 '19
Lee Westwood believes he has proved his doubters wrong by playing well enough to justify his wildcard selection and secure a 10th consecutive Ryder Cup appearance. John Collins Hawks Jersey .When his good friend and former Ryder Cup partner Darren Clarke was named captain in February 2015, it was easy to assume Westwood -- who was 41 at the time -- would be set for a role as vice-captain at Hazeltine.However, the former world No. 1 was determined to prove he deserved a place on the team and after slipping down the rankings, crucially finished second in the Thailand Golf Championship in December 2015 to end the year 50th in the world.That ensured Westwood a place in the Masters in April and he made the most of it by finishing second to final-round playing partner Danny Willett.I was determined that I was going to show some form and get on that team, said Westwood, who needs two more points at Hazeltine to equal the record held by Nick Faldo, from one fewer appearance.He added: I wasnt ready to write my game off just yet. I knew I was still capable of some good golf. It was nice to play well at the end of last year and actually get in the Masters from the result in Thailand, and obviously played great at the Masters and finished second with a chance to win.Any time anybody writes you off, its good motivation. You can either take it and be miserable or stick it back down their throat, which is pretty much the attitude that you have to have when you go to the Ryder Cup, as well.Westwood and Clarke played together eight times in the Ryder Cup, most memorably at The K Club in 2006 just weeks after the death of Clarkes first wife Heather.Its the most emotional of all the Ryder Cups I played in, theres no doubt about that, added Westwood, who partnered Clarke to victory over Phil Mickelson and Chris DiMarco in the opening fourballs.That made it tough in a way because we were both wild cards for that week. Its always a little bit tricky when youre a wild card, theres a little bit of extra pressure where you feel like you have to justify your pick, even though you dont. In the back of your mind, you want to play well and win some points for the team.That one at The K Club was very special, being on that first tee with Darren. Even though the emotion was for the wrong reason, it was still something Ill never forget. Chandler Parsons jersey .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. Tracy Mcgrady Jersey . -- An ugly goal by Nick Bonino helped the Anaheim Ducks overcome the defensive-minded Phoenix Coyotes on a night when their ragged power play continued to struggle. https:///...City-Edition-Jersey/ TORONTO -- The Canadian machine rolls along.After handling Team Europe with relative ease Wednesday night via a 4-1 count in a game that had only seeding implications, Canada will await the outcome of Thursday afternoons Russia-Finland clash. If the Russians win, it will be Canada hosting Russia on Saturday evening. If Finland upsets the Russians, Team North America would advance, setting up Connor McDavid versus Sidney Crosby.What Wednesdays often-ragged game did establish was a Team Europe versus Sweden match Sunday afternoon.The Swedes, who lost to Team North America in overtime earlier in the day, will be prohibitive favorites. But thats nothing new for Team Europe, which entered the tournament as a long shot to advance beyond the three-game preliminary round.If there is reason for the Swedes to be wary, its in the structure that head coach Ralph Krueger and his staff have imposed on this group of players from eight different European nations.Sure, Canada enjoyed a wide margin in shots, outshooting Team Europe 46-20, but that is more than a little deceiving as the Europeans did generate a number of quality chances but saw shots sailing high and wide all night. They also rarely allowed Canadas superior offense to get rolling via odd-man rushes.Canada went with a modified lineup for this final preliminary game, giving Corey Crawford the start in goal and resting Carey Price, who did not dress. Shea Weber and Ryan Getzlaf also sat, giving Claude Giroux and Jake Muzzin their first taste of World Cup action. Both Weber and Getzlaf are expected in the Canadian lineup Saturday.With only first place in Group A on the line, tthis one lacked much in the way of pizzazz and had the feel more of a pre-tournament game. Chandler Parsons Hawks Jersey. In fact, at one point in the third period Marian Hossa stopped to make sure Brad Marchand was OK after the two collided during the Europeans only power play. Marchand later went to the Canada dressing room for repairs. He eventually returned.That said, Canada once again showed that even firing on half cylinders, it is a handful. Sidney Crosbys line was once again a force, with Crosby scoring the first goal of the game on a wraparound. The Canadians would have had a handful more if Jaroslav Halak had not made it a personal mission to stone Marchand at every turn.The Canadian power play wasnt in sync, going 0-for-4, and if Team Europe goes on a penalty jag as it did in the second period, taking two minors and a double-minor, the Swedes will make quick work of the Europeans. Anze Kopitar drew an assist on Team Europes only goal by Marian Hossa, but the teams captain will have to be a more dynamic force if Europe is going to keep its magic alive.Three stars:1. Jonathan Toews, C, Canada: The Chicago captain scored his second and third goals (adding an assist) of the tournament, including a beauty on a breakaway.2. Jaroslav Halak, G, Europe: Halak was again exceptional for Team Europe, stopping 42 of 46 shots. He entered with a tournament-best .969 save percentage.3. Drew Doughty, D, Canada: Doughty was paired with his Los Angeles Kings teammate Jake Muzzin and was a force at both ends of the ice. ' ' ' 
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