Clan-Members » Expectations have probably been unreasonab

HOMESTEAD, Fla. -- The fourth time, in a field of four, was the charm for Johnny Sauter.Sauter won the inaugural Chase in the Camping World Truck Series with a strong third-place finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway. He beat Matt Crafton, Christopher Bell and Timothy Peters in a race in which the highest finisher among the four drivers would win the championship.For Sauter, who finished fourth in the standings the past three years, the format produced his first career NASCAR championship. He did it in his first year with GMS Racing after leaving Thorsport Racing.I think a lot of people questioned that move, Sauter said of his move to the young race team.He wasnt sure he had a strong enough truck to get to the front until the last segment of the race.With 50, 60 [laps] to go, I was like, We really got something here and I started picking people off, he said. Im just a small part of this deal. The whole team executed flawlessly tonight.The 38-year-old has had a career year driving the No. 21 Chevrolet for GMS Racing. He won three races, had 12 top-five finishes and a dominant run in the Chase. Sauter won back-to-back races at Martinsville and Texas, and was runner-up at Phoenix last week. Sauters 13 career NASCAR Camping World Truck Series victories tie him for 11th most all-time in series history.Crew chief Joe Shear Jr. moved to GMS Racing to work with Sauter, and the pairing delivered a title.I knew they had all the pieces in the puzzle, I knew it was a great fit or I wouldnt have done it, Shear said. Its just unbelievable. This is the greatest thing in the world.William Byron won the race -- his seventh victory of the season -- to wrap up the owner championship for Kyle Busch Motorsports. It was bittersweet because it likely should have been Byron celebrating the driver title.Byron was headed toward the win last weekend at Phoenix that would have put him in the final four, but his engine blew in the closing laps. He was eliminated from title contention after the failure.It feels awesome. Its incredible, Byron said of the win. This team has worked hard all year. Just had an unfortunate situation last week that we couldnt control.Busch collected the championship trophy for the second consecutive year and fifth overall.Such a spectacular season by William Bryon, they were flawless, all the way up until Phoenix, Busch said.Tyler Reddick, driving his final race for Brad Keselowski, finished second. Hes moving to an Xfinity Series ride next year for Chip Ganassi.Kyle Larson finished fourth, but led a race-high 76 laps.Crafton, a two-time Truck Series champion, was denied a third title after finishing seventh. He and Sauter waged a decent battle for position during the race, but a poor final run cost Crafton.I kind of figured it was a matter of time. We were just really bad on that last run for whatever reason, he said.Bell finished eighth in trying to win the driver title for Busch.Overall, it wasnt really our year, he said. Just wasnt quite good enough all year long.Timothy Peters was ninth and the lowest-finishing driver of the title contenders.Hey, all in all, we said in the beginning of Daytona that we wanted a shot, Peters said. We had that down here, and we came up just a little bit short. We know what we need to do over the offseason, and cant wait for Daytona. Jonas Hector Jersey . In the response filed Wednesday to the complaint by 30-year-old Alexander Bradley, attorneys say the former University of Florida player is invoking his Fifth Amendment right that protects people from incriminating themselves. Sami Khedira Jersey . -- The Sacramento Kings are set to become the first major professional sports franchise to accept Bitcoin virtual currency for ticket and merchandise purchases. http://www.germanysoccerpro.com/Manuel-Neuer-Germany-Jersey/ . The players spoke Jan. 13 during a Major League Baseball Players Association conference call after Rodriguez sued the union and Major League Baseball to overturn an arbitrators decision suspending him for the 2014 season and post-season. Niklas Sule Jersey . Laudrup revealed Thursday he was notified of his dismissal in "the briefest of letters which gave no reasons why such hasty and final action was deemed necessary. Timo Werner Jersey . -- Playing time has been limited for Maxim Tissot this season, so the Montreal Impact defender made the most of his first scoring opportunity on Saturday.The Winnipeg Jets put forth a spirited fight, finishing four points out of a playoff spot in 2013, but there is still much room for improvement for a team that finished 23rd in goal differential. Off-Season Game Plan looks at what figures to be a very busy summer for GM Kevin Cheveldayoff, who has some top tier restricted free agents to address in addition to other holes in the Winnipeg lineup. In the history of this franchise, going back to Atlanta, they have made the playoffs just once in 13 seasons, so its understandable that a push for a playoff spot can generate excitement, but the Jets have lots of room to improve if they are going to be a legitimate playoff contender going forward. Not only does Cheveldayoff need to address contracts for restricted free agents Blake Wheeler, Bryan Little and Zach Bogosian, but Alexander Burmistrov has made it known that he would like to play elsewhere, so theres plenty to do before even considering the half dozen unrestricted free agents who could leave. What that means, though, is quite a bit of potential turnover and its more significant for the Jets because they could have their fourth line returning intact, so if they have to add four forwards thats going to be a challenge. Prospect Mark Scheifele can take one spot, but that would still leave potentially three openings. Filling a couple of holes on the blueline is more manageable, with prospects Jacob Trouba, Zach Redmond and Arturs Kulda perhaps closer to taking on NHL roles but, overall, this has the makings of a very busy summer in Winnipeg. The TSN.ca Rating is an efficiency rating based on per-game statistics including goals and assists -- weighted for strength (ie. power play, even, shorthanded) -- plus-minus, hits, blocked shots, giveaways, takeaways, penalty differential and faceoffs. (Stats are listed in this format: G-A-PTS, +/-, PIM, GP). Generally, a replacement-level player is around a 60, a top six forward and top four defenceman will be 70-plus, stars will be over 80 and MVP candidates could go over 90. Sidney Crosby finished at the top of the 2013 regular season ratings with a 93.65. Salary cap information all comes from the indispensable www.capgeek.com. GM/COACHKevin Cheveldayoff/Claude Noel Returning Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS +/- Cap Hit Andrew Ladd 79.73 48 18 28 46 +10 $4.4M Evander Kane 74.63 48 17 16 33 -3 $5.25M Olli Jokinen 59.74 45 7 7 14 -19 $4.5M James Wright 54.90 38 2 3 5 -5 $650K Chris Thorburn 53.13 42 2 2 4 -5 $867K Jim Slater 52.69 26 1 1 2 -3 $1.6M Free Agent Forwards Player Rating GP G A PTS +/- Class 12-13 Cap Hit Blake Wheeler 77.07 48 19 22 41 -3 RFA $2.55M Bryan Little 68.69 48 7 25 32 +8 RFA $2.383M Nik Antropov 64.11 40 6 12 18 +6 UFA $4.063M Kyle Wellwood 60.95 39 6 9 15 0 UFA $1.6M Alexander Burmistrov 58.84 44 4 6 10 0 RFA $1.5M Antti Miettinen 57.75 22 3 2 5 -3 UFA $1.351M Eric Tangradi 54.83 41 1 3 4 -2 RFA $726K Mike Santorelli 52.77 34 2 2 4 -12 UFA $1.6M Jets Forwards Usage Chart from somekindofninja.com Ever-durable captain Andrew Ladd has missed one game in the last five seasons and is coming off the most productive offensive season of his career. His 0.96 points per game was easily a career-high and he played a strong puck possession game, as usual. Chris Kunitz was the only other left winger with at least 45 points and a double-digit plus rating. Production was down a little for 21-year-old Evander Kane, compared to 2011-2012, but he spent most of the season on Olli Jokinens wing and that wasnt bringing the best out of anyone. On the plus side, he played a career-high 20:27 per game and he has already scored 80 goals in his career. Since 2000, hes tied for 10th most goals through 21 years of age. 34-year-old Olli Jokinen, for all his flaws, had been a productive scorer for Calgary in the couple of seasons preceding his signing with the Jets as a free agent last summer, but he most definitely was not a productive scorer in 2013, as both his shots per game (1.89) and points per game (0.31) were his worst since 2000-2001. The Jets dont have a lot of forwards under contract but, under different circumstances, Jokinen could be an easy buy out. James Wright first made the league as a 19-year-old with the Tampa Bay Lightning and then spent the bulk of the next two seasons in the American Hockey League before he earned a spot on the Jets last season. Thus far, aside from being a young guy with good size, Wright hasnt done anything to dispel the notion that hes going to have to battle continuously to keep his spot. Chris Thorburns role decreased significantly, as he played a career-low 6:19 per game, after back-to-back seasons averaging more than ten minutes of time on ice per game. That actually suits his possession numbers better, and Thorburn is one of the Jets most active scrappers, with 48 over the last five regular seasons. Though he scored a career-high 13 goals and 21 points in 2011-2012, checking centre Jim Slater isnt expected to produce offensively, as hes started fewer than 30% of his shifts in the offensive zone over the past two seasons, but one goal and two points in 26 games isnt exactly the desired outcome either. Joining this franchise, first in Atlanta now Winnipeg, has been great for Blake Wheeler, the lanky right winger who has 105 points over the past two seasons, ranking fifth among right wingers. Even if there is some puck luck involved in those numbers, Wheeler is one of the Jets most effective forwards. A steady two-way player who gets the top-line centre role in Winnipeg by default, Bryan Little managed a career-best 0.67 points per game, which is okay, but its indicative of the Jets limitations that this is what they get from a their No. 1 centre, playing more than 20 minutes per game over the last two seasons. Among 37 forwards to play at least 2400 minutes over the last two seasons, Little ranks 36th with 78 points (Shane Doan, with 77, ranks 37th). 21-year-old Alexander Burmistrov has put up decent possession numbers in the past couple seasons, but his 10 points in 44 games last season was a career-low scoring rate and, amid some of that frustration, Burmistrov has asked to be moved. 24-year-old Eric Tangradi had been a perennial prospect, struggling to stick as a power forward in Pittsburgh, but did manage to hold a regular spot in Winnipegs lineup. His possession numbers were okay, in a limited role, but with two goals and nine points in 81 career games, hes on the roster bubble until he produces more. The Jets have holes to fill up front. They could use a couple of top six forwards and, potentially, a new third line if Burmistrov gets his wish to move on. On the free agent market, Winnipeg may not be in prime position to land top tier guys, but any of Brad Boyes, Viktor Stalberg, Bryan Bickell, Mason Raymond, Ruslan Fedotenko, Colby Armstrong, Chad LaRose or Blake Comeau could have some appeal and the Jets could probably use several. Returning Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS +/- Cap Hit Dustin Byfuglien 78.12 43 8 20 28 -1 $5.2M Toobias Enstrom 73.dddddddddddd3 22 4 11 15 -8 $5.75M Mark Stuart 64.04 42 2 2 4 +5 $1.7M Free Agent Defence Player Rating GP G A PTS +/- Class 12-13 Cap Hit Grant Clitsome 70.03 44 4 12 16 +10 UFA $1.25M Zach Bogosian 67.24 33 5 9 14 -5 RFA $2.5M Ron Hainsey 65.51 47 0 13 13 -8 UFA $4.5M Paul Postma 64.29 34 4 5 9 -5 RFA $550K Jets Defence Usage Chart from somekindofninja.com For all the concerns about Dustin Byfuglien not being a completely well-rounded defenceman, its important to note that hes much more asset than liability. His possession numbers are good and he ranks second among all defencemen in goals (40) and points (134) over the last three seasons. Smooth skating Tobias Enstrom missed more than half of the 2013 season with injuries and his possession stats werent as strong as usual and while he can be be outmuscled by bigger forwards, 28-year-old Enstrom has been a consistent stabilizing presence throughout his career, playing an average of 23:29 per game. Mark Stuart plays a no-frills game. Hes steady and tough, plays under 17 minutes per game, but has scored more than 10 points just twice in his career, so there is no question where his focus lies. 22-year-old Zach Bogosian plays a rough and tumble game, but hes had difficulty staying healthy, missing 10 games or more in four of his five NHL seasons. When he does play, Bogosian logs 23 minutes a game, takes on tough assignments and contributes offensively. Due for a new contract, as a restricted free agent, this summer, Bogosian could be a long-term fixture on the Jets blueline or as a trade chip to help improve the Jets forwards. Paul Postma is still earning trust with his defensive game, as he played 15 minutes per game as a rookie last season, but hes a smart puck-moving defenceman who can work the power play. The ninth overall pick last summer, Jacob Trouba signed with the Jets after one year at the University of Michigan. Trouba is a physical presence who can also contribute offensively. He should be expected to step into a top four role immediately. With Ron Hainsey a free agent, there is an opening for Trouba. The Jets also have prospects Zach Redmond and Arturs Kulda ready to challenge for roles. Returning Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Cap Hit Ondrej Pavelec 64.51 44 21 20 3 2.80 .905 $3.9M Free Agent Goaltender Player Rating GP W L OTL GAA SV% Class 12-13 Cap Hit Al Montoya 60.56 7 3 1 0 2.99 .899 UFA $601K The Jets made a significant commitment to Ondrej Pavelec, signing him through 2017 and, while hes shown flashes, consistency remains elusive. Over the last four seasons, Pavelecs .908 save percentage ranks 23rd out of 24 goalies to have played at least 150 games. If that financial commitment means the Jets are pressing forward with Pavelec as their starter, they still ought to find a quality backup, one that can at least challenge Pavelec for starts, if necessary. Free agents like Jose Theodore, Anton Khudobin, Ray Emery or Dan Ellis would likely be upgrades at a potentially reasonable price. Top Prospects Player Pos. Team/League Stats Jacob Trouba D Michigan (CCHA) 12-17-29, -9, 37 GP Mark Scheifele C Barrie (OHL) 39-40-79, +27, 45 GP Zach Redmond D St. Johns (AHL) 8-11-19, -3, 38 GP Adam Lowry C Swift Current (WHL) 45-43-88, +18, 72 GP Arturs Kulda D Novosibirsk Siber (KHL) 9-6-15, -3, 50 GP Connor Hellebuyck G UMass-Lowell (HE) 20-3-0, 1.37 GAA, .952 SV% Patrice Cormier C St. Johns (AHL) 7-4-11, -6, 35 GP Edward Pasquale G St. Johns (AHL) 15-23-4, 2.79 GAA, .907 SV% Carl Klingberg LW St. Johns (AHL) 11-12-23, -6, 66 GP Eric ODell C St. Johns (AHL) 29-26-55, +9, 59 GP A punishing hitter with a heavy shot, Jacob Trouba comes to Winnipeg with high expectations and hell have an opportunity to play a significant role right away. Mark Scheifele has played 11 games with the Jets over the last two seasons and he dominated the Ontario Hockey League this past season, scoring 120 points in 66 regular season and playoff games combined. He should be a regular for the Jets next season and perhaps this season will have given him the confidence to be a scorer when he makes the jump. Zach Redmond got into eight NHL games with the Jets, performing very well, before suffering a serious gash on his leg that caused him to miss a couple of months before getting into a couple AHL games at the end of the year. Hes a good puck-moving defenceman with size and mobility, so the 24-year-old should be ready for a role with Winnipeg next season. A lanky winger who showed nice improvement throughout his WHL career, with an offensvie breakthrough in 2013, Adam Lowry was a third-round pick in 2011 and saw some time in the AHL at the end of last season. Arturs Kulda turns 25 this summer and spent last season in the KHL. The Latvian played four seasons in the AHL, along with 15 NHL games, prior, so hes mature as prospects go, but he plays a rugged defensive game and is ready for a longer look with the Jets. Forecasting young goaltenders is a tricky business, but its impossible to ignore Connor Hellebuyck, a fifth-round pick in last summers draft, who just had an unbelievable freshman season for UMass-Lowell. At any level, a .952 save percentage is noteworthy and merits watching, especially since Hellebuyck also has a 6-foot-4 frame. Expectations have probably been unreasonably high for Patrice Cormier, who has two points in 40 NHL games and 49 points in 104 career AHL games, but the soon-to-be 23-year-old is an option as a checking centre because he has size, speed and plays aggressively. While Hellebuyck is more of a wildcard, Edward Pasquale is the safer option among Winnipegs goaltending prospects. He has a .907 save percentage in 105 AHL games, which hardly stands out, but hes the closest of Jets goaltending prospects to the NHL. It seems that Carl Klingberg took a step back in his second AHL season but, as a big forward who can skate and play the body, he still has a chance to reach the NHL if he performs better in 2013. Eric ODell scored nearly a point per game in his second AHL season, for a St. Johns team that wasnt full of scorers (no other Ice Caps player had more than 15 goals, ODell had 29). Some other recent draft picks, includnig Ivan Telegin, Scott Kosmachuk and Lukas Sutter could bear watching as well. DRAFT13th - Max Domi, Nikita Zadorov, Ryan Pulock FREE AGENCYAccording to www.capgeek.com, the Jets have approximately $31.9M committed to the 2013-2014 salary cap for 10 players. Check out my possible Jets lineup for next season on Cap Geek here. Needs: Two top six forwards, two top nine forwards, one top four defenceman, goaltender.What I said the Jets needed last year: Three top nine forwards, two defencemen, backup goaltender.They added: Olli Jokinen, James Wright, Alexei Ponikarovsky, Paul Postma, Al Montoya. TRADE MARKETAlexander Burmistrov, Zach Bogosian. Scott Cullen can be reached at Scott.Cullen@bellmedia.ca and followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/tsnscottcullen. For more, check out TSN Fantasy on Facebook. ' ' '