Panthers shoot for rare win in Jersey

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02/11/2012 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Florida Panthers hope to reclaim sole possession of first place in the Southeast Division with a scarce road win against the Devils this afternoon in New Jersey.

The Panthers have posted a 5-5-4 record over their last 14 games and dropped into second place in the division with consecutive road losses in Tampa Bay and Washington. Their 4-0 setback to the Capitals on Tuesday put them one point behind Washington in the standings.

However, Florida rebounded with a 3-1 home win over Los Angeles on Thursday, while Washington dropped a shootout tally to Winnipeg. That evened up the division race once again at 61 points each, though a point today for the Panthers would snap the tie as the Capitals are idle.

Mike Santorelli helped key Thursday's win with a goal, while Sean Bergenheim also tallied and Scott Clemmensen made 22 saves as Florida snapped a seven- game skid to Los Angeles.

"The last game [in Washington], we didn't play too well. It was good to bounce back and we've got to keep this thing rolling," said Santorelli.

Things got dicey for the Panthers when Drew Doughty scored with 2:28 left in regulation for the Kings, but Matt Bradley restored the two-goal edge with an empty-netter.

"We really got back on our heels and that's not the type of game that we want," said Clemmensen. "We want to take it to the other team and we want to be going the whole 60 minutes."

The Panthers will also visit the Islanders on Sunday and have lost 10 of their past 11 overall on the road. That trend may continue tonight in New Jersey, where Florida has lost three of four and 11 of its past 14. That includes a 5-2 loss at the Prudential Center on Jan. 6 in the third of four meetings with the Devils this year after splitting a pair of encounters in Sunrise.

Patrik Elias played in his 1,000th game in that January meeting and set up one of two goals by Ilya Kovalchuk. Elias was one of three goal scorers for the Devils in Thursday's 4-3 shootout loss to the Blues that snapped New Jersey's season-high five-game win streak.

Zach Parise and Adam Henrique also scored for the Devils and Johan Hedberg made 23 saves while starting in place of Martin Brodeur, who was scratched from the lineup due to an ankle injury. Despite getting a point, New Jersey dropped three points behind Philadelphia for the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference.

"Sometimes if you're playing good teams they are going to win too," said Hedberg. "They're a good team and they play consistent. They don't turn away from their system."

Although Brodeur was unable to suit up on Thursday, he is expected to get the start this afternoon. However, New Jersey still has the likes of Ryan Carter (hand), Adam Larsson (back), Henrik Tallinder (leg) and Travis Zajac (Achilles) on the shelf with injuries.

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Problem with Bears?

Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.

"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."

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Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.

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