Avs attempt to extend win streak over Flames

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03/17/2010 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Colorado Avalanche will try for their fourth straight win overall as well as their seventh victory in a row over the Calgary Flames tonight when the two teams clash at Pepsi Center.

The Avalanche's current winning streak over the Flames includes a victory in all four meetings so far this season, with each contest ending in a 3-2 score. The first three meetings finished in regulation before Colorado notched a shootout triumph at Calgary on Jan. 11.

Chris Stewart had the game-tying goal in that victory and also notched the winner in the shootout. The forward has been red-hot as of late, posting 10 goals and 11 assists over his last 12 games.

Stewart also scored and had an assist in Tuesday night's 5-3 win over St. Louis, giving him six goals and four helpers over a five-game point streak. Paul Stastny had a tally and two assists to run his point streak to eight games (5 goals, 10 assists), while Peter Mueller scored twice to go along with an assist.

Mueller has a point in all seven games since being acquired in a trade from Phoenix, notching four goals and 11 points in that span. He had just four goals and 17 points in 54 games with Phoenix this year before the trade.

"The more chances, the more confident I get," Mueller said. "Colorado gave me that chance."

Milan Hejduk contributed a goal for the Avalanche, who won their third straight overall. After making 23 straight starts, Craig Anderson was given the night off. Peter Budaj allowed a goal just eight seconds into the game in his place, but settled down to make 36 saves.

Anderson should start tonight and he has posted a 1.96 goals-against average in winning all four games versus the Flames this year.

Colorado, three points behind idle Vancouver for first place in the Northwest Division, has won seven of its last nine at home overall as well as three straight and four of its last five as the host versus Calgary.

The Flames are on the outside looking in with regards to the Western Conference playoff race, as their 2-1 setback to the Red Wings on Monday dropped them three points back of eighth-seeded Detroit with 13 games to play.

Craig Conroy scored in the loss and Miikka Kiprusoff, who has a 2.74 GAA in four starts versus Colorado this year, made 26 saves, but the Flames dropped their second in a row after a four-game winning streak.

Curtis Glencross failed to convert a penalty shot and the Flames also went 0- for-3 on the power play. That includes a four-minute man advantage with the game tied in which they managed only two shots.

"We need our power play to capitalize for us," Flames head coach Brent Sutter said. "I'm sure there are some guys disappointed but there are 13 games left which is a still lot of hockey to play. Full marks to Detroit, they played well here tonight. We've got to find ways to win tight games."

Christopher Higgins sat out with a foot injury and is doubtful for tonight for Calgary, which has lost seven of its last 10 on the road.

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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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