NEW YORK, N.Y. - NHL commissioner Gary Bettman has upheld the 15-game suspension that was assessed to Boston Bruins forward Shawn Thornton for his actions in a game against Pittsburgh earlier this month. Thornton, who appealed the ban last week, was suspended for punching and injuring an unsuspecting opponent in a game at Boston on Dec. 7. He slew-footed Penguins defenceman Brooks Orpik to the ice and landed gloved punches to his head. Orpik was knocked unconscious and suffered a concussion. Bettman heard Thorntons appeal at a hearing in New York last Friday. Thornton and the NHL Players Association could still elect to appeal to a neutral arbitrator. Thornton has seven days to make that decision. "We respect the process including the ability to attend the hearing with commissioner Bettman in support of Shawn, Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said Tuesday in a statement. "At this time, we will decline comment until the process is complete and Shawn has exhausted all rights available to him." Buffalo Sabres forward Patrick Kaleta is the only player to use this appeals process under the current collective bargaining agreement, and no player has gone to the neutral arbitrator. Bettman upheld Kaletas 10-game suspension for an illegal hit on Columbus Blue Jackets defenceman Jack Johnson. Under terms of the CBA, Thornton will forfeit US$84,615.45. He is eligible to return Jan. 11 when the Bruins face the San Jose Sharks. Justin Reid Jersey . LOUIS -- Known for his game-managing and defensive skills, Yadier Molina made another statement with his bat. Kahale Warring Youth Jersey . -- Isaiah Pead took a stutter step forward, then raced to the left sideline and travelled 60 yards up the field before finally getting tripped up by a leg tackle. http://www.officialhoustontexanspro.com/...ans-jersey/.com) - On the bright side, either the Minnesota Wild or Buffalo Sabres will end their losing streak on Thursday night. J.J. Watt Jersey .com) - The New York Islanders will try to solve their issues against Central Division opponents when they visit the Minnesota Wild for Tuesdays battle at Xcel Energy Center. Kahale Warring Womens Jersey . With the team he supported as a child on the verge of reaching the Champions League semifinals for the first time in 19 years, Ba instead scored the goal that knocked them out.REGINA -- Its one of the most heart-breaking moments in Saskatchewan Roughriders history but Darian Durant uses it as motivation for the clubs crucial late-season run. Saskatchewan (9-5) hosts the Edmonton Eskimos (3-11) at Mosaic Stadium today after downing B.C. 31-17 last weekend to snap a dismal four-game losing streak. The Riders certainly control their playoff destiny, finishing their regular season with five games against West Division rivals, including three at home. You can watch the game live on TSN at 4:30pm et/1:30pm pt and get in-depth player stats, Twitter Trender and more on TSN.cas GameTracker. Following Fridays walkthrough, Riders coach Corey Chamblin selected Durant to address the team and the veteran quarterbacks message was simple -- at this time of year players must be totally focused and pay attention to even the smallest detail. And he pointed to the 09 Grey Cup, where a too many men penalty against Saskatchewan gave Montreal a second chance at a last-second field goal for the devastating 28-27 victory. "Its a reality," Durant said. "I wanted to let the guys know that its real and it can happen and if you dont pay attention on walkthrough days or you dont get right in certain situations it can cost you a football game, better yet a championship. "You have to lock in." Chamblin said Durants message was loud and clear. "Darian is the leader of this team, as the quarterback goes the team goes," Chamblin said. "One of the greatest things about life is when you have setbacks youre able to learn from them . . . if you cant learn from those youre deemed to repeat them again." Saskatchewan enters weekend action tied with B.C. for second in the West Division behind front-running Calgary (11-3). With the Lions visiting the Stampeders on Friday night, the Riders are in a must-win situation in their quest for a home playoff game. And for running back Kory Sheets, playing three of the next four games at Mosaic Stadium certainly enhances those chances. "Thats a big advantage," said Sheets. "No one wants to come to Saskatchewan." A point not lost upon Durant. "Its all about getting into a spot where we can host a game here," he said. "Were still in good position, the schedule gods have set us up that we have three of these last four games here but we have to take it one at a time. "Edmonton isnt going to be an easy team. Theyre hungry so we have to make sure were ready." Sheets ran for 80 yards and two TDs last week against B.C., his first after missing three games with a knee injury. The win over the Lions keeps the Riders in the race for a home playoff game, which they can achieve by either finishing first or second in the West Division standings. Predictably, Sheets -- the CFLs second-leading rusher with 1,302 yards -- and the Riders are thinking big. "Were looking for a first-round bye," Sheets said, which would happen if the Riders finished atop the West Division standings. Many football pundits pointed to Sheets return to the lineup as a big reason why the Riders snapped their dubious losing streak. But Sheets wouldnt take the credit. "It wasnt me,, one man being back in there," Sheets said.dddddddddddd"I think it was more the energy I brought." Sheets return certainly enhanced Saskatchewans rushing attack and gave the Riders offence a more balanced attack. But Durant said when the weather turns cold, having a potent ground game will certainly be an advantage. "Kory Sheets is a concern for everybody," said Eskimos defensive end Odell Willis. "Hes a great back in this league. Hes putting up great numbers. Hes doing great things. You have to be aware of where he is at all times." Another key figure could be defensive lineman Alex Hall, obtained earlier this week from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Hall has a CFL-high 15 sacks and his arrival certainly rejuvenated Saskatchewans defence. "You could see a couple of D-linemen had great pass rushes during the week," Chamblin said. "Usually when you bring a newer player in, its like anything else guys get excited especially when you bring in the league sack leader." Saskatchewan slotback Geroy Simon said he can sense his teammates getting into a playoff frame of mind. "The intensity level is starting to ramp up," Simon said. But Chamblin emphasized the team continues to take the same approach it has all season, that being one game at a time. "Id say its playoff atmosphere, its getting cold outside," Chamblin said. "But we still preach 1-0." Its been a rough season for Edmonton, which is coming off a lopsided 47-24 home loss to Montreal. But the Eskimos still boast a solid aerial attack with starter Mike Reilly (3,345 yards, 21 TDs) and slotback Fred Stamps (59 catches for 1,066 yards and 11 TDs, both CFL highs). Reilly started against Montreal despite suffering a concussion the week before against Toronto. He completed 13-of-21 passes for 180 yards and two interceptions before giving way to rookie Jonathan Crompton, who was 13-of-26 passing for 204 yards with three TDs and three interceptions. "I feel good. Im ready to play," said Reilly on Friday. "Its going to be loud. Its going to be crazy." Despite his concussion, Reilly will not stay in the pocket if the opportunity to run presents itself. "If thats what the defence gives us," said Reilly. "As long as they play the game theyve been playing all year, Ill play my usual style." Both Reilly and Stamps acknowledged Edmontons precarious playoff position. "We feel good as a team. Were fine," said Stamps. "Were going to take it one game at a time." Edmonton will be without linebacker JC Sherritt, who is out indefinitely after re-fracturing his left thumb against Montreal. The CFLs outstanding defensive player last year initially fractured his thumb in a 30-29 loss to Hamilton on Aug. 2. He required surgery and missed four games before returning to the lineup. "Its disappointing not to have JC," said Eskimos head coach Kavis Reed, who feels injuries must be treated with respect so they dont get worse. This will mark the third meeting this year between the two teams. Saskatchewan took the first two games -- both in Edmonton -- and will host the Eskimos again Nov. 2. ' ' '