NFL commissioner Roger Goodell again
stated his concern over the negative effect the lingering lockout is having
and remained adamant that both sides need to get back to the bargaining table.

Things are starting to look a bit brighter in Brew City, as
Milwaukee resumes a lengthy nine-game homestand tonight with the first of
three games versus the Washington Nationals at Miller Park.

Texas Rangers outfielders Josh Hamilton
and Nelson Cruz are expected to be activated from the 15-day disabled list
Monday.

The Chicago Cubs finally picked up a victory on their
current road trip Wednesday, but they won't find their tour away from the
Windy City any easier tonight when they open a four-game series against the
Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

The Florida Panthers named Kevin Dineen
the 11th head coach in franchise history on Wednesday.

The Dallas Mavericks hope to recapture some of their early
season success tonight when they visit the Garden State to take on the New
Jersey Nets.

The Charlotte Bobcats hope to finish up a brief two-game
homestand in perfect fashion Saturday when they welcome Southeast Division-
rival Atlanta to the Queen City.

A pair of double-double machines will square off in
Hollywood tonight when Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers welcome
Kevin Love and his Minnesota Timberwolves to Staples Center.

The resilient Portland Trail Blazers shoot for a season-
high sixth straight win tonight when they welcome the lowly Sacramento Kings
to the Rose Garden.

The Pittsburgh Penguins will try to bounce back after a
rough couple of days when they welcome the Columbus Blue Jackets for tonight's
battle at CONSOL Energy Center.

The NHL-leading Vancouver Canucks take aim at a fifth
straight victory this evening when they play host to the Chicago Blackhawks at
Rogers Arena.

The Flyers have looked like a team capable of winning the
Presidents' Trophy for the majority of the season, especially in two games
against the Hurricanes.

The Atlanta Hawks will get away from home for a while, as
they begin a seven-game road trip tonight against the Detroit Pistons at The
Palace of Auburn Hills.

Toronto FC snapped a nine-game winless streak
on Wednesday at BMO Field as Nick Soolsma's penalty kick was enough to give
TFC a 1-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

The Ottawa Senators have selected Paul MacLean
as their new head coach.