n the case could still reject it.Opening arguments in Licciardis trial are set for Friday. Sharper has pleaded guilty or no-contest to charges arising from allegations that he drugged an

BOSTON -- They have come to wave flags or meet the players or just appear on the video screen, invariably to a standing ovation, during the Boston Bruins run to the Stanley Cup finals. Many are in wheelchairs, some are in uniform, and others have been honoured on behalf of those who couldnt make it at all. As the Bruins attempt to win their second NHL title in three years, they have shared the spotlight with the victims and first responders from the Boston Marathon bombings, using them as "Fan Banner Captains" and first-puck honorees and otherwise attempting to comfort the stricken city. Now, as they get closer to a championship, the Bruins are hoping that a Stanley Cup victory can contribute to the healing that has already brought the city a long way back after the attacks on its signature sporting event. "I think we can help, in probably a large way," Bruins coach Claude Julien said this week after the Stanley Cup finals returned to Boston for Games 3 and 4. "Everybody is looking right now for something to cheer about, smile about. "I guess it doesnt fix the things or the people that have been lost. That will never be fixed. At the same time you have to try to heal." Two bombs exploded at the Boston Marathon finish line on April 15, killing three people and injuring hundreds more. The Bruins, who had been scheduled to play that night, postponed that game but returned on Wednesday with an emotional pre-game ceremony and a gritty overtime loss that clinched a berth in the playoffs. Since then, an organization that has long had a close relationship with the military and first-responders has brought in those who helped in the aftermath of the bombings -- doctors, police and EMTs, along with marathon volunteers, runners and spectators. "You do what you can, obviously, to lift peoples spirits," Bruins forward Milan Lucic said. "I remember how the city was and reacted to all of that, and it wasnt a good feeling at all. At the end of the day, you know, were fortunate to be living our dream to be playing a game. "Having this to try to take peoples minds off things is something thats cool to be a part of, and thats what we talked about before. With everything thats gone on in the city, thered be nothing more they deserve than a big win by us." Jeff Bauman lost both legs in the attacks, and the picture of him being helped by a man in a cowboy hat has become one of the lasting images of the day. The team honoured him before a first-round game against Toronto, bringing him out in a wheelchair and a Bruins jersey. The parents of Krystle Campbell, who was killed in the bombing, were recognized during the Eastern Conference finals against Pittsburgh. Richard Donohue, a transit police officer shot during the manhunt for the suspects, got released from his rehabilitation hospital so he could attend a game against the Penguins. For Game 3 of the Cup finals, the Bruins made the siblings of an MIT police officer who died in the shootout with the bombing suspects honorary banner captains, giving them a "Boston Strong" flag to wave on the ice before the opening faceoff. And, ever since the attacks, the Bruins have been wearing a blue and yellow decal that says "Boston Strong" on their helmets. "As much as the city itself has been touched by that, so have we as a team," Julien said. "Thats all we talked about in the dressing room. It really hit us hard. Right now we got to focus on doing our job and trying to stay focused on that so that in the end you hope that you can make that happen." Hanging in the Boston dressing room in the corner next to Andrew Ferences locker is the running singlet with the Bruins logo that former U.S. Army Ranger Lucas Carr was wearing when he ran back up Boylston Street after finishing the race to help the wounded. Bruins forward Shawn Thornton, who is among the Bruins who developed a friendship with Carr, said he is glad the hockey team has brought the city some happiness. But he said he is not entirely comfortable with the idea that a Stanley Cup championship would somehow diminish the damage done by the attacks. Its good "if this takes the peoples minds off, but its tough to talk about," he said. "Just to put that into the same perspective as a hockey game, I think isnt right, either." Which is why the Bruins say they are going to focus on beating the Blackhawks. "For those couple hours that games are on, we want to make sure we play our best. And we can be inspirational," forward Brad Marchand said. "Were where we want to be, and hopefully we can do the rest for the city. Cheap Liverpool Jerseys China . But when it comes to determining if Raymond will find a place on the Leafs roster when training camp concludes in a week, well, that decision will ultimately fall to the head coach. Cheap Soccer Jerseys For Sale . Jay Feely kicked a 41-yard field goal in overtime, and the Cardinals edged the Tennessee Titans 37-34 in overtime after blowing a 17-point lead late in the fourth quarter. http://www.cheapsoccerchina.com/ . With the short-handed Warriors needing help from someone -- anyone -- to stop a three-game skid, ONeal returned from right knee and groin injuries that had sidelined him for four games and put up season highs with 18 points and eight rebounds. It was just enough to help lift Golden State to a 102-101 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday night. Wholesale Soccer Jerseys Online . "Jeff is a hard worker who was an important special-teams contributor for us last season," said Stamps GM John Hufnagel. Cheap Tottenham Hotspur Jerseys China . Badenhop was 2-3 with a 3.47 ERA in 63 relief appearances for Milwaukee this season. He is 18-20 in his career with three saves and a 3. NEW ORLEANS -- The Latest on the federal drug and sexual assault case against two co-defendants of former NFL star Darren Sharper (all times local):11 a.m.A co-defendant in the drug and sexual assault case that brought down former NFL star Darren Sharper has reached a plea deal.Former restaurant worker Erik Nunez has agreed to enter a guilty plea in the case. That leaves one more defendant, former St. Bernard Parish Sheriffs Deputy Brandon Licciardi (lih-CHAR-dee), to face trial. Jury selection began Monday shortly after the plea bargain with Nunez was announced in federal court.Details of the agreement have not yet been posted in public records, and the judge in the case could still reject it.Opening arguments in Licciardis trial are set for Friday. Sharper has pleaded guilty or no-contest to charges arising from allegations that he drugged and raped women in Arizona, Nevada, California and Louisiana.---8 a.m.JJury selection is set to begin in New Orleans for two people authorities say are tied to the drug and sexual assault case that brought down former NFL star Darren Sharper.dddddddddddd.Brandon Licciardi (lih-CHAR-dee) and Erik Nunez face federal charges related to allegations that they, and Sharper, gave drugs to women with the intent to rape them. Licciardi and Nunez have pleaded not guilty.Selection of jurors was scheduled to start Monday. After a jury is chosen, the trial will recess until opening arguments planned Friday.Sharper pleaded guilty or no-contest to allegations in Arizona, Nevada, California and Louisiana. He is expected to testify at the trial. His cooperation with prosecutors could be a factor at his August sentencing hearing. He faces a possible 15-20 years in prison. ' ' '