alian mega-club Juventus later this month, followed by UEFA Champions League finalists Atletico Madrid.Considering his last match for the Mariners was a home derby with New

The Colorado Avalanche are searching for answers, trying to find a way out of the tailspin that has them 0-3-1 on their homestand.They might have a kindred spirit in Saturdays opponent, the Dallas Stars, who visit Colorado on Saturday night in the homestand finale. The Stars lost the first three of their four-game road trip and four of their last five overall, including a 6-2 setback to Pittsburgh on Thursday night.Its a tough stretch for Dallas (9-10-6), which won the Central Division last season, but its not an unfamiliar feeling. The Stars had stretches last season where they went 1-5-2 and 1-6-0 but bounced back.We went through this last year, coach Lindy Ruff told The Dallas Morning News. I think were struggling and saying, Theres got to be an easier way. But there is no easier way. You have to put the work in.Similar sentiments are being said in the Avalanche camp. Colorado (9-12-1) played poorly at home all season, going 4-7-1 at Pepsi Center. It failed to capitalize on a decent road record to build momentum, often going stretches of games with a lack of intensity.It hurt in Thursdays 3-2 loss to Columbus.We have fits and starts of really good hockey, but its not long enough, Matt Duchene told HockeyBuzz.com. We have to make sure that were the team thats taking control; its just more of a killer instinct, more of an attitude to make things happen instead of worrying about making mistakes.The Avalanche fell behind 2-0 Thursday before a couple of goals in the second period got them even. They took three straight minor penalties in the third, and although they killed them off -- including Columbus having a two-man advantage for 40 seconds -- a turnover soon after they got back to full strength led to the Blue Jackets winning goal.One of the Avalanche goals was scored by Samuel Henley in his NHL debut. He, along with Gabriel Bourque, were assigned to San Antonio on Friday after being recalled Thursday.Colorado scored the first goal in just six of its 23 games and is 5-10-1 when trailing 1-0.Its the start of games, the start of periods (when) were just not ready, as ready as we should be, and Im not sure why, Duchene told HockeyBuzz.com. Itd be nice to strike first and dictate the game a little more. I think thats a big key to success in this league, playing with the lead and dictating the game. We have to be more determined to do it early.The Avalanche scored first in their opener against Dallas on Oct. 15 and went on to win 6-5. They would like to mirror that effort but eliminate the part where they nearly gave away a three-goal lead before holding on.The Stars, on the other hand, want to avoid a repeat of that game, and they want to start a winning streak. Dallas, like Colorado, has not won more than two in a row this season.When I get my top guys on the right side, then we will win games on a consistent basis, Ruff told The Dallas Morning News. Im looking at the job Ive been doing, and it hasnt been good enough because the guys I take so much pride in arent on the right side for me, and that bothers me. Custom Deion Sanders Jersey . "I wrote 36 on my sheet at the beginning of the game," the Cincinnati coach said, referring the yard line the ball would need to be snapped from. Custom Bob Uecker Jersey . Ibaka equaled a career high with 20 rebounds, adding four blocked shots and 15 points as the Thunder smothered the Milwaukee Bucks offence in a 92-79 victory Saturday night. http://www.custombravesjersey.com/custom-dale-murphy-jersey-large-107z.html . The Masters champion and winner of last weeks Australian PGA has a three-round total of 14-under 199 at Royal Melbourne. "Im in a really good position for tomorrow," Scott said. 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New Melbourne Victory signing Mitch Austin sympathises with Central Coast fans sick of seeing their best players leave, but says he owes it to himself to try his luck at a bigger A-League force.Austin, 25, switched his allegiances last month, accepting overtures from coach Kevin Muscat to join the club.In doing so, he became the latest example of the talent drain away from the A-Leagues smallest club.In the last two seasons, senior players including Matt Simon (Sydney FC), Zac Anderson (Sydney FC), Liam Reddy (Western Sydney), Michael McGlinchey (Wellington) and Anthony Caceres (Melbourne City via Manchester City) have left the Mariners.Fewer senior players have gone the other way, though ex-Sky Blues pair Jacques Faty and Mickael Tavares could prove to be a welcome change.Austin said he held no bad feelings towards the club but his obligation was to his own career.I just felt at my age I needed to get to one of the bigger clubs to test myself, he said.You have sympathy.(But) they come out and say all the timme, they give people a go and move them on.dddddddddddd.Theyve got some fairly good players in for next year. I think theyll have a better campaign than last year.His first appearance in a navy blue shirt could be the visit of Italian mega-club Juventus later this month, followed by UEFA Champions League finalists Atletico Madrid.Considering his last match for the Mariners was a home derby with Newcastle Jets with just 7,355 in attendance, its quite the culture shock.When I played here (last season) there was 20, 20-odd thousand, he said.The atmosphere and the fans signing ... obviously I wasnt a Victory player but with that kind of atmosphere it spurs you on.That many people shouting and screaming, its what football is all about.Austin said his first goal would be to get into Muscats side.I dont think anyone comes to a club and walks into the team. Thats the first thing, he said. ' ' '