Dein erstes Forum » Blues first-rounder Robby Fabbri. I

PARIS – Milos Raonic almost seemed offended by the question. On Wednesday, Raonic was asked about the challenges that will come facing Frenchman Gilles Simon at the French Open on Friday with a partisan Parisian crowd likely looking to influence the outcome of the third-round match. "The lines are the same, courts are the same, go out there and play tennis," Raonic said describing his approach. So, a hostile crowd doesnt bother the eighth seed at all? "I hope not," Raonic quipped. The Thornhill, Ont. native is used to playing in enemy territory. Last year he beat Frenchman Michael Llodra, ranked 55th at the time, in four sets in the second round at Roland Garros. He beat James Blake in straight sets in the third round of the US Open in 2012 although the American did enter the match ranked 114th. Raonic has fallen victim to the hometown hero at a slam, though, losing to former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt in four sets at the Australian Open two years ago. But Raonic insists the Australian fans had no impact on him. "I think the only thing it really brought out was the best in Lleyton. I dont think it really got down on me. I have been in situations since then, I have played James in New York, so I have been in similar situations and I cant really predict, assume, or worry too much about whats going to be happening and whats going to be said. Ive got to focus really on just playing." Most recently, Raonic posted an impressive five-set marathon win over Janko Tipsarevic during Davis Cup play in Belgrade last year. He lost to Novak Djokovic in straight sets a couple days later although the opening set went to a tiebreak. "Its never easy playing Novak with a Serbian crowd. There are many situations I have already been in. I have learned from them and I just keep it within myself. I just focus on myself," the 23-year-old said. Simon and Raonic played just once before with Raonic triumphing in a tight three-set battle in Portugal (Estoril) three years ago. "I played him on clay there," Raonic said. "I think Im a much better player than I was back then, but at the same time I believe he plays much better here than he does throughout the rest of the clay events." Simon, the 29th seed, has cruised through his first two matches of this years French Open dropping just 11 games. In contrast, Raonic has lost 23. "Its going to be a difficult match," Raonic said. "But I think I will have my opportunities to take control and dictate and thats going to be the most important thing." Raonic has run into some rough patches early in his two matches in the French capital. He was forced into a tiebreaker in the opening set against Jiri Vesely on Wednesday ultimately besting the 81st-ranked Czech 7-6(4), 6-4, 6-1. "I felt like in the beginning I was just missing a little bit of intensity and I was letting him dictate a little bit too much. Then in the important moments I played the right way," Raonic explained. "At the beginning of the second, I sort of fell into the same slump a little bit with intensity, but then I feel like I did the right thing for the rest of the match and I gave myself plenty of opportunities." Raonic was asked why, at times, intensity is an issue early in these matches. "Sometimes you go in maybe sort of calculating, because it is three out of five, which youre a little bit unused to because [most tournaments are best of three]. I think thats really the only thing. And, also, at the beginning of matches you sort of try to find your way into it. You cant go out trying to hit close to the line, because thats never going to really work. Maybe once in a while it will, but you sort of have to find your way in. I just wasnt gradually picking it up the way I needed to during the first." In general, though, Raonic is happy with how his tournament is progressing. He beat Australian wildcard Nick Kyrgios 6-3, 7-6, 6-3 in the first round on Sunday. "I feel like Im playing better and I think I dealt a little bit better with it when I got things figured out as far as intensity. I held it on a little bit better where I struggled a little bit with my match three days ago." Fake NBA Jerseys Sale . The midfielder had an operation on Saturday, and is set to miss seven Premier League games, the third round of the FA Cup and the semifinals of the League Cup. Cheap Fake NBA Jerseys . Then youve got to worry about the other up and coming teams in the two weaker divisions in the "Junior Circuit". http://www.fakenbajerseys.com/ .com) - Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price is set to return Tuesday against Nashville after sitting out the past two games because of a minor upper body injury. Fake NBA Jerseys Online . Rudy Gay made the tying basket in regulation and a 3-pointer in overtime that gave Sacramento the lead for good, and Fredette scored a career-high 24 points to help the Kings beat the Knicks 106-101 on Wednesday night. Wholesale Fake NBA Jerseys . You can watch coverage on TSN, TSN2 and CTV beginning today at 3pm et/Noon pt. The championships will feature approximately 250 of Canadas best figure skaters in senior, junior and novice as they vie for spots on the national team, international assignments and will act as the final step in the 2014 Olympic qualification process.We love hockey. We love watching hockey. Over the years Ive been fortunate enough to watch games of varying levels, with different age groups in different places. And whats always struck me is the excitement surrounding these games. So Ive compiled a bucket list of places - and the games and events that take place there - where one can watch hockey in a manner that is unique. 1. Spengler Cup/Davos, Switzerland - Spectacular setting in the Swiss Alps where the confluence of hockey, holiday revelry and skiing come together to create a magnificent tourney. Hosted by HC Davos, it brings club teams from around Europe and a Canadian National Team together to compete in a highly competitive event that culminates with the championship game on New Years Eve. 2. The Beanpot/Boston, Mass. - Dont call it the unofficial championship for the Major College hockey teams of Boston, because the school that wins gets official bragging rights as the best in Boston. Harvard University, Boston University, Northeastern University and Boston College are separated by approximately five miles from one to another. The atmosphere at the games is one of the best in all of hockey. 3. Minnesota State High School Tourney/St. Paul, MN - The State of Minnesota is split into eight conferences for purposes of high school hockey. Teams winning their conference come to St. Paul to participate in the State Championship. It consists of two tiers of eight teams each and the list of prominent Minnesota hockey players to participate includes Neal Broten, Mike Ramsay and Jamie Langenbrunner. Herb Brooks won the championship as a player in 1955 and ironically began his post Olympic coaching career with HC Davos. The school pride and spirit is one of the best in all of high school sports in the USA. 4. Quebec Pee Wee Tourney/Quebec City, PQ - Watching future NHL stars at the ages of 11 and 12 may not be so evident but it is a glimpse into the future. Teams and players from all over the world come to participate. Hall-of-Famers Wayne Gretzky, Guy Lafleur, Mario Lemieux, Ron Francis, Marcel Dionne and Mike Modano have all played there and it takes place during the annual Carnaval de Quebec. A true celebration of all things winter with snow sculptures, Bonhomme and a living replica of the snowmen that enchanted the children of Québec City for generations. 5. Yost Ice Arena/Ann Arbor, MI - The atmosphere in Yost (which was built in 1923 and has been home to the Michigan Wolverines hockey team since 1973), is one of the most vibrant in all of college hockey. The student section is creative and their chants are legendary for poking fun at opponents, especially the goalies whoo - after allowing a goal - hear what a sieve they are.ddddddddddddTheyre the extra attacker for their beloved Wolverines. 6. Boston Bruins-Montreal Canadiens - These two teams have faced off against one another more than any team in NHL history. It doesnt matter the year, their epic battles are legendary and have included some of the greatest players in NHL history in some of the greatest games and playoff series ever played. The 2016 NHL Winter Classic will be played in New England at Gillette Stadium which will add another chapter in the storied rivalry. 7. Hovet Arena/Stockholm, Sweden - Shared home to the Swedish teams Djurgarden and AIK, it is anything but cordial when these two historic rivals face off against one another. In recent years, there hasnt been much because of the teams being in different leagues due to relegation. But when they have played, the designated visitor for that particular game has no sense of home (because the home team has the tickets). Fans dressed in their teams colours, chanting and waving the team flag throughout the game creates a vibrant atmosphere. 8. OHL Cup/Toronto, Ontario - Ontario produces more NHL players than any other region in the world. The minor midget season in Ontario is capped by a week-long event that culminates with one team being crowned OHL Cup champions. And its another preview of things to come as far as NHL future stars go. Connor McDavid played as a 15-year-old in 2012 before being granted exceptional status, but his Toronto Marlies team fell in the final to a Mississauga Rebels team led by future St. Louis Blues first-rounder Robby Fabbri. It was the second time in three years the Rebels won (Sean Monahan of the Calgary Flames leading the way in 2010). 9. Flood-Marr Holiday Tournament/Boston, MA - The tournament - co-hosted by Milton Academy and Noble & Greenough School - just celebrated its 50th anniversary. Its named after long time coaches at both schools and brings together eight private schools from the New England area. The games are lined with parents and students and the concession stands offer homemade chowder and baked goods. On a cold, brisk day, its the perfect offering. 10. TV-pucken/Sweden - TV-pucken is a tournament for 15-year-olds created by one of Swedens great players, Sven (Tumba) Johansson. It is so named because originally all the games were on TV (Now only the championship is broadcast). Twenty-four district teams in Sweden play in four groups with the top two teams in each group moving to the championship round played in one of the districts on a rotating basis. Grads include Peter Forsberg, Markus Naslund and Gustav Nyquist. ' ' '