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TORONTO -- Relief came in the form of James Reimer lifting his arms after making a shootout save on Antonie Vermette. By beating the Phoenix Coyotes 2-1 in a shootout at Air Canada Centre on Thursday night, the Toronto Maple Leafs shook off the gloom and doom of recent struggles. "It hasnt been a good feeling around here the past couple days," said winger Joffrey Lupul, who scored the shootout winner. "Its funny how even with an ugly, grind-it-out win like that, you come to the rink tomorrow feeling a lot better about yourselves." The Leafs (18-16-3) can feel better about themselves beyond shootout goals by Lupul and James van Riemsdyk and a couple of stops in that competition from Reimer, who made 34 saves in regulation and overtime. Instead, this was a victory to savour for stronger play in regulation and the elimination of the kind of mistakes that led to 10 losses in their previous 13 games. "I thought individually guys really limited our turnovers and the chances we gave up for them to try and get opportunities," said centre Peter Holland, who assisted on Troy Bodies first-period goal. "It just goes to show that when we do execute what we plan on doing, things will fall into place for us." Maybe it was about time. Coach Randy Carlyle spent eight-plus hours at the rink Wednesday with the coaching staff on a day off for players devising what he hoped was a plan to turn the Leafs fortunes around. Presented at the morning skate was a blue print that included a harder forecheck and more aggressive defensive zone play. For the most part, the Leafs followed that against Phoenix (18-10-6). A strong forecheck was evident on Bodies first goal of the season and first in a Leafs uniform, thanks to work from Holland and Jerry DAmigo. The puck got out to defenceman Cody Franson at the point, and Bodie was in a perfect spot to put the rebound in on Canadian Olympic candidate Mike Smith. "(Forechecking is) something weve been stressing," Bodie said. "I think we did a good job of it on the goal. We got a good dump and we had two guys in on it right away and then the third guy joined. We were able to come out with it." Tighter defence than Toronto displayed in a loss two days earlier to the Florida Panthers helped the lead stand up until Martin Hanzal scored 15:08 into the third. Reimer, who started only because Carlyle said Jonathan Bernier was dealing with an unspecified "ailment," was satisfied with how his teammates contained the Coyotes and rebounded from a frustrating loss to Florida. "We all make mistakes," Reimer said. "We sometimes dont show up in a way we want to. I think youre judged on how you respond. I thought we did a great job tonight. We really came collectively and everyone bought in." Reimer turned aside attempts from Radim Vrbata and then Vermette in the shootout, but it was Smiths almost-save on van Riemsdyk in the first round that caused a lengthy review. Referee Paul Devorski assured Coyotes coach Dave Tippett that "110 per cent" it was in the net, and video review found it inconclusive so the goal stood. "Youve got to take him for his word," Tippett said. Devorski never signalled that it was a goal on the ice, which caused Smith some confusion. "He came and whispered it in my ear like its a goal, and he didnt really give a signal that it was," Smith said. "He made the call, he said he saw it go in. Its unfortunate, but thats the way it goes." Like the Leafs, the Coyotes were satisfied with an improved performance, despite this being their third straight loss. "We definitely took some good things out of that game," said Smith, who made 26 saves. "Its not all bad. We did a lot of good things well in the third period there to give ourselves a chance to get a point. As long as were in games, were giving ourselves a chance to win hockey games, I think well be pleased with it." Toronto didnt play perfectly, but players were nonetheless pleased with not only the result but the five-on-five play throughout regulation. "I thought we were pretty strong for pretty much the full 60 and we did things the right way, so that was definitely an improvement," van Riemsdyk said. "We stayed patient, kept it simple and guys did their job, guys battled hard. It was a good two points." Reimer was critical of his teammates after the loss to the Panthers, saying that some or all of the Leafs players dont show up for the entire game. Given how long he paused before delivering that answer Tuesday night, it was well thought-out. "Obviously I was frustrated, but I try and always answer (with) the way Im feeling -- in an honest way," Reimer said Thursday night. "Whether Im frustrated or whether Im happy, I try and answer objectively. I just answered how I thought I saw it." Relief was all over Reimers face after beating the Coyotes, and his words backed that up. "Really proud of the way the guys worked," he said. "They put in an honest effort. It was just a good game all around. I thought we played solid for 60 minutes." NOTES -- Gilbert Brule was in the lineup for the Coyotes, his first NHL appearance since May 15, 2012. Tippett said Brule, who played 12:39, was "flying" in his Phoenix debut ... Defenceman Mark Fraser and Paul Ranger and tough guy Frazer McLaren were healthy scratches for the Leafs. ... Phoenix recalled defenceman Rostislav Klesla on Thursday morning to replace Zbynek Michalek, who returned to Arizona to undergo further evaluation of a lower-body injury. Authentic Jordans Outlet . They never thought it would take some blood, too. Kevin Love grabbed his 4,000th career rebound as part of a 19-point, 13-board effort to lead the Timberwolves over the Utah Jazz 112-97 on Tuesday night. Wholesale Jordans Shoes China . With Washington teammate Nene drawing double-teams coming off his big game against the Lakers, Gortat scored 25 points on 11-of-12 shooting and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Wizards to a 100-92 win in overtime over Milwaukee on Wednesday night. http://www.wholesaleairjordan.us/ .com) - Australian Open champion Li Na, former Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova and former world No. Cheap Jordan Shoes From China . UCI President Brian Cookson said Wednesday the commission will investigate allegations "that the UCI has been involved in wrongdoing in the past -- allegations which have done so much to hurt the credibility of the UCI and our sport. Cheap Air Jordan Free Shipping . has left the San Jose Sharks to become the Boston Bruins director of player personnel.CLEVELAND - For months, the Browns have analyzed college quarterbacks as if they were looking to buy a new house. Theyve inspected each thoroughly, measured them, timed them, interviewed them, checked and double-checked their backgrounds to find out if one can lift them from NFL irrelevance. Its time to draft. Unable to resolve their biggest need since their expansion return 15 years ago, the Browns are expected to use one of their two first-round picks Thursday night on a quarterback. Will it be Johnny Manziel, the dynamic mystery man in this years draft, at No. 4? Or will they wait until No. 26 and grab one of the QBs likely to slide such as Derek Carr or Teddy Bridgewater. Or get a second-tier QB like Aaron Murray or A.J. McCarron? Will they trade up, move down, punt? Cleveland fans have been counting down the days until this draft, their hysteria stoked by the movie "Draft Day," a fictionalized account of the Browns manoeuvring to land the No. 1 overall pick. Its unlikely that life will imitate art, but the Browns seem prepared to get a quarterback — either to back up Brian Hoyer or supplant him — and first-year coach Mike Pettine is confident the team has done its homework. "I got to spend time with all of them, a good amount of time," Pettine said last week. "We talk about the it factor a lot with quarterbacks, just that type of personality, those traits that you want to have in your quarterback: a guy that is confident, assertive and poised, that can handle teammates when they need to be handled at things going on in the offensive huddle." With 10 picks, including six of the first 106, the Browns should be able to add talent and depth. Pettine understands they must choose wisely. "Its absolutely critical that we have a solid draft," he said. "We dont need to hit a grand slam." Here are five things to keep in mind when the Browns are on the clock: JOHNNY B. GOOD OR BAD?: Like everyone, the Browns have debated whether Manziels a franchise saviour or bust. Hope or hype? Hes intriguing, for sure, but Cleveland, which hasnt drafted a QB higher than No.dddddddddddd 22 since Tim Couch went first in 1999, cant afford to be wrong. Manziel will likely be available at No. 4. But if they covet him, the Browns might be able to pass on him there and, using the No. 26 pick they got in a trade with Indianapolis, move back up and snag Johnny Football. MACK ATTACK: Pettines roots are in defence, and after Jadeveon Clowney, Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack is considered the best defensive prospect. The 6-foot-2, 251-pounder has the speed and strength to play in any system. Pettine likes him, as does Browns general manager Ray Farmer. "He can rush the passer. He can play in coverage. He can do a little bit of everything," Farmer said. "This guy looks like the real deal." SLAMMIN SAMMY: A game-breaker at Clemson, wide receiver Sammy Watkins is the complete package. The possibility of pairing him alongside Browns Pro Bowl wide receiver Josh Gordon should be enough to keep defensive co-ordinators up at night. Watkins can catch the ball over the middle or stretch a secondary over the top. Watkins would also be a safety net in the event Gordon, who has been suspended for substance abuse, has an off-the-field slipup. UNDER PRESSURE: Farmers first draft is arguably Clevelands most important in decades. He was promoted in February when owner Jimmy Haslam fired president Joe Banner and GM Michael Lombardi. Now, Farmer has a chance to upgrade Clevelands roster and make a favourable impression on his boss, who has promised not to be intrusive. "He hired me to do a job, and hes going to allow me to do it," Farmer said. HAPPY ENDING: After so much disappointment and another coaching change — Pettine is Clevelands third coach in three years — the Browns can energize their fan base with a successful draft. As long as they dont reach, they should get a quality player capable of making an immediate impact at No. 4. Farmer knows this draft is vital to Clevelands success. "Its really the lifeblood of every organization," he said. 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