Editing » Marlins.Kershaw made his return to the mound Saturday

WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama honored the Pittsburgh Penguins at the White House on Thursday for completing what he described as one of the most remarkable turnarounds in the history of the National Hockey League as they won their fourth Stanley Cup.Obama noted that he has now been able to celebrate with eight Stanley Cup winners during his presidency with all of the teams based in the United States. He smiled when noting he recently reminded Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of that achievement.This is a nice bookend for my presidency, said Obama, a sports fan who has shown no slowing down in his efforts to honor the nations sports champions as his second term draws to a close.The Penguins, led by Sidney Crosby, overcame a tough start to the season with Obama noting that they were closer to last place than first in late December. The team hired a new coach, Mike Sullivan, when the team looked out of playoff contention. Obama credited the Penguins persistence and teamwork as critical factors in completing the turnaround.What I like best about this teams victory is that no one thought they could pull it off, Obama said. I obviously sympathize with that. They said the same thing about me.Obama said a lot has changed since the Penguins first visited him in the White House in 2009. Back then, the color of his hair was more like a hockey puck. Now, it more closely resembled the color of the ice, he said, and Sid the kid was still a kid. When a baby began to cry, Obama said, dont worry, I dont have any more bad jokes.Crosby said his second White House visit was even better than the first because he has a greater appreciation of how difficult it is to win the Stanley Cup.It doesnt get old, said Crosby, who was named playoff MVP.Others getting a mention during the ceremony included rookie goalie Matt Murray, whom Obama called a brick wall, and the HBK line of Carl Hagelin, Nick Bonino and Phil Kessel. They got a sandwich named after them, the president said. Obama began the ceremony by poking fun at Kessel, who was often criticized in his previous run with the Toronto Maple Leafs. We are here to celebrate an extraordinary achievement. Phil Kessel is a Stanley Cup champion! Obama said to the delight of the players, including Kessel.Off the ice, Obama noted that the players brought the Stanley Cup to a childrens hospital, participated in a program to get more children exercising and have helped to restore city and county parks. Adidas Ultra Boost Korting . There are surprises among the Vezina candidates, but most of the others are standard top-tier performers, even if the two Hart Trophy runners-ups have never been quite as good as they have been through the first half of the season. Adidas Ultra Boost 4.0 Kopen . Now that hes hitting streaking teammates with pin-point passes for easy layups, Love is asserting himself as one of the true superstars in the league. http://www.nmdtekoop.com/falcon-sneakers.html . -- Cam Newton pranced into the end zone, placed his hands over his chest and did his familiar Superman pose. Adidas NMD Kopen . -- Arizona knocked off some quality opponents, rolled over a few overmatched ones and grinded out victories even when things didnt go so well. Adidas Human Race Nederland . What general manager Dave Nonis called "short and productive" negotiations ended with Kessel signing a US$64-million, eight-year contract on Tuesday. RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. -- Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that the plan is for?Clayton Kershaw to return to the big league rotation Friday against the Marlins.Kershaw made his return to the mound Saturday night at LoanMart Field starting for the Los Angeles Dodgers Class A affiliate.Kershaw struck out five batters in three innings for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, allowing one hit and no runs on 34 pitches, including 23 strikes.After the outing, Kershaw talked about the recovery for his back, which has forced him to sit out since June 26 because of a herniated disc.Once I cool down and sit for a bit, it will stiffen up.dddddddddddd As long as Im OK doing that tonight, it will be a good test and I should be good to go for my next one.Kershaw said he was using all his pitches.The fastball and slider were pretty decent, but the curveball needed some work. I threw a couple of good ones but it got away from me. As much time as Ive missed, Ill take it.Once you get up to pitching real games in the major leagues, theres not going to be as much forgiveness. ' ' '