between the two sides today was not as big as when you see the league table, that is why it

TORONTO – Mason Raymond doesnt much like talking about himself. "First of all, Im not a guy that [is] going to sit here and blab about myself," Raymond said in conversation with the Leaf Report, asked if he had something to prove this season. "You go and you play hockey. Thats the way it goes. Theres not much more to say than that." Fortunately for the Maple Leafs, his play on the ice has done all the talking. Raymond has 11 goals and 25 points in 37 games this season and is on pace to either match or exceed career-highs in goals, assists, points and ice-time. The 28-year-old has been one of the few bright spots in Toronto this season. Drafted and developed by the Canucks – he was a second round pick in 2005 – Raymond spent his first six NHL seasons in Vancouver. But he went unsigned by the organization this past summer and found himself without a job right up until the eve of training camp, a victim no doubt of the cap crunch in 2013 – which saw the caps upper-limit fall to $64 million. He landed with the Leafs on an unlikely pro tryout and was signed subsequently for a very modest $1 million on a one-year deal. The deal has proven a bargain thus far and his adjustment to Toronto – at least on the ice – has appeared seamless. "Sometimes change is good," said Raymond, who played 374 regular season games with Vancouver. "For me here, [Im] getting different opportunities, playing with some good players and playing minutes. "Id only known one thing – Id only known Vancouver," he continued. "I went from one city to this city; different coach, different players, different systems, different everything, so theres things to adjust to and thats part of being a pro and adjusting to it and learning." Raymond chalks up his exit from the Canucks to business, though he concedes that "youre out to prove that possibly they made a mistake in not signing you". "I was a free agent and they chose not to pursue with me anymore and so be it," he said. "Thats hockey and thats just the way it went." His addition, a strike for speedy depth initially, has been of considerable importance for the Leafs, who have struggled to find their way this season. Be it because of injuries – mostly down the middle – or suspensions, the club has needed every bit of offence it has received from Raymond, who sits third in team scoring, trailing only Phil Kessel and James van Riemsdyk. Among the more consistent and versatile options in the Toronto lineup, Raymond has not gone more than four games without a point and is tied for second in December scoring after leading the team in November. He is averaging what would be a career-high of more than 18 minutes. With the increased opportunity, Raymond is on pace to best the career year he had in 2009-10. That season, playing mostly alongside Ryan Kesler, he totaled 25 goals and 53 points, numbers hes in line to match or even exceed this season. Is he a better player now? "I like to think I have more experience and have learned from a lot of situations that Ive been through," said Raymond, his recovery from broken vertebrae in his back and a trip to the Stanley Cup Final in 2011 among the challenges and experiences. "All those things, any person will tell you in any aspect of life, having experience will help you in many situations." Raymond may not like "putting the spotlight" on himself, but the Leafs have to hope his play keeps doing it anyway. Solomon Thomas Youth Jersey . Osmond, of Marystown, N.L., fell in the middle of her routine and placed fifth in the ladies free skate at Iceberg Skating Palace (110.73 points), but that was all the Canadians needed after a strong performance by Kevin Reynolds in the mens free earlier Sunday. Mitch Wishnowsky Jersey . By then it was clear: The 76ers were going to win for the first time in two months, and they were going to do it with ease. The 76ers snapped their NBA record-tying, 26-game losing streak, routing the Detroit Pistons 123-98 on Saturday night to avoid establishing the longest skid in U. http://www.49ersrookiestore.com/49ers-Deebo-Samuel-Jersey/ . Its the second of three meetings between these teams this season. Vancouver was a 2-1 winner on home ice December 22nd. Ronnie Lott Youth Jersey . - Maynor Figueroa headed in a late goal to give Honduras a 1-1 draw with the United States in an international friendly Tuesday. Dee Ford Womens Jersey . But when it was all over they had wasted another lead, seen another pitcher flame out on the mound and lost their fourth straight at home.Aston Villa manager Remi Garde said the manner of the 1-0 defeat at Swansea on Saturday Night Football summed up their season. The visitors created the majority of the chances in the first half but paid the price for not taking any of them as Federico Fernandez bundled home in the 53rd minute when Villa switched off defensively from a free-kick.The goal was the only shot Swansea had on target and Garde told Sky Sports: Unfortunately it was a real picture of Aston Villas season. We deserved more, the difference between the two sides today was not as big as when you see the league table, that is why it is frustrating.We were controlling the game and created some chances, but the problem is when you have good times you can expect a response from the opposition and that happened. We conceded from a set piece again and they didnt have many chances, so it was a bit frustrating.Villa have now lost their last six matches and are 12 points from safety with just seven games remaining. Jamie Redknapp didnt hold back when discussing Aston Villas season, calling it embarrassing But Garde said there were positives to take from the performance at the Liberty: We played like a team, nobody gave up, and in our situation thats very important.dddddddddddd. When I see the team playing like that I am not happy, I am very sad like all the fans, but sometimes in football you need more. The character they showed today is the minimum we have to do.Asked about his own future at the club, which has been questioned if Villa are relegated, Garde said: I am under contract and there is no question about that. If I was not motivated for the job I dont think my team could play the way they did today. Also See: Swansea 1-0 Aston Villa As it happened Villa fixtures Get a ￡10 free bet! ' ' '