SOCHI, Russia -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has opened the Winter Paralympics in Sochi against the backdrop of his countrys military action in Crimea. During the athletes parade, the 23-strong Ukrainian team was represented by a lone flagbearer in an apparent protest at the presence of Russian troops in Ukraines Crimean peninsula. The appearance of the flagbearer, biathlete Mykhaylo Tkachenko, drew a roar from the crowd. The Ukrainian team only announced earlier in the day that it would not boycott the games, but said it could pull out if the Crimea situation escalates. A lavish ceremony based on the mythical firebird of Russian folklore marked the start of the 11th Winter Paralympics, a 10-day event featuring 547 athletes from 45 countries. Putin stood at a microphone in front of a capacity crowd at the Fisht Olympic Stadium and announced: "I declare open the Winter Paralympic Games 2014, Sochi." St. Louis Cardinals Shirts . According to TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, the New York Rangers winger skated with extras and goalies today. Cardinals Jerseys 2020 . Strasburg (1-1) got 14 consecutive outs in one stretch and allowed only three hits, including Marcell Ozunas homer in the seventh. The right-handers lone walk was to the last batter he faced. Washingtons starter Wednesday, Jordan Zimmermann, left after a career-low 1 2-3 innings, leaving the bullpen "taxed," as manager Matt Williams put it. https://www.cheapcardinalsonline.com/204...-cardinals.html. - The Jacksonville Jaguars are leaning more toward playing injured quarterback Blake Bortles against Tennessee on Thursday night. Jose Martinez Jersey . And follow TSN.ca right through Deadline Day for all the updates. From Pierre LeBrun While Anaheim GM Bob Murray said earlier this season he was not going to trade Jonas Hiller despite the fact hes an unrestricted free agent on July 1, some sources have told TSN Hockey Insider Pierre LeBrun that Murray might be willing to move another goalie. Gussie Busch Cardinals Jersey . Stiverne stopped Chris Arreola in the sixth round Saturday night, claiming the WBC heavyweight title belt vacated by Vitali Klitschko.MONTREAL -- Montreal Impact management are confident that new coach Frank Klopas will get the team back on track after a horrendous start to the Major League Soccer season. Sporting director Nick De Santis said Thursday that Klopas has done a good job preparing the club for games and that he still has the players support. The winless Impact (0-4-3), who were leading the league at this time last season, are last in MLS heading into a home game Saturday against the Philadelphia Union. "The coaches, I can guarantee you, from the first day have done good work," said De Santis. "You can see the intensity from the players in every practice. "Yes theres tension and pressure, less confidence, but thats pro sports. I think the team believes in the coach and will come out of this." There has been speculation about Klopas future among fans and media as the winless run to start the season -- the worst in the teams 21-year history including its pre-MLS days -- drags on. It hit a fever pitch after last weeks 4-0 loss at Kansas City. If Klopas is feeling the pressure, he didnt show it. "I know its about results," he said. "Im not here to make excuses. "Im very thankful to be part of this organization. I think Nick and all of us work hard. Thats all I can do. I dont think about the other stuff. The only thing I can do is prepare the team and make sure we do as well as we can to get the team back on track." The Impact will play their first game on the grass field at Saputo Stadium after three home games indoors at Olympic Stadium, where they had a loss and two draws. Another defeat -- in the first meeting between the clubs since Montreal sent Andrew Wenger to Philadelphia for Jack McInerney in a swap of strikers last month -- would put more heat on Klopas, the former Chicago Fire boss who replaced the fired Marco Schallibaum in December. There has also been criticism of De Santis, who made no major off-season moves despite a late-season tailspin and a one-sided loss to Houston in the first round of playoffs in 2013. "I understand the frustration," said De Santis. "Im from Montreal. "I live here every day and I know how people feel. They have a right to criticize and Im in a position where I have to accept that. But Im very confident in this team and that, with a few additions, we can improve this team." Since the start of training camp, the Impact have added former New York fullback Heath Pierce, little used forward Santiago Gonzalez, and made the McInerney trade. De Santis said he is looking at adding a third designated pllayer to go with striker Marco Di Vaio and midfielder Hernan Bernardello, and that he has his sights on Argentine midfielder Ignacio Piatti.dddddddddddd He wont be able to sign anyone until the July transfer period, however. In the meantime, the Impact have been pleading for patience. Team president Joey Saputo wrote this week on Twitter: "Very frustrating start to the season. We need and will turn this around. Lets stay focused and determined. More than ever, we need our fans." Despite their record, the Impact are only five points out of a playoff spot as the entire Eastern Conference has had trouble winning. Kansas City and Columbus share the conference lead with 11 points, including only three wins each in six games. De Santis said that missing Di Vaio for the opening three games to a suspension and injuries to Bernardello and midfielder Sanna Nyassi have hurt. He said the team has also been unlucky and could have won a game or two that slipped away. Missing injured central defenders Nelson Rivas and Adrian Lopez has also been a problem as veteran Matteo Ferrari has found himself working with youngsters most weeks. Lopez, who blew out a knee after only one game for Montreal last summer, had his first full-field practice Thursday, but is not yet ready to play. The oft-injured Rivas looked ready to return two weeks ago, but is back to running laps during practice. Ferrari said he hasnt given up hope. "I like the coach and the job hes doing because hes very professional," the former AS Roma and Everton defender said. "He likes the details and he prepares the game well. "Theres nothing I can say negative. If I look at the standings, its bad, but the first place team has three wins, not five or six. So lets win a couple of games and then well be talking about something else." Klopas also talked about Jeb Brovsky, a workhorse under Schallibaum last season who became a fan favourite for his toughness and his extensive work for charities and other causes. The third-year fullback has spent most of the season on the bench while Pearce played left fullback. Brovsky is likely to stay there for now. "He played on the left side and Im looking for more of a natural left-footed player," said Klopas. "On the right side, we have (Eric) Miller and (Hassoun) Camara, so theres competition. "Jeb has handled it well. But to be fair, when you put him on the left side, its not ideal, even if he played well last year. Im looking for a left-footed guy that can open up the field, that can get crosses in. But hell get opportunities." ' ' '