and play like we know we can," said DeMarco, who threw four i

SURREY, B.C. -- Thomas DeMarco is grateful to get another chance to lead the B.C. Lions. Now its up to him to show he deserves it. The second-year quarterback has had his share of ups and downs since taking over from injured starter Travis Lulay five weeks ago. He led the Lions to back-to-back road wins in his first two CFL starts, but has struggled the last three games -- all losses to division rivals. Still, the Lions will go with DeMarco again when they host the Edmonton Eskimos on Friday night. "Youre going to have tough things youre going to push through and the fact that I got the nod, it means a lot to me," DeMarco said after Tuesdays practice. "I want to work through my difficulties, as any quarterback would like to, and Im happy that I got that opportunity." The product of Old Dominion University did a good job of managing the ball in his first two starts, completing 39-of-65 passes for 435 yards and four touchdowns against no interceptions. In B.C.s three straight losses -- including Saturdays 35-14 blowout in Regina at the hands of the Saskatchewan Roughriders -- DeMarco was a pedestrian 49-for-95 passing for 677 yards to go along with four TDs and eight picks. And while Lions head coach Mike Benevides agreed DeMarco hasnt been at his best of late, he added that the 24-year-old gives his team the best chance to win. "Right now Thomas is still the guy that takes the first snap because hes shown an ability to make those plays," said Benevides. "Theres been some regression, but any young guy is going to go through tough times, especially at the quarterback position. "If you ask any quarterback, theyre going to ask to fight through those things and appreciate the fact they were given the opportunity." Lulay, who has been out with an injury to his throwing shoulder since Sept. 15 and was originally expected to only miss two weeks, performed a bit of soft toss on the sidelines during Tuesdays practice but nothing more. "Im kind of at the mercy of the symptoms," said Lulay. "I push it to where I know I need shut it down and hope to continue to progress." The Lions (9-7) host the Eskimos (3-13) on Friday in a game that means nothing in the standings, but a lot to the teams psyche. B.C. is locked into the West Divisions third seed with two games remaining, and will be on the road to face either Saskatchewan or the Calgary Stampeders when the post-season begins. If the Lions are going to make any noise in the playoffs, two strong outings to close out the regular season will be critical. "I want us to go out there and play like we know we can," said DeMarco, who threw four interceptions against the Roughriders. "Weve put quarters together, weve put halves together (but) we havent put a whole game together. Im sure if were able to do that well turn some heads." If they dont, its not like Benevides is out of options if DeMarco continues to struggle and Lulay remains on the shelf. Buck Pierce, a member of the Lions from 2005 to 2010, was acquired from the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last month as an insurance policy. The 31-year-old has seen limited action in his return to B.C., but said he will be ready if called upon. Benevides doesnt want to have to make that move, but added the time is now for DeMarco to step up after a disappointing performance against Saskatchewan. "Its important and critical for us and for him to make sure that when he goes against the Edmonton Eskimos, he shows right off the top that hes learned from it, hes focused and he has the ability and the capability to understand where the offence asks him to put the ball -- thats his job," said Benevides. "Its vital, not only for us but for him, to get it right." Montez Sweat Jersey . Trailing 2-1 from the first leg, Fiorentina levelled on aggregate in the 14th minute when Joaquin Sanchez Rodriguez headed back a long ball from David Pizarro and Pasqual smashed home an angled volley. Alex Smith Youth Jersey . LOUIS -- St. http://www.redskinsrookiestore.com/Redsk...-Taylor-Jersey/. Last year, Islanders forward Colin Mcdonald released a "Do It For Colin" campaign to promote his teammate and friend John Tavares for the EA sports honour:The most popular sports voting video ever has to go to Chris Bosh who showcased his comedic abilities in his effort to get fans to vote him into the 2008 All Star Game:You can vote for TJ and other star players for the NHL 15 cover vote here. Darrell Green Womens Jersey . -- Those impatient for the Stanley Cup to return to Canada will have just one team to root for in the NHL playoffs -- the Montreal Canadiens. Derrius Guice Youth Jersey . Appearing on TSN 690 Monday afternoon, Mike Babcock said he had conversations with both P.K. Subban and Carey Price about those on-ice traits during Hockey Canadas summer orientation camp. Mike Babcock: McGill experience, P.RALEIGH, N.C. - Jordan Staal may be just what the Carolina Hurricanes needed to avoid running away with last place in the NHLs Eastern Conference.Staal, whose brother Eric is the team captain, scored his first goal of the season to get things started, and the Hurricanes eventually held off the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 in a shootout on Tuesday night.Carolina is 4-3-1 since the alternate captain returned to the ice after suffering a broken leg in a preseason game. It is 4-1-1 over its last six.It was a really good start, said Hurricanes coach Bill Peters, who celebrated his 50th birthday with the win. I was happy with it for sure. It would have been nice to get a few more in the first, but that wasnt the case. I didnt think we held onto our success as well as we should have.It was important for Jordan to get that first, but hes had good looks every night. His line was dominant early.Victor Rask and Elias Lindholm scored the shootout goals for Carolina, while Anton Khudobin — who has won three straight and finished with 28 saves — stoned both Colorado shots in the shootout.Patrick Dwyer scored the other goal for the Hurricanes, who have won five straight home games against the Avalanche with one in overtime and the other in the shootout.Matt Duchene and John Mitchell scored third period goals for the Avalanche.Colorado won the teams only other meeting this season at home with a 4-3 comeback on Nov. 22.Calvin Pickard stopped 44 shots for Colorado, which was coming off a 2-1 loss at Washington on Monday night that broke a three-game winning streak.(Pickard) was phenomenal, especially in the third period, but he was good all night long, said Colorado coach Patrick Roy.Dont forget we played last night in Washington. Im not looking for excuses, but they were here waiting for us, he said. They were ready and they were skating well. They seemed to be very fresh and sometimes it makes aa big difference.ddddddddddddarolina has not allowed a power-play goal in a franchise-record 11 games. Each team was penalized just once during the game.Jordan Staal got Carolina on the board at 14:05 of the first period, receiving Ryan Murphys give-and-go pass back into the slot and beating Pickard stick side.You want to start like that every time, Jordan Staal said. Obviously theyre going to be a team thats going to push back, and they did.Its nice to get the goose egg out of the way. Its been happening for few games — Ive had some good chances.Dwyer made it 2-0 at 6:03 of the second, beating Pickard on an assist from Brad Malone with Jay McClement on the screen. Malone was playing his first home game against his former team since signing with the Hurricanes on July 1. McClement has also spent time with Colorado.Duchene cut the lead in half for Colorado when he scored his 12th goal of the season at 25 seconds of the third with Jarome Iginla on the primary assist.Mitchell tied it at 10:05 with a slap shot from the right wing on a rush.I just wanted to be consistent with my game, Khudobin said. I knew they were coming and were not going to give up for sure. Maybe I was too energetic for the game. After their goals, I settled down.NOTES — Colorados next game is on Thursday night at Florida, while Carolina has a home game Friday night against Vancouver. ... It was Carolina D Justin Faulks first home contest since be