Kreativecke » goals, and backup goalie Cam Talbot earned his second w

EDMONTON -- Matt Nichols was named the Edmonton Eskimos starting quarterback for Fridays pre-season game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, but head coach Kavis Reed cautioned against reading too much into it. Reed said the decision to start Nichols ahead of Mike Reilly, while not publicly announced until Thursday, had been made weeks ago for a number of reasons. "Obviously were going to give Mike a start in B.C.," he said, adding he wouldnt go further into the reasons behind the decision. "I would not want to share because were trying to make sure all the Is are dotted and all the Ts are crossed. Its not just the stats that are going to determine our quarterback. Were going to look at whos the best leader, whos the best teammate, who handles adverse situations the best. Were going to look for that person as the next quarterback for this franchise hopefully for long term, who is best suited all around to be that guy." While their play will speak for itself, Reed said situations like Thursdays announcement are useful to show how the quarterbacks deal with off-field issues. "With regard to other things, the intangible things, theyre going to show their colours based on the scenarios," he said. "Today was an opportunity to sit back and observe how Matt handled the announcement, how Mike handled the announcement." He said they both did so exceptionally well. Reed said both Nichols and Reilly have to play in both pre-season so the coaching staff can see them in game situations. "They dont have enough starts under their belts for us to feel comfortable," Reed said. Nichols, got into eight games last season, completing 58 per cent of his passes for 884 yards and seven touchdowns. He said he was pleased to get the start at home, where he got one of his starts last year and feels comfortable. "Its a different feel for me," he said. "Usually when I play in a pre-season game, the last time I played in a game was the previous pre-season. This year its different, I got into games last season, so Ill be a lot more comfortable." Reilly, obtained in an off-season trade with the B.C. Lions where he played in six games last year, said hes not reading too much into Nichols getting the start. "Thats not for me to worry about," he said. "My job is to come in whenever they tell me and to run the plays, and thats what Im focused on. "Its a big challenge to just not read into things and control what you can control. Thats what Ive tried to do all through camp. I dont care when I get to play. It could be the first snap, it could be the fourth quarter and I wouldnt care, I just want to get out there and play." Reed said both pivots will get equal playing time Friday, going on the number of snaps rather than by quarters. No matter who ultimately earns the starting job, his ability to improve the Eskimo offence and lead the team to victory will depend largely on the revamped offensive line. Both general manager Ed Hervey and Reed publicly criticized the line early in training camp but by Thursday were pleased with the response and the improvement. "Those guys have responded very well," said Reed. "They have done a tremendous of sticking together in terms of film room and talking to each other, they stay after practice. Its about chemistry; its about having those guys jell together as quickly as possible." Going into tonights game it is a line without a single returning starter in his same position from last year Realistically, said Reed, theres probably gong to four starters who either werent even on last years roster or were on the bench at times. "Simeon (Rottier) didnt play a complete year, Gord Hinse didnt start last year, our two tackles dont have CFL experience and were experimenting with Matt ODonnell being at guard," Reed said. "Five changes essentially with Simeon moving from left to right." Hinse is expected to regain the starting centre position he held in 2011 but lost last year to Kyle Koch, who was released early in camp. Hinse, who at six-foot-four, 300-pound is the smallest starter on the line, admitted the line struggled the first few days "but the last couple of days you can see everyone has improved, to a man." "With the new coach we have new techniques, a new mindset, new attitudes and a new offence, almost a complete overhaul," Hinse said. "Plus new players. A lot of these guys are rookies, first time in the CFL so that poses a challenge too." He said the early criticism was warranted and carried a purpose. 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Khalil Mack Bears Jersey .Y. -- Bills receiver Stevie Johnson has a bone to pick with the NFL schedule maker. Akiem Hicks Youth Jersey . Mats Zuccarello and Derek Stepan scored shootout goals, and backup goalie Cam Talbot earned his second win in two nights as the Rangers shook off a late tying tally and beat the Maple Leafs 2-1 Monday night. CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Police have evacuated a mall near Boston after a large crowd gathered for an event featuring a rapper and a pro basketball player.Cambridge police say a crowd of more than 1,000 people became unruly at the CambridgeSide Galleria mall after arriving for a Monday event with the rapper Desiigner and Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown, who were scheduled to meet fans at the Champs Sports store.Police from neaarby departments were called to the scene to help clear the mall.dddddddddddd Police say pepper spray was used to help control the crowd.Cambridge police say theyre working to disperse the crowd and encourage drivers to avoid the area until it clears. They havent said whether any arrests were made. ' ' '