but that will be the takeaway for most people if Djokovic does

NEW YORK -- Joe Sakic has given Nathan MacKinnon another endorsement to be the first pick in the NHL draft, though the Colorado Avalanche are still listening to trade offers. Speaking after the board of governors meeting, Colorados executive vice president of hockey operations explained why the team preferred MacKinnon to defenceman Seth Jones, who has ties to Denver. "We believe Seth, hes going to be a good player, as well, a very good defenceman in this league," Sakic said. "When youre picking No. 1, you want to be able to pick what you believe is going to be the best player in the draft. That was why we made that decision." Sakic and head coach/vice president of hockey operations Patrick Roy have repeatedly singled out MacKinnon as their choice at No. 1. Sakic originally told the Denver Post that the Avalanche would pass on Jones in favour of a forward, either MacKinnon, Halifax teammate Jonathan Drouin or Finnish centre Aleksander Barkov. Sakic called this a "deep draft" but said the Avalanche have targeted the player theyre taking. He was then asked about MacKinnon. "I think when you watch Nathan play, hes definitely a skilled guy but hes a powerful skater," Sakic said. "He can play a skill game, but he loves going to the net. He loves going to the hard areas, and hes just a tremendous player." The Avalanche front office being so up-front with the stance of MacKinnon over Jones has raised skepticism about possibly trying to drum up a trade. The Florida Panthers pick second and the Tampa Bay Lightning third. Sakic wouldnt say how Colorados approach is affecting trade talks, if at all. "Obviously when you get closer to draft time, you might receive more calls. Im not too sure," he said. "Were very happy and content with picking first, but if we get some calls, obviously well listen. Right now were excited about making the first selection." Hakeem Olajuwon Jersey . 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Clint Capela Jersey . - Chris Tierney snapped a tie with a power-play goal late in the third period as the London Knights rallied from a 3-0 deficit to beat the Erie Otters 5-3 in Ontario Hockey League action on Wednesday. Were down to the final regular-season match of the year, and the stakes couldnt be higher. Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic will play in the championship match of the ATP World Tour Finals (ESPN2 & WatchESPN, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET) with the winner also snaring the year-end No. 1 ranking. This scenario has never happened.So who has the advantage? Hometown boy Murray or the much fresher Djokovic? Our writers weigh in.What does this match mean for mens tennis?Nic Atkin: Murray said it would be the perfect way to end the season, and I have to agree. While Im sure the crowd wouldnt have minded seeing Murray beat Nishikori in the final, any other matchup would have been a letdown.Peter Bodo: The match is a tribute to the quality and diversity of the field in mens tennis. It demonstrates how quickly the landscape can change, considering how far in front Djokovic was in the rankings as recently as June. It also validates the concept of a year-end final. Imagine the debate we would be having about the No. 1 ranking this year if the season had ended with the Paris Masters 1000. Now we will have a clear-cut answer.Greg Garber: This, as the U.S. president-elect would say, is huge. With Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal -- and Serena Williams, too -- all falling off their classic games, here are the two best-matched rivals in the game. One match for No. 1. It doesnt get any better than that.Johnette Howard: This is a rousing end to a mixed bag of a year in which Federer and Nadal were absent for long stretches. Even Djokovic -- the most reliable man in the game in recent years -- hit an unexpected trough. Given whats at stake here -- Murrays late-career chance to finally experience being No. 1 after years of never-say-die work versus Djokovics rallying to show he isnt giving up the top ranking without a fight -- this could be a memorable match.How will the pressure affect Murray?Atkin: There will be a lot of weight on Murrays shoulders. While he has overtaken Djokovic at the top of the rankings, he hasnt beaten the Serb on the way to No. 1 this year. Murray needs to show he is done playing second fiddle.Bodo: Murray has played his way into a zone where he probably wont be feeling much pressure at all, at least not the usual kind. Hes in a groove, playing lots of matches and winning them all, including two marathons this week. Murray will feel nervous, though, and he should. Nerves are just a sign that a players physical and neurological systems are going on high alert.Garber: I dont think pressure is the issue here. Against Raonic in the semifinals, Murray rose to the big occasion, again and again -- even saved a match point. I think the fact that hes played two three-hour-plus matches in a span of four days will be more telling.Howard: Playing in London agrees with Murray. He won Olympic gold there, not just Wimbledon. I think hell grouse, grimace, bluster and yell throughout. Hell play stretches of sensational tennis. But the match will not be over quickly. He will lose some games he shouldnt, especially if his legs are tired, and make it a nail-biteer.dddddddddddd.What does Djokovic need to do to maintain his dominance against Murray?Atkin: Djokovic doesnt need to change anything physically. He will be far fresher than Murray. Djokovic just needs to make sure he keeps his cool and doesnt get wound up by the mental distractions that have plagued him in the second half of 2016.Bodo: The main themes for Djokovic should be consistency and serve efficiency. Murray still has lapses, struggles with his form and gets frustrated. Those can be exploited. Murray is returning very well and very aggressively. Djokovic needs to ramp up the efficiency of his own service game the way Murray has his these past few months.Garber: Play his crazy, all-court game. He looked ridiculously dominant against Nishikori, especially returning serve. Djokovic has won 16 of his past 19 matches against Murray, something the Scot will have a hard time discounting as he prepares for this.Howard: I think the three-set format favors Djokovic. He has the potential to win points quicker. Hes the better shot-maker and bigger risk-taker, whereas Murray is often risk-adverse and often gets worse when more is at stake. Djokovic has arguably the best service-return game in history, too, so if Murrays serve is off at all, hell find trouble.Who needs this win more?Atkin: Murray, for sure. If he loses, then doubt will still be at the back of his mind going into next season that his best still isnt good enough to beat Djokovic when the Serb is playing his best.Bodo: Djokovic needs to win this more because the rumors that hes lost something are growing louder and louder, while the chorus for Murray is all positive. Hes finally hitting his stride. Nobody is going to think Murray has dropped a level as a player if he loses this, but that will be the takeaway for most people if Djokovic does. Its especially true in light of Djokovics outstanding record at the O2.Garber: Its pretty much of a wash, but Ill say Djokovic. Murray has had a wonderful run, winning 22 consecutive matches, which matches his career high. Hell head into 2017 with a lot of optimism, regardless of the result. Djokovic needs this one to get back on track.Howard: Murray. Hes had to soldier on in the greatest era of mens tennis ever. Hes always been the junior partner in the Big Four and has always remained determined to chase Djokovic, Federer and Nadal, who all have double-digit major title totals. Murray has to know he may not get another chance to climb this mountain and be No. 1 again. So if not now, then when?Prediction?Atkin: Andy Murray ... in 3 hours, 39 minutes.Bodo: This week Murray has played two of the three longest three-set ATP matches of the year, and hell go into the final barely 24 hours after finishing the longest of those. So what? Andy is a juggernaut; mind over matter leads him to win in three.Garber: After Saturdays results, Djokovic in two.Howard: Murray in an upset squeaker. Djokovic rips another shirt. ' ' '