GA's Melchionni settles on Devils Father's blood is thicker than uncles' blood. The only thing that was missing was a startled Howard Cosell having his toupee knocked askew. Burgess plans a quick impact The surprising release of Eagles wide receiver Charles Johnson resonated most this week, but the expected cutting of defensive end Mike Mamula might be salved more quickly. Raptors get first win Vince Carter finally showed some spunk, and Lenny Wilkens showed he's not too old to come up with something creative. So much for the rumors about Curtis Joseph having a sore right hand.
Hot hand is more appropriate.
Joseph stopped 32 shots and the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs showed their new playoff look is for real, beating the New Jersey Devils last night, 2-0, in the opener of the Eastern Conference semifinals. San Francisco signed Stubblefield, a free agent released by the Washington Redskins last month, to a six-year deal yesterday. Financial terms were not disclosed. 4 winners There were four winners in the Daily News Home Run Payoff contest. He took time to talk to the Daily News about the telemovie, which premieres on HBO tomorrow night, his dad and one of the most special seasons in baseball history.