BEAVER CREEK, Colo. -- Lindsey Vonn is injured and unsure of her plans heading into the Sochi Games. In years past, that very thought might send a very cold shiver through the U.S. speed team. At least this time, the Americans are loaded with depth in downhill and super-G. Julia Mancuso, Stacey Cook, Leanne Smith and Laurenne Ross are the skiers the Americans could be counting on for medals in Russia if Vonn, the reigning Olympic downhill champion, cant compete after hurting her surgically repaired right knee again. All of them made the podium at least once last season and all of them were top 16 in the downhill standings. Add Alice McKennis, who won a World Cup event last season but is still recovering from a shattered right leg, and its an even more dynamic mix. This also creates quite a few tough decisions for womens coach Alex Hoedlmoser, since there are only four race spots available in Sochi in the downhill and again in the super-G. That means someone well-deserving could be left out of the starting gate. "One of the best traits of our team is everyone has the understanding that if you get beat out for that spot, its not somebody elses fault. Its probably something you did or your own fault in some way," said Cook, who had the fastest time in downhill training on Wednesday. "Theres not a lot of the blame game that you might see typically." Vonn remains unsure just how much her latest knee injury will affect her Sochi hopes. In an interview on NBCs "Today" show Wednesday, the four-time overall World Cup champion was asked whether her knee can withstand the pressure of training for the Olympics. "To be honest, I dont know," Vonn replied. Vonn crashed during a downhill training run in Copper Mountain last week and partially tore a reconstructed ligament in her knee. She skipped the events in Beaver Creek, but is hoping to be ready for the upcoming races in Lake Louise, Alberta. "I dont know exactly where shes at (in her recovery), but she doesnt sit still easily," Cook said. If Vonn is only 50 per cent fit by the time Sochi rolls around, and someone else is completely healthy, just who gets to race? "Were still going to bring the potential medallists down to Sochi," Hoedlmoser said. "We can put more people in training runs and then make a decision before race day." There are plenty of chances between now and Sochi to stand out, beginning this weekend on the new course at Beaver Creek created ahead of the 2015 world championships. "You are in control of your results," said Smith, who was 14th in training on Wednesday, 1.21 seconds behind Cooks top time. "If youre skiing well and have the right mentality, its going to work out just fine." The recent success in speed events has a lot to do with the presence of Vonn and Mancuso. Training alongside those two icons over the years has elevated everyones performance. "To see them get on the podium, week in and week out, was obviously very inspirational for someone like me, who was just scrapping down these courses to try and get World Cup points," said Smith, who had two downhill podium finishes last season. "You learn and you figure out what it takes. You compete with your teammates. All of a sudden, you are in a situation that were in, where everyone is super competitive and you still have those two girls that are leading the pack. "Its just fun, good pressure for everyone else. Its something to aspire to." For years, Cook didnt believe she had the ability to keep up with Vonn in a race. But last season in Lake Louise, the 29-year-old had a breakthrough, finishing runner-up to Vonn in two races. It showed Cook she was on the right path. "Its really become a challenge to myself, to believe that I can compete with her," Cook said. "Ive really accepted that over the last few years instead of hid behind it. "It takes perfection for me to beat her. That is the absolute challenge, to reach perfection going 80 mph (129 kph) on two planks." Mancuso sees a renewed confidence in the speed team, a definite camaraderie, too. "Were all leaning on each other. Thats nice," said Mancuso, a three-time Olympic medallist . "Just all of us together trying to go fast. Everyone is cheering for each other and thats always fun." Rogelio Armenteros Astros Jersey . Both moves were announced Tuesday. The Titans had waived Matthews on Saturday when they promoted wide receiver Michael Preston from the practice squad. Jeff Kent Astros Jersey . - Connor Brown and Dane Fox both scored in regulation and in the shootout, as the Erie Otters extended their win streak to 10 games by defeating the London Knights 4-3 on Saturday in Ontario Hockey League action. https://www.cheapastros.com/1773o-jeff-b...y-astros.html.5 million, two-year contract with the San Francisco Giants on Thursday, a deal that covers his final two arbitration seasons. Brian Hunter Astros Jersey . -- Jerel Worthy and his Michigan State teammates charged across the field, holding four fingers in the air while celebrating another sweet victory over their biggest rival. Carlos Correa Astros Jersey . MacIntyre stopped 49 shots and the Marlies defeated the Texas Stars 5-1 in Game 1 of the American Hockey Leagues Western Conference final. "I felt in control, so that was nice," MacIntyre said.Mike Morreales run as the head of the CFLPA could come to an end on Friday. With the players association in the midst of meetings in Las Vegas, a vote will be held on Friday to decide the CFLPAs presidency and other executive positions. Morreale, who assumed office in 2012, is being opposed by current Montreal Alouettes offensive lineman Scott Flory. Over a dozen player representatives are expected to cast ballots on Friday in what could end up greatly shapping the upcoming labour negotiations.dddddddddddd The CFL and CFLPAs current CBA expires just before the start of the 2014 season, set to begin on June 26. The Hamilton Spectator reports that a key issue that the players will fight for in upcoming negotiations is a link between revenue and the salary cap, similar to what exists in the NHL. This had existed in previous CBAs, but was conceded by the CFLPA in the last agreement signed in 2010. ' ' '