Koivu lifts Wild over Stars in shootout

Hockey Betting Lines

02/21/2007 - St. Paul, MN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Mikko Koivu scored the lone goal of the shootout, as the Minnesota Wild nipped the Dallas Stars, 2-1, at XCel Energy Center.

Brian Rolston scored in regulation for the Wild, who won for the fourth time in six games. Niklas Backstrom stopped 23 shots, including all three in the shootout, to post his 11th win of the year.

Niklas Hagman tallied for the Stars, who lost for the second time in their last six games. Marty Turco made 38 saves in the loss.

The speedy Finn's game-winner came as he made a quick move from the forehand to the backhand just outside the crease, and roofed the puck an instant before Turco could sweep it away on a poke-check.

"I tried to change it up because the goaltenders are pretty much aware of what's coming and it's good to have a few moves," Koivu said of his nifty score.

Rolston tallied the first goal of the night for the Wild on a power play with 1:40 left in the second period. Koivu took the puck away from Turco behind the net, turned and slipped it to the winger, who hit the net for his 26th goal of the season.

Dallas came right back 39 seconds later on Hagman's tally, and the 1-1 deadlock would last until the deciding shootout score.

"Both teams wanted the two points, and it was another hard-fought battle between the two clubs," Turco said. "I think we're both happy we don't see each other the rest of the year."

Game Notes

Dallas has won nine of the last 12 meetings, and won three of the four matchups between the teams this season...There were only four penalties whistled in the game, three to the Stars...Minnesota travels to Colorado on Thursday, and Dallas hosts Anaheim on Friday.

Wwwnyra Hockey Betting News

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Marlins could start season without No. 2 starter Johnson

JUPITER, Fla. -- The Foorida Marlins are preparing for the likelihood that right-hander
Josh Johnson won't be ready when the season starts April 2.

Grapefruit League action starts Wednesday, but Johnson, penciled in as the No. 2 starter, hasn't even thrown off a mound at full speed since September. He's experienced some soreness in his right forearm.

MySportsbook.com have the Marlins listed with baseball betting lines at +800 to win the NL East this season .

''You guys know the math. If he's not on the hill then he becomes an opening day roster issue,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday. ''We're borderline now.''

Johnson, who finished 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 2007, was supposed to throw on flat ground Saturday. That was canceled when he woke up with pain.

He played catch on Wednesday with no pain but felt discomfort in a throwing session on Thursday. He's expected to try again Sunday.

''Like we always said from the very beginning, we're going to take it easy on him,'' Gonzalez said. ''He didn't feel right, so we shut him down. We're going to take it back to step one and see where we're at.''

Among the candidates to take Johnson's spot in the rotation are left-hander Chris George and right-handers Yusmeiro Petit and Jose Garcia.

Right-hander Sergio Mitre, who missed most of last season with arm and shoulder problems, also is behind.

With Johnson's status doubtful, Gonzalez said right-hander Ricky Nolasco will stay in the rotation and no longer will be considered a candidate for closer.

Additional basbeall odds can be found at: www.MySportsbook.com

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