Sharks re-sign Nichol, Wallin

Hockey Betting Lines

06/26/2010 - San Jose, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The San Jose Sharks have re-signed center Scott Nichol and defenseman Niclas Wallin to one-year contracts.

They were due to become un-restricted free agents July 1, when the free agency period begins. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Nichol, 35, set career highs in assists (15), points (19) and games played (79) last season, his first with San Jose. He also led the league in faceoff percentage (60.6) and was 12th in hits (226).

"We knew when we brought Scott in last season that he was ultra-competitive," said Sharks general manager Doug Wilson. "Not only did he meet that expectation, but he also brought a very business-like mentality to the rink each night, stepping up as a leader and an important centerman for us."

In 496 career games over parts of 10 seasons with San Jose, Nashville, Chicago, Calgary and Buffalo, Nichol has recorded 48 goals and 63 assists.

Wallin, 35, was acquired by San Jose in a February trade with Carolina, where he had spent the first eight-plus seasons of his career and won a Stanley Cup in 2006.

In 70 games between the Hurricanes and Sharks this past season, Wallin posted seven assists and 49 penalty minutes. In 540 career contests, he has recorded 18 goals, 53 assists and 414 penalty minutes.

"Niclas is a physical veteran presence and will help solidify our blueline," Wilson said. "We were proud of the way he battled through a tough injury during the playoffs and are looking forward to having him at full health."

The Sharks have also re-signed center Andrew Desjardins to a one-year contract. Desjardins, 23, spent last season with San Jose's AHL affiliate in Worcester and had 19 goals and 27 assists.

Sprtsline Hockey Betting News

<< Kerr cruising at LPGA Championship
Pittsford, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Cristie Kerr posted a three-under 69 on Saturday to take an eye-opening eight-shot lead after the third round of the LPGA Championship, the second major of the season on the LPGA Tour. Kerr finished

<< Nadal, Soderling reach fourth round at Wimbledon
Wimbledon, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Former champion Rafael Nadal was pushed to five sets, while two-time French Open runner-up Robin Soderling was an easy third-round winner Saturday at Wimbledon. The world No. 1, yet second-seeded, Nada

<< Union to open PPL Park vs. Seattle
Chester, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Philadelphia Union open their soccer- specific stadium - PPL Park - on Sunday when they host the Seattle Sounders FC as both teams conclude their two-week FIFA World Cup break. The Union played thei

<< Theft arrests for 3 incoming UCLA football players
LOS ANGELES (AP) -Three incoming UCLA football players have been arrested on suspicion of felony theft.Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department records show Joshua Shirley, Shaquille Richardson and Paul Richardson - all 18-year-old freshmen - were ar

<< Serena will face Sharapova in fourth round at Big W
Wimbledon, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - In a rematch of the 2004 final here, reigning world No. 1 Serena Williams will face former top-ranked star Maria Sharapova in the fourth round at Wimbledon 2010. Williams, who swatted 19 aces o

Pavano pitches Twins past Mets >>
Flushing, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Carl Pavano tossed his second straight complete game, allowing only three hits, as the Minnesota Twins handled the New York Mets, 6-0, in the second of a three-game interleague series at Citi Field.

Tubert wins U.S. Women's Publinx >>
South Bend, IN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Emily Tubert defeated Lisa McCloskey, 3 & 2, in Saturday's 36-hole final to win the U.S. Women's Amateur Public Links Championship. Tubert, 18, used an amazing run on the front nine during the firs

Nadal, Murray, Soderling reach fourth round at Wimbledon >>
Wimbledon, England (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Former champion Rafael Nadal was pushed to five sets, while heavy British favorite Andy Murray and two-time French Open runner-up Robin Soderling were easy third-round winners Saturday at Wimbledon. T

Forsman leads Dick's Sporting Goods Open >>
Endicott, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Dan Forsman fired his second consecutive six- under 66 on Saturday to move in front after the second round of the Dick's Sporting Goods Open. Forsman finished 36 holes at 12-under 132 and is one stroke

Gyan goal propels Ghana past USA to WC quarters >>
Rustenburg, South Africa (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Asamoah Gyan scored the game winner just three minutes into extra time as Ghana topped the United States 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup round of 16 match at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Saturda

Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value

If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture.  Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).

For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot.  The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.

TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the  drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.

"While 'Babel' lost several guild awards to 'Sunshine' and 'Departed,'  it still enjoys loyal support, and historically Oscar voters favor dramas with social messages over comedies like 'Sunshine' and violent crime movies like 'Departed'."

"It hasn't done well in the guilds, which means there isn't much industry support," said Tom O'Neil of awards site TheEnvelope.com, "But several critics are expecting it to win, and that gets my attention." Babel had 7 to 2 odds at press time.

Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash.  Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win. 

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook accepts Visa needs.