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.

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American Idol odds : Blake Lewis the Early Standout

An important American Idol betting lines recap from February 20 Guys episode. The 12 men came out flat overall with Blake Lewis appearing to have the early edge after the first hour and a half.

Rudy - was quite good singing "Free Ride" to start off.  Randy was not impressed though.  Paula thought he started off fantastic.  "Never had anyone stop off so lively" said Paula but Simon (who does not like Rudy) does not feel he has a distinct voice and was not impressed either. 

Brandon was a little pitchy according to Randy and Paula agreed.  Simon said he was a good singer but the song was "too safe" and he needs to make an impact.  He was listed at +1200 odds or $1200 paid out on a $100 bet should he win the competition. 

Big favorite Sundance came in with a flat version of "Knights in White Satin" and the judges let him have it, including Paula.  Randy claimed the song was out of pitch throughout.

Korean American - and a Jenny Woo favorite - Paul Kim was up next.  Another pitchy flat one but Randy said he still liked his potential.  Kim at +3000 odds was said to have sung a "third rate version of that (George Michael) song" according to Simon Cowell.  He sang "Careless Whisper".

22 year old Chris Richardson was up next.  He was listed with +1100 odds coming in.  He got the best response from the judges though Simon did not believe the vocal was that great. 

Nick was boring and pitchy.  Simon didn't think he was that bad though and predicted he would be back next week.  Nick Pedro was a big +3000 dog coming into this competition. 

Beat boxer Blake Lewis was listed with early +1000 odds or $1000 payout on a $100 bet if he were to become the next American Idol winner odds .  These of course were the early odds.  He was considered original for picking an "odd song".  He did not beat box and the judges felt it was the best vocal of the night. 

Sanjaya came in as the second biggest favorite after Chris Sligh but his performance Tuesday night was not very good. 

Chris Sleigh was the early favorite at +450 odds.  Great voice and a great sense of humor.  He's a real standout.  Randy felt it was on point but maybe ahead of the chorus a little bit.  Simon Cowell said he felt like he was in some "sort of weird student gig". 

Jared Cotter followed.  He was listed with +2000 odds early on to win the competition.  The judges felt he needs to take more risks but looked good. 

22-year old AJ Talbado, who has tried out for American Idol five times, was up next.  "Kind of a theme park performance" said Simon.  Though the judges felt he performed okay.  Simon did feel AJ might be better than he originally thought.

Phil - this season's military favorite - came into this competition with +1200 odds to win the competition.  He was the last to perform.  He was certainly strong enough to get through this stage of the competition and perhaps the best one after a shaky start. 

Tomorrow night, the ladies perform and I sure hope they do a better job than the boys.  Check out all the American Idol betting odds here.

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