Niemi decision expected by Saturday

Hockey Betting Lines

07/29/2010 -

CHICAGO (AP) -Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman expects to learn on Saturday whether his salary cap-squeezed team will be able to keep restricted free agent goaltender Antti Niemi.

After Bowman and Niemi's agent, Bill Zito, were unable to reach contract terms for the 26-year-old netminder, the case advanced to an arbitration hearing Thursday in Toronto.

Both Bowman and the NHL Players Association presented their cases and undisclosed one-year salary figures to an arbitrator, who has 48 hours to make a decision.

The arbitrator can choose either side's offer, or any amount between the two, per the NHL's collective bargaining agreement.Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

Wpokerbattle Hockey Betting News

<< Steelers sign former Cowboys T Adams
Pittsburgh, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly signed veteran and longtime Dallas Cowboys tackle Flozell Adams. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Thursday revealed the deal is for two years. A former second-ro

<< Broncos come to terms with Tebow
Englewood, CO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Denver Broncos agreed to terms with quarterback Tim Tebow, a first-round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft, on Thursday. Financial terms were not disclosed, but The Denver Post reports it is a

<< Orioles send Tejada to Padres
Baltimore, MD (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Baltimore Orioles on Thursday traded veteran infielder Miguel Tejada and cash considerations to the San Diego Padres in exchange for right-hander Wynn Pelzer. Tejada batted .269 with seven ho

<< Jimenez gets 16th win as Rockies snap eight-game slide
Denver, CO (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Ubaldo Jimenez turned in seven strong innings and Clint Barmes drove in three runs as Colorado blitzed Pittsburgh, 9-3, to stop an eight-game losing skid in the finale of a three-game series at Coors F

<< Sanchez throws gem as Marlins earn split with Giants
San Francisco, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Anibal Sanchez was nearly perfect on the mound as he tossed his second career shutout in Florida's 5-0 win over San Francisco. Sanchez (8-6), who authored a no-hitter in 2006, gave up just one hi

Rangers acquire Cantu from Marlins >>
Arlington, TX (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Texas Rangers bolstered their infield, acquiring Jorge Cantu and cash considerations from the Florida Marlins in exchange for a pair of pitching prospects. Cantu, 28, was in the starting lineup

Lorenzen Wright's death ruled a homicide >>
Memphis, TN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The death of Lorenzen Wright has reportedly been termed a homicide by gunshot wound. The Commercial Appeal cited a police statement in reporting Wright, a former Memphis basketball star and NBA player,

Vikings sign second-round pick Cook, three others >>
Eden Prairie, MN (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Minnesota Vikings have signed rookie cornerback Chris Cook. The Vikings selected the Virginia product in the second round (34th overall) of the 2010 draft. Cook was an All-Atlantic Coast Conf

Tribe pitcher Talbot leaves game >>
Cleveland, OH (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Cleveland Indians starter Mitch Talbot left Thursday's game against the Yankees with an undisclosed injury. Talbot made his exit with a runner on first and none out in the third. Rafael Perez entered the g

Dolphins ink first-round pick Odrick >>
Davie, FL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Miami Dolphins and defensive lineman Jared Odrick have reportedly agreed to a five-year deal worth $13 million, including $7.133 million guaranteed. Additionally, second-round selection linebacker Koa M

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.

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com - this sportsbook accepts credit cards.