Flyers deal Gagne to Tampa Bay

Hockey Betting Lines

07/19/2010 - Philadelphia, PA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Philadelphia Flyers have traded left wing Simon Gagne to the Tampa Bay Lightning in exchange for defenseman Matt Walker and fourth-round pick in 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

Gagne, an oft-injured but talented forward, had one year left on his contract worth a reported $5.25 million and had to waive his no-trade clause. The Flyers also needed to make a move to get under the salary cap and add depth on the blue line.

"This was a move to solidify our defense," said Flyers general manager Paul Holmgren. "Matt Walker is a right shot defenseman that we like; he brings size, grit and toughness to our back end. Simon Gagne played 10 seasons for the Flyers and was not only a good player for us, but also handled himself in a first class manner on and off the ice."

The 30-year-old Gagne was the longest-tenured Flyer, spending 10 seasons with the franchise. He appeared in just 58 games this past season, sitting out the first 24 contests following abdominal surgery, and notched 17 goals with 23 assists for 40 points.

A broken foot suffered in the first round of the playoffs this spring, though, only cost him four games as he returned well ahead of the projected 2-to-4 week prognosis. He tallied nine goals and three assists for 12 points in 19 games to help the Flyers reach the Stanley Cup Finals.

"I'm very excited right now," Gagne said. "I'm looking at this opportunity as a new challenge and a new start. Tampa Bay was a team I was more than willing to waive my no move clause for. I really like the direction the team is headed in with a solid owner, Steve Yzerman as GM and coach Boucher. I'm really looking forward to playing with guys like [Vincent] Lecavalier, [Steven] Stamkos and [Martin] St. Louis. I'm excited to be a member of the Lightning and I'm looking forward to starting next season in Tampa Bay."

Concussion and groin problems allowed him to play just 46 games during the 2002-03 season and he appeared in only 25 games in 2007-08 because of concussion symptoms.

Gagne has twice reached the 40-goal plateau and in 664 career regular-season games has compiled 259 goals with 265 assists for 524 points.

"In adding Simon to the Lightning today, we acquire a very talented player that will play alongside our top forwards," said Lightning general manager Steve Yzerman. "With his combination of speed and skill we are excited to have him with us and grateful he was willing to waive his no movement clause. This trade not only makes us a better team in the short-term, it helps create long- term flexibility for us, which all along has been one of our top priorities."

Walker had signed a multi-year deal last summer and spent just one season with the Lightning. He posted a mere two goals with three assists for five points and had a minus-11 rating in 66 games.

The 30-year-old veteran has also played for the Blues and Blackhawks in his seven-year career. He has four goals and 26 assists for 30 points in 306 NHL games.

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Super Bowl XLIII Betting Odds

Super Bowl XLIII, the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Super Bowl XLIII is now set, the Arizona Cardinals and the Pittsburgh Steelers will meet each other on February 1st in Tampa's Raymond James Stadium to battle it out for the coveted Lombardi Trophy. The game kicks off at 6:00pm ET on NBC with announcers Al Michaels and John Madden covering the on-field action. Super Bowl XLIII betting odds at online bookmaker MySportsbook.com have the Steelers listed as an early -6.5 against the spread favorite.Super Bowl XLIII Betting Odds

Pittsburgh earned their passage to the big game by beating their division rival, the Baltimore Ravens, 23-14 in yesterday's AFC Championship Game. The Steelers jumped on Baltimore early, building a 13-0 first half lead, and never let up on their way to a fairly easy win. Although the Ravens did close to within two points in the fourth quarter, it never appeared as if they had enough offense to pull off the upset.

The Steelers dominating defense held Baltimore to a total of 198 yards while allowing them to convert just three third downs in 13 attempts. Pittsburgh also forced quarterback Joe Flacco into three interceptions, one of which safety Troy Polamalu returned fourty yards for a touchdown.

The Cardinals, by far the playoff team with the longest odds to reach Super Bowl XLIII, did so yesterday with a 32-25 upset of the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship. Arizona charged out of the gates and built a 24-6 halftime lead that had the Eagles venerable defense reeling. Quarterback Kurt Warner and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald did most of the damage, connecting on three first half touchdowns.

Arizona, however, could not sustain their momentum and the Eagles took a 25-24 with 10:45 left to play in the fourth. The Cardinals, with the franchise's first Super Bowl appearance hanging in the balance, mounted a fourteen play, 72 yard touchdown drive that consumed 7:52 off the clock. Warner hit running back Tim Hightower on a short screen for the go-ahead, game clinching score that will forever live in Cardinal infamy.

MySportsbook.com's Super Bowl XLIII Betting Odds:

Pittsburgh Steelers -6.5 (-110), Over 46.5 (-110), -260 (Money line)

Arizona Cardinals +6.5 (-110), Under 46.5 (-110), +220 (Money line)

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