Blackhawks to match San Jose's offer sheet for D Hjalmarsson

Hockey Betting Lines

07/12/2010 - Chicago, IL (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Despite noted salary cap problems, the Chicago Blackhawks announced Monday that the club will match San Jose's offer sheet for restricted free agent defenseman Niklas Hjalmarsson.

The Sharks signed the 23-year-old Swede to a four-year, $14 million offer sheet on Friday, forcing the Stanley Cup champs to make another tough monetary decision. If Chicago had decided not to match the offer, the club would have received draft picks from the Sharks as compensation.

"Niklas was a big part of our success last year and he's a part of our core that's going to be together for a long time," said Blackhawks general manager Stan Bowman. "I'm happy for him. He's a quiet leader amongst our defensive group. I think he gets overshadowed because we've got other superstars there, but he was really effective for us all year long."

In his first full NHL season, Hjalmarsson totaled two goals and 15 assists in 77 regular-season games. He added a goal and eight points in 22 playoff games, helping the Blackhawks win the franchise's first Cup since 1961.

Hjalmarsson previously played parts of two seasons with Chicago and has compiled three goals and 18 helpers over 111 career regular-season games.

The Blackhawks have traded players such as playoff hero Dustin Byfuglien and Kris Versteeg to get under the salary cap.

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Chiefs' Treen Green out for Sunday's game

How long Trent Green will remain sidelined is unknown. Coach Herm Edwards said Monday he will miss a second straight start Sunday when the Chiefs host the San Francisco 49ers.

A two-time Pro Bowler, Green was going into a feet-first hook slide when he was knocked unconscious by a thunderous, head-snapping hit from Cincinnati's Robert Geathers.

Oddsmakers at online sportsbook MySportsbook.com currently have the Chiefs listed as 7-point favorites versus the 49ers.

The 49ers got beat by Philadelphia 38-24 as a 6.5-point underdog last week. The combined score went OVER the posted over/under total (42.5).

Alex Smith completed 27-of-46 passes for 293 yards with a touchdown. Michael Robinson rushed for 29 yards and a pair of touchdowns on five carries.

The Chiefs lost 9-6 to Denver last week as an 11-point underdog. The combined score was well UNDER the posted over/under total (38).

Larry Johnson rushed for 126 yards on 27 carries. Damon Huard completed 17-of-23 passes for 133 yards with no touchdowns and no interceptions.

To visit this online sports book got to MySportsbook.com for all your football betting needs.