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Tim Thomas has signed a three-year contract extension worth $5.2 per year, according to the Boston Globe. I can see Thomas as the No.1 next year with Tuukka Rask backing him up. The year after that, I can see more of a split in duties. After that, Thomas will be 37 and perhaps back up Rask or be dealt. Rask owners probably shouldn't have expected him to be a starter next year anyway.

With four goals last night, David Backes has 43 points in his last 55 games.

Interesting – Alexei Ponikarovsky is currently outscoring Nik Antropov.

Justin Williams is pointless as a King. That zero points in seven games. In his last five games he has averaged 17 minutes of ice time, so that is not an excuse. Clearly he is not back to full health.

In his first two NHL games, Al Montoya is 2-0-0 with just one goal allowed. If the 'Yotes were smart – if he wins once more – they would start Bryzgalov after that and let Montoya enjoy the summer with a 3-0-0 record and take a run at a full-time job in the fall with full confidence. Montoya's value certainly shoots up, but I have a hard time believing he can unseat Bryzgalov.

Just as he gets rolling again, Carey Price has been sidelined by the flu. He allowed just six goals in his last four games.

The Isles recalled Sean Bentivoglio to cover off Kyle Okposo, who is out with a groin injury. Bentivoglio is ranked 215 on my prospects list. He played 11 minutes and was pointless.

Before you ask any questions about my Top Lists, please read the notes at the top of each – I recently changed/added to them and I hope it slows the flood of emails, comments and posts. And always remember – no two pools are alike, be it weighting positions, tallying statistics, roto-style, H2H or total points. So make sure you understand the difference between the needs of your league, and the explanations of my lists.

Ryane Clowe and Torrey Mitchell were both skating yesterday. Clowe intends to play the final two games of the season. I don't expect Mitchell to join the team in the postseason, unless they really need him, as he would be quite rusty.

Remarkable – the Leafs are really starting to make some moves to improve what was recently a horrible future. Over the past six months, their pipeline has really improved, and this morning it will get even better. The most sought after undrafted college prospect, Tyler Bozak, has signed on. Using a formula that worked the the Ducks, GM Brian Burke is going after the hidden gems in the NCAA circuit. Potentially, in a couple of years he could be a second line center with two-way skill who posts 70 points. For the next couple of seasons though, I wouldn't expect more than 45 points. Still, this move is a very positive one for a Leaf Nation that has not seen positives for years. Bozak highlights below.

Scott Walker was back in the Carolina lineup last night, but played just six minutes.

Ryan Smyth has a broken hand so he is done for the season.

Candidates for the Hobey Baker Award have been whittled down to three – undrafted and highly sought after rearguard Matt Gilroy of Boston University could be a Matt Carle type for whichever NHL team signs him. Nashville prospect Colin Wilson (BU) is ranked 46 on my prospects list. Undrafted goalie Brad Thiessen from Northeastern University rounds out the final three.

So Dallas is pretty much toast and Edmonton is fading fast. Last night revealed a lot – here is the playoff race:
EAST
7. Montreal 90, 5GR
8. NY Rangers 89, 4GR
9. Florida 87, 5GR
10. Buffalo 83, 6GR

WEST
7. Anaheim 86, 4GR
8. St. Louis 85, 4GR
9. Nashville 84, 5GR
10. Minnesota 81, 5GR
11. Edmonton 81, 4GR

Baseball season starts in THREE days – for just $5.99, the lowest price on the market, you can pick up your copy of Dobber's Fantasy Baseball Guide right HERE . 

Tyler Bozak – some highlights in a well-put-together package…