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The San Jose Sharks jumped out to a 3-0 lead and held off a furious Vancouver comeback attempt to edge the Canucks 4-3 in NHL playoff action Friday night.

Aneroid's Patrick Marleau scored twice in the first period, as the Sharks trimmed the Canucks' lead in the Western Conference final to 2-1. Ryane Clowe and Dan Boyle also scored for San Jose. Joe Thornton added three assists for the Sharks, who host Game Four on Sunday. Alex Burrows, Dan Hamhuis and Kevin Bieksa scored in the third period for Vancover.

 

Tampa Bay will be looking to tie the Eastern Conference final at 2-2 when the Lightning hosts Boston this afternoon. The Bruins won games two and three after dropping the opener.

 

In other hockey news, anticipation continues to rise in Winnipeg as fans await confirmation that the NHL will return after 15 years. Mayor Sam Katz says it's just a matter of time before a deal to move the Atlanta Thrashers to the city is announced, and Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger cryptically echoed those words, telling reporters that Tuesday could be an interesting day. Some Thrashers fans haven't given up, and will hold a rally in support of the team today in conjunction with a select-a-seat event for current and prospective season-ticket holders.

 

As Winnipeg gears up for the possible return of the NHL, their AHL team is apparently on the move. The St. John's Telegram is reporting that the Manitoba Moose, the primary affiliate for the Vancouver Canucks, will relocate to St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador next season, contingent on the Atlanta Thrashers moving to Winnipeg. The paper says an announcement is expected next Friday. The city was once home to the St. John's Maple Leafs before they moved to Toronto six years ago to become the Marlies.

 

And a medical examiner says the death of New York Rangers enforcer Derek Boogaard was an accident, due to a toxic mix of alcohol and the powerful pain killer oxycodone. Boogaard was found dead in his Minneapolis apartment last Friday, five months after he sustained a season-ending concussion. The 28-year-old Saskatoon native had been dealing with pain and addiction, according to a statement by his family. His funeral will be held today in Regina.