sThe 49ers are much improved this season under Chip Kell

VANCOUVER -- Former Vancouver Canucks coach Alain Vigneault appears to have some interesting opportunities as he pursues a new job. Given his experience and success with the Canucks, Vigneault should get some consideration for the vacant Dallas Stars job. Dallas has a strong core of young, emerging talent, but missed the playoffs the past two seasons under former first-time NHL coach Glen Gulutzan. Vigneault guided the Canucks to a berth in the 2010-11 Stanley Cup finals, two Presidents trophies and six Northwest Division titles. But he got the axe after the Canucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year. In addition to the Dallas job, he could get consideration for vacancies that have yet to occur, pending the conclusion of the post-season. Most of the opportunities appear to be with teams that toiled in the Eastern Conference this season prior to next seasons realignment. Four or five Eastern teams that missed the playoffs -- including Winnipeg, Philadelphia, New Jersey, Carolina, and Florida -- will likely be evaluating their coaching situations extensively. John Tortorella of the New York Rangers could also be on the hot seat because of the Rangers second-round struggles against Boston. Winnipeg could be a good fit for Vigneault, because he coached Vancouvers former top farm club for one season before moving up to the Canucks and knows the teams owners and management. Most teams who toiled in the Western Conference this season appear to be set. But with Phoenix coach Dave Tippetts contract due to expire, an opportunity could emerge with the Coyotes. Accordingly, Canucks general manager Mike Gillis has no shortage of possible candidates as he looks to find Vancouvers next coach. Gillis, who has come under heavy criticism since firing Vigneault on Wednesday, must decide whether he wants someone with experience or a fresh young face. Potential candidates mentioned publicly range from former Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff to ex-Calgary and New Jersey coach Brent Sutter to former Tampa Bay Lightning coach Guy Boucher. Scott Arniel, the coach of Vancouvers AHL farm club in Chicago in 2012-13, appears likely to get an interview based on his lengthy ties to the Canucks. He is in his second stint as the head coach of their top affiliate. He spent four seasons as head coach of the Manitoba Moose and served for two others as an assistant. But he had limited success in his lone NHL head-coaching assignment, lasting only a season and a half with the Columbus Blue Jackets between 2010-12. Less experienced possible candidates include AHL coaches Dallas Eakins of the Toronto Marlies coach and Willie Desjardins of the Texas Stars. Meanwhile, Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo, who was not traded as expected, expressed irony on Twitter on Thursday in that Vigneault left the club before him. "Since our 1st year when we arrived together, AV would always tell me that hed be gone before I would. I guess he was right. Very ironic....," Luongo tweeted. Steve Atwater Broncos Jersey . They reached the 100-point plateau for the fourth time in five games, bested the visiting Trail Blazers by 34 in the paint and scored 19 of the final 25 points in regulation. Courtland Sutton Womens Jersey . Brett Kulak and Jackson Houck of the Vancouver Giants were each charged with assault causing bodily harm on Aug. 18, according to the B.C. court services. http://www.thebroncosstoreonline.com/Youth-drew-lock-broncos-jerseys/ . Jason Zucker and Matt Cooke also scored for Minnesota, which has won five of six. Kuemper made five saves in the first, nine in the second, and nine in the third. The rookies best save came with 2:17 left in the third period when he denied former Wild forward Matt Cullen from just outside of the crease on the right side. DeMarcus Ware Womens Jersey .Y. -- Buffalo Bills coach Doug Marrone has drawn on his Syracuse connections once again by hiring Rob Moore to take over as receivers coach. Von Miller Womens Jersey . The return match will take place next Wednesday. Udinese leads Fiorentina 2-1 in the other semifinal. Napoli staged a second-half comeback from two goals down after Gervinhos opener and a stunning strike from Kevin Strootman. Chris Berman is taking his Swami Says NFL picks segment to ESPN Chalk. Each week during the NFL regular season, hell give his picks against the spread here with a little further analysis.Season record: 10-2 ATS (last week: 4-1)Washington Redskins at New York Giants?The Redskins are 0-2 (both losses at home) and desperate times call for desperate measures. Look for this team to bounce back and play well in New York. I like Jordan Reed to have a big game, but the Giants seem to have this close-game thing figured out this season. Give me the G-Men to win, Washington to cover.Score: NY Giants 24, Redskins 23ATS pick: WashingtonMinnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers?Carolina clobbers teams at home and I expect nothing short of a great performance from the Panthers, which should give that community a rallying point of togetherness. That being said, Minnesotas defense keeps them in every game. Every game. I understand that Teddy Bridgewater is hurt. And Adrian Peterson. And Matt Kalil, the left tackle. But why wouldnt the D keep them close in this one? I think Carolina wins, but Minnesota plays the Panthers tough.Score: Panthers 23, Vikings 20San Francisco 49ers at Seattle SeahawksThe 49ers are much improved this season under Chip Kelly. I saw it in person Week 1 out in San Francisco in a 28-0 drubbing of the Los Angeles Rams.dddddddddddd But I think Seattle starts to show signs that offense is coming in this one. The defense has shown me the same signs theyve showed for several years; that group has been lights out. Im going to lay the big number, even though thats not my M.O.Score: Seahawks 24, 49ers 13ATS pick: SeattleSan Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts?The Chargers have played seven good quarters, but are only 1-1. I know Keenan Allen is hurt, and Danny Woodhead is out. Indy is 0-2 and will play at hard at home. I get it. But Ive been on San Diego in the past in this spot and I think they get it done again here, winning outright.Score: Chargers 24, Colts 21ATS pick: San DiegoBaltimore Ravens?at Jacksonville JaguarsIve paired the two win-the-game contests here, where the spread isnt as big a factor. Jacksonville has gotten off to a disappointing 0-2 start after many thought theyd be on the rise this season. Baltimore is a veteran team, grinding out wins. Impressive victories over the Browns and Bills? No. But with a veteran coach and a slew of veteran players returning, dont overlook them. Baltimore gets it done on the road.Score: Ravens 22, Jaguars 19ATS pick: Baltimore ' ' '