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1. 49ers, Sharks Join Forces
First, wideout Michael Crabtree threw his hat into the ring, supporting the San Jose Sharks in their first NHL playoff matchup despite his allegiances to his hometown Dallas Stars. Add linebacker NaVorro Bowman and left tackle Joe Staley to the Sharks bandwagon. Bowman posted this video on his Instagram account, Staley Tweeted this on his way to the game, an eventual 6-3 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Kings. Both players were all about the #BeatLA hashtag.
>>Our #Niners365 blog explained Crabtree's crossover to the Sharks.
- Drafting Injured PlayersIs there an advantage to doing so? The 49ers, which selected Garrett Celek (second round) and Marcus Lattimore (fourth) as well as Quinton Dial (fifth) a year ago, had 11 picks to work with in the 2013 NFL Draft. With a deep roster, they had fewer spots to fill. So drafting players with rehabs to complete made sense. Lattimore and Carradine didn't play at all, and Dial was eased into the defensive line rotation late in the season.
General manager Trent Baalke and Co. have 11 picks again this year, so will they employ a similar strategy?
>>The 49ers were reportedly one of 17 NFL teams to attend the pro day of Florida defensive lineman Dominique Easley, who tore his ACL a second time last September.
>>If San Francisco's veteran defense suffers any injuries, reserve linebacker Dan Skuta pronounced himself ready to contribute.
- Around the League
>>Draft prospect Marqise Lee said he hopes he ends up going to the Detroit Lions at pick No. 10.
>>Chad Johnson has signed a two-year contract with... the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.
