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Caps Go After Filatov? (Oilers, Kings also interested) Mueller, Clowe, more

December 14, 2009, 1:51 PM ET [ Comments]
Eklund
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Rumours...

Start today off with Nikita Filatov. With the Capitals officially lending out Nylander to Grand Rapids (I am still hearing he is headed to Jokerit in Finland) they have freed up some serious scratch to make the #1 team even better. The Caps will long-term use the money to try to keep the team together (Backstrom and Semin are due soon) but I am also told that Caps ownership smells blood, and that means that the Caps are going for broke this year.

Filatov of course is currently in Russia on loan. The Jackets are saying that it is only for a year and that they expect him back, but Scott Howson gave an in interesting clue when quoted back in November in the Columbus Dispatch (the paper has an ownership stake in the team btw.) Howson said, "It will be a year away from the North American style where he's not adjusting to our game."

So if they aren't happy with his ability to adjust to the North American game, why would you send him back for a year to play in the style he is trying to grow away from if you intended to bring him back next year? Will this really be good for him?

I am hearing rather that at least 3 teams have interest in Filatov. The Capitals, Oilers, and LA Kings. I also am hearing the Blues and Predators names being mentioned with Filatov, but there is a strong suspicion that he won't be dealt in the division.

It is uncertain if Filatov must remain in Russia this season since any agreements between the NHL and KHL are blurry at best.

Peter Mueller to NY Islanders (e3)

There is an interesting history behind this trade rumor. The Isles you remember had a chance to pick Mueller in the draft and went with Okposo instead. Mueller was drafted with the very next pick. There has been speculation that the Leafs made an offer, but if Brian Burke was high on Mueller why was he not even invited to the USA Olympic Camp?

Mueller has struggled and looks to people around the team very much like a player who may benefit enormously from a fresh start.

Teams interested in Ryan Clowe?

To be clear, the Sharks aren't shopping Clowe. But I have heard that NJ and Ottawa have an interest.

3-Stars...

The NHL has put out their weekly 3 Star press release, and a few goalies make this week's list... The following is from the NHL:

FIRST STAR -- JONATHAN QUICK, G, LOS ANGELES KINGS

Quick posted a 3-0-0 record with a 1.58 goals-against average and .941 save percentage, helping the Kings (21-10-3) leap to first place in the Western Conference. He recorded 26 saves in a 2-1 win over the Calgary Flames Dec. 7, turned aside 29 shots and five of eight shootout attempts in a 3-2 victory over the Phoenix Coyotes Dec. 10 and finished the week by stopping 25 shots and all four shootout attempts in a 3-2 win over the Dallas Stars Dec 12. Appearing in 31 of the Kings' 34 games, the 23-year-old Milford, Conn. native ranks second among NHL goaltenders in victories (19-9-3) and has posted a 2.60 goals-against average and .903 save percentage. He is on track to become the first goaltender in franchise history to reach the 20-win mark in fewer than 40 team games (fastest was Mario Lessard, 40 games, 1980-81).

SECOND STAR -- DANIEL SEDIN, LW, VANCOUVER CANUCKS

Sedin led the NHL in goals (five) and points (seven) last week, recording multiple points in each outing as the Canucks (18-14-0) posted two victories in three games. He began the week by tallying a goal and an assist in a 4-2 loss to the Nashville Predators Dec. 8 and scored three goals, including the game-winner, in a 4-2 win over the Atlanta Thrashers Dec. 10. For Sedin, who missed 18 games early in the season with a broken foot, the outburst doubled his goal total for the season and marked his third career hat trick. He closed the week by notching one goal and one assist in a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild Dec 12.

THIRD STAR -- ILYA BRYZGALOV, G, PHOENIX COYOTES

Bryzgalov posted a 2-0-1 record with a 0.97 goals-against average, .968 save percentage and one shutout as the Coyotes improved to 19-11-2. He stopped all 28 shots for his 12th career shutout in a 2-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild Dec. 7, blocked 26 shots in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Los Angeles Kings Dec. 10 and made a season-high 37 saves in a 2-1 win over the San Jose Sharks Dec. 12. Bryzgalov has started 12 consecutive games for the Coyotes, going 8-2-2 in that span, and has allowed two or fewer goals in each of his past eight starts. He is tied for the League lead in shutouts (four), ranks second in goals-against average (1.95), shares third place in victories (18-8-2) and is fifth in save percentage (.928).


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