Things really heating up, working the phones...so I will make this quick...pun intended...
On LA Kings...
The Kings and Lombardi are suddenly getting way more aggressive than most felt they would...and I have a theory. Dean Lombardi and Coach Sutter have suddenly discovered they are on the hot seat in a big way. I reported on a rumor last week that Lombardi may get moved upstairs and Rob Blake would take over. That is NOT something Lombardi would be happy about. Dean is a GM through and through and while it is hard to remember back to before the Kings won their Cups...Lombardi was a survivor and really almost lost his job a few times...and whenever he was backed into a corner he would come out fighting..that's why Mike Richards and Jeff Carter happened...
Now I am hearing ownership is beginning to feel like the Kings' window is closing faster than they were letting on. The Kings have really struggled to score beyond Carter and while they got remarkable goaltending in Quick's absence, suddenly they are looking at an experienced backup for Quick and have inquired about Bishop and Miller....and they will be calling about Landeskog too I am told..
If he goes down, Lombardi will go down swinging..
Last night Quick was fantastic against the Ducks and Carter was as well...but after the game LA still called about Bishop and Miller...
Speaking of aggressive.....
Montreal isn't just sitting around waiting to see if Sakic is really going to pull the trigger on a Duchene deal...A well placed source tells me today the Canadiens have contacted Tampa to see if Drouin is available...I have not heard the answer they received, and we know Jonathan Drouin has essentially moved way beyond the world of trade demands and walking out on an AHL game...BUT many believe Jonathan Drouin was the vital part of the ill-faited Shattenkirk deal...
On Forsberg and the Predators...
It's really simple...If Filip Forsberg stays even HALF this hot, the Preds are not only a playoff team, but a Cup contender...After two straight games with Hattricks, Forsberg got a goal and two assists last night...This may seem unbelievable, but this is how Forsberg rolls...He has been very streaky and when he gets going look out..Nashville needs him badly...
By the way, If I could be one place today it would be in Nashville at 4:30 today as Connor McDavid rolls into town...THAT will be a fantastic game. You may not find two faster teams...
Coming up today...
In the early afternoon, after many more hours on my phone, I will be updating the chart, posting more rumors and adding my extended thoughts on the outdoor game last night and what might be coming from the Pennsylvania teams over the next few days. Not all is quite as it seems...