The Kings haven't had much luck lately (four straight losses) and they never win in Nashville (seven straight losses to Preds), so they rolled the dice and let Bernier make his sixth career start in a critical late-season game. The result: both losing streaks ended and Bernier registered his first career shutout in a 2-0 Los Angeles win that reduced the Kings' playoff magic number to six. Bernier (34 saves) made 15 stops in the second period alone while the game was deadlocked 0-0. Bernier, who was recalled just Monday from Manchester of the AHL, earned himself a longer stay with the Kings. "He's going to be on that plane," coach Terry Murray told LAKingsinsider.com.
What could be better than Christmas?? Hockey trade deadline day, that is what. I love trade deadline day. Who will get dealt? How many 'shocker' trades will happen? Will your favorite team/players be impacted? It is better than Christmas! I guess it is mainly because I am Santa at my house so there is no anticipation or surprise when it comes to Christmas, it actually produces stress more than anything else, but trade deadline is full of both and it is awesome!
We sort of have 2 trade deadline days this season due to the Olympic break and freeze on trades come Feb 12. Trading can then take place again between the end of the month and March 3.
So far, some pretty big names have been moved around and it is still early. What will come next??
DALLASNEWS.COM: Mike Heika reports Stars GM Joe Nieuwendyk is frustrated over his team's poor performance of late but after meeting with his staff believes it's best to allow his current roster to play its way out of its current woes. Nieuwendyk has been considering potential trades but ultimately he doesn't believe there's currently anything out there which can help the club, which is built on its current budget and that isn't going to change. Heika also reported on Steve Ott's contract talks with the club, which he claimed are cordial as Ott wants to remain in Dallas but it's difficult to define his worth right now.
SPECTOR'S NOTE: That's not to suggest the Stars won't make any trades but currently there's little available in the market to help them. It could be at least another month before such an opportunity arises and even then that's no guarantee of improvement. As for Ott the Stars obviously want to keep him but if his asking price proves too steep they'll focus on other issues and look elsewhere. Goalie Marty Turco has been struggling and Nieuwendyk could decide in the off-season it's more important to replace him than to retain Ott.
Nieuwy, you listen to me and you listen good. You will keep Otter. You can have someone talk Modano into finally retiring and ship Turco off to somewhere else to run his mouth (and this actually pains me to say as I heart the Marty but he has disappointed me with his 'tude and his new-found fishy flop play -- which IS NOT WORKING!!) but do NOT even let there be a slight implication that Ott will not be resigned by the Stars cuz dude, you do not even know pissed off. People here love him and they'll HATE you to the tune of not resting til you are run out of town to go hide with Barry Switzer in some God forsaken place like Oklahoma if you go and do something stupid like not resign Ott. He wants to stay. We need him.
Remember when that dumbass Armstrong was the GM here and we had the ever fabulous Jason Arnott? He wanted to stay here too. What did that assclown Armstrong do? He did not resign Arnott so he could sign that washed up overly concussed has-been Eric Lindros. (OMG my blood pressure just went up a good 15 pts) Arnott went to Nashville where he's now their CAPTAIN and has torn it the F up there. He coulda kept tearin it the F up here.
Seriously... dont be Doug Armstrong. Plus I'll make YOU explain to my 11yo why her Otter had to go away. She's good and hormonal at this age.... oh and she's a GOALIE. You really want to have to do that? I'm thinkin no. An 11yo goalie with PMS... Just sayin :)
That is all.
[source for below info: http://bleacherreport.com/tb/b2lQc ]
But even more telling was Marty Turco's words about Sean Avery, which Andrew Gross had in his post-game wrap-up at Rangers Rants:
"I would have loved to have seen that delinquent do that for us last year," Turco said. "I didn't think it possible. He has a good shot and he's always worked hard. His intelligence on the ice has always been an issue and was with us when he was here."
…Woah there, Marty. While Turco was one of the Stars who couldn't wait to get rid of Avery, calling him a 'delinquent' is a bit harsh. As it is, Turco looked unsteady and unconfident in the net last night, giving up some huge rebounds, and the Rangers took full advantage of it, which is all that matters. Maybe that played a part in his comments. Either way, it's nice to see Avery get revenge on the Stars, and Turco, in particular.
