Good morning from #gundo. Let’s get down to brass tacks.
-Andrej Sekera did not make it to today’s morning skate. Evidenced by this photo tweeted out by @NHLonNBC, weather played a factor in getting the newest defenseman into town.
-Sekera’s former Sabres teammates Robyn Regehr and Brayden McNabb, and his Slovakia national teammate Marian Gaborik all spoke on behalf of the puck mover, and a story will be out later today. Gaborik said that Sekera will live with him for the time being, while Regehr said that Sekera’s nickname is “Reg,” or perhaps more accurately, “Rej.” Those who fondly recall two different Willies – err, “Willie” and “Stick” – and the Richie/Rick days will rejoice at yet another overlapping tandem of Kings nicknames.
-Other than Sekera drawing in, don’t expect changes to the Kings’ lineup. There were no alterations to forward lines, and Derek Forbort and Andy Andreoff stayed on the ice for extra work with Martin Jones, so they’re likely out. Jonathan Quick left the ice first at the morning skate, so he’s likely to draw his 16th consecutive start tonight against the Senators (7:30 p.m. / FOX Sports West). We’ll see if Darryl Sutter informs us of which defenseman will drop out of the lineup to accommodate Sekera’s presence.
-I’ll join friend of the blog Steve Lloyd on TSN 1200 Ottawa at 2:05 p.m. Pacific Time to discuss the trade and to preview tonight’s game against the Senators. Click here to tune in. Ottawa isn’t holding a morning skate today, so at this point it’s not clear whether the Kings will draw Bowling Green alum Andrew Hammond (3-0-0 / 1.50 / .948) or former Tri City American / Calgary Hitman Chris Driedger (no NHL stats). Even though Hammond played last night in Anaheim (and posted a shutout), this blogger’s money is on him over the goalie who is yet to make his NHL debut. Sens reading, courtesy of the Ottawa Sun: Patrick Wiercioch could be traded, and the Senators took a trip to Beverly Hills. There’s some interesting analysis of the Kings and Ducks from Senators coach Dave Cameron in the second story.
UPDATE, 11:30 a.m. The Sens are holding an optional morning skate, and Craig Anderson and Chris Driedger are the goalies on the ice. As noted earlier this week, Anderson is currently on IR but traveled with the team. There is he possibility he could be activated for tonight’s game.
-There’s still more to come from Dean Lombardi today. Enjoy a busy day on the blog.
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