Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Rats Subject of Trade Rumors

Minneapolis, MN – The Minnesota Rink Rats neared a big deal last night which would've sent veterans Jamie Langenbrunner and Jason Blake to the Niagara Ice Dogs for a package of prospects. As the deal was close to being finalized, Minnesota management continued to debate the subject and sent a strong message to the team - we're here to win. The team obviously responded with a 7-3 thumping over the Vancouver Voodoo in which Jason Blake had 2 goals and 2 assists and though Jamie Langenbrunner stayed off the score sheet, his presence was more than felt on the ice.

The Rats have plenty of talent and one of the best goaltenders in the world so if things start to click and the team can find the right chemistry, they may be able to repeat some of the magic of last year's Cyber Cup run. Derek Roy, who has been nursing a wrist injury all season, is proving that his minor injury isn't going to keep him off the score sheet. Although his minutes have declined and he's currently playing on the 3rd line, Roy has really started to come to life and leads the team in points with 19 (6 goals, 13 assists). The Rats are rolling 3 lines pretty evenly as they hope their balanced attack will help keep their legs fresh towards the end of the season. And although they don't have any league leaders, Minnesota has 10 players over 10 points.

Up next the Rink Rats prepare to take on the Express who have struggled thus far this season but still boast one of the most talented rosters in the league. The Rink Rats will not overlok their upcoming opponent, and hope to show management the decision to pass on quality prospects was the right one. If the Rink Rats continue to falter over the next 20 games, they could definitely be sellers by the All-Star Game.

Rumors have the Rink Rats still negotiating with the Icedogs in what could be a prospect swap but nothing has been confirmed and details are vague.

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