Bombshells dropped Friday night. First, Nikita Kucherov sent social media into a tizzy by holding an in-person meeting with management and then making his trade request public. The Tampa Bay Lightning dropped an elbow from the top rope by coldly declining his request. Elsewhere, the NHL trade talk around Dylan Larkin is scattered as the Detroit Red Wings told him to expand his list. And the fallout from his suspension continues. And lastly, it seems the Pittsburgh Penguins might have a goalie problem they didn’t anticipate.

And Boko Imama had what might become the fight of the year for the Florida Panthers.

Given the short turnaround–one game and back–in Montreal, I’m actually not staying in Montreal. That’s a bit disappointing, but the flight prices and hotel prices for an in-and-out were silly. So, I drove up Friday, but I’m staying in my little town of Brockville, on the St. Lawrence.

One of the three bars open is my usual stop, but I wanted to try something different. The second was having a Rocky Horror party, but I didn’t feel like being Brad. Or Frank N Furter. So, I stopped into the third for dinner. The special was Buffalo Chicken poutine (about $12 USD). And a local blonde ale ($5). Ummm, heck yes.

Those prices made me feel like I was doing the Time Warp again.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Thanks, Shelly! Shells had practice Friday. Sidney Crosby talked about his rough start to the season, and the team is still lacking the one thing they desperately want. Get the Penguins practice report.

Arturs Silovs is roaring to begin the season. On the one hand, that is great, but on the other, it does contribute to a somewhat unwanted situation for the Penguins’ goaltending.

PHN+: For our subscribers, the weekly locker room insider column. I really, really liked this one because we had some consequential conversations this week. From Rickard Rakell spilling the details on the top line, to a unique way to deal with trade talk, and some honesty that might shed some light on the struggles this season regarding the Penguins’ system.

Bad news for Wilkes-Barre:

NHL Trade Talk, News, & NHN

Sportsnet: The first report came from Elliotte Friedman. Nikita Kucherov and agent Dan Milstein had an in-person meeting with Tampa Bay Lightning management. Kucherov told them he wouldn’t re-sign and he wants a trade.

However, is a trade coming? Maybe not. Tampa Bay GM Julien Brisebois quickly released a blunt statement following the flurry of reports.

“We are aware of the media reports regarding the future of Nikita Kucherov with the Lightning,” the statement from Brisebois reads. “We unequivocally have no intention of trading Nikita.

Boom.

TSN video: I hope American audiences can watch. Apologies if you can’t. Temporary GM Shawn Horcoff delivered a straight right hand: If Dylan Larkin wants out, then he should expand his trade list. It’s still piping hot with the Detroit Red Wings

Elliotte Friedman used 32 Thoughts to dish on what happens next for Larkin.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Connor Hellebuyck is transforming the New Jersey Devils. They steamrolled the Vegas Golden Knights Thursday. It’s coming up aces for Hellebuyck and the Devils.

Philly Hockey Now: I know many of you love to hate read the work in Philly, especially when the Philly Flyers are in pain. Players are calling the team soft. Where will the reality check come from for the Flyers?

Montreal Hockey Now: You might get a good look at the Calder Trophy winner Saturday when the Penguins visit the Montreal Canadiens. Rookie goalie Jacob Fowler is stealing the show, and the Canadiens have won four straight in regulation.

And check this tilt. Boko was throwing hands. Over a minute long.