As the Islanders opened their 9 game road trip in Detroit, GM Lawrence Linke apparantly had other things on his mind. Between periods of the nationally televised game last night E J McGuire stated that he has it from a very good source that the Islanders are actively engaged in trade discussions with a team from the Western conference. At the post game press conference Linke attempted to dodge the question. When asked if a trade for King Henrik was immient, Linke's answer was "we have to get better on the power play. We had nine opportunities and it is an absolute crime that we only scored one.

As for the game, Andrew Shaw opened the scoring for the Red Wings but Ryan Ellis answered with a power play goal before the end of the period. After a scoreless second period, Henrik Zettenberg scored two minutes in the third period. Alex Killorn scored an empty net goal for the final 3 to 1 score.

When pressured about the trade rumor, Linke responded with his stock answer. I don't discuss trade talks or free agent signings to the press. He did state he would be remiss if he didn't listen to any GM who wanted to talk, as long the other GM wasn't trying to "Kirk" him. 

The trip doesn't get any easier as the Islanders head to Montreal to face the Canadians who are 4th overall in the league standings, two points ahead of the 5th place Islanders.