The biggest news coming out of morning skate today is that Tanner Pearson MIGHT make his NHL debut in Game 3. Originally selected by the Kings in the first round of the 2012 draft, Pearson played in Manchester this season and has already been tabbed as LA’s second best prospect behind Tyler Toffoli.
According to various reports, coach Darryl Sutter wouldn’t say if he’s going with with 11 forwards and seven defenseman tonight or if Pearson will make his debut. So, look for an update during warm-ups around 5:30 pm PST.
In the meantime, here’s a conversation MayorsManor had with Pearson yesterday afternoon.
– On getting a chance to be on the Black Aces and skating with the team:
“It’s pretty amazing. I was coming here, didn’t think I was going to be with the team, just with the big guys from Manch, and then skating like that. But to be invited to practices and then to do warm-up and that kind of thing, it’s exciting.”
– On who gave him the news of moving up:
“Nelly. He told me after practice one day that I was going to be with these guys the next day. I thought I was going to be practicing here with the guys and then Stolly got hurt and I got invited to pre-game skate and that kind of thing.”
– On taking part in the game 2 warm-ups:
“I sent texts to everyone in my family and let them know what was going on. I think they were pretty happy for me, too. I think they watched all of warm ups to see if they could find something.”
– On being one of the top prospects:
“I don’t think you can look too much into it. I went into Manch expecting to be like a role guy, but then it turned out I played with Veysie, on a line with Veysie and Toff. And that ended up being one of the best lines (“White Line”) on our team. We’re relied on to produce and we do our thing and they ended up bumping me up.”
– On if he can think of a better name for the “White Line”:
“I don’t think so. White line. It was whatever color we were wearing for jerseys, that was the name.”
ggg
