from Bruce Garrioch of the Ottawa Sun,

The talk has increased in the last few days as the schedule hits the halfway point and teams are starting to get desperate to make moves. Sources say the Rangers, Flames and Philadelphia Flyers are among those making phone calls.

"Teams are thinking they've got to do something now if they're going to stand a chance," said a league executive Friday.

The Rangers, St. Louis Blues and Senators are among several teams looking for a defenceman before the April 3 deadline.

The Penguins won't have C Evgeni Malkin back from a concussion Saturday vs. the Montreal Canadiens Saturday at the Bell Centre, but he is making progress. Many GMs think Pittsburgh's Ray Shero will deal for Calgary's Jarome Iginla.

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