Western Conference Hottie: Matthew Lombardi (Phoenix Coyotes)

And I SO hoped the Coyotes would take the devils spawn (Red Wings) out of the playoffs. Now it's up to the guppies (Sharks). Which is not the best folks to have to pin our hopes of eliminating our nemesis from the playoffs, considering the guppies usual choke-tacular playoff performances. Oh well, by the time you all read this, we'll likely know which way it went this season.

IMPORTANT HOCKEY STUFF: He played hockey for the LaPresqu'ile minor hockey association before playing junior hockey for the Victoriaville Tigres in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) for four years before. Lombardi was selected in the 2000 Draft 215th overall by the Edmonton Oilers. Lombardi failed to sign with the Oilers, re-entering the draft where he was picked 90th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2002 Draft. His style of play is one of speed and agility, often leading the rush with his great speed and finesse.

Lombardi played in the 2004 Stanley Cup Playoffs, during which he suffered a vicious elbow to the head from Red Wings defenseman Derian Hatcher and was unable to play for several months. The Flames eventually lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game Seven of the Stanley Cup Finals. During the locked-out 2004–05 season, he played for the Flames affiliate Lowell Lock Monsters in the AHL, after he recovered fully from the elbow, returning to the NHL and the Flames when the league resumed play in 2005–06.

He was a member of the 2007 Canadian IIHF World Championship team that won gold in a 4–2 win against Finland in Moscow. During the tournament he scored six goals and had six assists for 12 points, and led the Canada for most points. He also has a wife, Joannie, and a daughter, Rosalie. He also has an Italian heritage.

On March 4, 2009, he was traded along with Brandon Prust and a 1st round draft pick to the Phoenix Coyotes for Olli Jokinen.

On February 8, 2010, he recorded a five point night in a 6-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers.

REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF:  Here we have one, that all you Crosby-junkies will like (hopefully). One Mr. Matthew Lombardi (even his name sounds sexy, think about how it feels coming off your tongue. Then stop right there before continuing your wild [tongue-filled] fantasies and read the rest of this post). He was born in Montreal and was raised in Hudson, Quebec. Although, he has no accent to speak of. (sorry to disappoint you.) He's a former (and now returned to current) Line mate of Shane Doan [Previously on HftL, and also on HftL (and who's dimples are deadly)]. In my opinion, he made major contributions to the Coyotes (short thought it might be) playoff run [yes, I was VERY sad to see them go.)

I'll just simply leave you with these videos. (I think they speak, better than any words I could type, anyway.)

First of all, lets meet him...



Then lets find out some of his favorite things.



And last but not least, lets just keep listening to him talk.



One final question, ladies... Am I the only one who could listen to his voice forever?