Dan’s Daily: New Names on Trade Block; Penguins, Crosby Drama

NEW YORK — And away we go. The Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby are keeping quiet about what’s next. The center is injured to some degree and left practice Thursday. Also, the Penguins’ business operations are undergoing another big change. Elsewhere, some new names are on the NHL trade block, Connor Bedard swatted away recent harsh criticisms from national TV broadcasts, Drew O’Connor potted the winner for Vancouver, and petty spite might have played a role in shaping Team Canada’s goaltending situation.

Thank you for indulging me in this little respite. I haven’t written much (that you’ve seen with my byline) over the last two days, but it feels like I’ve been in constant motion. Dave had Penguins practice Thursday and the unfolding Sidney Crosby drama. I also took a meeting yesterday that I hope advances Hockey Now, but I’ve been down that road in this city before only to be sorely disappointed, if not completely angered, by the results.

If you’re in New York or planning to visit soon, I found a new must-visit spot. I did find a steak under $50–Skirt Steak at 29th and 6th. From 5-6 p.m., it’s only $35 (only $45 after 6). They operate only a Prix Fix menu. A pretty darned good salad, unlimited frites, and skirt steak. Actually, they ONLY serve skirt steak, hence the name. I added the carmelized brussel sprouts with bacon, which were amazing, too. The steak was spectacular. Absolutely perfect. Get it rare.

If you are in New York for the Penguins game tomorrow, may I strongly recommend Skirt Steak. Absolutely unbelievable. I got there before 6, so it was only $35, but it’s only 45 after six. 10/10. 29th and 6th. pic.twitter.com/IMCbg0iXZf

— Dan Kingerski (@TheDanKingerski) February 6, 2025

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: First up, the drama. There’s a real possibility that the Penguins will be without Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin for the two games that could drive the final nail into their coffin this weekend. Will Rickard Rakell play center? Dave Molinari was all over the big issue at Penguins practice.

For the second time in a few years, the head of the Penguins’ business operations is stepping aside. The affable and positive Kevin Acklin is leaving the organization.

PODCAST! I was able to check into my hotel early on Thursday (The Wednesday trip was spur of the moment, so I stayed elsewhere), which gave us the time to dig into a Live Chat and No Pucks Given podcast. Acklin was a topic, and the angry crowd showed up, too. From Penguins trade talk to playoffs?!, to Crosby and the business operations with Fenway Sports Group, here’s everything in the Penguins podcast.

Sportsnet: Drew O’Connor on the ice in overtime? Yep. O’Connor had six shots on goal and won the game with an overtime penalty shot. Go, Drew.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now

TSN: The new name on the NHL trade block is Brayden Schenn, who could fetch a substantial haul. Brock Nelson? And the Columbus Blue Jackets will be moderate buyers at the trade deadline.

Alex Ovechkin scored again. No story to read. He scored … again. No. 879.

Chicago Hockey Now: Swatting away criticism, which was valid but heavy–A couple of broadcasters, including Paul Bissonnette, blistered Connor Bedard.

Vegas Hockey Now: No sympathy for the Devils. After some recent malaise, the VGK helped the Penguins and vanquished the Devils. The Vegas Golden Knights roared to life.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Stefan Noesen is becoming quite the story this season. From big goals, big hits, and now big words after the loss to Vegas. Noesen called out his New Jersey Devils.

Some trade chatter is that the Ducks are taking calls on Trevor Zegras. Those reports were funny only because the Ducks have been making and taking calls on Zegras for two years.

DFO: Before some teams can move forward at the NHL trade deadline, they will have to dump salary. Including a couple of Toronto Maple Leafs, here are six salary dumps to watch.

Philadelphia Hockey Now: John Tortorella has benched Matvei Michkov a few times and had a few loud discussions, “If I had it to do over…” Torts talked about how he’s dealing with his incredibly talented wild-child rookie for the Philadelphia Flyers.