Dan’s Daily: ‘Hawks Slam Trouba, Penguins Make a Point

As we begin the Daily, I think you will find the Chicago Blackhawks’ utter disdain and condemnation of Jacob Trouba satisfying. The NHL hasn’t felt compelled to protect the melons of its featured attractions, but players may soon seek frontier justice. There was more negative fallout from Blues goalie Jordan Binnington’s outburst against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday. The Montreal Canadiens may be the perfect partners for Brock Boeser on the NHL trade dance floor, and we have a Tom Wilson update.

I know, I know, you’ve been clamoring for more Tom Wilson and Trouba news.

Dave Molinari lugged the puck on Sunday with some great content on PHN. He’s not just here for his pretty face, he’s also a pretty good writer. I was able to focus on the Steelers game and immensely enjoy it when Barry Bonds and the ‘roiders were kept out of the Baseball Hall of Fame. There’s a satisfying element of justice to that.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: After six games of ice-cold stats, the Penguins’ second line with Evgeni Malkin, Jason Zucker, and Bryan Rust had a point to make. So they made it, over and 10 times over again. Rust and Zucker busted out for the Penguins.

Dave was reliving old times at the hockey barn, watching the chaos with Binnington and the Penguins. In the 12 and 18-team NHL days, the Blues and Penguins had a wild rivalry. The Penguins PK is vastly improved, but where are the fans at PPG? The Pittsburgh Penguins notebook.

Steelers Now:

The Steelers win. Barely. They were the least of the two bad teams on Sunday as another good first half became another bad second half. A 16-3 lead became a 19-16 win.

• One WR was frustrated (for good reason). George Pickens got two targets on Sunday. Two. “Throw me the f***ing ball,” he could be seen yelling on the Steelers sideline.
• T.J Watt was questionable for the game. He didn’t have a dominant performance, but he played. Mike Tomlin said Watt was “pretty beat up” after the Steelers win.
• Here are ALL of the stories from the win over Atlanta. The Steelers Aftermath.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

Another sad day in the history of Bob Nutting’s ownership. Is there any other kind? Star player Brian Reynolds wants out and has requested a trade. John Perotto confirmed the story first reported by Jason Mackey. Here’s the latest on the Pirates trade request.

John was en route to the winter meetings in San Diego (poor John, eh?). There’s no better baseball reporter when it comes to hand-to-hand combat in those meetings.

• John is reporting — there are plenty of suitors already lining up for Brian Reynolds.
• In addition to the trade request, there are a few other storylines to follow with GM Ben Cherrington and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

I’m blessed to work with guys like Molinari and Perrotto. They are the best this town has to offer. It’s like a murderer’s row of old-school reporters who get the story.

NHL Trade, News & National Hockey Now:

Montreal Hockey Now: If Brock Boeser is on the NHL trade block, the best fit and best available trade package looks like the Montreal Canadiens.

Washington Hockey Now: Tom Wilson should begin skating in a more official capacity within a couple of weeks. Beware, Metro Division, the Washington Capitals bruiser is on his way.

Sportsnet: Andreas Athanasiou didn’t mince words or play nice. Jacob Trouba came for his head at full speed and nearly succeeded. “If you can’t help the team, I guess you try to hurt guys on the other team,” Athanasiou torched the Rangers head hunter.

TSN: Analyst Marty Biron didn’t speak well of Jordan Binnginton’s run of dumb antics, including his meltdown against the Penguins, “What are you doing?” TSN video.

NYI Hockey Now: If you’re wondering, Jean-Gabriel Pageau will probably kick your arse in ping pong. More from the New York Islanders champ.

Dallas Hockey Now: If you watched the Twitter feed of the reporters, the Dallas-Minnesota game was nuts. Within a few-minute stretch of the third period, each team filled the net with a few goals. The Dallas Stars mounted a furious comeback to net a shootout point.

Detroit: The stock index is all over the map in Detroit. Hot and cold. Up and down. They are learning what it takes to be competitive and stay in a playoff position. Check out the burgeoning Detroit Red Wings.