Dan’s Daily: Trade Deadline Matches; Penguins Falling Fast

Freefall out into nothing. The Pittsburgh Penguins lost their third regulation game in a row with their third disappointing effort in a row and are poised to miss the playoffs for the second season in a row. Penguins love became a funeral pyre Wednesday. Sidney Crosby pushed back, but coach Mike Sullivan was admittedly at a loss. The NHL trade deadline is a light approaching, like a full-speed locomotive coming through the tunnel. Both DFO and TSN played deadline matchmakers. And the hockey world is getting behind Phil Kessel’s attempt to catch on in Vancouver.

Also, Morgan Reilly is appealing his five-game suspension for cross-checking Ridly Greig after a slapper into an empty net. It’s a shame Commissioner Gary Bettman can’t increase the suspension for the audacity to appeal only getting five games.

I’ll just let this marinate with you. Just because people have been clamoring for a rebuild for months doesn’t mean they’ve been vindicated. The situation necessitated going for it. The situation has changed. Realistically, the Penguins have no more than 10 days to turn this 18-wheeler around. That means winning at least three of the next four against the Blackhawks, Kings, Islanders, and Canadiens.

Any less than six points and the small life raft they might be clinging to will have sunk, especially if they don’t beat the Islanders in regulation.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Get dirty details like only Dave Molinari can deliver them. The Penguins recap.

This could be nothing. It could be incredibly bad news. Jake Guentzel left the game in the third period.

PHN Video: The postgame analysis was all about the big picture. From PPG Paints Arena, this cannot continue. Watch the Penguins postgame.

Now the heavy stuff…

President of hockey operations/GM Kyle Dubas wanted his team to determine their direction. Welp, they are sending a message loud and clear. And that message is the Penguins are done.

Molinari’s morning six-pack. Lost in the shuffle, John Ludvig scored his first NHL goal. Oh, and more on the Penguins loss.

Here’s the raw video from the locker room. Sidney Crosby has some pushback. If there’s one player who deserves to believe, it’s him. Coach Mike Sullivan was at a loss. Go inside the Penguins locker room.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now

Ok, we’ll start with the happy stuff.

TSN Video: The hockey world is rooting for Phil Kessel.

TSN Video: Since it was Valentine’s Day, TSN also played NHL trade deadline matchmakers. I haven’t watched it to know where they put Jake Guentzel. I have my own ideas, assuming he’s going to be healthy. Here’s what TSN thinks.

DFO: Frank Seravalli likes Guentzel with Colorado. I don’t agree with that one, but he’s got a good list, and I think his prices are pretty accurate.

Philly Hockey Now: the 20th captain on Broad Street is Sean Couturier. Things are coming up aces and there are good feelings abound for the Philadelphia Flyers.

Chicago Hockey Now: The Penguins face the Blackhawks tonight. Even as the worst team in the league sputters without Connor Bedard, they’re excited by the growth of Kevin Korchinski.