Dan’s Daily: Penguins Alternatives, Blues Available, & Capitals Clinging

Greetings from somewhere on Long Island. The Pittsburgh Penguins meet the New York Islanders tonight at UBS Arena. The Daily is a hodgepodge–no themes. The latest 32 Thoughts from Ellotte Friedman at Sportsnet was long on “possibility” but short on details. That underscores how difficult this NHL trade deadline will be for most teams. Want and need are outpaced by “inability.” Jakob Chychrun is not with the LA Kings, Columbus hasn’t been able to deal Vladislav Gavrikov, and teams like Edmonton and Boston are kicking everyone’s tires.

There is also drama in D.C. The Washington Capitals are now clinging to the final wild-card spot by percentage points over Florida.

Also … !!!

We're BACK Saturday morning with the best in the game for @Penguins coverage. @JennaHarner11 @pbourque29 and @TheDanKingerski from @pghhockeyNOW – Join us this Saturday! #LetsGoPens #WPXI pic.twitter.com/H9S3OfnoRg

— The Final Word (@WPXIFinalWord) February 17, 2023

We’re live Saturday morning because the Penguins play at 5:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates (Now Sports Group)

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: It will be a culture shock. The Penguins made a pit stop in Pittsburgh to practice on their way from sunny and beautiful California to Long Island. Here’s the Pittsburgh Penguins practice report.

The NHL trade rumors rarely include the Penguins, but perhaps we’ve been looking at the deadline all wrong. Could the Penguins acquire a defenseman? Is there an alternative to finding a third-line center? Read on — Penguins trade deadline.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now — John Perrotto is in Bradenton.

PBN+: Ke’Bryan Hayes was snubbed for a Gold Glove. Manager Brian Shelton has an idea why. Pittsburgh Pirates spring training.

Brian Reynolds wants to be paid. He doesn’t hate the Pirates and doesn’t want out, but… Here’s the face-to-face from Pirates Spring Training.

A lofty goal this season for Oneil Cruz.

Steelers Now:

You may recognize a hot name in free agency – Javon Hargrave.

Besides the offensive lines, where else do the Steelers need help?

NHL Trade Chatter, News & National Hockey Now:

Sportsnet: The latest 32 Thoughts. Chychrun. Kings. Edmonton. Karlsson. This is the land confusion. NHL trade chatter is heavy on “interested, but…”  Here’s the latest from the heavy hitter.

TSN Insiders: St. Louis dealt Tarasenko. Ryan O’Reilly and bottom-sixers are available. But what about that big-name blue line? The rumblings sound like the Blues are willing to trade defensemen.

Colton Parayko, Nick Leddy. Those would be nice returns.

Calgary Hockey Now: Stanley Cup intentions have become a wild, emotional roller coaster in Calgary. Canadian media has pounced. The defending Jack Adams winner is on the hot seat, and Steve Macfarlane wonders if the attitude is wrong with the Calgary Flames.

Montreal Hockey Now: God love the Canadiens. The endless storylines, the kids playing their hearts out, and the fans who chant and sing with passion for their team. Despite a loss to Carolina, the legend of Rafael Harvey-Pinard grows.

Sean Monahan would be a nice chip to deal, but he’s injured. And the Montreal Canadiens are running out of time.

Colorado Hockey Now: Evan Rawal looks at the coming NHL trade deadline — who can the Avalanche trade away?

Metro Division, Penguins Playoff Rivals:

Washington Hockey Now: The Capitals lost to Florida. T.J. Oshie mixed it up with Matthew Tkachuk. “What are we waiting for,” he asked. Oshie is trying–trying–to spark the Washington Capitals.

Florida: Florida is now tied with Washington for the final wild-card spot. Florida has played one more game, but it’s game on after the Florida Panthers won 6-3.

NYI Hockey Now: Getting comfy? Worried? Our Stefen Rosner goes one-on-one with new New York Islanders center Bo Horvat.

Detroit: Knock knock. Five wins in a row as the Red Wings beat Calgary. Motor City is excited. Two points out of the playoffs. Yep, the Detroit Red Wings.