Dan’s Daily: Pens News, Marleau Ties Howe, Canucks Still Ravaged by COVID

The Pittsburgh Penguins did enough for 50 minutes to outlast the Buffalo Sabres in the final 10 minutes. Former Penguins defenseman Jamie Oleksiak was a popular target at the NHL trade deadline, and it sounds like Dallas is doing all they can to keep him. Patrik Marleau caught Gordie Howe in games played, and the Vancouver Canucks are still ravaged or savaged by the effects of COVID-19.

We’ll start locally.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins hung on to Beat Buffalo 3-2. Here’s the Penguins recap and our 3 Stars. 

During the NBC broadcast, Pierre McGuire dropped a little Sidney Crosby praise and a bit of a defense. He called Crosby “the most disrespected player in our game.”

PHN+: For the deeper hockey fans, get the report card and Xs and Os analysis. 

NHL news

Sportsnet Video: On Hockey Night in Canada, Elliotte Friedman had more on the Vancouver Canucks, who are still decimated by the COVID-19 P1 variant that ripped through their team a couple of weeks ago. And Jamie Oleksiak was a popular target at the NHL trade deadline. 

The dichotomy between the world’s vaccine rollout and the U.S.’s swift movement is startling. Places that had good vaccine plans are seeing cases and, more importantly, deaths plummet (It’s not a coincidence!). Canada is experiencing its worst spike in new cases. A playoff bubble in the U.S. for the Canadian teams may become a necessity.

Montreal Gazette: For those who pay attention to prospects, especially American prospects, Cole Caufield was the Montreal Canadiens 2019 first-round pick (15th overall). He tore up the Big 10 at Wisconsin, then landed well in the AHL with Laval. The Canadiens fans are clamoring for the prospect to hit NHL ice.

He could be the best get at the NHL trade deadline, but cap issues have docked Caufield on the taxi squad. 

San Jose Hockey Now: Patrick Marleau tied Gordie Howe for the most games played in NHL history. 

National Hockey Now

Philly: Wade Allison looked like a player. But Philly suffered another listless loss. 

Boston: Jeremy Swayman may save the Bruins net. The kid is on fire and looks like a star in the making. 

NYI: Swayman shut out the New York Islanders, who are now in third place. 

Vegas: After Fleury won #485, it was Robin Lehner’s turn to dominate Anaheim. 

Colorado: Uh oh. More positive COVID tests inside the Colorado Avalanche. Things are now paused and getting more serious.