Dan’s Daily: Goalie Goal! Penguins Freedom & Kane Trade Waits

The Pittsburgh Penguins escaped another inexplicable dominating loss and won in overtime. They also found a couple million dollars of salary cap space which should make the final days leading to the NHL trade deadline a little more interesting. Where is the Patrick Kane trade? He’s not yet a New York Ranger. We had a goalie goal, the Nashville Predators are selling, and the number of teams in line for Timo Meier is shrinking as talks get more serious.

I had a blast on TV last night with Jenna Harner and Phil Bourque. We’re doing 11 on the Ice every Saturday for the rest of the season. I must say, it’s pretty, pretty good. And stick tap to Jenna, I told her off the air, and I’ll repeat it here. She knows hockey, and it’s refreshing to see a Pittsburgh TV person know their pucks. If you pay attention to the little stuff she tosses into the mix, you can tell. For years, my biggest criticism of local TV has been mundane and weak hockey coverage while everyone glommed onto the Steelers. The TV seats in the press box are usually empty until March. She breaks that mold. It’s refreshing, and if we can shine some light on the excellent work at WPXI, I’m happy to help.

We’re live tonight at 11:35 with Final Word. Bourqey is going to join us for the first time this year. He and I disagree on a few things. Let the fireworks begin.

Pittsburgh Penguins:

PHN: The Penguins absolutely dominated most of the game yet failed to win in regulation. Again. However, Bryan Rust netted the OT winner. Get the Dave Molinari Penguins recap from St. Louis.

That scar on Bryan Rust’s forehead only makes his words more dramatic, “That’s how we need to play.” Go inside the Penguins’ locker room.

The SHOCKING news on Saturday: Hello, salary cap space! The St. Louis Blues claimed Kasperi Kapanen.

With all that new cap space, Penguins GM Ron Hextall must feel like he just walked into the book fair with fresh kicks and a $10 check from mom. The team could use a third-line center, so let’s redraw the Penguins’ trade possibilities.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

Washington Hockey Now: I know the Penguins have been linked to Jakob Chychrun, but I just don’t see a path. However, Washington is interested, and now they have a bevy of extra picks. Hmmmm… Washington Capitals trade chatter.

And, on the latest PHN trade board, we added Lars Ellers. He opened up to Sammi Silber about the possibility his time with the Capitals is over.

San Jose Hockey Now: Timo Meier to Vegas? Sources tell Sheng Peng that even though there’s no clear path, Vegas is trying hard. San Jose Sharks trade chatter.

TSN: Good news for the Pittsburgh Penguins — the Carolina Hurricanes are OUT on Meier.

32 Thoughts / HNIC: The Nashville Predators have become sellers (put a pin in that, Penguins fans) and the latest on the Patrick Kane saga.

NY Post: A 2024 first-round pick, and Zac Jones? Here’s what Larry Brooks is hearing about the Rangers’ offer for Kane.

Boston Hockey Now: Goalie goal! Linus Ullmark shoots and scores. Check it out — Boston Bruins highlight.

NYI Hockey Now: The Penguins are chasing the Islanders in the playoff race. The Islanders made their move. After 10 games, how is Bo Horvat working out?

Colorado Hockey Now: Nazem Kadri helped Colorado win the Stanley Cup before bolting to Calgary last summer. Before Colorado trounced the Flames Saturday night, Avs fans gave Kadri a hearty standing O. The loss really hurt Calgary in the standings. It took a minute, but the Colorado Avalanche are rolling.

LA Hockey Now: It took a few months, but have the LA Kings found their second line?

Quick trade roundup so far: The Canucks acquired Rangers prospect Vitali Kravtsov for forward Will Lockwood and a 2026 seventh-round pick. The Winnipeg Jets snagged Nino Neiderreiter for a second-round pick.