Dan’s Daily: Fleury Denied, Elvis Wants Trade, Penguins Hit by Injury

Published

11 months ago

January 13, 2024

Pittsburgh Penguins, Marc-Andre Fleury, NHL trade

RALEIGH, N.C. — So close, but Minnesota Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury was on the wrong end of a Philadelphia Flyers comeback and missed another chance to become the second-winningest goalie in NHL history. Goalies dominate the news today as Pittsburgh Penguins netminder Tristan Jarry addressed the new net-share role, and Columbus Blue Jackets’ tendy Elvis Merzlikins is on the NHL trade block by mutual agreement. The Penguins were also hit by an injury that might open a lineup spot, and Dave Molinari wonders if a strong second half can make the Penguins whole.

The drive to Raleigh was long … looonnng and rainy, and incredibly windy, especially over the West Virginia mountains. My goal of getting here in time for dinner vanished when I had some business to handle in Pittsburgh. The idea of exploring this little city was replaced with a Long John Silvers drive-thru somewhere in WV. Long John’s is always tempting, like a siren calling sailors to the rocks … and always a mistake.

After being up all night Thursday working on some business things and the ugly drive to Raleigh, I was never so happy as when I pulled into this Red Roof Inn and Celebrity Resort.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Tristan Jarry didn’t flinch. He relieved Alex Nedeljkovic Thursday night and was very good. That doesn’t end the goalie battle, and Jarry steered into the skid, both admitting that it existed and how it should work. Go inside the Penguins locker room.

Dave Molinari had a sit-down with Bryan Rust. Can a good second half make the Penguins whole?

And the bad news on Friday was the injury update. Reilly Smith is out longer term.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now

TSN: Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins hasn’t played since Dec. 29, and he drew a line in the sand. He wants out or wants to play. The team agreed, and we’ll see what happens next on the NHL trade market.

Pioneer Press: Denied. Fleury had the historic win within his grasp, but a Flyers comeback ruined it. In fact, Fleury didn’t give the Penguins any help, and the Flyers won. Here’s the Fleury letdown from the Minnesota side.

Philly Hockey Now: Fleury’s pursuit meant nothing to the Philadelphia side. The Flyers rallied for a big win and kept pace ahead of the Penguins. The top of the Philadelphia Flyers lineup is coming through.

New Jersey Hockey Now: The Devils are part of the six-team gaggle fighting for playoff spots in the Eastern Conference. The biggest thing holding back the swamp monsters is goaltending. Good news for the Penguins as things have hit a low point, and it is bad news for the New Jersey Devils.

Montreal Hockey Now: One center who could really help a few teams in the middle six is Sean Monahan. He’s healthy. He’s having a decent season. Here are the most likely suitors for the Montreal Canadiens‘ center.

Sportsnet: The team no one is talking about. The Winnipeg Jets are atop the NHL. Can they get even better?

It’s not quite a fight, and it’s in the minors, and it’s a former Penguins goalie. Louis Domingue really … really wanted a piece of former Penguins forward Garret Wilson.