Dan’s Daily Links: UFA Rumors & Mike Bales Dishes on Fleury, Penguins

What a glorious sight it must have been in Boston last night as the Carolina Hurricanes put on the green “retro” Hartford Whaler unis which are their third jersey. And old Whalers-Bruins tilt necessarily brings memories of Cam Neely vs. Ulf Samuelsson. Also, the NHL GMs are discussing helmet rules and there are emerging rumors about more pending UFAs. Unfortunately for the Pittsburgh Penguins, their playoff spot competitors are playing well.

Former Penguins coach Mike Bales talked about Marc-Andre Fleury, the Carolina Hurricanes goaltending turnaround and his dismissal from the Penguins (ESPN)

Really great stuff from Greg Wyshinski. His features make him one of the best writers going.

The Penguins won in OT over Florida. Coming up at 9:00 a.m., PHN will have Mike Sullivan’s demonstrative explanation of overtime principles and why he’s been unhappy with the Penguins. In the meantime, get the PHN Extra Report Card from the Penguins win (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

Carolina Hurricanes also went to overtime–because the hockey world demanded more of those Whaler jerseys (Boston Herald)

The trade deadline curse for wingers continued. Mats Zuccarello was immediately injured in Dallas. Last night, new Bruins winger Marcus Johansson was sent to the hospital. Then Michael Ferland was injured in a fight (USA Today)

How many players have been injured in fights this season? More than I can ever recall.

The Montreal Canadiens also kept pace with the Penguins. Or are the Penguins keeping pace with Montreal? Carey Price hit a big milestone (Montreal Gazette)

The Columbus Blue Jackets also won–but no one seemed to think they should have–Not the NJ media and blogs, and not even the Columbus side (The Cannon)

But it counts. And ugly wins are sometimes a spark. Hey, if we can win like that, imagine how good we can be?

UFA Rumors! Artemi Panarin, Erik Karlsson, Pavelski, Bob and Skinner (Sportsnet)