Dan’s Daily: Penguins Potential; Red Wings Mess; Human Side of Trades

The Pittsburgh Penguins have potential this season. The author of that insanity—me—swears it based on a few internal factors and because the Eastern Conference is one of the worst collection of teams in recent memory. Elsewhere in the Daily, Mackenzie Blackwood pulled back the curtain on the human cost of the NHL trade chatter and eventual trades. Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz tamped down any trade talk about ripping apart his underperforming but star-laden team. Matt Rempe has been suspended well into January for a dirty hit on Miro Heiskenan, and the Ottawa Senators suffered an injury for Penguins fans to keep an eye on (at least those fans who would like to see the Penguins make the playoffs).

My apologies. I had a couple of Penguins stories planned for the bus ride home from New York, but first, I can confirm Little Italy Pizza is the BEST in NYC. 42nd and 8th beside the bus terminal. Anyway, the ride home was worse than I feared, as they crammed us onto a smaller travel bus with no tables, a bad view, and the onset of motion sickness. But oh, that was just the start of my fun. The worst part was the walk home from the bus station.

Some passerbys near Smallman St. watched a poor schlub trip over a buckled piece of sidewalk, try to save his balance for a few steps, only to step on a large patch of ice, acrobatically barrel roll, and land on his head with bags flying in the air. He lay sprawled out for a few moments, unsure of up or down. Yep, that was me.

Thanks, City of Pittsburgh. The lack of salt on any of the sidewalks was a lovely touch. But oh, that wasn’t the end of my fun.

Lake Elizabeth (the little park on the North Side) was frozen over, or so it seemed. When we launched PHN, we did our intro video ON the frozen pond. So, I had the bright idea to do a little thank you video for the holidays on my walk home. That was not my best decision. The water was, in fact, NOT frozen, and my first step to test the ice went straight through as I tumbled head first, briefcase, luggage, and all, into the disgusting, freezing water.

Being soaking wet in 20-degree temperatures made the rest of the walk home fun. My new Macbook …. umm, yeah. I’ve said a few prayers that it works later today, or I’m $1500 screwed. Traveling is always an adventure, even the last mile home.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Despite the loss to New Jersey, I saw plenty of positives over the past few weeks. Not because I hit my head or because I’m an optimistic sort—you should know that surely isn’t the case. There are no aberrations but genuine positives that could serve the Penguins well if they can get into the playoffs. Here’s why the Penguins could do some damage.

Steelers Now: Patrick Queen isn’t happy with the defense, and he’s taking full accountability and challenging his teammates. It’s time for the Steelers defense “to look in the mirror.” Here’s the full story on the faltering defense and Queen’s comments in the Steelers locker room.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now

San Jose Hockey Now: Mackenzie Blackwood was “nearly in tears” when he learned he had been traded from San Jose to Colorado. He had really fallen in love with the team and city (the team, sure, but the city?!). Blackwood and our Sheng Peng had an honest conversation about the human cost of the NHL trade market and the San Jose Sharks.

Forever Blueshirts: Have a seat, Matt Rempe. That hit on Miro Heiskenan wasn’t kosher, and the NHL suspended the New York Rangers tough guy for eight games. Here’s his return date and the full Rangers news.

Ottawa Hockey Now: Uh oh, Ottawa. Not only did the Ottawa Senators lose to the Edmonton Oilers, but the injury that could shuffle the playoff race–Linus Ullmark left the game with an upper-body injury.

Florida Hockey Now: Take that Tampa Bay. Not only did the defending Stanley Cup champions beat the red-hot Tampa Bay Lightning, but as George Richards writes, the Florida Panthers own Florida hockey, too.

Detroit Hockey Now: Remember when we thought this was the year that Steve Yzerman’s plan took hold and the Winged Wheel would snap the playoff drought? Yeah, things are about to fall apart, and our Bob Duff goes deeper into the Detroit Red Wings mess.

The Athletic ($): No, no sell-off. GM Barry Trotz said despite his team’s faceplant, he’s not selling off his star players and big-name acquisitions. Nope. After watching Nashville almost boat race the Penguins, but the Penguins win the game, I have a pretty good idea of what’s wrong (totally wrong style for that team). So, what’s Trotz going to do to fix things?