Dan’s Daily: Trade Memo Fallout; Penguins Changing Internally

The Pittsburgh Penguins are changing. New voices and internal connections are emerging and bringing fresh life to the team. In our practice story, we outlined the sweeping changes that weren’t necessarily planned. The latest No Pucks Given podcast also covers the changes. Coach Mike Sullivan choked up for a moment when talking about his Penguins tenure. There has been increasing fallout on the NHL trade market since someone leaked the New York Rangers memo. Alex Ovechkin is ahead of schedule in his return, and everyone is on pins and needles for the Team USA and Team Canada roster announcements.

The Centennial Game between the Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens (so, why the hell was New York-New Jersey on national TV instead?!)

And Nathan Legare made his NHL debut! OK, I really liked the kid. He had fallen pretty far off the map with the Penguins despite being a third-round pick in 2019. He wasn’t scoring in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton despite having the heaviest wrist shot I’ve ever seen. He is a grinder and is embracing is role. New Jersey Hockey Now has more on his debut below.

For everyone who watched Monday Night Football, c’mon, that was as Cleveland as Cleveland has ever been the Cleveland Browns. To be driving for the winning score and toss a pick-six, then drive for another touchdown to have a chance at the on-side kick but toss another interception at the goal line that was almost a pick-six?

I was watching the game at the watering hole in my neighborhood, and the laughter that rippled straight down the bar was as funny as the game. Let’s get to the hockey.

Pittsburgh Penguins

PHN+: Hey–get PHN+ for just $20! No code is needed. That’s half off, and we’d love to have you on board this Little Engine that Could. We’ve busted the mold for all independent media and are providing some of the very best in-depth coverage from pillar to post. Monday’s offering was a comprehensive look at the three things that (might be) changed the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: It was a pull-back-the-curtain sort of practice. Not so much what happened on the ice but the conversations off the ice. Guys are talking. We have some inside-the-room stuff. Also, Sullivan started talking, too. He was asked about his pending anniversary and darned if Sullivan didn’t choke up. It was a worthwhile Penguins practice.

Shelly Anderson went one-on-one with the new Penguins forward, who has consecutive game-winning goals. Shelly and Philip Tomasino.

Guess what? The Eastern Conference standings aren’t as daunting as you might expect. Mediocrity has gripped the middle of the East, and Dave Molinari runs through the numbers. Even he was shocked. It’s realistic for the Penguins to make the playoffs.

The No Pucks Given Podcast! Someday, we’ll actually have a page for the show. So many things to do. Enjoy!

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now

32 Thoughts: The fallout from someone leaking the New York Rangers trade memo, as well as what might happen with the Columbus Blue Jackets, who are learning how to win.

TSN: The roster is finalized. Team Canada has been selected and will play under captain Sidney Crosby and coach Jon Cooper. Will there be a surprise ad, such as Tom Wilson? Here’s what the big guys know.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Montreal Canadiens are making roster moves to clear space for the big guy on his way back–the imminent return of Patrik Laine.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Nathan Legare made his NHL debut. The former Penguins third-round pick (2019) finally made it to the show. Meanwhile, the Rangers’ free fall continues. Such high hopes are quickly becoming angst. On Monday, Jacob Markstrom was nearly unbeatable as the New Jersey Devils rolled to a big win.

Detroit Hockey Now: A coach is on the hot seat, and special teams are in the crapper. That’s being kind, actually. A coach on his way out and absolutely the worst penalty kill in the history of the NHL. No joke. The worst PK ever. It’s the Detroit Red Wings.

NHL.com: Two weeks after fracturing his leg, Alex Ovechkin is back on the ice. That’s crazy, but it’s true.

Daily Hive: Here’s the trade rumor of all rumors. The Vancouver Canucks called the Boston Bruins about getting Nikita Zadorov back.