Dan’s Daily: Penguins Dominate, Latest NHL Trade Chatter

Evgeni Malkin had two assists Friday, and the second was his 1200th career point. Penguins fans should realize how lucky it is to see three players (Malkin, Sidney Crosby, Mario Lemieux) spend their entire careers in Pittsburgh and reach that milestone. The Penguins demolished a pathetic Anaheim Ducks team at the Honda Center. NHL trade rumors are beginning to boil in Chicago. Pierre McGuire mused about the Penguins trading for John Gibson. And Patrick Kane wasn’t thrilled that the Rangers acquired Vladimir Tarasenko because Kane had circled the Rangers for himself.

And Kane admitted that.

Dude, amigo, just tell the Blackhawks you’ll accept a trade, but only to a team you like. If you don’t want to go to Edmonton or Winnipeg, say so, but the longer this drags out, the more landing spots will get filled up.

Two years ago, could you ever imagine Kane and Jonathan Toews leaving Chicago? It makes you wonder if we’ll eventually cover a similar situation in Pittsburgh?

And my God, Anaheim stunk. Stinks? It was about time that the Penguins put away an inferior team.

Pittsburgh Penguins, Steelers, Pirates (Now Sports Group)

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Kris Letang was a late scratch due to illness, but the Penguins didn’t miss him. Here’s the Dave Molinari-spawned Pittsburgh Penguins recap.

And a Penguins superstar hit a big milestone and did it the 17th fastest in history. “Life is good,” and see the point that got Evgeni Malkin to 1200.

Some NHL trade analysis — The annual Metro Division arms race won’t include the Penguins, but here’s how they keep pace. Penguins trade talk.

Steelers Now:

Looking ahead to the draft — Joey Porter Jr. clocked a 4.3 40, and another mock has him headed to the Steelers.

Did Diontae Johnson punch Mitch Trubisky or not? Johnson says, “fake news.” The Steelers locker room fight didn’t happen.

PBN+: 

The Pirates’ two new starting pitchers are at opposite ends of the spectrum. Pittsburgh Pirates analysis.

NHL Trade Rumors, News & National Hockey Now:

TSN: Patrick Kane essentially admitted he wanted to go to the New York Rangers and was disappointed when they acquired Tarasenko.

San Jose Hockey Now: The NHL trade deadline is three weeks away, and the New Jersey Devils told the San Jose Sharks they want the final shot at Timo Meier.

Sportsnet: The Kane stuff is just starting. Defenseman Jake McCabe is garnering interest, and I know some have tied him to the Penguins. What is McCabe worth?

Calgary Hockey Now: Another loss. Are the Calgary Flames mediocre after all?

Vegas Hockey Now: Tarasenko and Bo Horvat set the values on the NHL trade market. Can the Vegas Golden Knights pay up?

Colorado Hockey Now: Cale Makar is out for at least two games after the hit by Jeff Carter. Colorado Avalanche news.

Montreal Hockey Now: Here’s a name you’ll come to know because he’s a gritty young defenseman — Montreal signed Jordan Harris to a two-year extension. Montreal Canadiens news.

Penguins Playoff Chase / Eastern Conference:

BlueShirtsBanter: Tarasenko scores his first Rangers goal, and the Rangers win.

NYI Hockey Now: Even after Horvat arrived, the reality is setting in for the Islanders. They don’t control their own fate. Why is “unacceptable” so often acceptable for the New York Islanders?

DieBytheBlade: It’s been a long time since the spring mattered to Sabres fans. Here’s a look at the Buffalo Sabres’ playoff prospects.

Montreal 690: Pierre McGuire had a good chat with the boys at TSN radio in Montreal. However, toward the end of the segment, the subject of goalies on the NHL trade block was raised. Pierre went straight to John Gibson. And straight to the Penguins. You’ll find it around the 16-minute mark.