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Dan’s Daily: Team USA Gets Hosed, Eventful Penguins Practice

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Team USA, Pittsburgh Penguins, NHL trade talk

LAS VEGAS — American fans howled, while Canadian fans said “good call” twice, as Team USA had two goals taken away in its 6-2 loss to Team Canada in the WJC semis. Jakub Vrana was unclaimed on waivers, the New York Rangers aren’t putting Alex Lafreniere on the NHL trade market, the Sharks reacted to a trade request by a former first-rounder, go inside the Washington Capitals’ December team meeting, and there was a lot to unpack during and after the Pittsburgh Penguins’ practice at T-Mobile Arena.

I swear this is a work trip and I haven’t hit the casinos, but I have hit a few restaurants. I hit El Cortez on Tuesday (Bugsy Seigel’s hotel at the end of Freemont St.) and the Golden Steer Wednesday (an Elvis favorite). Fortunately, I’ve put in about 43,000 steps, according to my iPhone. That’s about 20 miles in two days.

I’ve also been writing even more stories, trying to chronicle this mercurial Penguins team. I think I’ve earned some In-N-Out Burger today.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

It was an eventful practice, for what was said and done and what wasn’t said. Awkward? Uneasy? There was a lot under the surface Wednesday:

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: It seems like bad news is brewing. Tristan Jarry returned to Pittsburgh for further evaluation. Tristan Jarry update.

The Penguins’ practice had an interesting moment. Coach Mike Sullivan stopped practice to scold his team to pick up the pace, “stop going through the motions.” The locker room was quiet afterward. And one Penguins defenseman had a “maintenance” day. Get the lines and scene from the Penguins’ practice.

Did you wonder what was going on with Jarry at the Winter Classic? Was Jarry coming out, or was he staying? So, too, did Casey DeSmith. From haircuts to the playoff chase to a Jeff Petry update, the Penguins notebook.

Steelers Now:

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

  • Can Jack Suwinski’s good outweigh the bad? The Pirates 40.
  • Bryse Wilson to the Brewers for cash. The latest Pirates trade.

NHL Trade Stories, News & National Hockey Now:

Washington Hockey Now: There was a Capitals team meeting in December, a hard meeting between the coach and team leaders. Sammi Silber found out what was said in that Washington Capitals meeting.

TSN: Nope. The Rangers aren’t going to put Alex Lafreniere on the NHL trade market, despite his recent healthy scratch.

Once you get past his first-overall status, I think he can be a very good third-liner with some sandpaper and a touch of offense. But wanna bet he does wind up on the trade block by the summer?

How’s this for an NHL trade rumor: The Sabres almost traded Tage Thompson for a pick before his breakout.

Detroit Hockey Now: Nope. No one claimed Jakub Vrana and his $5.25 million salary. The Detroit Red Wings keep him.

San Jose Hockey Now: The Sharks are dealing with the surprise request of 2018 first-rounder Ryan Merkley, who asked for a trade. San Jose Sharks news.

Let’s be honest. Team USA got screwed (the second no-goal was legit, but this one? Silly. Changed the game)

Twice. The USA had two goals taken away. Eventually, Canada scored a couple more, but officials took away goal No. 3 twice.

Of course, the coverage is just a bit different up north. Here’s TSN’s postgame coverage of the WJC semis.

Sportsnet: Sleepless Bruce Boudreau is a long way from the “Bruce There it Is” chants. The coach is taking responsibility for the Canucks’ struggles.

Colorado Hockey Now: Beat writer Evan Rawal is working the locker room well. Have you wondered what it’s like for that fourth-liner fighting to make an impact or stick in the NHL? Andreas Englund is that guy, and he’s doing everything he can to stick with the Colorado Avalanche.

Montreal Hockey Now: Another first-overall pick is fighting to stick in the NHL. But should he? The deadline is approaching for Juraj Slafkovsky and the Montreal Canadiens.