Dan’s Daily: Penguins Mistakes; Trade Rumors; USA vs Canada Pressure

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — It will be a busy day of content on Pittsburgh Hockey. Now, as we’re continuing our coverage of the Pittsburgh Penguins prospects in Wilkes-Barre. The snow and ice storm headed our way is keeping us here an extra day, so we’ll get even more prospect analysis for subscribers. I think you’ll like the story we’ve got coming up this morning. We also looked at the potential Penguins draft mistakes in the context of recent prospect rankings. Elsewhere in the Daily, the NHL trade rumors involve Detroit, and the anti-trade rumors involve Brad Marchand.

Oh, and it’s Canada vs. USA tonight in the Four Nations Face-Off.

OK, I must admit, I didn’t think much of this tournament before it began but the fan engagement and excitment has been off the charts. So, I was wrong. The NHL is putting on a hell of a show and people care. The USA vs. Finland game on ESPN drew over 1.5 million viewers, which makes it the most viewed February game on ESPN ever.

I’m stupid. You’re smart. I was wrong. You were right. You’re the best. I’m the worst. You’re very good looking. I’m not very attractive…

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: TSN’s Craig Button released his Top 50 Affiliated Prospects list. The glaring lack of Penguins on the list was one matter, but as we dug into it, the number of players on the list who COULD have been drafted by the Penguins was significant. Take a look at the potential Penguins draft misses.

TSN: The crowd reaction before Game 1 was emotional Sidney Crosby, but just how injured is Crosby injured? Crosby is gutting it out in the Four Nations to wear the C, but Pierre LeBrun noticed that Crosby is hiding his arms and wrists in the Canadian hoodie.

NHL Trade Talk, News, &  National Hockey Now

NBC Boston: Brad Marchand’s name has popped in trade rumors for a few weeks, but how valid the chatter is debatable. I guess if Boston enters a retool, it would make sense to trade the 37-year-old pending free agent. However, Marchand is the link to the Bruins culture and core and it also makes better sense to keep him. Marchand shrugged off rumors as fans having fun.

More reports are emerging thata Marchand trade is unlikely.

The Province: Jared McCann’s name has been floated in the trade chatter, and there’s one executive who really likes him and has traded for him before. Yep, Jim Rutherford. Could the Vancouver Canucks continue their former Penguins reunion tour and snag McCann from Seattle? One Canucks beat reporters says its a great idea.

TSN: Dominating the national media today is the coming slobberknocker. I may have the game on the laptop as I cover the WBS game tonight. The players can’t wait. It’s going to be a hockey war tonight between the USA and Canada. The hype and the analysis are intense.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Playoffs and trades. James Nichols forecasts what comes next for the New Jersey Devils.

NYI Hockey Now: A playoff charge with the backdrop of trading away their best player. It’s a pivotal moment and Russ Macias has the one crucual thing the New York Islanders can fix.

If you’re hungry for more USA vs. Canada, just go to Sportsnet and TSN. The homepages are wall-to-wall coverage with every angle, every bit of analysis. And of course, USA coach Mike Sullivan answering the question–How good is Sidney Crosby? It’s an answer you’ve seen a hundred times.

The Penguins organization is dominating the tournament so far. From Mario’s appearance and reception in Montreal, to the fans showering Crosby with love, and Sullivan leading USA–I wonder if Penguins fans will realize just how many transformative figures within hockey that they’ve had.