Dan’s Daily: NHL Throws Book at Malkin, Penguins at Bottom of Playoff Power Rankings

The NHL Department of Player Safety let Evgeni Malkin know that his crosscheck on Mark Borowiecki was no bueno, and he’ll sit for half of the Pittsburgh Penguins remaining games. After a disappointing couple of weeks against top-tier competition, the Penguins fell to the bottom few playoff teams of the TSN power rankings. The Vegas Golden Knights may sneak into the playoffs as the teams they’re pursuing are stumbling, and 2021 first-overall pick Owen Power will make his NHL debut in his hometown.

Count me as surprised by the length of the Malkin suspension, but I don’t hear much argument. Looks like I’m in the minority on this one.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The NHL gave Malkin the gate. Four games for an “aggressive” crosscheck. Evgeni Malkin suspension.

The Penguins have some issues. One of those problems is not talent. I’ll explain further–the problem areas are the defensemen and the Pittsburgh Penguins self-perception.

Before Malkin’s suspension, the Penguins made a slightly curious move to re-assign Anthony Angello and Radim Zohorna. So, Brock McGinn might be ready, or the Penguins will recall one or recall others.

The Penguins can clinch a playoff spot with a regulation win tonight over the New York Islanders.

NHL News & National Hockey Now:

Detroit: Small exclusive. There’s a new transfer agreement with the Swedish Elite League. Some of the rules will change regarding Swedish prospects, but Bill Daly told us he doesn’t expect it to significantly affect the NHL or the Detroit Red Wings.

I’d beg to differ–it takes one desperate team…

TSN: Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised, but the Penguins have fallen to the back of the power rankings among the playoff teams.

Vegas: Our boy Owen takes a fan to the woodshed for the over-the-top bashing of Robin Lehner and the updated playoff scenarios for the Vegas Golden Knights.

Washington: The Capitals are hot on the heels of the Pittsburgh Penguins. A week ago, it seemed implausible, but a few wins on one side and a few losses on the other will do that. Here’s how things turned around for the Washington Capitals.

NYI: The Islanders practice had some new lines, and the boys realize the end is near. Things were lighthearted, with smiles and laughs at the New York Islanders practice.

Montreal: Is there no common sense left on this damn planet? Nick Suzuki tossed a puck to a young fan. The young man fumbled it, and instead of catching it, he ate it. Fat lip and laughs ensued. Undeterred, Suzuki gave the kid a stick! That’s when stupidity reigned as the Scotiabank ushers tossed the fan and his father out for having a weapon. Here’s the full story of a good deed by the Montreal Canadiens.

Colorado: If there’s a better team, I haven’t seen it. Gabe Landeskog isn’t yet on the ice, but Nazem Kadri and Ryan Murray are skating. Cale Makar speaks, too. Colorado Avalanche news.