Dan’s Daily: Insider Trade Chatter; Penguins Get Some Help

A Pittsburgh Penguins trade went down during the first period of their 4-1 win over the Montreal Canadiens. It won’t send shockwaves around the league, but it might help. The team got some help in their playoff race as New Jersey and the Islanders lost. The Penguins were sort of good on Thursday night, but the players and coach Mike Sullivan had differing tones. We also took an honest look at Evgeni Malkin and if he’s thinking about the end. Elsewhere in the Daily, the Penguins were shut out of the top 50 prospects in hockey. In the NHL trade rumors, scouts broke down the goalie market, and the Vegas Golden Knights are on the hunt for a forward.

I am absolutely ready for winter to end and missing my motorcycle. I wonder if it misses me? Chasing the Penguins around the continent over the last couple of months has not been good for my waistline. Or perhaps my problem is that I stepped on the scale?

Yep, that’s it. It’s the scale’s fault. You may not see any unique food posts for a while (except in Vancouver. Cmon, I can’t go cold turkey). When the scale starts with two, it’s time to pull back the reins, or those funky sports coats I bought for the TV appearances will be “Fat guy in a little coat.”

Chris Farley would have turned 60 last week.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Quick news note — The Penguins lost Colin White to Montreal via waivers.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins pulled out of their skid by beating the Montreal Canadiens. Dave Molinari’s Penguins recap.

There were a few things to like about the win beyond the two points. There were also some things to continue to shake your head at. Some young legs and goaltending carried the day. Get the in-depth breakdown and player grades in the Penguins report card.

Trade! So long, Alex Nylander. Hello Emil Bemstrom. Here are the details of the Penguins trade.

PHN+: Nylander had used up his last chances with the Penguins and will get a new shot with Columbus, but what about Bemstrom? The scouting report and trade analysis.

Use code Dan10 to get $10 off for a full year of PHN+. Join this group of hockey-loving rebels.

I was a bit worried about doing this story because it’s a tightrope of emotion and hockey. The team needs “Geno” to change. I also wonder if he’s looking toward the end of his career. I wonder if his terribly structured contract is an albatross for both the team and the player. A real look at Evgeni Malkin.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: I think this could come into play for the Penguins. Looking at the goalie market and the cost of acquisition.

TSN: The top 50 prospects in hockey. The Penguins drafting has missed a few of these guys, which only hurts more because the Penguins are otherwise shut out. TSN’s top 50 list.

TSN Insiders: I wonder if Reilly Smith’s name will come up? Vegas Golden Knights winger Mark Stone is out week-to-week with an injury, and the trade rumors are starting.

To the ice…

NYI Hockey Now: Takeaways and analysis. St. Louis scored the fastest three goals in franchise history. The Islanders didn’t score any. The Penguins got some help as the equally inconsistent New York Islanders fell flat.

New Jersey Hockey Now: James Nichols is having some fun in his first season as our Devils beat. Fans are getting anxious and angry, and of course, it’s James’s fault they’re losing. The Devils went down in flames again as the Rangers beat them up Thursday. The New Jersey Devils takeaways.

NHL.com: The Capitals concern is very high. T.J. Oshie left their win over Tampa Bay with an injury that looks like it could be serious. The Capitals have won three straight. Go figure.

I had a pipe dream earlier in the season that the Penguins and Capitals could find a way to meet in the playoffs one more time. A battle of the aging warriors. One last go.

Jared McCann had four points. Seattle raced past Rick Tocchet’s Vancouver Canucks, who are suddenly struggling.

The Penguins technically control their playoff fate again. They trail the Tampa Bay Lightning by seven points with four games in hand, though the Capitals, Devils, and Islanders are between them and Tampa. And that’s how we’re going to cover the season. Not optimistic, not pessimistic. Real.