Dan’s Daily: What Vegas Can Afford for Eichel, Penguins Scoring Woes

The NHL and NHLPA are set to discuss what asymptomatic players must do as part of the NHL COVID protocol and possibly loosen the restrictions as all but one NHL player is vaccinated. In the meantime, the Pittsburgh Penguins blue line was hit again on Sunday when both Marcus Pettersson and Chad Ruhwedel tested positive. Also in the Daily, NHL trade analysis–what can the Vegas Golden Knights give up for Jack Eichel, and the Ottawa Senators are shopping around, too.

Whoever acquires Eichel will have to realize that he won’t be much help this season. He hasn’t been able to play or stay in anything resembling game shape since last March. That’s a long time on the shelf.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: the full story on Ruhwedel and Petterson in protocol and P.O. Joseph’s recall. 

The Pittsburgh Penguins offense was anemic last week. Bluntly, it was bad. The team scored three goals in three games and lost all three. Jake Guentzel and Kasperi Kapanen have combined for one goal this season–the Penguins wingers are falling flat.

And…the Steelers won 15-10. They’re one game behind Baltimore in the AFC North. 

Perhaps the NFL should take note. It was far more engaging to watch the Steelers run the ball than it was to see a QB throw 50 passes, most of which didn’t travel more than five yards.

Also, I’m old, but I bet I can still kick a 30-yarder if the Steelers need me.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now

Vegas Hockey Now: So, what can the Vegas Golden Knights afford to give up for Jack Eichel? The NHL trade rumors are waiting anxiously. The Hockey Now fam has reported what Buffalo wants, now we fit the wants to the Vegas assets. Here’s what the Vegas Golden Knights can sacrifice to the NHL trade gods. 

Owen Krepps started as an intern with Pittsburgh Hockey Now in September. He’s going to be moving into more coverage of VGK, and he did a really nice job on the analysis. The young man hit the right place at the right time. So much of life is just showing up and being ready.

Ottawa Sun: The Ottawa Senators are shopping a couple of players but they’re desperate for depth at center. 

Colorado: Erik Johnson missed last season due to injury. It’s been a long time since the formerly heralded defenseman lit the lamp (March 2020). When Johnson scored on Saturday, the fist pump was far more than one goal. And that was a mighty fist pump. 

Calgary: You saw how good the Calgary Flames are when they were a buzzsaw through the Metro, including a 4-0 shutout of the Pittsburgh Penguins. Steve Macfarlane is also doing a great job covering the team with Calgary Hockey Now. The team keeps winning, and now Sean Monahan and Oliver Kylington are owning it, too. 

Vancouver: There’s some handwringing around the Vancouver Canucks. The high-powered lineup is sputtering, but Rob Simpson writes– Frankie says, “Relax,” Don’t panic Canucks fans. 

Washington: The Washington Capitals will take Nic Dowd and Nick Backstrom with them on their road trip–that must mean the Capitals are close to healthy. 

Ever wonder why some teams can get healthy and others can’t?