Dan’s Daily: Should the Flyers Blow it Up? New Penguins Lines

There is a certain pall over the Pittsburgh Penguins stretch run. The loss to the New York Rangers seems to have jarred folks a bit more than the usual loss, and I’ll get into that game a bit more later this morning before doing a pregame as the Penguins face Marc-Andre Fleury and the Minnesota Wild Thursday night at the Xcel Center. Around the league, should the Philadelphia Flyers nuke the roster and start over? Should the Edmonton Oilers keep Evander Kane at the expense of good young talent?

And the WBS Penguins pounded the Wolfpack.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Jason Zucker looks like he could play tonight against Minnesota. He was a full-go at practice and in the lines, which gave the lines a good juggle. New Pittsburgh Penguins lines.

Evgeni Malkin has a new linemate with lots of talent who could stick around. Also, Rickard Rakell idolized Malkin.

NHL News & National Hockey Now:

We’ll start with the tour of the Metro…

Detroit: The New York Rangers extended their lead over the Penguins for second place. They won their fourth straight, beating Detroit. However, Detroit is still talking about the 11-2 loss to the Penguins. Detroit Red Wings postgame.

Philly: The Flyers are eliminated. They were one of the first teams to be eliminated. And I’ll keep writing that the Flyers were eliminated because I know it gives you a certain glee when the Flyers are eliminated. Should GM Chuck Fletcher blow it up and start anew? Sam Carchidi says YES. Philadelphia Flyers analysis.

I can’t say that Chuck Fletcher has had much success as a GM. The Flyers stink despite the coming pipeline of cheap talent (procured by Ron Hextall). I love that Sam dared to steer into the skid. Give it a read.

Washington: You may remember Carl Hagelin suffered a scary eye injury several weeks ago and had surgery. Hagelin showed up at the Washington Wizards game looking a lot better. Washington Capitals news.

NYI: Igor Shesterkin is killing it in New York. Fellow Russian youngster Ilya Sorokin is developing along the very same path and mirroring his countryman. The New York Islanders hope.

Edmonton Journal: Our buddy Lyle Richardson pulled this one. There is a stirring debate beginning in Edmonton–the Oilers can keep Evander Kane, but it would mean sacrificing young talent Kailer Yamamato or Jesse Puljujarvi. What should they do?

Boston: After the Maple Leafs outclassed the Bruins this week…changes are coming to the lineup de Boston Bruins.

Florida: Yeah, they’re really, really…really, really good. The Florida Panthers are rewriting their record book.

Calgary: Ok, remember all of the times Pittsburgh Penguins Twitter tried to figure out a way to get Johnny Gaudreau? Rumors around Gaudreau have been quiet…but he’ll be a UFA in July. Gaudreau keeps upping his value with a Hart Trophy-worthy season. Your move, Calgary Flames.