PHN Daily: Penguins Roll Snake-Eyes; Canada Wins World Juniors

The Pittsburgh Penguins, stuck in a 1-4-2 skid, ventured into Las Vegas to try their luck, and promptly crapped out. Canada claimed the gold medal at the world junior championship for the second year in a row. Bruins forward Trent Frederic had a spirited fight with Brendan Lemieux of Los Angeles. And Sidney Crosby was selected for the NHL All-Star Game for the ninth time.

The performance of the night, though, was turned in by Nashville goalie Juuse Saros who, around the same time he was being named to the NHL All-Star Game, stopped 64 shots in a 5-3 win over Carolina. His performance, which included 28 saves in the third period, matched the third-most saves in NHL history.

And here’s a real shocker: John Tortorella doesn’t like all-star games, and isn’t shy about making his feelings known. So unlike him to be outspoken, isn’t it?

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

Former Penguins winger Phil Kessel played a leading role in the Golden Knights’ 5-2 victory at T-Mobile Arena, as the Penguins’ slump swelled to 1-5-2.

The Penguins aren’t getting many points out of their games in the past few weeks, which is why they are leaving them with plenty of frustration.

Sidney Crosby was selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game for the ninth time, tying Jaromir Jagr for second place on the franchise’s all-time list.

One of the Penguins’ most exasperating issues this season has been their inability to close out games they are leading after 40 minutes. Here’s what some of them think is the problem. (+)

Steelers Now

One of football’s most respected offensive minds believes that rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett “certainly has it.”

The Steelers could be a beneficiary if the NFL decides to add an eighth team to the AFC playoff field.

Najee Harris’ running mate in the Steelers’ backfield might play a key role in extending Harris’ career.

One of the Steelers’ most important defensive players sat out practice Thursday for the second day in a row.

Former Steelers defensive lineman Brett Keisel, known to some as “The Beard,” has a new look, and it’s for a very good cause.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now

Baseball-writing virtuoso John Perrotto takes a look at the shifting leverage in the Bryan Reynolds trade discussions.

What kind of contribution can the Pirates hope to get from Rich Hill, the oldest player in the majors?

A right-handed pitcher was designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for a left-handed one.

NHL News, National Hockey Now

Vegas Hockey Now: Phil Kessel wasn’t the only Golden Knight who turned in a strong showing against the Penguins.

Philly Hockey Now: Kevin Hayes will represent the Flyers at the all-star game. Chances are that John Tortorella will not attend.

Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins, coming off their 2-1 victory against the Penguins in the Winter Classic, earned a 5-2 decision in Los Angeles, and Trent Frederic earned praise for his showing in a fight with Brendan Lemieux.

Sportsnet: Dylan Guenther was the overtime hero as he scored the Golden Goal in Canada’s 3-2 victory over Czechia in the championship game at the world juniors. And there are five teams that might define the NHL trade market as the deadline approaches.

Washington Hockey Now: Things are going very nicely for the Capitals lately. So nicely that they’re scoring goals on headers.

Colorado Hockey Now: The Penguins aren’t the only team with a good pedigree and bad results lately. The defending champion Avs have lost five in a row.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings’ team defense has been a bit leaky lately. How much of a concern is that?

NYI Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins got a little badly needed good news when the New York Islanders lost in Edmonton, 4-2.

ESPN: Team USA picked up the bronze at the world juniors by virtue of an 8-7 victory over Sweden, with Chaz Lucius scoring in overtime to complete his hat trick.