Penguins Wrap: Kapanen Diary, Hallander Hat Trick, USA-Canada Rematch at PPG

On Saturday afternoon, the Pittsburgh Penguins played their best game in weeks, if not a couple of months, by beating the talented New York Rangers, 1-0. The Penguins reclaimed second place in the Metro Division, as Tristan Jarry and Igor Shesterkin had a goaltending throw-down, with each making 10-bell saves. PHN compiled a thorough shift-by-shift diary of Kasperi Kapanen to examine why the winger has been invisible.

Filip Hallander led the WBS Penguins to a 5-3 victory with a hat trick.

And Jeff Marek reports the Pittsburgh Penguins will host the women’s hockey gold medal rematch between Team USA and Canada in March.

The PHN Kapanen shift diary became a little bit controversial because it was not good news. Some fans accused it of being a hit piece, but as I documented each shift, each puck touch, the picture became clear. There were too many situations that could have been different.

With detailed specifics, we explain why Kasperi Kapanen is lost.

I also went all out on the PHN+ report card. From asking Jeff Carter about the scrums that followed every whistle, Evgeni Malkin, to the standout performances and Evan Rodrigues having some hop, too. The PHN+ Penguins report card.

Jeff Marek reports that the Penguins will host the women’s gold-medal rematch between Team USA and Canada at PPG Paints Arena.

WBS: Filip Hallander filled the net, and the WBS Penguins beat Bridgeport, 5-3.

Metro Division

Philly: The Flyers–yes, the Flyers, were the latest to beat the Capitals. Good feelings for Claude Giroux, Carter Hart, and the Philadelphia Flyers, 2-1.

Washington: The Caps are in a bad way. The bubble gum and paperclip bottom six, the backend of their blue line, it’s all coming undone. The Washington Capitals are not in a good way.

NYI: This will affect the NHL trade market. Mathew Barzal and Zdeno Chara left the New York Islanders loss to the LA Kings with injuries.

National Hockey Now

Detroit: Ok, it’s not the Metro Division, but the Maple Leafs won 10-7–yes, 10-7 over the Detroit Red Wings.

Those are the games you hate to cover but love to watch. I haven’t seen one of those in years. 10?!

This was a fun game, too. The Edmonton Oilers squeaked by the Florida Panthers in Sunrise.

Vegas: Things exploded when Jack Eichel arrived, but they lost another game–this time a rivalry game–to the Colorado Avalanche. The Vegas Golden Knights are suddenly in a bad way.

San Jose: A group of fans brought Ukrainian Flags and proudly waved them at the San Jose Sharks game.

That’s awesome. It’s time the world grew a backbone against those who capitalize on our distractions and weakness.