Dan’s Daily: Trade Noise; Penguins Prospects; and O Canada!

Sidney Crosby is again a champion in the Team Canada sweater, and Connor McDavid finally got that big moment on a big stage. Team Canada won the Four Nations Face-Off in overtime, and we’ll link to a few of the most interesting postgame stories and moments, including some trash-talking. In addition to the hockey world saying goodbye to Mike Lange Thursday, we also added Jason Spezza’s take on several Penguins prospects. As always, there’s a bit to read between the lines, but his analysis mirrored ours on a few of the guys. And lastly, the NHL trade chatter is about to reach a deafening level, which means a few big-name players might want to invest in earplugs.

That was an incredibly thrilling game Thursday night. The NHL got it right from start to finish, and the political intrigue only added to it. I hesitate to go further, but I’m pretty sure even most Republicans don’t get the motivation behind the President needling Canada to become the 51st state. I’ve been having some fun with it (me, make jokes? Never!), but I get why some Canadians are chaffed.

I don’t take it seriously, but President Trump should stop. It’s not really funny, and it’s not really plausible. But I’d happily trade a few states for Nova Scotia, if nothing else, for a pipeline of wonderful people, bottles of Keith’s, Propeller’s Golden Lager, and an endless supply of donairs from Tony’s.

On another note, and to change the subject, sometimes X replies remind me of some of the crazy moments in my career.

Been there, PT2: San Diego. Top of seats at blue line. Crowd chanted at me after every goal. We lost 7-0. BUT…a porn producer was in the row ahead. He liked my call. Gave me a card and invited me to stop by the next day. He wanted me to do play-by-play for a scene. No joke. https://t.co/DGSL4aEMaR

— Dan Kingerski (@TheDanKingerski) February 20, 2025

And here’s a picture of the beer-tin hat that the reader’s mother made for Mike, which he wore. God bless him.

My mother (now 93 and a big 🐧 fan) made a knitted hat from Pabst Blue Ribbon beer cans (don’t ask) which formed the panels. Mike was a good sport to accept and model the hat. I wonder if it ever left the Cap Centre that day. 🤔 😝 pic.twitter.com/LmLirN5Ckr

— Barry Sherry (@TrekRef) February 20, 2025

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: We have several stories in honor of Mike Lange. We will begin the tributes with Dave Molinari’s homage to his good friend. Knowing Mike, you had to be there to believe it.

The tributes and tweets poured in from all corners Thursday. From industry giants to ordinary fans, Mike was happy to talk to all. From Sidney Crosby to Mike Sullivan, Mario Lemieux to Phil Bourque, and many more, we compiled just some of the tributes to Mike Lange.

And some hockey coverage, too.

Jason Spezza dropped the dime on a few of the kids in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. For those of you who followed my coverage closely last weekend (you should always follow me closely, cmon!), you might find the agreements and a couple of disagreements to be useful information on the rising tide of Penguins prospects.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now

NESN: Brad Marchand got the last laugh and knocked the Tkachuk brothers down a peg, “Sometimes, when you shoot your mouth off in the media, it bites you.” If anyone knows about the chirping game, it’s Marchand, and he delivered a little comeuppance.

Sportsnet: My goodness, yes. Of all of the players in the tournament, perhaps the one who opened the most eyes was Jaccob Slavin. He was brilliant, and here are the receipts.

If you didn’t catch the game or just like to relive the highlights, here’s the official package from Sportsnet with the Canadian broadcasters.

TSN: But I know why you come to the daily from December through March. Trade rumors, or at least credible trade rumors. Brock Boeser is about to be the main course of the feeding frenzy. The Seth Jones watch in Chicago has begun. And don’t sleep on Calgary making more moves.

New Jersey Hockey Now (+): Simon Nemec was briefly the subject of trade rumors. The top prospect bristled at not being in the NHL. In a Hockey Now exclusive, Nemec clarified his comments that led to trade speculation and his Devils future.

If he does become available, that’s the type of player that Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas would use his extra first-rounder to acquire.

PHN+ readers can check out that story, but make sure to log in at NJHN to do so.

Vegas Hockey Now: Sometimes, it’s fun to rewind after a big moment to see the comments beforehand. Mark Stone and Jack Eichel are teammates in the NHL but were mortal enemies Thursday night. In the leadup to the grand finale, the Vegas Golden Knights spoke up.

Ottawa Hockey Now: Take the blue pill, wake up in your own bed, and believe what you want to believe. Take the red pill, and the Stanley Cup playoffs are possible. Three reasons to think the Ottawa Senators will end their playoff drought.