Dan’s Daily: Dirty Wilson Hit Hospitalizes Bruin, Miracle on Ice Star Dies

Your move, NHL. On Friday night, Tom Wilson caught vulnerable Boston Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo in the corner. Wilson’s body check smashed Carlo’s head into the glass, and an ambulance took Carlo to a local hospital. Boston made Wilson answer for his unpenalized crime throughout the game. Also in the Daily, we’ve lost one of the boys from the Miracle on Ice, the Buffalo Sabres are spiraling, and is it time for Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ron Hextall to make a move.

First the big news, Tom Wilson. Again.

Boston Hockey Now: First, Wilson dropped a dirty hit on Brandon Carlo, who was digging for a puck in the corner–of course, a player’s head will be down, and he will be vulnerable. Then came Wilson. 

And the Boston Bruins were not shy about making Wilson answer for it, nor were the Bruins shy about saying so afterward.

Brandon Carlo was taken to the hospital for the night. 

Respectfully to the Penguins who went through similar a couple of weeks ago when Wilson planted Mark Jankowski, THAT’s how you respond, and THAT builds a team’s character.

Speaking of the Pittsburgh Penguins and changes…

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: There is a need for a Penguins trade. Hextall has only been on the job for weeks, but ready or not, the Penguins need help. 

The Penguins did clear space for Brian Dumoulin to play and for Evan Rodrigues to be activated. They demoted P.O. Joseph and Drew O’Connor to the WBS Penguins.

The move makes sense–keep P.O. on the ice instead of the press box. He needed a little reset and he’s a phone call away if they need him. These things happen with rooks, especially defensemen.

ESPN: Mark Pavelich, one of the stars of the 1980 USA Miracle on Ice, was found dead in a treatment home for mental illness. 

I believe he’s the third member to pass (Bob Suter, Herb Brooks). After a four-year retirement, he made a comeback to play two games with the 1991-92 San Jose Sharks. He notched an assist in two games.

His family believes he suffered from CTE.

Sportsnet: The NHL trade market should brace itself. Buffalo Sabres GM Kevyn Adams says Jack Eichel hasn’t asked for a trade. That Adams has to answer that question tells you just in the straits the Buffalo Sabres reside.

National Hockey Now

Philadelphia Hockey Now: Philadelphia fans aren’t so happy with the Penguins Anthony Angello. Philly fans think Angello’s hit on defenseman Philip Myers was late (it was, at worst, borderline and in full view of each referee), but Myers is doubtful for Saturday. 

Angello’s hit was within the accept half-second window and a continuation of the play, but Philadelphia fans are usually pacifists, so we’ll let it go. (yes, sarcasm).

Vegas: Clutch, thy name is Max Pacioretty. Another OT winner. Vegas and Fleury are rolling. 

Colorado: Valeri Nicushkin rescued the Avs, but MacKinnon worry has started. 

San Jose: The Sharks earned a point against Vegas. The Sharks have been playing much better lately. 

NYI: Just what the Islanders need–another goalie on his game. Ilya Sorokin has been GOOD.