And away we go. There was a screetching halt to the Pittsburgh Penguins breakneck schedule Wednesday, but Thursday is go-time again as the team will host the lowly Chicago Blackhawks. We used the off-day for a Live Chat and an exposition of the Penguins’ trade cost to acquire Jason Robertson, as well as an honest look at the Penguins’ prospect pool.

Elsewhere in the Daily, the New York Rangers are benching Artemi Panarin until they can trade him, Zach Whitecloud is drawing a lot of interest on the market, the Red Wings are center shopping, the Montreal Canadiens made someone pay for their porous goaltending this season, and the Ottawa Senators are picking themselves off the mat and getting back into the playoff chase.

The Eastern Conference playoff race is basically the top three in the Metro and the top five in the Atlantic. The Penguins have something akin to a six-point cushion, and it could be eight with games in hand. The larger question isn’t IF the Penguins will make the playoffs–they absolutely have to now–but what can they do when they get there.

I think that seems like a column I should write today or tomorrow, eh?

The Live Chat was fun yesterday. I appreciate you stopping by in such large numbers.

However, I know the subscriber platform rollout was problematic yesterday. I am forwarding all of your emails to the folks responsible. If you’re having an issue with PHN+, let us know.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The justice of the Bryan Rust penalty and how much would it really cost to acquire Jason Robertson from the Dallas Stars? The Penguins have taken the lead role on the NHL trade rumors for Robertson, so we dug into the big question of the potential Penguins trade cost.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: A Pirates prospect had some pretty strong comments about his development (in a good way). Danny Demilio looks at one of the emerging Pirates prospects.

And in the latest Buccos mailbag, Demilio grades the Pirates’ offseason, as well as the question of who plays third base? Danny is doing some strong work over at PBN, so check out the hard-hitting Pirates Q&A.

And for the latest on the Steelers coaching staff and opinions, head over to Steelers Now.

NHL Trade Winds, News, & NHN

Forever Blueshirts: That’s it for the Breadman in New York. The team announced he won’t play again until they trade him. Yikes. Here’s more on the bold stroke by the New York Rangers management.

I can almost hear Penguins fans smiling at the sloppy mess in New York.

Sportsnet: The Calgary Flames won’t tear it down, but sooner or later, everybody could go. The latest to be drawing a buzz is defenseman Zach Whitecloud (who would look pretty good in black and gold) and Blake Coleman. It’s going to be an exodus in Calgary.

The Flames played incredibly hard against the Penguins, but good gosh almighty, they had no offense. None. They’re already torn down, just rip the band-aid off because it’s not stopping the bleeding.

TSN Video: The Senators have back-to-back wins, including an upset over the Colorado Avalanche. Can we talk about the Senators in the playoff race?

The latest TSN Insiders hit on Brayden Point’s health for the Olympics, if Winnipeg will sell at the deadline, and if the New York Islanders will keep buying.

Detroit Hockey Now: Three years?! So check out this newser and full analysis from Bob Duff. Ben Chiarot signed up for the Jack Johnston treatment, and Wednesday he extended–for three years?!–with the Detroit Red Wings.

Philly Hockey Now: Good news for the Penguins as the Columbus Blue Jackets beat Philly. That means the Penguins lead by six and have a game in hand on the team that could take their playoff spot. Yet it was a good performance by Philly as their goalie shone and Travis Konecny had a hatty. How did they lose?! Will James has answers for the floundering Philly Flyers.

Tags: jason robertson nhl trade Pittsburgh Penguins

Categorized:Links NHL Trade Rumors