In two of the last three games, the Pittsburgh Penguins have been so good in overtime as to leave home fans gasping at the quality chances to win the game, but as well as the Penguins have played in OT, they have been inept, abysmal, awful, terrible, ghastly, sad, and maladroit in the shootouts. We’ve got the full story, analysis, AND a nickel’s worth of free advice.

Elsewhere in the Daily, it seems the NHL trade rumors were true. Rasmus Andersson is about to pack his bags, but for Boston or Vegas? A trade is imminent. The Eastern Conference Wild Card race featured a bunch of losses Saturday, as we’re finally seeing some separation, and some of the teams you hate aren’t doing so well. And in addition to furthering the Andersson trade chatter, Elliotte Friedman clarified what comes next for Artemi Panarin.

I’ve got another 15 minutes before the 5:30 a.m. boarding, and I hate writing on the plane unless the good folks at Delta give me one of the big seats, but it seems I’m down the list for that little perk on this flight.

Sleep?

Travelers, I found a solution I should have done years ago. Let’s see how this first trip goes, but I bought a few of those vacuum bags that compress your clothes. I just put nine or so days of clothes in a backpack. No sport coats for the roadie, though I may snag one in Calgary and ship it in Vancouver (I’ve been on the hunt for one more new one anyway).

I’m a little leery of unpacking and re-packing and sealed-in wrinkles, but I’ve strategically sealed my luggage with items I’ll need on the same day.

Also, if you ever have a morning flight, Auntie Anne’s has THE best breakfast sammy.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: OK, it was terrible against the Columbus Blue Jackets. It was great. It was terrible. It was really, really good. And really good, and then…the shootout. Another SO loss. Here is the Penguins recap.

OK, you know me. I don’t have the patience for leaping to pre-existing conclusions. The shootouts have been a huge problem, so first, we broke down the game. The nuts and bolts of what the Penguins and Blue Jackets did in the tactical tete-a-tete. Some further team analysis. And then, some thoughts on improving in the shootout. I put it ALL in the Penguins report card.

Don’t forget the Big Board of Steelers coaching candidates. Hey, these hires happen every 20 years. Enjoy the ride.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

Unfortunately, the aggregator where I found Jimmy Murphy’s report didn’t give the proper outlet credit, and I can’t find where Murph reported this. He’s been all over the Bruins’ chase of Rasmus Andersson, and he reported: “Hearing through some source who said the Bruins were out on Andersson because of no extension, that Andersson changed his mind and he, the Bruins, and Flames, are ‘on the same page now.’”

If I can find it, I’ll edit the Daily.

Sportsnet/HNIC: The Headlines Segment. Elliotte Friedman was a bit more tempered on the impending trade–it’s coming. Andersson waved goodbye to the Calgary crowd after the game, but Friedman isn’t sure where he’s headed. Also, what comes next for the Bread Man after being told he won’t be re-signed in New York.

Wild-Card losers.

The wins are piling up for teams in playoff spots. And losses are mounting for those who are slip-sliding away.

Philly Hockey Now: I’m sure you’re shocked and saddened. Even the Rangers beat up on the Broad Street bullies. Five losses in a row and winless in six for the cute and cuddly Philadelphia Flyers.

Florida Hockey Now: The other team to whom you’d like to deliver a flying elbow off the top rope is also falling fast. The Washington Capitals have lost two in a row and three of four. This time, the Florida Panthers punished them.

Boston Hockey Now: One of the teams creating separation in the playoff race is the Boston Bruins. The team that beat the Penguins 1-0 Sunday scored FIVE unanswered goals for their SIXTH straight win. Jack Studley breaks down the latest Bruins win.

TSN Video: Craig Button shreds the Ottawa Senators’ goaltending and GM Steve Staios for letting it get this bad. I know you always like a good smackdown.

Detroit Hockey Now: It’s time to play Two Truths and a Lie. Olympians, Todd McLellan, and Goaltending. Figure out the Red Wings’ truth.

Sorry, there’s more, but the weather is making the plane Wifi funky.

Tags: Artemi Panarin nhl trade Pittsburgh Penguins rasmus andersson

Categorized: NHL Trade Rumors