If you have been around hockey for a minute, or even just 30 seconds, you just knew the Pittsburgh Penguins were in for a rough go on Friday against the Minnesota Wild. Two games in 12 days were the equivalent of two bye weeks with a bunch of frequent flyer miles packed in. And so it came to bear, probably worse than anyone thought, Minnesota thumped the Penguins, and while the media scrums went one way in the locker room, we went the other, and we’ve got some inside juice on the loss.

Elsewhere in the Daily, the Ottawa Senators are stumping for a blockbuster trade. Sportsnet’s latest power rankings deal with coaches and coaches on the hot seat. Connor Hellebuyck will be out for a while after arthroscopic surgery, and batten the hatches, the NHL trade rumors are about to include Quinn Hughes.

Don’t forget the No Pucks Given podcast–I do it because I do it, so make sure to set the downloads and likes on your favorite pod platform. We dropped a special episode yesterday–the full Dan Muse interview. Here’s the PHN Podcast page.

It is taking me forever to write, in part because I’m dealing with some business matters that are mind-boggling. And that’s all I’ve got to say about that part.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: We’ll skip the link to the recap. You don’t need that level of horror in your life, and it was dry with only a wisecrack or two. Now, on the other hand, the report card is detailed with plenty of actual hockey analysis and blame; it’s a little sarcastic and has some inside analysis that you might find informative (such as a bit on Connor Dewar’s fault, and a real explanation from Ryan Shea). It was a 5-0 whitewash, but check out the Penguins’ report card.

We’re not going to belabor the links today. I know why you’re here.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

NHLTradeRumors.me: I won’t make you sift through an entire podcast on the Vancouver Canucks, but that’s where the information comes from–Canucks Talk. The write-up comes from our buddy Dave Litman, who found the big story in the audio. Rick Dhaliwal reports that the Vancouver Canucks are talking about trading Quinn Hughes THIS SEASON if he won’t commit long term.

Maybe Hughes would like to play against his brothers a few times per year?

Sportsnet: The NHL Power Rankings, and coaches on the hot seat. Who is comfy, who is uncomfy, and who is getting warm, very warm?

New Jersey Hockey Now: The new power couple in the New York area–Jack Hughes and a pop star? The pair were spotted on a date, but dude, Jack, cmon man, if you’re rolling about New York City, on a date with a celeb, do more than fish through the hamper for a clean t-shirt! Do I sound like an old man? Anyway, the latest Devils notes and the New Jersey Devils paparazzi.

One of my favorite social commentators when I read actual printed newspapers was a self-described first-wave feminist, atheist lesbian, Camille Paglia. If you remember her, her books, or Fox News and CNN appearances, her explanations of guys in T-shirts were epic and took down all of society. If you’re in a mood, Google her. But I digress.

The Athletic ($): Pierre LeBrun reports Montreal continues to stump for a center, but now they might just be open to adding a winger on the trade market instead.

Boston Hockey Now: I’m a minute late on this story. Everyone is watching–for Team USA’s sake and the Boston Bruins, there’s an indefinite timeline after Charlie McAvoy had surgery.

Philly Hockey Now: Coach Rick Tocchet is mixing and matching now, “It’s something you’ve got to try.” Are new defense pairs going to fix the Philadelphia Flyers?

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