Oh those Pittsburgh Penguins. Five wins in a row, points in eight straight, and points in 14 of 16 games, including 12 wins. After an abysmal start Thursday, the Penguins flexed their offensive muscle and defensive prowess against the seemingly helpless Chicago Blackhawks. Of course, we’ve got full coverage and analysis of the little and big pictures.

Elsewhere in the Daily, the Washington Capitals remained six points back of the Penguins with a wild shootout win in which goalie Charlie Lindgren was carried off after the win. In the NHL trade chatter, suitors are lining up for Artemi Panarin, including a surprise in the West, Calgary Flames center Nazem Kadri signaled he’s open to a trade, and the Columbus Blue Jackets are getting a lot of calls for one of their centers, too.

And NJD star center Jack Hughes was hurt again.

The Penguins’ win shot their playoff hopes up to 84.6% according to Moneypuck.com. Put it this way–the Capitals are now the closest team out of the playoffs that could take away the Penguins’ postseason. The Penguins have three games in hand and a six-point advantage.

If the Penguins merely get 30 points in their final 30 games, then Washington would need at least 36 in their remaining 27 games, which is a 15-6-6 run. The Penguins could be 12-12-6 and likely get there.

I had a tweet last night, in the fog of 2 a.m. and the adrenaline that was still coursing from the work of digging and grinding my tires and digging more to get my car unstuck from around the arena, in which I mistakenly shorted by one the Capitals and Penguins games remaining.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Vince Comunale did the postgame recap last night. We’ve hired the veteran reporter to help on game nights and with a few odds and ends. It was a dominating performance over the final 40 minutes in the big Penguins win.

OK, let’s dig into this. I must say, I liked the report card. I think you will, too. The team is beginning to believe. We dissected what happened, the bigger picture, and a few player performances to praise in the Penguins’ report card.

Thursday, the Penguins recalled Rutger McGroarty to replace Bryan Rust for three games and got some bad news on Jack St. Ivany. The Penguins news was bittersweet.

We talked with McGroarty and coach Dan Muse about the rookie. We also talked with Ilya Samsonov about making his debut in the Penguins lineup.

Yep yep–do me a favor, for all of your Steelers needs, go to SteelersNow.com. I didn’t realize this–Alan Saunders did indeed fly back and forth from Mobile for the McCarthy presser. That’s how dedicated we are. Steelers Now.

And the winter is getting closer to Spring Training for Danny Demilio, Pittsburgh Baseball Now, and the Pittsburgh Pirates.

NHL Trade Chatter, News, & National Hockey Now

San Jose Hockey Now: Guess who is tired of rebuilding and interested in the Breadman? Yeah, Sheng Peng confirms mutual interest between Artemi Panarin and the San Jose Sharks.

Wow. That would be a nice move for San Jose. And to think Celebrini was thought of as a down-year top pick.

The Washington Capitals rallied against themselves for a shootout win, but an injured Charlie Lindgren stayed in net and was then carried off the ice by teammates. A wild scene:

Crazy scene for Capitals in Detroit:
1) Logan Thompson not dressed; took a shot off the mask last game
2) Charlie Lindgren injured at the end of OT
3) Stays in for shootout…wins when Larkin hits crossbar
4) Carried off by his teammatespic.twitter.com/Oj7tFeqWBx

— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) January 30, 2026

NHLtraderumors.me: In the trade rumors department, there are unconfirmed reports that Nazem Kadri has relented and will accept a trade out of town.

TSN: Pierre LeBrun reports that the Columbus Blue Jackets are getting a lot of calls on center Charlie Coyle, checking to see if they will sell.

TSN Video: Throwing in the towel. After losing to Seattle Thursday, the Toronto Maple Leafs are 10 points out of a playoff spot. Play taps. Start digging the grave. Cameron Gaunce admits it’s over.

More heads will roll in Toronto than in the French Reign of Terror.

Sportsnet: Rory Boylen reviews how seven early trades, including Egor Chinakhov to the Penguins, have worked out this season.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Good and bad news for the Devils. They won in overtime for two points to keep pace, but they lost Jack Hughes to injury. Again for the New Jersey Devils.

Detroit Hockey Now: And “Kaner” is now the all-time leading scorer among American-born NHL’ers. And Detroit played the Free Bird solo as the team celebrated. THAT was a hair-raising, perfect musical accompaniment for the Detroit Red Wings and Patrick Kane.

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