It is not often that Sidney Crosby is the one delivering the laughs, but he bluntly did just that in the pre-Olympic games media. We also looked one little discussed issue with this Pittsburgh Penguins season that could have some future implications. Elsewhere in the Daily, the Olympics are also a chance for a couple of players to notch a much-needed reverse to legacies of losing. The St. Louis Blues are open for business, but are purposely putting high prices on their availables. And the NHL Olympians are trying to get used to some required equipment.

I forgot to share this story a couple of weeks ago (Jan. 30), but today is a great day for it.

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Ohio State vs. Michigan. For my money, it’s the last truly great rivalry in college sports that administrators and ESPN conference TV networks haven’t destroyed. One of our subscribers had a front row seat for Michigan vs. OSU hockey, but wearing the unfortunate combo of an OSU jersey and a Penguins hat–that’s when Penguins first-round pick Will Horcoff noticed.

From Matt S.:

“We have OSU season tickets (on the glass). Excited to come to the game tonight – wearing a Penguins cap – to see Will Horcoff play. He skated by during warm-up, saw my Penguins hat, and came over and flipped a puck by my 11-yo son (and travel hockey goalie), even though we were in OSU gear. What a great young man! So excited to see him in black and gold!”

It’s a little bit surprising that Ohio State hasn’t begun to compete with Michigan and Michigan State (and Minnesota) by attracting some NHL blue chippers.

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Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: There is one issue with this Penguins team, and it raises questions about how deep into the rebuild the Penguins are and the future implications. This season was to be a year for the rookies, but where are the Penguins’ prospects?

We will have several stories today, including the PHN+ Q&A, but yesterday was a prep day. Also, I booked my weekend trip to Wilkes-Barre for a couple of games this weekend.

Steelers Now: OK, Omar Kahn is on the clock. Derrick Bell has the top five pressing offseason Steelers needs.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: A $12 million free agent? One who could help the team? Huh. It’s a bit risky, but Danny Demilio has the three takeaways from the Pittsburgh Pirates free agent signings.

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NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

TSN: I find this narrative particularly fascinating. It’s pure media creation, but it holds some water, too. Connor McDavid hasn’t won a Cup. Nor has Team USA captain Auston Matthews. In fact, both have experienced far more bitter playoff defeats than victories. So, who needs a gold medal more?

The Bleacher Report tweeted a shorter version, but here’s the full video. Sidney Crosby’s quick answer following McDavid’s denial was even funnier.

Philly Hockey Now: Back to life, back to reality. The stuffing is coming out of the seams in Philly, and our Will James is calling it as he sees it. Coach Rick Tocchet needs to swallow hard and start playing Matvei Michkov MORE.

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New Jersey Hockey Now: Yeah, things are not good in the swamp. James Nichols delivers the very unfortunate (but perhaps delicious) State of the New Jersey Devils.

The Athletic ($): Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou? The St. Louis Blues have some attractive trade chips, but the question is, will they, should they start dealing?

Detroit Hockey Now: Another GM who could have been on the hot seat if this season had not gone well was Steve Yzerman. It was time to show results. Last spring, Dylan Larkin softly ripped Yzerman and the organization after another playoff miss. Now, Larkin is openly discussing Yzerman and his Detroit Red Wings.

Sportsnet: Neck guards. You’ll see Crosby wearing new equipment, and a lot of the NHL players are trying to get used to the mandatory hockey turtlenecks.

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Florida Hockey Now: Before the Miracle on Ice, there was another unheralded American squad that shocked the world–Remembering the original Team USA gold miracle.

The post Dan’s Daily: Sid Jokes; Desperate Legacies; Where are Penguins Prospects? appeared first on Pittsburgh Hockey Now.

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