Hannah Kirkell
The Vegas Golden Knights almost lost on Thursday night. Key word: almost. Ugly wins and pretty wins are both worth two points in the standings. And as Pacific Division opponents stumble, every point matters. The Boston Bruins could move Brad Marchand at the Trade Deadline, and the Golden Knights were listed as a team that could– and should– be interested.
Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, Elliotte Friedman provided updates on the Mikko Rantanen situation in Carolina. Trent Frederic is week-to-week, which means the Boston Bruins’ most valuable trade piece will garner a lesser return.
The Trade Deadline is exactly one week away. Buckle up, folks.
Golden Knights News
I hope you all took your heart medication on Thursday night. The Golden Knights took a commanding 5-1 lead over the Chicago Blackhawks in the first period, but those pesky Hawks chipped away until it was a 6-5 game with 10 minutes to go in the third. Ivan Barbashev added an insurance marker, and the Golden Knights held on to win. Here’s my analysis.
The Edmonton Oilers have lost five games in a row. They now sit four points behind the Golden Knights in the standings, both teams having played 59 games. The Los Angeles Kings are six points back of the Golden Knights, but they have played three fewer games. There’s still a way to go before the Pacific Division winner is crowned.
The Athletic ($): The Boston Bruins sit four points out of the playoffs but have played more games than the teams they hope to pass. Could they trade their Captain, Brad Marchand? Shayna Goldman thinks they should at least consider it and named the Golden Knights as a team that should call.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Sportsnet: On Thursday’s Written 32 Thoughts, Elliotte Friedman provided insight into the Mikko Rantanen situation. Rantanen could get $14 million on the open market, but the maximum term would be seven years. The Hurricanes, on the other hand, could give him eight years. They haven’t offered him close to $14 million– Friedman’s guess is around $12.5– but that could change.
Chicago Hockey Now: Here’s the other side of Thursday’s game. Yes, they gave up seven goals, but the Blackhawks can walk away with this game looking at the positives.
Boston Hockey Now: More bad news for the Bruins– their best trade piece is injured.
Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings suffered a 5-2 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets, another Eastern Conference playoff hopeful. Head coach Todd McLellan had some choice words for Captain Dylan Larkin.
Colorado Hockey Now: The Avalanche are rejuvenated with Val Nichushkin back in the lineup. They’re a much better team, too. This does not bode well for whoever wins the Pacific Division.
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Does anyone remember last year when then-Rangers Captain Jacob Trouba left the ice in a huff and threw his helmet? Well, Penguins goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic did something similar after getting pulled against the Philadelphia Flyers.
NHL History: On February 28th, 1960, the United States won its first hockey gold medal in the Winter Olympics.
