Daily Nuggets: Golden Linings; 10-Game Suspension, Mittelstadt Moving?

The Vegas Golden Knights are fresh off another loss, this one coming at the hands of the struggling New York Rangers. They’re not yet off the schneid, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. There’s at least one cause for optimism. Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, the Department of Player Services handed out the longest suspension for an on-ice incident since September 2018. The Beanpot final is set, and a fairly recent trade acquisition might be on the block.

Golden Knights News

Not long ago, it looked like the battle for first in the Pacific Division would be long and hard-fought. Now, the Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers are playing a game of “No, you take it!”. The standings remain unchanged. The Oilers and the Golden Knights have 68 points on the season, but the Oilers have a game in hand.

At this point, everyone knows that the Golden Knights are in a slump. They have a record of 3-7-3 since January 9th. Head coach Bruce Cassidy adjusted the lines for Sunday’s game against the Rangers, and the results were positive. The Golden Knights lost the game, but Cassidy’s changes look like a step in the right direction.

Speaking of Sunday’s loss to the New York Rangers, I was particularly impressed with a new addition to the lineup. You can read my player grades here.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: Minnesota Wild winger Ryan Hartman made the headlines on Saturday for all the wrong reasons. He was ejected from the game against the Ottawa Senators following an attempt-to-injure penalty against Tim Stützle. Since Hartman is considered a repeat offender, the Department of Player Services threw the book at him and suspended him for 10 games. This is the longest suspension for in-game conduct since Tom Wilson was suspended 20 games for an illegal check to the head in September of 2018.

New York Islanders Hockey Now: Fresh off the Florida Panthers snapping their seven-game winning streak, the Islandersreceived more bad news. Mat Barzal is out indefinitely with a lower-body injury.

Colorado Hockey Now: Less than a year ago, the Avalanche made a splash at the Trade Deadline when they traded Bowen Byram for Casey Mittelstadt. Now, both players headline Frank Seravalli’s Trade Targets Board.

Boston Hockey Now: For college hockey fans, the Beanpot Tournament is must-see TV. BU and BC both dominated their respective opponents, which sets up what is sure to be an electric final.

NHL History: On February 4th, 1997, Mario Lemieux scored his 600th goal in just his 719th career game.