Daily Nuggets: Golden Knights Win Big; New Top Trade Target, 4 Nations Injury Updates

The Vegas Golden Knights salvaged their Eastern Conference road trip after starting 0-2-0. They’re once again tied for first in the Pacific Division and will enter the two-week break on a high note. Team Canada finally named Alex Pietrangelo’s replacement for the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament. Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, Elliotte Friedman rattled off a list of trade candidates during his Saturday Headlines and provided injury updates for 4 Nation Face-Off participants.

Golden Knights News

Breathe a sign of relief. If yesterday’s play is any indication, the Golden Knights are off the schneid. The Golden Knights stumbled early but rebounded nicely and rallied to beat the Boston Bruins 4-3. 

With their win yesterday, the Golden Knights are tied with the Edmonton Oilers in the Pacific Division standings. The Oilers have a game in hand. The standings won’t change again until Saturday, February 22nd, so buckle up.

After weeks of deliberation, Team Canada officially named Drew Doughty as Alex Pietrangelo’s replacement in the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: In his Saturday Headlines, Elliotte Friedman dropped a barrage of trade rumors and floated a list of names, including Brayden Schenn and Vladimir Tarasenko. Ryan Donato may become the new belle at the ball at the trade deadline with so many big names off the market.

4 Nations Face-Off: According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Sidney Crosby will decide if he is healthy enough to suit up for Team Canada. Quinn Hughes will also make a decision regarding his own status, but as the Canucks are in the playoff hunt, the stakes are higher. Mikko Rantanen will join Team Finland despite his injury.

New York Islanders Hockey Now: Mat Barzal underwent a kneecap procedure and is out indefinitely.

NHL History: On February 9th, 1984, Guy Lafleur passed Jean Béliveau to become the Montreal Canadiens’ all-time leading scorer.