Daily Nuggets: Stone, Eichel Excited; Jones Trade Rumors; Injuries

This is not a drill– the Vegas Golden Knights play hockey in two days. Jack Eichel, Mark Stone, and Noah Hanifin play hockey tonight. Adin Hill could, too– Team Canada hasn’t named a starting goaltender yet. I know who I’d start after the collapse in the final few minutes of the game against Finland.

Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones wants out of Chicago. Team USA wanted Quinn Hughes to travel to Boston to serve as an injury replacement; the Canucks said no. Brett Pesce and Tage Thompson will go in his stead. In Pittsburgh, an all-time great passed away.

Hockey is on the rise again—how great is that? The first 4 Nations Face-Off meeting between Team Canada and Team USA was the most-watched non-Stanley Cup Playoff Game in over ten years, with 4.4 million views in America alone. Also, please direct your attention to the most-watched regular season game of the 2024-25 season: your Vegas Golden Knights!

I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m beyond excited for the 4 Nations Face-Off final tonight. The first meeting between Team Canada and Team USA was so great. Tonight’s game will be winner-take-all, adding another level of intensity and emotion. I’d love for this game to be high-scoring, and with Team USA’s depleted defense, I might get my wish. Charlie McAvoy was crucial to containing Connor McDavid in the first game, and I’m worried about how Team USA will do without him. Final prediction: 5-3, Canada.

Golden Knights News

The 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament has done wonders for the league’s TV ratings. More people than ever are talking about hockey. Jack Eichel and Mark Stone are excited about the game and what it means for the game of hockey.

Sportsnet: Remember when Thatcher Demko’s injury “wasn’t that serious”? Yeah… no. He’s not going to travel on the Vancouver Canucks upcoming five-game road trip due to a lower-body injury. He won’t face the Golden Knights when NHL action resumes on Saturday.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: Blackhawks defenseman Seth Jones wants a chance to win; he wants out of Chicago.

The Athletic ($): Well, Quinn Hughes won’t be swooping in at the 11th hour to save Team USA after all. Hughes wanted to go to Boston whether he could play or not, but the Vancouver Canucks shut it down.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Some sad, sad news for the hockey world. Mike Lange, the legendary voice of the Pittsburgh Penguins from 1976 to 2021, passed away last night. Tonight, in his honor, I’ll buy Sam a drink and get his dog one, too.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Instead of Quinn Hughes, Devils defenseman Brett Pesce, and Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson will join the team in Boston. Of course, they won’t be allowed to play unless a player is officially ruled outwith injury or illness. 

Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins are in the midst of the Eastern Conference playoff race, but their injury situation went from bad to worse. There’s no timetable for Charlie McAvoy’s return, but it doesn’t look promising.

Ottawa Hockey Now: The Tkachuk brothers are taking the hockey world by storm at the 4 Nations Face-Off. Brady Tkachuk has never appeared in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, but now the whole world can see just how good he is.

Colorado Hockey Now: Someday, the Avalanche will be able to give an update on Gabe Landeskog. Unfortunately, today is not that day. 

NHL History: On February 20th, 1930, Clint Benedict of the Montreal Maroons became the first goaltender to wear a mask after taking a puck to the face. This seems like a smart reaction to me.