Daily Nuggets: Golden Knights Criticized; Bedard’s Problem, Gr8ness

Good morning. The Vegas Golden Knights play hockey today– but don’t worry, it’s not at 9:30 this time. Instead, it’s at 10:00 a.m., which is a completely reasonable hour. If I’m not conveying my sarcasm through text— I’m kidding. Scheduling hockey at this time is cruel and unusual punishment. So, I hope you have all recovered from St. Paddy’s Day-related activities.

The Golden Knights lost to a bottom-feeder team on Saturday. It was ugly, and Bruce Cassidy really let them have it postgame. The Los Angeles Kings, on the other hand, can’t stop winning and continue to gain ground in the standings. The battle for the Pacific Division rages on.

Elsewhere in the Daily Nuggets, the steam train that is Alex Ovechkin keeps right on chuggin’. Mikko Rantanen spoke to the Colorado media for the first time since the blockbuster trade to Carolina so long ago, and he had quite a bit to say. The Florida Panthers are in talks to extend one of their core players, and I think the officials legitimately hate Connor Bedard.

Golden Knights News

The Golden Knights needed a win on Saturday. The game started at 9:30 a.m., but the Golden Knights did not. Despite their poor play, they held a multi-goal lead in the second period; the Sabres pushed to tie it. Jack Eichel scored the go-ahead goal against his former team, but the Golden Knights ended up Buffa-Blowing it and lost to the Sabres in a shootout.

Tomáš Hertl made a very human mistake, leading to the Sabres tying the game late. Golden Knights head coach Bruce Cassidy had some choice words for his team. He didn’t hold back and ripped them postgame. 

The Los Angeles Kings played the Nashville Predators on Saturday night. As expected, the game was fun, fast-paced, and contained lots of goals. Kidding. The Kings won 1-0 in overtime, putting them back in second in the Pacific Division.

The Athletic ($): The Athletic Staff released their Post-Trade Deadline Predictions for the Stanley Cup winner, awards, and more!

NHL Rumors, News, & National Hockey Now

Hockey Night in Canada: On his ‘Saturday Headlines, ’ Elliotte Friedman broke the news that the Florida Panthers are engaging in talks to re-sign center Sam Bennett.

Sportsnet: Eight goals– that’s how many Alex Ovechkin needs to pass Wayne Gretzky for the record. The Russian Machine never breaks, and he’s not slowing down. 

Colorado Hockey Now: Mikko Rantanen met with the Colorado media for the first time since the Avalanche traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes. He admitted that the trade blindsided him; Rantanen had arranged an in-person meeting with the front office and expressed a desire to stay. But he’s a Dallas Star now, and he’s happy to be there.

Chicago Hockey Now: For the first– and probably last– time in his NHL career, Connor Bedard was ejected from two consecutive games.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Ding, dong, the tank is dead! Somehow, the Penguins are a long shot to make the postseason. They snapped the Devils’ three-game win streak and demolished them 7-3 on home ice.