Penguins Let One Slip, Goaltending Depth Thins, and Trade Talk Swirls Around the League
The Pittsburgh Penguins left Long Island with more than just a loss - they left with frustration written all over their faces. After building what could’ve been a statement win against the Islanders, the Penguins watched it unravel in overtime, falling 5-4 in a game that felt like theirs for the taking. Postgame, players were cordial with the media, but the mood was unmistakable: this one stung.
It wasn’t just the final score that had Pittsburgh reeling. This was a game where the Penguins had control, where momentum was on their side, and where a win could’ve helped reset the tone of a season that’s been flirting with inconsistency. Instead, they left with a single point and a sour taste - the kind that lingers longer than it should.
Goaltending Shakeup in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
While the NHL club tries to shake off the sting of that loss, changes are also coming down in the AHL. Filip Larsson, who’s been stuck in the third-goalie role with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, has had enough.
He’s been placed on waivers, and the Penguins will terminate his contract. It’s a tough break for a player who never really found his footing in the organization, but with limited opportunity and no clear path forward, it’s not surprising Larsson is looking for a fresh start elsewhere.
Around the League: Trade Winds, Olympic Moves, and Oilers Drama
Let’s pivot to the national scene, where the NHL rumor mill is heating up and a few storylines are starting to bubble over.
Panarin’s Price Too High?
In New York, Artemi Panarin’s name has been floated in trade chatter - but it looks like teams are starting to back away. The ask from the Rangers is reportedly steep, and when you factor in Panarin’s age and contract demands (we’re talking $50 million for a player nearing 35), it’s no surprise there aren’t many takers. Panarin’s still an elite talent, no doubt, but that kind of price tag is a tough sell for teams trying to balance short-term upside with long-term cap flexibility.
Oilers’ Identity Crisis
Up in Edmonton, the Oilers are once again at a crossroads. After back-to-back trips to the Stanley Cup Final - both ending in heartbreak - expectations were sky-high.
But this season’s been anything but smooth. The team’s biggest move so far?
Acquiring goaltender Tristan Jarry. And while Jarry’s a solid netminder, that’s not exactly the kind of blockbuster that screams “we’re all in.”
The pressure on Connor McDavid continues to mount, and right now, the Oilers don’t look like the contender they were supposed to be.
Flyers in Turmoil
Things are getting messy in Philadelphia. Rick Tocchet is catching heat for keeping Matvei Michkov - the Flyers’ electrifying young forward - out of the lineup.
Fans are frustrated, and it’s not just them. The Flyers’ president seems to be at odds with Tocchet’s decision-making, and general manager Daniel Briere even held a press conference to address the situation.
That didn’t stop the chants of “Fire Tocchet” from echoing through the arena. There’s tension in Philly, and it’s starting to spill into the public eye.
Team Canada Makes a Change
On the international stage, Team Canada has made its first injury-related roster adjustment ahead of the Olympics. Anthony Cirelli is out, and Sam Bennett is in.
More changes could be coming, as several injury situations remain unresolved. With the tournament approaching, all eyes are on who’s healthy enough to represent Canada - and who might be next in line if they’re not.
Blue Jackets at a Crossroads
In Columbus, the Blue Jackets have quietly put together a 9-1 run and are making a serious push toward the playoffs. But here’s the dilemma: they’re not quite there yet, and they’ve got three major unrestricted free agents on the roster.
Do they ride the hot streak and try to make a run, or sell high and start building for the future? It’s a classic deadline conundrum - one that could define the rest of their season.
The Penguins will try to regroup after a tough loss, the goalie carousel spins again, and across the league, teams are facing big questions as the trade deadline and Olympic break inch closer. Buckle up - February hockey is never short on drama.