Pens 4, Islanders 2

Ty Conklin was the Number One Star last night, stopping 50 of 52 pucks, as the Pens doubled up the Islanders 4-2. Pittsburgh goals were scored by Malkin, Taffe, Stall and Connor James scored his first NHL goal after joining the team as an emergency recall from WBS Penguins during the second period. James and WBS teammate Nathan Smith drove from Wilkes Barre to Long Island yesterday afternoon after the Hossa trade was completed.

Next Up - tomorrow night at Boston.

Trade Reaction - There is plenty of talk around town after yesterday's blockbuster trade about the pros and cons and how things will turn out. First of all, it is too soon to say. The impact of the trade will not be known for at least the next 10 or 12 games, if even then. Many folks are claiming that all Shero did was pick up a rental player that will only stick with the team until 7/1 when the free agency period begins. I do not think Shero would have made this decision unless he thought there was a good chance he could sign Hossa to a long term deal. And even if he is unable to sign Hossa, he has clearly sent his team a message that his expectations are to win, and to do so now.

He also sent the message that he is not timid about modifying the teams chemistry. Armstrong was a high energy, locker room kind of guy and he will be missed. However, he was not a superstar on the ice nor will he ever be. I personally liked the guy but such is life in the NHL. Christensen was great on shootouts and did an good job in the defensive zone, and on the penalty kill. So is Dupuis. Seems like that part was a straight up trade. So was getting Hossa fair for giving up Armstrong, a low first round pick and an unproven prospect? You bet your ass it was! And it will pay dividends the rest of the season and hopefully a few years into the future.

Injury Update - Sid is continuing to improve his ankle and all speculation points to his return next week. Gary Roberts is also continuing to rehab his injured ankle and looks like he will return to the line-up towards the end of March.

UPDATE - Hossa, Dupuis and Gill are on their way to meet up with the Penguins in Boston for tomorrow nights game. All should be in the line-up barring any unforeseen circumstances.

Trade Deadline Today

Today is the NHL trade deadline and, traditionally, a very active day for player trades. Keep posted for my analysis of any trades made by the Pens.

Noon update: No blockbusters as of yet in the Atlantic but the Lightning sent Brad Richards - F and Johan Holmqvist - G to the Dallas Stars for Mike Smith - G, Jussi Jokinen - F and Jeff Halpern - F.

The Sabres were unable to come to terms with Brian Campbell - F so they sent him to San Jose for Steve Bernier - F and a first round pick.

2pm Update: The Capitals acquired Sergei Federov - F from the Columbus Blue Jackets for prospect Ted Ruth - D. Looks like the Caps are stocking up to win the South. Federov is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. TSN is also reporting that the Caps have acquired Cristobal Huet - G from Montreal for a second round pick in 2009.

3:00 Update: Looks like the Pens are jumping into the fray. They have traded a 2nd round and a 5th round pick to Toronto for veteran defenseman Hal Gill. Rumor has it there is also a trade happening with Atlanta for Marian Hossa which will send Armstrong, Christiansen and Esposito to Atlanta. Will update when this is confirmed.

Update - The Hossa trade has been confirmed by TSN. In addition to Hossa the Pens will get Pascal Dupuis - F.

Analysis - There is quite a bit of concern that dealing Armstrong will have a bad effect on the teams chemistry. Colby ,while being very close to Sid, has a tremendous fan following and the concern could be warrented. Christensen is a go-to guy on the shootout as well. Hossa could very well take his place though so any concern about that is moot. Hossa is an unrestricted free agent after the season so if the Pens are not able to re-sign him to a long term deal then all they will get out of this is a rental forward for the rest of this season and Dupuis and will have given up three quality, young forwards, one of which was a first rounder, and a first round draft pick. Not sure if I like this deal or not but let's see where the chips fall on this one. Shero could be a genius or the goat depending on how deep the Pens manage to go in the playoffs.

Pens, Hurricanes Swap Forwards

The Pens and Hurricanes swapped forwards in a trade that was completed on Thursday. Pittsburgh sent Center Joe Jensen to Carolina for left wing David Gove. Gove was immediately addigned to WBS Penguins.

Jensen was the Pens eighth round pick in 2003 and has never appeared in an NHL game. The Minnestota native has registered two goals and two assists for the Baby Pens this season.

Gove, 29, a Massachusetts native, has been with Carolina since 2005 when he was signed as a free agent. He has appeared in two NHL games and has registered on assist.