The Toronto Maple Leafs are gearing up for a pivotal matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins, leveraging their superiority over a fatigued opponent fresh off a game against the Boston Bruins. With Auston Matthews leading the charge, expect him to unleash a barrage of shots, particularly given his recent form and the Penguins' struggles on defense. Notably, Matthews has hit over 3.5 shots in eight of his last 12 games, making him a compelling option for prop bets. Matthew Knies is also in a favorable position, having scored a point in seven of his last 11 games. His time on the first line alongside Matthews and Mitch Marner enhances his potential to capitalize against a Penguins team allowing the second-most goals per game. This matchup presents a golden opportunity for both Matthews and Knies to boost their stats and reward savvy fantasy managers and sports bettors.

In a thrilling finale at the 4 Nations Face-Off, Connor McDavid scored what many are calling the 'McGolden goal', a moment that solidified his status as a generational talent in Canadian hockey. The game, which saw Canada face off against the United States, culminated in a dramatic overtime scenario, where McDavid triumphed with a game-winning shot, reminiscent of Sidney Crosby's golden goal during the Vancouver Olympics in 2010. The match was rich with intensity and emotion, highlighting the fierce rivalry between the two nations.

As the overtime unfolded, the Americans were caught in a crucial icing call that allowed Canada to deploy their top players. McDavid, alongside Mitch Marner and Brayden Point, faced Auston Matthews and his line, setting the stage for the decisive moment. The play unfolded with a well-structured faceoff strategy, leading to a shot opportunity that was initially deflected but found its way to Marner, who set McDavid up perfectly for the finish. This goal not only secured victory for Canada but also sparked discussions about the legacy of Canadian hockey, with both Crosby and McDavid being pivotal figures in their respective eras.

The Pittsburgh Penguins find themselves struggling as the season progresses, suffering another loss against the Boston Bruins, this time 3-2 at PPG Paints Arena. After a promising comeback against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Penguins faltered early, conceding two quick goals. Despite a late-game surge, which included a shorthanded goal from Anthony Beauvillier and a late score from Rickard Rakell, they were unable to overcome the deficit. The Bruins' David Pastrnak continued his scoring streak, contributing to the Penguins' woes.

Erik Karlsson logged significant ice time, nearly 30 minutes, but his performance raised concerns as he concluded the game with a minus-2 rating. The Penguins, now nine points out of a playoff spot, face the Toronto Maple Leafs next, raising questions about potential trades before the deadline as they seek to retool for the next season.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are reportedly open to trading Erik Karlsson, indicating it might happen sooner rather than later, although likely during the offseason. While Karlsson has showcased skill, his inconsistency raises questions about his fit within the team. His hefty $10 million cap hit and no-movement clause complicate matters, especially with the Penguins facing defensive issues. General Manager Kyle Dubas is seeking to refresh the team while contending alongside Sidney Crosby. Observers suggest trading Karlsson may be easier as the cap space improves in the offseason.

Other trade discussions highlight various NHL teams, notably the Winnipeg Jets, who are exploring options for depth forwards and mobile defenders, though the center market is not deep this season. The New Jersey Devils are expected to be active in acquiring a center before the trade deadline, while the Vancouver Canucks are looking to extend Brock Boeser amidst scoring challenges.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' storied run of 16 consecutive playoff appearances appears to be drawing to a close as they face a third consecutive year out of the postseason. Key players like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin have led the charge in past championships, but a shift in strategy seems imminent. Veteran winger Rickard Rakell stands out as a prime trade candidate due to his impressive performance this season, boasting 25 goals and 24 assists. The Los Angeles Kings are in the hunt for scoring help, and Rakell could be an ideal fit to enhance their power play.

While Rakell's value is high, the Penguins will need to balance retaining salary with maximizing their return. Given the speculation around the upcoming draft, a first-round pick could be in play. However, with the Kings hosting the draft, they might be hesitant to deal away valuable assets. A trade that sends Rakell to Los Angeles for a first-round pick and a third-round pick could be beneficial for both teams.