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Pre-game reading: Who’s on the ‘trade bait’ list?

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The Penguins and the Capitals swapped leads throughout a wild, high-scoring affair but Pittsburgh came out on top in overtime to win, 8-7.

-- Up top, relive last night’s wild affair in Pittsburgh, where the Penguins and Capitals combined for 15 goals. According to the NHL, it was the most goals in a game since Oct. 27, 2011, when the Jets beat the Flyers, 9-8 because Ilya Bryzgalov got “lost in the woods.”

-- TSN has come up with its annual “trade bait” list of 20 players who could be dealt before the March 1 deadline. At the top of the list? Colorado’s Matt Duchene, who could certainly help a playoff contender. That being said, a Duchene trade may be more likely to occur in the offseason, when more teams have the flexibility to swing a big deal. Pure rentals on the list include Martin Hanzal, Thomas Vanek, and Radim Vrbata. (TSN)

-- Brad Marchand has no doubt that an NHL team would be accepting of a gay teammate. “Guys would accept that, no question. We’re a team in the [dressing] room and a family. It doesn’t matter what different beliefs guys have, or where they come from, or whatever the case may be. Guys would accept it. Again, in the room we’re a family. That’s the way it is on a hockey team, and that’s the way it will always be.” (ESPN)

-- Sounds like the Toronto Maple Leafs have taken a page out of the Pittsburgh Penguins’ playbook. Or maybe it’s the Green Bay Packers’ playbook? Said d-man Connor Carrick: “When you’re defense, a lot of times you’re in the quarterback position and sometimes you’ve just got to throw it up, make a good play and let your receivers – let your forwards – do something with it.” (Sportsnet)

-- The Vancouver Canucks have tried to stay competitive while retooling their roster. You can quibble with that philosophy, but according to Henrik Sedin, it’s better than tanking. “You can see on any given night, we’re in the games. I don’t think that was the case last year. There needs to be pieces brought in for sure to take that next big step. But at least we’re building a culture where everyone is accountable and we know what to expect from each other.” (The Province)

-- According to Postmedia’s Michael Traikos, John Tortorella and Mike Babcock are the runaway leaders for the Jack Adams Award. We’d also throw Bruce Boudreau into the coach-of-the-year conversation, but if the Jackets and Leafs make the playoffs this season, it’s hard to imagine someone other than Torts or Babs getting the nod. Maybe Boudreau or Todd McLellan? But probably Torts or Babs. (National Post)

Enjoy the games!