Welcome to the PHT Morning Skate, a collection of links from around the hockey world. Have a link you want to submit? Email us at phtblog@nbcsports.com.
• It’s a rough day for American hockey fans, as Team USA dropped a 3-2 OT decision to Slovenia in their first game at the Olympics. (USA Hockey)
• Winning a gold medal in Korea would make Pavel Datsyuk a member of the triple gold club. (Pyeongchang2018)
• Both Korea and Japan are feeling good after playing each other in tournament action. (NBC Olympics)
• The Canadian and American women will do battle on Thursday. A medal isn’t on the line, but top spot in the group is. (Associated Press)
• Even though Ottawa is retaining 25 percent of Dion Phaneuf’s contract, the trade they made with the Kings will save them roughly $5.5 million in real cash. (TSN.ca)
Be sure to visit NBCOlympics.com and NBC Olympic Talk for full hockey coverage from PyeongChang.
• Chris Kreider, who was diagnosed with a blood clot late in December, is close to returning to action. (NY Post)
• Sharks goalie Aaron Dell worked hard to get to where he is, but his family was a huge help along the way. (NHL.com)
• The Predators would like to have Mike Fisher back in their lineup by early March. (The Tennessean)
• ESPN looks at possible reasons why no coaches have been fired yet this season. (ESPN)
• The Chicago Blackhawks struggles can be blamed on time and mismanagement. (Fan Rag Sports)
• Former NHLer Stephen Peat is struggling to pay his medical bills. He’s even living in his truck. (CBC.ca)
• The Florida Panthers are not in the market for a rental player, according to GM Dale Tallon. (Sportsnet)
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Joey Alfieri is a writer for Pro Hockey Talk on NBC Sports. Drop him a line at phtblog@nbcsports.com or follow him on Twitter @joeyalfieri.