The Daily: Rutherford Bombs, Flames Flat

Jim Rutherford torched the Vancouver Canucks and burned himself, too. The Canucks GM will define the NHL trade deadline. That brush fire became a full-fledged inferno. The Calgary Flames gave up a pair in the first period and Nikita Zadorov called their effort "pathetic" in the 2-1 loss they had ample opportunity to win. The Flames' next opponent is rebounding and Nathan MacKinnon had four points, and the Ottawa Senators will start showing the books to potential owners. We should start a Deadpool.

All that and more in today's The Daily CHN links:

Calgary Flames

The road trip didn't end on the positive note most hoped for. The Calgary Flames came out with what Nikita Zadorov described as a "pathetic effort" in the five-game finale. 

The trip wasn't a complete bust even though there were some challenging moments. The third-period collapse in Dallas was scary. Losing to Chicago this season is never fun, even if it took overtime to happen. And it was a real rollercoaster ride in St. Louis with the Flames leaving there with a split. 

Now the Calgary Flames turn their attention to the Colorado Avalanche. And the Avs are getting healthier, with Nathan MacKinnon coming off a big game. 

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

TSN: Bombs away. Jim Rutherford doesn’t like his performance. He’s surprised at the things he will have to do. The Canucks need major surgery. Rutherford’s “wow” press conference started with an update on the Tanner Pearson injury investigation and took off from there.

Sportsnet: 32 Thoughts — There is a lot more on the NHL trade chatter and more on Vancouver, too. And Flames legend Jaromir Jagr's retirement gets a mention … without the Calgary part.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Connor McDavid said it. Sidney Crosby agrees. At least two NHL superstars are ready to get rid of the shootout. 

Washington Hockey Now: The Capitals rallied from down three goals to beat the Islanders. The Capitals have been undergoing line shuffles and some self-excoriation. And Monday, they said, “enough was enough.” Washington Capitals locker room coverage.

NYI Hockey Now: The game had a bit of controversy, too. Alex Ovechkin freight-trained Jean-Gabriel Pageau. It didn’t look entirely clean, but there was no call. Coach Lane Lambert (probably) tempered what he really wanted to say after the New York Islanders’ loss.

Vegas Hockey Now: Former Golden Knights head coach Peter DeBoer got the last laugh as his Dallas Stars beat the VGK 4-0 Monday.

Toronto: Maple Leafs forward Nick Robertson will miss the remainder of the season with an injury.

Detroit: Red Wings goaltender Alexander Nedeljkovic has cleared waivers.

Montreal Hockey Now: Could the Colorado Avalanche and Montreal Canadiens hook up on the NHL Trade market for a second straight season?

And your viral moment of the day:

Boston Hockey Now: Boston crushed Philly 6-0, but the fun part — Nick Foligno and Travis Konecny tangled along the wall. Officials handed matching minor penalties, but Foligno wasn’t happy that his restraint was penalized. His words were caught on the ref’s mic. Check out the Boston Bruins highlight.