NHL Daily: ‘Fire Hextall’ Chants in Pittsburgh; Bruins’ Big Deal

Former Philadelphia Flyers general manager Ron Hextall is not the most popular person in Pittsburgh these days.

Hextall, the Penguins’ general manager the last two years, was the recipient of second-period chants Thursday as his team faced a 6-1 deficit against visiting Edmonton.

“Fire Hextall,” the fans chanted for nearly a minute. When the game ended, the Penguins had dropped a 7-2 decision, their fourth straight loss.

The chants were later repeated.

Pittsburgh (27-21-9) has fallen out of a playoff spot, and some of Hextall’s moves have come under scrutiny. He has yet to make a trade this season.

Meanwhile, Boston and Washington completed a huge deal Thursday. The Bruins got veteran defenseman Dmitry Orlov and physical winger Garnet Hathaway, The Caps got Craig Smith and three draft picks, including a first-rounder this June.

There are also reports that the New York Rangers are close to acquiring Patrick Kane from Chicago. Earlier this month, they landed star winger Vladimir Tarasenko.

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Around the NHL and National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: Top-line Philadelphia Flyers center Sean Couturier is skating and making progress as he tries to return from two back surgeries. He hasn’t played all season. Philadelphia Flyers.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Penguins fans showed their displeasure with GM Ron Hextall during Pittsburgh’s 7-2 loss to the visiting Edmonton Oilers on Thursday. Pittsburgh Penguins.

Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins’ already-powerful lineup got better after a trade with the Washington Capitals. Boston Bruins.

Montreal Hockey Now: The Canadiens, who play the Flyers on Friday at the Wells Fargo Center, claimed center Chris Tierney off waivers from Florida. Half the Habs’ roster is injured, causing them to make a move. He had just two goals and an assist in 13 games with Florida this season. Montreal Canadiens.

New York Rangers: The Blueshirts could land Patrick Kane as they make a run for the Stanley Cup. Can they fit him under their tight salary cap? New York Rangers.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings have surged into a playoff spot. They whipped the Rangers, 4-1, and won for the seventh time in their last eight games. Detroit Red Wings.