Dan’s Daily Link: Pens PP, Update on Muzzin, Storm Surge

It didn’t take long for the Carolina Hurricanes to notch their next sweep and they did it with a goalie whose last playoff start ended in disaster and became the beginning of the end for Phil Kessel in Toronto. The Pittsburgh Penguins power play has been much talked about, but we delivered the full story. And in the daily links, is an update on the condition of Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Jake Muzzin who left Game 2 on a stretcher, on Tuesday night.

The Pittsburgh Penguins power play is 1-12 and the Penguins have been scoreless on a pair of five-on-three advantages. However, that’s one part of the story. Here’s the rest (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

As of 7:15 a.m., this is the latest on Toronto Maple Leafs defensemen Jake Muzzin, who stumbled at full speed and whose head contacted the knees of an opponent, left on a stretcher.

An update on @MapleLeafs defenceman Jake Muzzin: pic.twitter.com/33WWtAJOD5

— Leafs PR (@LeafsPR) August 5, 2020

The Carolina Hurricanes made easy work of the New York Rangers. James Reimer is the latest goalie to have a resurgence with Carolina since Mike Bales became the goalie coach. Reimer’s last playoff start was the disastrous 2013 third-period, Game 7 meltdown when Toronto blew a 4-1 lead in the final minutes. As a Toronto radio host (at that time), I’ll tell you it changed the Leafs fan base. Phil Kessel had a great series but took some blame for not doing more.

Tuesday, Carolina swept the New York Rangers with Reimer in goal. The Calgary Flames pushed the Winnipeg Jets to the brink, and the Tuesday night game wrapups (Sportsnet)

Since I don’t read Finnish very well, here’s the Tweet from Finland. Edmonton Oilers prospect Jesse Puljujarvi has re-upped in Finland. It’s not known if there is an out-clause, which would allow him to return to the NHL next season.

PULJU IS BACK!

UUTINEN: https://t.co/AGVLb4wzTR#Kärpät #Liiga pic.twitter.com/vtDSSdefwO

— Oulun Kärpät (@OulunKarpatFi) August 5, 2020

NATIONAL HOCKEY NOW

Following the Chicago Blackhawks upset win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1, our colleague Adrian Dater of Colorado Hockey Now caused a minor Twitter kerfuffle. He suggested Connor McDavid might be too reserved off the ice to inspire his team.

The white knights of snark and sensibility who patrol the hockey Twitterverse came to everyone’s rescue. The Oilers won Game 2 and McDavid was fantastic.

AD has a sense of humor about it.

At least I don't have to spend any money on food here in Edmonton today. Eating my words vis a vis No. 97 all day has me stuffed to the gills. He certainly made me eat them last night #respect #mightstillneedadisguisearoundhere

— Adrian Dater (@adater) August 4, 2020

It reminded me of similar criticisms Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby received (internally and externally) early in his career, and Adrian’s thought was a worthwhile contribution to the discussion.

Adrian has commissioned a legendary Denver cartoonist for some fun. Check it out (Colorado Hockey Now)

Tuukka Rask will start for the Boston Bruins in their round-robin game against division rival, Tampa Bay. Coach Bruce Cassidy expects a physical game (Boston Hockey Now)

The New York Islanders have the Florida Panthers one game from elimination. Jordan Eberle sparked the Isles (NYI Hockey Now)

From the other side, Florida Hockey Now knows, another loss and it’s all over (Florida Hockey Now)

I only recognized one of the names on the San Jose Sharks falling prospects list, but I found it interesting reading–the hows and whys (San Jose Hockey Now).

“If he hasn’t figured out how to get into AHL shape, let alone NHL shape, it makes one wonder if he ever will.”

I love working with these cats. Makes life interesting, eh?