Dan’s Daily: Fleury’s Best Pranks; New Penguins Prospect Arrives

There are still two teams alive in the NHL playoff races, though neither is likely to overtake the second wild card in either the Eastern or Western Conference. In the meantime, we’re winding down the Pittsburgh Penguins season with the surprising arrival of a Penguins prospect, who may or may not sign his entry-level deal. Elsewhere, can the Montreal Canadiens make a run, and can the Toronto Maple Leafs’ defense hold up in the playoffs? There’s really bad news in Edmonton, exceptionally good news in Colorado, and Marc-Andre Fleury spent some time on Hockey Night in Canada After Hours recounting his favorite pranks.

The drive back from New Jersey or New York is always an hour longer than the drive there. I don’t know why. It’s a ripple in the space-time continuum or the fact that there’s always a multi-car accident on I-80 (I refuse to spend $40 on the PA turnpike to save 30 minutes). But I arrived in time for the grand opening by some dear friends who are about to live their dream.

The Lion on Allegheny Ave. (1207 Allegheny Ave.) officially opened last night. Jason and Hayley remodeled the former Leo. A Public House and added some fun draft beers (like Miller High Life!), but the star of the show is the bartenders and their infused cocktails. And yes, on Sunday nights when I do TV (like tonight), you’re welcome to belly up beside me and argue away. I’m incredibly proud of Jay-Hay for going for it. It’s a hang-out like Cheers or Central Perk (with alcohol), and it’s an easy walk after a Pirates or Steelers game. I promise you’ll enjoy it.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Dave had practice on Saturday, and because he habitually arrives early, he got the scoop. There he was on the ice—newly acquired Penguins’ prospect Melvin Fernstrom.

The Penguins’ practice was short on news. Philip Tomasino started in white but switched to a regular jersey as he recovers from a concussion. He’s a game-time decision today. In a sad sign of the times, the Penguins are talking about an incredibly modest goal. Here are the lines and the latest from the Penguins’ locker room.

What about playing for Team Canada at the World Championships? Sidney Crosby, who will be 38 in a few months, is pondering the chance to lead Canada in the Worlds, but is it too much hockey? Even the Penguins’ captain is wondering that.

Steelers Now: There is increasing chatter about the Steelers drafting a quarterback in Round One. An official visit poured gas on the fire. I know absolutely nothing about this kid (because I don’t have time for college sports), but is Shedeur Sanders the guy?

NHL News, Rumors, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: Marc-Andre Fleury playing pranks? Never! Fleury, on the eve of the end of his final regular season, joined Hockey Night in Canada for a live chat about retirement and kids, and he spent quite a bit of time recounting his favorite pranks.

TSN: Here are the big questions in the East–can the Montreal Canadiens make a run, and can the Toronto Maple Leafs’ defense hold up under the heat lamp of the playoffs?

Detroit Hockey Now: A top prospect is on his way in the final days of the NHL regular season and will join the AHL team for a playoff run. Finally, d-man Axel Sandin Pellikka is on his way.

The kid is going to be a stud defenseman. Detroit might want to start adding around its kids a bit faster, or they’ll be old men before Detroit is in the playoffs.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Some good news for the swamp monsters and their museum-loving defenseman (nothing wrong with that). The New Jersey Devils will, might, possibly get Dougie Hamilton back for Game 1.

It’s been a big deal. And it should be. Gabriel Landeskog felt so good after his first game in three years Friday that he laced up again Saturday for the Colorado Eagles of the AHL. In Game 2, he scored a goal, his first goal in three years. It looks like the Colorado Avalanche might get their captain back.

Boston Hockey Now: The flip side of restricted free agency is paying a kid who just popped a big year. Morgan Geekie exploded in an expanded role, but now comes the decision–will the Boston Bruins pay up?