Dan’s Daily: NY Post Hits Penguins, TB Trade Clears Cap Space

It took a second-round pick and a couple of solid depth players, but the Tampa Bay Lightning finally traded their way out of NHL salary cap jail. Former Florida Panthers winger Mike Hoffman shocked many when he signed a PTO deal, Team Canada survived Slovakia, but Russia was upset by the Czech Republic. And, the New York Post took a shot at the Pittsburgh Penguins owners.

What is Penguins GM Jim Rutherford doing with the potential cap space? The Penguins passed on a few free agents whose price tag dropped well within their budget. Why? Is Rutherford saving up, so a Penguins trade is possible (Pittsburgh Hockey Now)

It was a little bit caustic. I don’t know what term you want to use, but the New York Post posted posh pictures of owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle while disclosing the Penguins were the only major professional sports team which received a payroll protection loan. (NY Post)

The story itself by respected writer Larry Brooks was factual, but the paper took a bit of a cheap shot using a photo of Lemieux drinking champagne.

Hey, I’ve made my share of mistakes in this realm, too.

Who doesn’t love a good upset? At the World Juniors, the Czechs dumped the Russians. (TSN)

Team Canada needed a goal from Nashville’s blue-chip prospect Philip Tomasino to barely beat Slovakia. For all of the WJC and Team Canada coverage, follow TSN’s David Alter. 

If you’re a PHN+ subscriber, you may have incredulously read the last Off the Record column. We reported that some big names could choose to sign PTOs for NHL training camp. Even we were a little skeptical until Mike Hoffman did just that on Sunday (St. Louis Post-Dispatch)

By the way — the Pittsburgh Penguins training camp is coming in 6 days. Join PHN+ today and save 15% (Subscribe to PHN+)

The Washington Capitals inked veteran goalie Craig Anderson to a PTO, as well. After a heart issue forced Henrik Lundqvist out of this season, the Caps need a veteran backup (Russian Machine Never Breaks)

Another NHL trade: the Ottawa Senators dumped a pair of injured veterans who will be stashed on LTIR and acquired a pair of useful players. Tampa Bay traded a pair of useful players and a second-round pick. And the reigning Stanley Cup champion gets cap compliant (Yahoo Sports)

Matt Murray is going to have a MUCH improved team in front of him. If their first-round pick Tim Stutzle is any good, Ottawa could battle for a playoff spot.

We found a gem in San Jose. We didn’t quite know what we were getting when we hired Sheng Peng for San Jose Hockey Now. Damn, the guy hustles. Now he has to cover his team 700 miles from home. (San Jose Hockey Now)