Dan’s Daily: NYR Shakeup; McAvoy Unloads; Penguins Kick Themselves

The Pittsburgh Penguins are kicking themselves a bit after they finished their season strong, including a fun 5-2 win over the Washington Capitals. They might have a case of the “what ifs.” We skipped the Daily yesterday and went straight to column mode. Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas’s initial task was to make the Penguins competitive, but he only made the Penguins slide worse. Now he’s on the clock to rebuild with Sidney Crosby still here, or he’ll soon be on the clock.

Elsewhere in the Daily, buckle up because we could see sweeping changes in New York that could cut to the foundation of the organization. In the Stanley Cup Playoffs, there are a couple of steel cage matches on the way, Jesse Puljujarvi was suspended, Artemi Panarin and MSG paid out after sexual assault allegations, and the sexual assault trial of the Team Canada 5 is set to begin early next week.

On a personal note, I’d like to thank you all for an epic season. We hit the finish line, and not only did PHN cover all 82, but I did as well; the only reporter in Pittsburgh, possibly the league, to hit that mark this season. The Penguins enjoyed a few highs and a lot of lows on the campaign that was ill-fated from the start. There were many mornings when I sat in an airport terminal, somewhat numb to life, more resigned to the process than embracing it, as I’d buy a bag of gummy bears and ginger ale for the next leg of the journey. But what I enjoy is the communication between you and me. That is more fun than I can express, and many days in the next nondescript hotel, it was my connection to the world.

I’ve gotten to know some of the players this season, gotten a few chirps, and even delivered a few myself. I’ve been shut down by Mike Sullivan several times (you really think he’s my buddy?), dodged a would-be mugger in Calgary, the uncleaned sex pad in D.C., and crossed all 32 arenas off my list when I covered a game in St. Louis for the first (and last?) time. It’s been a privilege that you grant to me with your time, subscriptions, and follows.

One Pgh Airport tip, the Auntie Anne’s breakfast sandwiches are amazing. They use a buttered pretzel bun. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

Pittsburgh Penguins

PHN YouTube: Here’s last night’s Penguins postgame video wrap.

Dave Molinari completed the circuit with the victorious postgame recap, including the season statistical leaders. Some of those were downright shocking. Here’s the maestro’s Penguins recap.

I asked Bryan Rust if the 10-5-2 streak down the stretch took away some of the sting of missing the playoffs. He surprised me with his answer, that the emotion was the exact opposite. If only… You can also see me give a little chirp to Ville Koivunen, “You know you can’t do that, right?” I knew he’d get a laugh out of it. It’s all in the Penguins’ locker room.

And we both critiqued Kyle Dubas’s performance to this point as well as set the scene for what comes next, and the timeframe both Dubas and Sidney Crosby are working against. It’s a direct and big-picture look at the Penguins’ rebuild.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

The Athletic ($): Tremors. The early warning signs of an earthquake have started for the New York Rangers. There is limited salary cap space and a lot of work to do. It’s going to be a tumultuous summer with a lot of upheaval.

NHL.com: You don’t do that. You got to the box and feel shame. Former Penguins winger Jesse Puljujarvi, now with the Florida Panthers, got carried away against Michael Chaffee in a heated game against Tampa Bay and earned himself a two-game suspension.

TSN: Reporter Rick Westhead used the conclusion of the NHL regular season last night to call attention to the coming trial of five former NHL players who allegedly engaged in sexual assault while participating in the World Juniors with Team Canada. And the legal battle royal with potentially lengthy jail time is on deck.

Boston Hockey Now: Charlie McAvoy’s season was ruined by the Four Nations’ tournament and potentially inadequate or misdiagnosed care. He discussed the mental toll and his feelings on “that damn experience.” It was a newsworthy clean-out day for the Boston Bruins.

The Athletic ($): This isn’t good news for anyone, and could (should?) have a greater fallout. MSG and Artemi Panarin reportedly made payments to an employee who alleged sexual assault.

Detroit Hockey Now: In the end, perhaps there is a beginning. Latvian player Eduards Tralmaks led the Czechia league in scoring while playing for Kladno. He’s been training with some guy named Jaromir Jagr, and he signed with the Detroit Red Wings.