Dan’s Daily: Phil Kessel Wants Contract; Penguins Slobberknocker

Saturday was a great day of hockey content if you’re hoping to understand the Pittsburgh Penguins station and what the team will be. Sidney Crosby addressed his contract delay and, in doing so, gave real insights into his views on himself and his closest teammates. The Penguins’ prospects team won a brutal battle against the Ottawa Senators’ prospects but were not unscathed. We have detailed player analysis and some grades from the Buffalo tournament. Elsewhere in the Daily, Phil Kessel is still hoping for an NHL contract more than a year removed from his last game. The Philadelphia Flyers are warning their top goalie prospect to show up, and the Vegas Golden Knights are gambling on several players.

Buffalo was Buffalo, but I do love the Weck and Wings special at the Anchor Bar. There was a large mural near the Theater District (an old theater surrounded by lots of empty shops) that read, “Keep Buffalo Secret!” And I thought, “Don’t worry.”

I’m curious how you would have handled this question–A Penguins prospect looked up at me and asked, “What did you think of the game?”

I’ve never had a prospect or player ask me what I thought. Trying to process the surprise and give a credible answer quickly, I didn’t give him what he expected. Do you give a detailed analysis of what you saw him do? A key moment or synopsis of who they just beat? The game was rough, but I thought the speed and intensity were much better Saturday than Friday. The Penguins coasted to a win Friday, but Saturday revealed some character–that was much more interesting to me.

But I simply said, “Better than yesterday. At least more fun to watch.”

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Elliotte Friedman admitted to Sidney Crosby that he heard the delay in getting close to a contract was Crosby weighing the Penguins’ new direction. Crosby responded to that and, in the process, indirectly gave some insight into the Penguins locker room.

PHN+: The full analysis of what went down on Day 2. It was a rough and tumble game with the Ottawa Senators, who deployed a chip-chase-pound strategy. However, the Penguins largely controlled the game again. A few players had standout days. The scrappers and the standouts from the Penguins prospect tournament.

Use code coupon code Dan10 when you subscribe. Thank you to all of the new subscribers this weekend. Subscriptions aren’t our primary focus, but it feels good to get a dozen in one day. This writer and the people on this network bust their bums to do this job, and I hope it shows. Merci.

Also, I know it’s Sunday, and that means the Steelers and betting. If you want a new sportsbook bonus, Bet365 is offering a $200 bonus with a $5 bet. I don’t know about the Steelers, but they’re giving 2.5 to the Broncos. The Over/Under is 36.5, which we definitely like. Click here for the Bet365 bonus.

Steelers Now: Here’s everything you need for today. The injury updates, broadcast info, and odds. Here’s the Steelers preview.

SN+: Yes, it’s included in your PHN+ subscription. The Friday column, South Side Scoop, gets the insider take on what the Steelers are doing with Broderick Jones.

NHL Rumors, News & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: Phil the Thrill l is still skating and working out as if he’s going to play in the NHL. However, no contracts have been forthcoming. That’s not stopping the hot dog-munching, two three-time Stanley Cup champion from pushing. The latest on Phil Kessel.

Philly Hockey Now: GM Daniel Briere can draw some hard lines. There’s been some kerfuffle this offseason regarding goalie prospect Alexei Kolosov. There were reports that he felt isolated in a hotel in Allentown (Lehigh Valley) when he arrived, and now he may not come back to the Flyers organization. Saturday, Briere laid down a stern warning to the Flyers’ goalie.

DHN+: More benefits for subscribers (hint, hint). Since it is prospect tournament weekend across the league, Bob Duff listed the five WORST Detroit Red Wings first-round picks.

TheScore: We’re just glad Edmonton didn’t call it a core muscle injury. Evander Kane finally went under the knife for his sports hernia.

San Jose Hockey Now: Prospect Quentin Musty needed to improve during this offseason, so he dialed up Sidney Crosby’s trainer, Andy O’Brien. Here’s what that was like for the Sharks rookie.

Vegas Hockey Now: Gone are Jonathan Marchessault and the now way, way overpaid on a long-term deal Chandler Stephenson. Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon is taking a few big chances on players such as Alexander Holtz to fill the void. Some burning questions in the desert. Patchwork or potential, what to make of the Vegas Golden Knights.