Dan’s Daily: Playoff Races Hot; Flyers Glad Torts Fired? Penguins Prospects Arrive

The Pittsburgh Penguins had a big day despite not playing a game. The top prospects arrived at practice, and coach Mike Sullivan immediately installed them in top-line roles. And the fans went wild. We have plenty of coverage on the most important practice in months, if not the season. Sidney Crosby was ho-hum about his record, Boko Imama is out for months after surgery, and my Saturday morning column was very dark but balanced by a ray of hope.

Elsewhere in the Daily, the playoff races are getting tight. Detroit stayed alive, and the Rangers passed Montreal, but the Islanders are not warming to the challenge. The Philly Flyers seem to be happier without Torts, while TSN dropped a full scouting drop on Gavin McKenna.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: First, the bad news. Boko Imama is out for four to six months after surgery. Here are the details–Penguins news.

So, color me surprised—Sullivan put the kids in the top six. If he has to undo that move, don’t go bonkers. It’s a bit of a risk, and in blunt force honesty, not one I expected or would take. But, here we go… Ville Koivunen and Rutger McGroarty are in the top six as the Penguins’ prospects arrive.

Yessiree Bob, it is sink or swim for Koivunen and McGroarty.

Before the hubub, I had a sharp column written. Based on the events and lack of performance Thursday night losing to the Buffalo Sabres 7-3, and the sullen words spoken afterward, I had a dark column written, but the call-ups changed part of it. I’m not going to tell you all what you want to hear, but we’re keeping it balanced. The Penguins are fragile and dejected, but Saturday brought a ray of hope. Welcome to the Penguins rebuild.

Sidney Crosby was in no mood to discuss his record of 20 seasons of (at least) a point per game, so Shelly went back for another bite at the apple on Saturday. His response and the record are just vintage Sidney Crosby.

NHL Playoffs, News, & National Hockey Now

Forever Blueshirts: Back in a playoff spot again. The Rangers and the Canadiens are flipping back and forth, but the Rangers crushed the San Jose Sharks and have essentially built a three-point cushion in a matter of a couple of days.

Philly Hockey Now: Are the Flyers happy? OK, check out Noah Cates’s comments. Following the organization’s move to can coach John Tortorella, the team has filled the net and Cates without meaning to essentially tossed Tortorella under the bus. Then, backed over him. Even the interim coach didn’t dismiss the new vibes. Will James takes us into the Philadelphia Flyers locker room.

NYI Hockey Now: Oh no, we suck again! After forcing their way back into the playoff race, it was a rough week and a very rough night in Tampa Bay for the New York Islanders.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings aren’t out, but they are hanging on. Saturday, they had a big win and a pair of fights while getting back into the playoff race. They are not dead yet—the Detroit Red Wings.

Florida Hockey Now: It’s so wrong, but it feels so right. Brad Marchand was the bombshell trade at the deadline, and he finally made his Florida debut, and it just works for the Florida Panthers.

TSN: And since I know many of you prospect folks are hoping the Penguins win the first overall pick next year, here’s the 2026 prize. He’s in a class with Bedard and Celebrini, but maybe better. He is Gavin McKenna.