Dan’s Daily: Mike Babcock Forced Out; Penguins Pipeline Chances

Mike Babcock is out in Columbus after the NHLPA investigation turned up improprieties, though the full details aren’t yet known. If you follow a few of us National Hockey Now folks on Twitter, we strongly hinted at the possibility on Saturday, but the internal discussions lasted through the day. Connor Bedard netted a hat trick in his first prospects game. Jaromir Jagr is playing another season for Kladano at 51 years old. Finally, the Pittsburgh Penguins pipeline has a few players who started from the same point but are now at different ends of the spectrum.

My favorite part of Buffalo is … leaving.

I kid. Partially. The ride down Rt. 5 instead of I-90 is an extra 45 minutes, but I get to flip the visor and ride along the lake for an hour and then through the vineyards. In a job and being the head of a company that brings heavy stress levels, the ride along the lake with the sun cresting just above the water was a joy.

…But I always forget how cold the nighttime ride home is.

Pittsburgh Penguins

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Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Catch up on everything. Every Sunday morning, the Dave Molinari Penguins wrap.

Dave also had a chat with older prospect, Corey Andonovski. Someday, he wants a spot in the Penguins lineup.

PHN+: One prospect with a chance and one who needed a fresh start. I chatted with Joel Blomqvist and another with Dillon Hamaliuk, who was acquired with Erik Karlsson. Get the analysis and insights on two players at the opposite ends of the spectrum in the Penguins prospects pipeline.

**If you want to bet on the Steelers game tonight — get a $200 bonus with a $5 bet from DraftKings.

Steelers Now:

A big matchup has a lot on the line for both players and teams. Dan Moore Jr. vs. Miles Garrett. Some heat in the Steelers analysis.

A potential All-Pro WR? Here’s a potential Steelers trade target.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

The Yankees brought the fans to PNC Park in September. The players noticed and started dreaming of the day when they are in a playoff chase. Inside the Pirates clubhouse.

A seventh-inning double put the Pirates over the Yankees, 3-2. Get the important details in the quickie Pirates recap.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

Sportsnet: Our Jimmy Murphy was a day ahead of the story, but we held back because it was tenuous Saturday. On Sunday, it became official. After the NHLPA investigation, that was it. Paul Bissonnette was vindicated, and Mike Babcock is OUT in Columbus.

Florida Hockey Now: At 51 years old, he’s still playing?! The amazing Jaromir Jagr.

Raleigh News & Observer: The Hurricanes are taking chances with three pending UFAs in the lineup. Who could hit the NHL trade block, and who might stick?

Boston Hockey Now: Check out the Bruins Centennial jerseys.

Philly Hockey Now: Connor Bedard and Adam Fantilli went off over the weekend. Is Matvie Michkov on the same level?

Chicago Hockey Now: Check this out — first prospects game for Connor Bedard, and he netted a hat trick. Get ready for the Chicago Blackhawks phenom.

From the last bike ride of the season, I thought I’d share my two favorite photos … and one that made me laugh. A lone Penguins fan walked down to sit with Jagger Joshua on his second or third visit to the penalty box: