Dan’s Daily: Montreal Survives Game 4, Penguins Offseason Priorities

With the Stanley Cup in the building awaiting its future home in Tampa, the Montreal Canadiens lost a late lead in game 4 but lived to fight in Game 5 with an OT win. The Nashville Predators appear to be pushing the Seattle Kraken for a side deal. A somewhat surprising NHL trade note–nearly every GM in the league has called the Columbus Blue Jackets about Seth Jones. And we recount the greatest Pittsburgh Penguins fireworks through the month of July.

I didn’t think Montreal had a chance in OT. Facing a three-minute penalty kill, the Stanley Cup energy the Tampa Bay Lightning had, and a three-game series deficit, it was time to admit defeat. Credit Montreal. Josh Anderson talked big and walked big. Game 5 awaits…

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: July has been the month for two of the biggest Pittsburgh Penguins trades in team history and the second greatest draft day. We recount the Penguins July fireworks, trades & free agents.

The current Penguins offseason hasn’t yet started creating fireworks, but they have holes in their lineup. Prioritizing the offseason needs: What can wait, and what is urgent for the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Stanley Cup Final & NHL News

Sportsnet: Josh Anderson dove to score the overtime game-winner and give the Montreal Canadiens a chance. Luke Fox writes, Anderson talked and walked big. 

Montreal Gazette: It was an OT win of which the Montreal Canadiens could be proud.

ESPN: It was tragic news, and the NHL did well to hold a moment of silence before Game 4 for Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kivlenieks, who died this weekend in a fireworks accident at the age of 24. 

NHL Trade Chatter & National Hockey Now

Daily Faceoff: Nashville Predators GM David Poile stirred an NHL trade rumor hornets’ nest on a local radio interview. He tipped his hand that Nashville is pushing the Seattle Kraken for a side deal so that Seattle will select a specific player. 

Philly Hockey Now: Columbus GM Jarmo Kekalainen says nearly every GM in the league has called about defenseman Seth Jones. The Philadelphia Flyers remain front runners. 

San Jose: The trades are coming! The trades are coming! (A Revolutionary War joke). The San Jose Sharks are hitting the NHL trade pool, and they are goalie shopping. 

Vegas: Recent contracts are setting a precedent for the Vegas Golden Knights busy, busy summer. 

Now–a palate cleanser–

Detroit: From Red Wings historian, author, and Detroit Hockey Now beat writer Bob Duff–Here are five things you didn’t know about Gordie Howe.

Boston: Defenseman Brandon Carlo was a prime candidate to get an offer sheet this offseason. But–have the concussions, including the hospital visit after the vicious Tom Wilson cheap shot, saved the Bruins from that problem?

Washington: The Washington Capitals have an impressive arsenal of left-handed blueliners, including 2018 first-rounder Alex Alexeyev. The kid is making big strides to be in the NHL soon.