Dan’s Daily: Defensemen on the Block, Penguins Unlikely Heroes

The Pittsburgh Penguins looked terrible to begin their Tuesday night game against the Vancouver Canucks. The Penguins spotted Vancouver a three-goal lead before scoring the next five and clamping down. Get the latest on the defensemen available on the NHL trade block and the top players available from Canadian teams. The Philly Flyers have a new goalie option, and the Washington Capitals like to whack each other on the butt.

Our Sammi Silber got the inside scoop on a couple of Capitals’ rituals, from the two-handed whacks to the tunnel gathering.

And it is past due that the city makes some effort to help Penguins fans get to the games. Yes, Penguins fans are usually a tad late, but last night the barn was a little more than half full at puck drop, and that’s not on fans. The construction in the Arena area and uptown is insane — both avenues and EVERY cross street are torn up with seemingly little progress. When I came through at 4:30 p.m., the construction had already ceased (as it has every time I come through), and much of the equipment was in the same spot as it was two weeks ago. It’s like one crew started 10 projects. Those businesses that survived the pandemic don’t need more hassle; Penguins games are a major source of revenue. This city’s management is subpar right now.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: From Dave Molinari — and a third goalie shall lead them. Dustin Tokarski entered the game, and the Penguins began to play. Oh, and Evgeni Malkin lit up the scoreboard. Penguins recap.

Our increasingly popular feature — The Penguins Room. Tokarski had to battle nerves. The Penguins had to overcome a “real emotional” couple of days. The comeback win definitely changed the mood. Go inside the Penguins’ locker room.

The PHN+ Report Card. What Vancouver did to get a 3-0 lead, and why it didn’t work when the Penguins showed up. The in-depth player grades and surprisingly few pop-culture jokes. Pittsburgh Penguins report card.

Steelers Now:

Mike Tomlin backed away from the term “franchise quarterback” when talking about Kenny Pickett.

From Alan Saunders — The truth about the Steelers and the Mike Tomlin “streak.”

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

TSN Insiders: The Oilers are shopping hard for a defenseman before the NHL trade deadline. Teams are calling about Erik Karlsson and Matt Dumba. Business is picking up.

Sportsnet: Instant analysis of the NHL trade market — The top players from Canadian teams who are available.

OK, let’s begin the hockey stories rather than the trade chatter. As you do, I really enjoy inside stuff. We’ve got a pair of those stories in D.C.

Washington Hockey Now: I didn’t notice this ritual before, but Tom Wilson and T.J. Oshie slash each other before every game — they genuinely try to buckle the other with a whack on the butt. Inside the Washington Capitals pregame.

Sammi also got more dirt on the pregame tunnel ritual of those same Washington Capitals.

Philly Hockey Now: Young cinderella, out of nowhere… The Flyers have a new goalie option, and his name is Sam Ersson.

NYI Hockey Now: Postgame story — The Dallas Stars gave the Penguins some help and beat the New York Islanders.

Montreal Hockey Now: High-danger scoring chances and why it could affect the NHL trade deadline and the Montreal Canadiens.

Detroit Hockey Now: Moritz Seider tied a record, and it was another wild game in Motown. Whether it is theirs or the opponent’s, NO lead is safe with the Detroit Red Wings.

And lastly…our new beat in Colorado, Evan Rawal, is adapting well…

Colorado Hockey Now: Rantanen was furious, and Cale Makar verbalized it after another comeback that fell short —  Colorado is tired of slow starts. Go inside the Colorado Avalanche locker room.