Dan’s Daily: Torts Unloads on Reporter; Penguins Had Reckoning

The NHL stirred when the Philadelphia Flyers traded Cutter Gauthier on Monday, and team officials weren’t shy about saying why. On Thursday, Flyers coach John Tortorella unloaded on a reporter whom he felt went too far. The Pittsburgh Penguins used embarrassment to make changes, while the turnaround will open options for the NHL trade deadline and this summer, which could shortcut a rebuild. The latest DFO trade board has some interesting names, including Jake Guentzel.

You might notice a substantial uptick in PHN+ stories. With Dave back at full-time, the exclusive Penguins content volume is increasing, as will the special content. Just 40 bucks a year keeps us going and gets you access to the entire network, including the Steelers coverage, ad-free.

I’ve requested the web team add a new program that allows us to communicate directly with subscribers and to do more subscriber-only content. It’s coming, but the wheels of change move slowly. I do owe you a Live Chat ASAP. And a subscriber-only chat, too. Join PHN+ / NHN+ here.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: I hate the headline. I just couldn’t get it right. However, the Penguins salary cap structure is going to provide Kyle Dubas unique opportunities at the NHL trade deadline and this summer to greatly improve now and for the long term. With some luck, it could be possible to avoid a painful Penguins rebuild.

Easy to overlook, hard to overrate, one of the unsung pillars of the Penguins turnaround has been center Lars Eller.

PHN+: Have you wondered how or why the Penguins have been able to turn things around? Embarrassment forced the team and coaches to do some soul-searching. A terrible loss changed the Penguins. Go inside the Penguins’ locker room.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now

Philly Hockey Now: Even though Kevin Hayes and John Tortorella didn’t see eye-to-eye with the Flyers, that doesn’t mean there is animosity. After a Philly writer reported that Hayes influenced Cutter Gauthier to spurn the Flyers, Tortorella stopped his postgame presser to confront the reporter. Of course, there is a full video. Torts unloaded during the Flyers postgame.

Daily Faceoff: Guentzel and Jacob Chychrun made the latest DFO trade bait list.

Boston Hockey Now: Linus Ullmark had to be helped off the ice Tuesday night. That’s no good for the Bruins, who rely heavily on their goaltenders. So, who or what makes sense on the NHL trade market?

Chicago Hockey Now: Major bummer. After Brendan Smith’s hit on Connor Bedard, Bedard needed surgery and will be out for a couple of months. Bad news for the Chicago Blackhawks.

Vegas Hockey Now: It seems we’re all turning our attention to the trade deadline. Chris Gawlik laid out three scenarios, including trading another Misfit for the Vegas Golden Knights.

The Canucks vs. Penguins tonight. This could be interesting. Vancouver is very, VERY good.