Dan’s Daily: Penguins Getting Help, Kessel to Tie Record

EDMONTON, Alberta — The Pittsburgh Penguins were short one forward on Saturday night. That shouldn’t happen on Monday, as GM Ron Hextall recalled a pair of players and put Teddy Blueger on LTIR. Help is on the way. There is a long list of teams still engaged in NHL trade talks for Jakob Chychrun. The Canadiens’ wheel of RHD trade targets has a new name, John Tortorella benched a pair of the Flyers stars, and Owen Krepps pays tribute to Phil Kessel as he’s set to tie the NHL’s ironman record.

You know that when I travel, adventure, misadventure, and mystery follow. When was the last time you went pumpkin-smashing? Sunday night, I had the chance in downtown Edmonton. No joke. Mark Lazerus of The Athletic recommended a little Czech bistro near the arena. It had little wooden tables, old family photos, and the Beef goulash was legit. Around the corner is a famous sports writers’ hangout. Hey, I’m a sportswriter, kind of.

It was wild.

During my after-dinner beverage, a couple brought a pumpkin. And a dozen eggs. Who brings these things to a city bar? They tried to recruit a team for a bit of mayhem. But, cmon, you can’t go pumpkin-smashing BEFORE Halloween. That’s just common sense.

And I wanted to get back to the hotel for the Steelers game. Whoops.

We could use your help — We have some exclusive locker-room chats and coverage upcoming, and I’d love you to join the team at PHN+. We’re on the road all season. Get exclusive content and an ad-free experience, plus Steelers and Pirates coverage. Join here.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The big news — Teddy Blueger was placed on LTIR. Up come Sam Poulin and Drake Caggiula. Plus an update on Jake Guentzel at Pittsburgh Penguins practice.

PHN+: Without Guentzel, Danton Heinen is getting the call for the Penguins’ top line. Even before the elevated role, he was one of the Penguins’ most productive players. He’s rewriting his career narrative. Hello, Danton Heinen.

More from Edmonton today.

Steelers Now: It was a tough loss and an intense game to watch. The Steelers lost, 16-10, and Mike Tomlin gave a simple, direct reason for the “L.” The Steelers postgame.

T.J. Watt went hard before the game in Miami. Alan Saunders hasn’t seen him work that hard since his recent surgery. Check it out — Steelers video.  

The asking price is high, so … the Steelers are not expected to trade Chase Claypool.

NHL Trade, News & National Hockey Now

Ottawa Sun: The NHL trade rumors continue. Bruce Garrioch reports the Toronto Maple Leafs, Florida Panthers, St. Louis Blues, Anaheim Ducks, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Los Angeles Kings are still kicking tires on Jakob Chychrun.

Vegas Hockey Now: Tribute to a two-time Stanley Cup champion. Kessel is going to tie Keith Yandle’s ironman record on Monday. Here are the six Phil Kessel career moments.

Montreal Hockey Now: Waivers or a trade? The Canadiens’ search for an RHD continues, and the Carolina Hurricanes could be the right partner. The Montreal Canadiens target.

Philly: It didn’t take long for John Tortorella to send a message. Despite winning a few games, the Flyers have often trailed. Sunday night, two stars were benched in the third period. The Philadelphia Flyers got the message.

Detroit: Ben Chiarot brought the heavy. Dominik Kubalik, who shined against the Penguins in the preseason, brought the offense. The Detroit Red Wings takeaways.

The Tennessean: Update — Mark Borowiecki was released from the hospital after being stretchered off the ice on Saturday. He is home resting.

Philly Hockey Now: And lastly, another Philly story. I think you’ll like this one. Oskar Lindblom signed with the San Jose Sharks over the summer. The cancer survivor, still very well regarded on Broad Street, received a stirring tribute and ovation. Watch the Oskar Lindblom tribute and reaction.