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PHN Daily: So It Begins; Penguins Coaching Search Intrigue; Robertson Coveted
After five long days with no hockey — the NHL apparently doesn’t think it will lose steam with such a break — the Stanley Cup final begins Wednesday night. Will the Edmonton Oilers get not only redemption in a rematch with defending champion Florida, but also set up Connor McDavid for a legacy-cementing Cup win, or will the Panthers flirt with the word “dynasty” with a second straight Cup in their third straight trip to the final? While that final chapter of the 2024-25 season is beginning, the Pittsburgh Penguins are still in the hunt for a new head coach for their own new beginning, even as one member of their recent staff found a landing spot. The list of Penguins possibilities has grown more interesting.
With the self-proclaimed summer of Dan Kingerski beginning, we will try to honor his devotion to this daily endeavor on a fill-in basis for this Wednesday. Regardless of the author, be sure to catch the final hours of PHN’s excellent subscription sale. That’s access to exclusive content as well as an ad-free experience with all content for just $12. Try it; you’ll like it.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The so-far methodical search for a coach is ongoing. A few of the names that seem to be high on president of hockey operations/general manager Kyle Dubas’ list remain, but could there be a surprise?
The assistant who under coach Mike Sullivan oversaw the forwards and the penalty kill found a new gig. The Chicago Blackhawks, who like the Penguins are assembling a new staff, hired Mike Vellucci.
Steelers Now: Do the Steelers need another pass-catching tight end? They apparently think so. Off-and-on trade talks between the Steelers and the Miami Dolphins are reportedly back on over tight end Jonnu Smith.
Speaking of catching the football, the Steelers reportedly are set this week to host free agent and former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Gabe Davis.
Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Paul Skenes isn’t perfect. He gave up a solo home run Tuesday night. He was otherwise stellar. The problem — an ongoing one — was no offensive support as the Pirates not only lost to the Houston Astros, but also once again got shut out.
While Skenes was philosophical about his and the team’s lot, it’s becoming clearer and clearer that the Pirates are not built to take advantage of such a generational talent and, in fact, are chugging toward one of their worst seasons.
NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now
Sportsnet: Connor McDavid is dynamic. Yet he needs one thing to cement his legacy: a Stanley Cup. He can then join the likes of Wayne Gretzky and Sidney Crosby. McDavid realizes there are steps to everything.
Florida Hockey Now: With the Panthers in the Cup final for the third straight year and looking for their second straight Cup, FHN took a look at the architect of the team and his philosophy of continuing to build. Read about Bill Zito.
TSN: Penguins fans remember Bruce Boudreau from an era of the rivalry with Washington. He joined That’s Hockey for a discussion on whether the Florida Panthers are the modern-day version of the NHL’s villains.
Colorado Hockey Now: The Avalanche had a stinging exit from the playoffs. Even with a stacked lineup, that could mean changes — and trades seem like the best venue for that. As for trade targets, how about young Vegas defenseman and restricted free agent Nicolas Hague?
Islanders Hockey Now: Under new management, the Islanders have a familiar task — finding an elite goal-scorer. They need to go all in on one particular player who could finally fit that role and whose name has cropped up in trade speculation, Jason Robertson.
Montreal Hockey Now: The Islanders aren’t the only team that could benefit from landing Dallas’ Jason Robertson, who is due a substantial contract. What about a landing spot with the Canadiens?
Detroit Hockey Now (+): Former Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews is ready to resume his hockey career, which would be a monumental comeback after two years away for health reasons. He has been linked to the Red Wings. What are the pros and cons?
I’m very surprised the NHL didn’t have the first SC final game on Saturday or Sunday at the latest. I find it a mistake to air solely on TNT/MAX – must be nationally televised. The NHL really needs a hire who understands and can implement a national marketing strategy – which would have your sport’s playoffs/finals available to the widest possible audience that does not require a subscription/cable package. Also I’m waiting for the PHN article “All you need is Love” or maybe “Whole lotta Love“. The PHN staff is going to have a field day with the headlines, if/when… Read more »
I am excited for all the meltdowns if Love isn’t named head coach.
Folks, it really doesn’t matter who the coach is. First, the team has to find the right mix of players to be competetive. THEN, the right coach for those players needs to be found. Any coach for the next few years will be fine. That coach will just have to make sure he preaches discipline and making the smart plays.
Ridiculousness. Hire anybody, then build the roster, then perhaps make a HC change? You’re saying it’s ok to hire a retread b/c it doesn’t matter?
KD is going younger. He needs a HC who knows how to handle and develop younger? Period.
Can’t make this stuff up?
I just really don’t care who it is because it is not like anyone can actually predict how a coach will do. All that matters are the results.
If you don’t have a subscription or a cable package then how would you watch?
OTA. Plus various free streaming apps offer local/national channels via the internet. But it would be nice if the NHL offered a package of all 82 regular season plus playoffs via streaming service/app. I strongly dislike that games are scattered on ABC, ESPN, ESPN+, TNT, MAX, Sportsnet, etc. Was not all that thrilled with the SportsNet Pittsburgh app either, there was a noticeable delay and not all Pens games are viewable.
“Only Love Can Break Your Heart”
“What’s Love Got To Do With It”
“Love In An Elevator”
Can we just stop with the Malhotra nonsense. If we want a HC with 1 year experience at the AHL level, we have MacDonald down at WBS. But he’s too inexperienced per KD. So why would KD bring in someone who has the same inexperience issue? He won’t. So please stop posting Malhotra click-bait.
Dan takes the day off, so then a coach is hired.
Great job, Shelley! You should keep it! 😉