Dan’s Daily: DeSmith Shines, Penguins Playoff Tickets Go on Sale

How do you pick a No. 1 star between a goalie who posted a 52-save shutout and a winger who pops a hat trick? The Pittsburgh Penguins beat the Boston Bruins 4-0 in a multi-statement game and reclaimed possession of third place in the Metro Division. Calgary clinched the Pacific Division and opened the door for the Vegas Golden Knights to get back into the playoff picture. The Florida Panthers won their 12th game in a row, and Sportnet looked at the performance of the NHL trade deadline pickups.

And the referees screwed up in Montreal, fortunately, it wasn’t a meaningful game for anyone.

However, it was an extraordinary Penguins game on several levels.

First, a little bump–Pittsburgh Penguins playoff tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. HERE.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The recap. Jake Guentzel hatty. Casey DeSmith was really good and set a career-high with 52 saves. Pittsburgh Penguins postgame.

PHN+: If you hit my Twitter account you find a Half-Price PHN+ offer because Guentzel scored the hatty. In the Report Card, we really explained what the Penguins did differently. There were six features of the win including a few wrinkles from head coach Mike Sullivan. The Penguins were a different team and I think you’ll enjoy. Pittsburgh Penguins Report Card.

For exclusive videos from Penguins practice, games, and around the NHN family, follow the NHN YouTube page. Last night, we uploaded the Jake Guentzel interview. Yeah, he was smiling.

NHL News & National Hockey Now:

Sportsnet: Here’s how the five big-name gets from the NHL trade deadline are performing. Were they worth it?

Montreal Hockey Now: The Canadiens bolstered their pursuit of Shane Wright with their seventh straight loss. The interesting moment came in the first period when Montreal scored on a hand pass. Philly wanted to review. Refs said no. Refs…were wrong. Full story–Montreal Canadiens got one.

Calgary: So here’s what went down. First, the Dallas Stars lost to the Calgary Flames and Mathew Tkachuk scored his 100th point.

The Calgary win clinched the Pacific Division, but Dallas squandered their game in hand on the Vegas Golden Knights, who trail by only two points with four games to go.

Vegas: Golden Knights coach Pete DeBoer pushed aside Robin Lehner and is starting Logan Thompson in these important games. Owen Krepps called it. He also writes that Thompson’s confidence is exactly what VGK needs. Vegas Golden Knights hanging on.

Colorado: Making the case–Not Roman Josi, but Cale Makar for the Norris.

San Jose: I know you remember Nick Bonino fondly. He’s had a nice year with the San Jose Sharks, and coach Bob Boughner moved him to wing to lessen the burden on his legs. Bonino is enjoying it. San Jose Sharks news.

Washington: Alex Ovechkin reacted to his ninth 50th goal season. He was pretty, pretty pleased with the history of it. Alex Ovechkin speaks.

NYI: Remember when the Pittsburgh Penguins battled the New York Rangers for second place? The Rangers have been on a tear. They won again Thursday–Andrew Copp had a hat trick and they destroyed the New York Islanders.

Carolina rallied to beat Winnipeg, so the teams remain tied atop the Metro.

A new sportsbook joined the PHN ranks. If you’re sick of FanDuel ads about lettuce or don’t like DraftKings. Caesars is in the game. Get the latest Caesars Sportsbook promo code.