Dan’s Daily: All Hell Breaks Loose, Capitals Done with Kuznetsov

The Washington Capitals are the epicenter of the hockey world this week. From the severe outcry for the NHL and NHL’s Department of Player Safety to the reports that Washington has tired of first-line center Evgeny Kuznetsov’s selfish act. The New York Rangers certainly fired a shot across the NHL’s bow on Tuesday afternoon, and the Pittsburgh Penguins earned a physical rebound win in Philadelphia.

Kudos to the New York Rangers. They didn’t softly say what we were all thinking. They boldly put out a statement that called out the league and Department of Player Safety head Georg Parros.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The New York Rangers called for Parros’ job after Tom Wilson received only a fine for his assaults on Pavel Buchnevich and Artemi Panarin.

Parros is from Washington, PA, if it matters to anyone.

PHN+: The Penguins full report card and analysis–They did beat the Philadelphia Flyers in a physical, a bit dirty, slobber knocker, 7-3. 

RMNB: There are multiple reports (TSN, Sportsnet) that the Washington Capitals are fed up with top-line center Evgeny Kuznetsov. He missed team meetings, and now he’s back on the COVID list for breaking the rules. Reports indicate the Capitals are fed up and willing to trade him this summer. 

A team coming apart on the inside should be beatable in the playoffs, eh?

Here’s the money quote of the night, except for the Rangers torching the NHL.

Leon Draisaitl on why 100 points for Connor McDavid is a team goal: "He does so much for our team. He does so much for us on a nightly basis. The least we can do is help him out as much as we can. It might not be that important to him, but it's sure important for us."

— Daniel Nugent-Bowman (@DNBsports) May 5, 2021

National Hockey Now:

The East Division is taking shape. The Washington Capitals have the inside track on the division crown, the Boston Bruins are in third are will probably finish there, and the New York Islanders look to be ripe for the picking.

Boston: Watch this– Boston lost to New Jersey in OT, then goalie Jaroslav Halak threw an absolute nutty.

NYI: The Islanders slept through a bad loss to the Buffalo Sabres. 

Philly: Here’s the other side of the Pittsburgh Penguins win — From Philly, IF you have the guts. 

Colorado: Hotshot prospect Connor Timmons was nearly knocked out of hockey while still in juniors. Now, he’s starring with Colorado down the stretch. 

Vegas: Robin Lehner was leaky, and Vegas blew a late lead. Fans not so happy…

San Jose: Last but certainly not least, the San Jose Sharks head coach Bob Boughner told no lies when he discussed the Sharks shortcomings…