Dan’s Daily: Is McDavid the Best Ever? More Trouba Head Hunting

When I saw the story, I knew it would get a reaction from you…because it got a reaction from me. Managing Editor at TSN Steve Dryden argues that Connor McDavid is better than Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. I’ll let you read his argument. The Calgary Flames scored a third period goal on a 132-foot slapshot in Game 4. The New York Rangers have brought their worst to the series against the Carolina Hurricanes, and the officials have their hands full. What about Rickard Rakell and more on the Pittsburgh Penguins’ offseason plans.

And some cool news about Brooks Orpik.

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First–Nothing to see here. Max Domi was pulling back as Jacob Trouba launched himself like a Kronwall missile and accidentally tried to decapitate Domi.

Jacob Trouba launches his entire body hitting Max Domi#Hurricanes 0 #NYR 0 P1 pic.twitter.com/WDUQyVyHtO

— Sᴘᴏʀᴛs 24/7 (@Sports_24x7_) May 24, 2022

Sportsnet: It got interesting because Carolina got a little testy. A Carolina instigator penalty became the difference in the hockey game, as New York won Game 4.

Our Dave Molinari asked Ron Hextall if he thought there was intent by Trouba to injure Sidney Crosby. Hextall grimaced. Paused. “Did you see the first shift of the series?”

The NHL may have to instruct officials to be a bit judgier regarding Trouba, eh?

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Rickard Rakell. He’s also a UFA, though getting slightly less attention than Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. Rakell showed well with 13 points in 19 games and chemistry with both Sidney Crosby and Malkin. So… about Rickard Rakell?

I sat with the Ron Hextall presser for a bit. Rewatched (I was there live, too). Re-read his answers. Here’s the thing, the offseason isn’t entirely under Hextall’s control, and he could be backed into a corner. Pittsburgh Penguins predicament.

NHL News & National Hockey Now:

Washington Hockey Now: We’ll start with some non hockey–Brooks Orpik is now a college graduate with a degree in Communications. Washington Capitals news.

Communications, eh? Poor guy seems over qualified to be a barista.

Calgary Hockey Now: The good news was Calgary tied the game with an incredible 132-goal, but Edmonton still won Game 4, and the Calgary Flames face elimination.

TSN: Better than Lemieux and Gretzky? Not greater, but better? Yes, TSN says Connor McDavid is the best player ever.

Yeah, no.

Montreal Hockey Now: Does the NHL want a team in Quebec City? Or, perhaps more importantly, will the Montreal Canadiens allow it?

Boston: The Boston Bruins will also be big-game hunting for defensemen.

Florida: Double ouch. Tampa Bay swept Florida, who then had to admit they aspire to be Tampa Bay. The Florida Panthers’ offseason begins.

Colorado: The Avs have a chance to eliminate St. Louis tonight. Head coach Jared Bednar says the “extracurricular” stuff is OVER, at least for his team. He may be reminded, that it takes two to agree to that. Colorado Avalanche off-day.