Dan’s Daily: Squashing Rutherford Rumors, Questioning the Penguins

A wild rumor swept Vancouver that Jim Rutherford was unhappy and on his way out. His abrupt Pittsburgh Penguins exit only added fuel to the rumor. The Montreal Canadiens are getting closer to deals as the NHL trade deadline approaches. The Boston Bruins are waiting for their invite to the Patrick Kane party, but what would it cost them? If you missed the late add yesterday, we had a mascot vs. fan fight, and PHN raised a few questions about the Penguins — some good, some bad.

We’ve got one, maybe two, announcements in the cue. Or queue if you are British. I suppose I’m doing well enough on the TV, and I think you’ll be seeing a bit more of me. Do you know what that means? Buying more sportcoats!

Bing/Microsoft unveiled AI search software yesterday. Google is close behind. The AI search will summarize news articles and decide what you need. It’s for those lazy people looking for convenience, I suppose. Or, you could be an educated citizen and, you know, read the story for yourself.

As the head of a news org, I’m watching closely. I wonder if many will feel like the AI is a bridge too far or will it be a super-strength opiate of the masses?

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Tristan Jarry’s future with the club is getting more complicated by the second. Should Ron Hextall consider a starting goalie swap? The Penguins have other problems which aren’t easily fixed, either, including 3C. The Pittsburgh Penguins thoughts.

PHN+: Was that a season saving, team win on Tuesday? The Penguins’ moment.

Steelers Now:

J.J. Watt is “all-in.” He’s now a fully committed Steelers fan.

Brian Flores is gone, and how will the Steelers replace him?

The latest mock has a LB headed coming this way. Get the latest on the Steelers draft digest.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

PBN+: He’s the most interesting prospect in the system. How will the Pirates use Endy Rodriguez?

Here’s how we’re going to judge the 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

Boston Hockey Now: Patrick Kane to Boston? Sources tell our colleagues, it would cost the Bruins a top prospect on the NHL trade market.

Memo to Don Sweeney: Avoid Kane. Don’t pay the price for Chychrun. Add a fresh face or two in less consequential spots. Have ya seen the standings?

Montreal Hockey Now: The LA Kings appear to be sniffing around a few defensemen. One of them is Joel Edmundson. Canadiens trade chatter

Vegas Hockey Now: Here you go — full NHL trade deadline wrap up for the Vegas Golden Knights.

Toronto Star — Stick tap to Spectors Hockey for finding this one — Chris Johnston reports the Toronto Maple Leafs are looking for defensemen before the NHL trade deadline.

AP: Former Boston mayor Marty Walsh is leaving the Biden cabinet to run the NHLPA.

Florida Hockey Now: This was a late add, so I’m putting it up top today. Mascot vs. Fan fight. No joke. No skit. Fight night for the Florida Panthers mascot.

For God sakes, let’s not start taking our frustrations out on mascots? If anyone wants to start building an ark, I think I’d help…

NHL Trade Rumors: I don’t often link to the blog world, but here’s a nice encapsulation of all of the responses to the latest Steve Simmons rumor that Jim Rutherford could leave the Canucks.

Metro Division, Penguins Playoff Chase:

NYIHockeyNow: Bo Horvat and Mathew Barzal, it’s already a bromance and the buzz is growing with the New York Islanders.

NY Post: The Rangers won their third straight, beating the Canucks. The kids carried NYR to the win.

Washington Hockey Now: It’s getting tight for the Capitals, too. They’re feeling the heat of the playoff race. So what will the Capitals’ NHL trade deadline bring?

1st Ohio Battery: For once, the Penguins are not atop the man-games-lost list. No, the Columbus Blue Jackets are.

Detroit Hockey Now: Goals, please? The Red Wings need to light a few lamps. Hello Filip Zdina?

DiebytheBlade: The Buffalo Sabres splashed the cash and signed Dylan Cozens for seven years.