Dan’s Daily: Penguins Shocker, Avalanche Mad at Refs, McDavid #60

DENVER — Never bet against the Pittsburgh Penguins. That old line used in PHN’s infancy of the 2017 and 2018 seasons still rings true. The team seems to like the odds stacked against them, and then you see their best. Such was the case in a 5-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche. We have full coverage from Denver, from the ice, and inside the locker room. Connor McDavid shocked the hockey world with his 60th goal (60?!) of the season, and some stunning news leaked out of Chicago regarding why Russian players have avoided wearing the Pride jersey.

We’re shoving off for Dallas shortly. We could sure use your support for all of the content. Get ad-free viewing and exclusive stories for much less than our competitors. PHN+

And our colleague Evan Rawal has the scoop inside the Avalanche locker room. Players and coach weren’t too happy with the penalty call on Darren Helm when he wrestled Sidney Crosby.

Also, thanks to the Avalanche for leaving giant slices of chocolate cake in the media room following the game. We’re talking Matilda sized chocolate cake. And I went full Brucie on it. After all, despite my love of unique and ethnic foods, my diet is still best described as “unsupervised child at a birthday party.”

You leave a giant chocolate cake unattended, I’m going to help you with it.

Pittsburgh Penguins:

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Jeff Carter scored two goals in the Penguins’ win. Dave Molinari is a pretty good writer. Long career. He HATES using all capital letters in a headline. HATES it. Yet, Molinari went there Wednesday (SHOCKER) in his Penguins recap.

PHN+: The in-depth grades and report card. There were plenty of performances to praise, but just how the Penguins did it is noteworthy, too. Is there hope for this team yet? The game within the game — the Penguins report card.

“I couldn’t care less what you guys write,” Carter said. The Pittsburgh Penguins’ locker room was a satisfied bunch. Go inside the room with raw video and strong quotes from several Penguins, including Sidney Crosby and Carter. Penguins locker room.

NHL players voted Sidney Crosby a huge honor, but not best dressed. Shelly Anderson has the Penguins news.

Colorado Hockey Now: The Avalanche were not happy with the penalty on Darren Helm in the second period. I thought the refs got it right, but even some Penguins fans disagreed in the moment. The Avalanche definitely disagreed and weren’t thrilled with the explanation, either. The scoop from the Colorado Avalanche locker room.

Penguins Playoff Chase, NHL News & National Hockey Now:

AP: I’m not sure how to comment on this. It lets you understand some of the backstory of recent controversy. Sources told the AP that Russian “President” warlord Vladimir Putin and new Russian laws are why the Chicago Blackhawks did not wear the Pride jersey.

NHL: Brian Boyle is officially done as a player. He’s joining the NHL Network.

The Islanders and Panthers were off on Wednesday. The Penguins have a one-point lead for the second-wild card spot. After their win, MoneyPuck.com has the Penguins at 57% to make the playoffs. Florida is 65%.

Sportsnet: Great Caesar’s ghost. Connor McDavid scored his 60th goal of the season.

This might go down as one of the greatest individual seasons. It is in the conversation with Gretzky’s 50 goals in 39 games and Lemieux’s 199 points. Just ridiculous.

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers might stir the NHL trade rumors soon. They’ve amassed a surplus of RW talent. Philadelphia Flyers speculation.

Detroit Hockey Now: I love this series that Bob Duff and Kevin Allen do. It’s always a good read — Two truths and a lie. Hope springs eternal for the Detroit Red Wings.

Boston Hockey Now: Peers voted Sidney Crosby the most complete player, and Brad Marchand is the player opponents “least like to play against.” Boston Bruins fun.

Dan vs. Cake:

Giant chocolate cake in the media room after the game. Thank you Avalanche! pic.twitter.com/PE4PcaTKpR

— Dan Kingerski (@TheDanKingerski) March 23, 2023