Dan’s Daily: Tom Wilson Hears Everything, Mike Bossy Passes Away

Put stage one to bed. The Pittsburgh Penguins needed 75 games to clinch a playoff berth in a season when their playoff streak was thought to be in jeopardy. As the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Islanders faceplanted amid the unusual circumstances and struggles of another COVID-affected season, the Penguins chugged along seemingly undeterred. They were rewarded with the franchise’s 16th consecutive postseason appearance.

Also in the Daily, Tom Wilson hears everything said about him, the Toronto Maple Leafs showed up the Washington Capitals, the NHLPA will release the findings of their handling of the Kyle Beach investigation, and what could Johnny Gaudreau’s next contract look like?

There are several intriguing free agent centers on the market. I’ll leave it at that, as we have about three months to ponder the significance.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The crossover of the century. Jeff Hathhorn and I did a postgame breakdown from PPG of the Penguin 6-3 win and the significance of 16 straight playoff appearances. Pittsburgh Penguins postgame.

Sidney Crosby had three points (1-2-3) to hit 80 points for the 11th time, the most among active players. We compiled a list of the crazy Crosby stats, which put him deeper into the conversation with the best ever. Sidney Crosby stats.

NHL News & National Hockey Now:

During publishing, we were saddened to learn New York Islanders’ great Mike Bossy passed away at age 65. He had been in palliative care for over a week after leaving the hospital. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, his extended hockey family, and Islanders fans to whom he was so important.

NYI: Remembering the life and times of Mike Bossy. New York Islanders news.

Washington Hockey Now: Tom Wilson spoke with our Sammi Silber. It was quite a get for our young newshound. Yes, Wilson has heard everything said about him, seen the “Trash” jersey, and more. Tom Wilson opened up.

Philly: Try not to smile too broad (pun intended). The Flyers lost. Again. The New York Rangers cracked them again. It’s just the second time they’ve lost 40 games in franchise history. 40?! Philadelphia Flyers lose.

Boston: The Penguins are also in a race with the Boston Bruins. Should the Pittsburgh Penguins fall to the wild card, they will be ahead or behind the Bruins for the first or second wild card. Boston blew a late lead, again. Boston Bruins lose.

Detroit: Mo Seider. Moritz Seider. Whatever you choose to call him, the Detroit Red Wings have a gem. Moritz Seider for Calder.

Vegas: Ok, the UPDATED Western Conference playoff odds after the Vegas Golden Knights beat Calgary.

Golden Knights will not go without a fight. They did summarily dismiss Colorado last season…

San Jose (+): Here’s a deal for everyone who subscribes to SanJoseHockeyNow.com: I’ll give you a corresponding free sub to PHN+ (soon, they’ll be joined anyway, and I’m happy to give Sheng the bonus). Send me a DM or an email (dan @ pghhockeynow dot com)

Here’s everything our Sheng Peng is hearing about the San Jose Sharks GM search.