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Dan’s Daily: Three Game 7s Coming, Ripping the NHL Over Crosby Incident
It seems the New York Rangers fans found the Jacob Trouba hit on Sidney Crosby to be just fine. They didn’t actually say that, so much as battle Pittsburgh Penguins fans all day via social media on the merits of Sidney Crosby getting all of the calls, Evgeni Malkin being a dirty player, and Igor Shesterkin’s near-death experience with Jeff Carter in Game 2. The NHL declined to punish Trouba, the Penguins recalled some insurance as Crosby’s status for Game 6 is uncertain, and Dave Molinari came out swinging in his latest column…
There will be THREE Game 7s on Saturday, Marc-Andre Fleury and the Wild were eliminated, and the Hart Trophy finalists were no surprise.
I think that’s everything. The Rangers fans were a treat on social media. PHN went a bit viral, so our nets caught all of the junk. The one thing we didn’t tolerate in our comments section was “Cindy.” That just doesn’t feel acceptable on any level.
*Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Sidney Crosby’s status is uncertain for Game 6, so the team called up Radim Zohorna.
**The NHL Department of (occasional) Player Safety declined any punishment for Jacob Trouba and his hit on Sidney Crosby.
***And–Dave Molinari teed up the NHL, “…Not when the only thing the NHL seems intent on proving is that the greatness of hockey is best illustrated by the game’s ability to survive the people who oversee it.” It’s a good read from someone who’s been around. Pittsburgh Penguins opinion.
It’s all mindboggling. The Penguins did win Game 3 against the Washington Capitals in 2018 after Crosby ate a (possibly accidental) cross-check from former teammate Matt Niskanen in Game 2. But the odds sure seem long without Crosby, don’t they?
I loved Dave’s column. If you haven’t, it’s a great read. And, I think we’ve had excellent coverage of the series. All three reporters working–Dave and me back and forth to New York and Shelly Anderson here. We could use your help, too. Join PHN+ and get the best, most experienced hockey coverage in the market for just $25.99!
The coverage won’t stop after the playoffs. The 2022 NHL Draft and free agency day are coming, too…
NHL News & National Hockey Now:
Ok–three Game 7s are coming up.
Boston: The Carolina Hurricanes couldn’t finish them. Not even close. The old lions fought to live another day and forced Game 7 with a resounding win at the “Gahden.” Boston Bruins win.
Sportsnet: The Edmonton Oilers laid an egg against the LA Kings in Game 5. Edmonton didn’t make the same mistake twice. Connor McDavid was at his best, and Edmonton won Game 6.
TSN: The two-time defending Stanley Cup champions aren’t dead yet. The Tampa Bay Lightning survived Game 6 against the Toronto Maple Leafs to force a pressure-packed, universe-changing Game 7 in Toronto on Saturday. Yikes.
Gee, Toronto has had such good luck in Game 7s at home?
NHL: The NHL announced the Hart Trophy Finalists. Sidney Crosby received a lot of consideration, and Johnny Gaudreau deserved to be a finalist, but the three are hard to argue. Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and Igor Shesterkin are the Hart finalists.
Washington: Despite taking a 2-1 series lead earlier this week, the Capitals face elimination in Game 6 against Florida. It won’t be easy. T.J. Oshie says the Washington Capitals need a reset.
Pioneer Press: The Wild started Cam Talbot in Game 6, after Marc-Andre Fleury lost in Games 4 and 5. Talbot leaked a softy in the first period and the St. Louis Blues rolled to a series win.