Dan’s Daily: Panthers Rough Up Leafs, Penguins Kids Not All Right

The Florida Panthers roughed up the Toronto Maple Leafs in a comeback win. Toronto is down 2-0, and it seems bewilderment has superseded panic, with a side dish of anger at Panther’s forward Sam Bennett for a questionable hit on Matthew Knies. The Vegas Golden Knights made a big move with their TV package. The Dallas Stars humbled the Seattle Kraken. The Nashville Predators top prospect is the new “mustard tiger,” and we’ve got some hard-hitting Pittsburgh Penguins stories.

And Dmitry Orlov basically told the media he would like to return to the Capitals.

Day 6 in Las Vegas, and I have not yet spent a dollar in the casinos. I was able to put a lot of time into the “Playing GM” piece. I found myself laying out a plausible plan that could remake the Penguins quickly. I’m not sure why some people are obsessed with Mike Sullivan or my partial defense of him. Let it go — his future will be determined by the next GM and probably by the performance of the next team. Moving on…

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: First–a few Penguins, including Drew O’Connor and Casey DeSmith, will represent Team USA at the IIHF World Championships.

Dave Molinari looked at the Penguins pipeline and found that there’s not much. How bad is the Penguins’ prospects pool?

PHN+: Playing GM. From my perspective, here’s how the Penguins can remake their team and get back to the playoffs. See what you think of the plan. Playing Penguins GM.

Gte $10 off PHN+, and get PBN+ and SN+ for free. Use code: 10off

Steelers Now:

David Morehouse got a promotion with the Steelers.

There’s been (far too premature) debate if Nick Herbig is an inside or outside linebacker. The Steelers answer the question Thursday. The Steelers say, “Yes.” Where will Nick Herbig play?

Steal of the Steelers draft? Darnell Washington is drawing big-time comparisons.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: 

Liover Peguero went yard — stay updated with the Pirates prospects watch.

John Perrotto writes – hey, why not? The 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates could be the right place, right time.

The Pirates lost 3-2 and got swept by Tampa. Let’s say the umpiring left a little to be desired. The strike zone was little more than a suggestion box. Pirates game recap.

NHL Playoffs, News & National Hockey Now:

Florida Hockey Now: Panthers pounding. They surged to a Game 2 win in Toronto. Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk also roughed the Maple Leafs, especially Matthew Knies. Florida Panthers lead 2-0.

NHL.com: Joe Pavelski sparked the comeback. Dallas is on the board. They beat Seattle 4-2. That’s going to be a slobberknocker of a series.

Nashville Hockey Now: Seriously, dude? Zachary L’Hereux is the “Mustard Tiger.” During the QMJHL playoffs, he was caught chugging mustard on the bench. No joke. Here is the prized Nashville Predators prospect.

Vegas Hockey Now: 3 Reasons to be excited. 3 reasons to worry. There could be a Stanley Cup in the near future or a rapid exit. The Vegas Golden Knights playoff situation.

Also in Vegas, I suspect this will happen a lot more, and I see ways teams could make MORE money by giving people what they want — the games for free. The new Golden Knights TV deal.

RSNs were a gravy train until the world changed. It’s quite ingenious to go retro, but for every team that benefits, one will be harmed. Should I write a story on this?

Buffalo Hockey Now: The Sabres are one team that will make the Penguins’ playoff return even more difficult. GM Kevyn Adams is looking ahead to address the Buffalo Sabres’ needs.

As of this week, we have Buffalo Hockey Now, Chicago Hockey Now, and Nashville Hockey Now — all brand new, with professional writers.

Colorado Hockey Now: There will be changes for the soon-to-be former Stanley Cup winners. Looking at free agents for the Colorado Avalanche.

Boston Hockey Now: It sure seemed like Dmitry Orlov hinted that he’s headed back to the Capitals. Check out the Bruins defensemen’s breakup day admission. Boston Bruins news.

And finally, a sad story.

Detroit Hockey Now: He played nine games for the Pittsburgh Penguins near the end of his NHL career, but he’ll be remembered as a wild scorer and fighter with the Detroit Red Wings. Petr Klima passed away suddenly at home in Czechia.