Dan’s Daily: Ugliness in EDM, Penguins Front Office Speculation

Things between the Vegas Golden Knights and Edmonton Oilers went from ugly near the end of Game 4 to UGLY. Vegas defenseman Alex Pietrangelo stopped short of the full Adam Graves treatment but still got a hard, cheap slash on Leon Draisaitl. The Toronto Maple Leafs avoided the sweep and are trying to find ways to believe in a miracle comeback. The NHL trade speculation out of Montreal has a tinge of geopolitical conflict, and Dave Molinari wondered if the Penguins already have a player who can be a net-front presence.

The stuff in Edmonton was silly and stupid. The NHL DoPS needs to send a message back to the players, and what they do will set a precedent.

Things were exciting in Las Vegas yesterday. I left the hotel room to buy more T-shirts and underwear. I found three white t-shirts on clearance at Marshall’s for 98 cents each. Yes sir, I’m really partying! This town will never be the same.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Do the Penguins have a player who can provide that PP1 or PP2 net-front presence they need? Can Drew O’Connor be the guy?

Daily Faceoff: Frank Seravalli is hearing the Penguins are leaning toward keeping the front office structure.

I suspect people are going to misinterpret Frank Seravalli’s comments on the podcast because he named some names. He was clear to say that was not “the list,” but some people to whom they’ve talked for various reasons.

Pittsburgh Baseball now: Remember when the Pirates were good? Wow, what a flip of the calendar has meant for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Bradenton Maulers put up 16. Get the latest Pirates prospects watch.

NHL Trade Speculation, Playoffs, & National Hockey Now:

Vegas Hockey Now: The game was decided. Edmonton cruising to a Game 4 win. Leon Draisaitl shoveled the puck toward an empty net, and Vegas defenseman Alex Pietrangelo gave him a healthy slash across the wrists well after the shot. And nonsense ensued, including fights. There should be suspensions. See the incidents, including the Alex Pietrangelo slash.

Darnell Nurse should also get a game for the instigator penalty. Oh, Edmonton won 4-1. Game 5 on Friday should be fun.

Florida Hockey Now: No sweep. Toronto beats the Florida Panthers 2-1.

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers are going to hire a president of hockey ops this morning. It is rumored to be former Flyers player and announcer Keith Jones.

OK, seriously, what does a president of hockey ops do that a broadcaster can step into the role? Does a guy building a media network qualify?

Washington Hockey Now: GM Brian MacClellan says the search for the next Washington Capitals coach is just beginning.

Montreal Hockey Now: There will likely be a potentially great available at No. 5 in the NHL Draft, BUT…he’s a Russian under contract for three more years in the KHL. Do you take him? Do you trade the pick? Fascinating NHL trade speculation in Montreal.

LA Hockey Now: Need a defenseman? There could be one or two LA Kings on the NHL trade block.

San Jose Hockey Now: The Lindsay Award is for the most outstanding player as voted by their peers. Connor McDavid, David Pastrnak, and Erik Karlsson are the finalists.

McDavid going to win, but good choice with Karlsson. Amazing year.

Playoff silliness. Suspend them. Pietrangelo’s slash wasn’t as bad as it looked, but if you bring your stick over your head and chop down, that’s not a hockey play. Two games. Darnell Nurse charging in for a fight. One game. DoPS will be clowned out of business if they don’t dish suspensions here.