Dan’s Daily: Hornqvist Soars in FLA, Murray Struggling in OTT

The big news of the NHL and the Pittsburgh Penguins universe on Saturday will be Sidney Crosby and his 1000th game. It seems like so many more, but where has the time gone? Today in the Daily, we also highlight two former Penguins Stanley Cup winners who are having equally great and poor re-homing experiences. And, TSN poured cold water on the NHL trade chatter.

Let’s start with Sid. I don’t believe anyone has written more about Sidney Crosby in the last 15 years than our Shelly Anderson. Respect to the other long-time beat writers, she’s covered his private Cup parties, his season ticket deliveries, and so on… I’ve also seen Sid be willing to give her more time or consideration in the locker room for her offbeat stories. I’ve often told her that she should be the one to write his autobiography or authorized biography.

PHN: Here’s Shelly’s 1000 game Crosby retrospective on THE Sidney Crosby.

Everyone has the Sidney Crosby story today. Do me a favor? Share Shelly’s on your social media. Thank you!

PHN: On Friday, Crosby also tried to bury the recent trade talk. He affirmed he wants to finish his career with the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

PHN is in touch with many hockey people. A few are close with Mike Matheson. We asked one if Matheson is really THIS good? The simple answer was, “Yes.” Penguins defenseman Mike Matheson is exploding onto the Penguins blue line.

NYI Hockey Now: The New York Islanders were unhappy with Matheson. They thought his boarding hit on Mathew Barzal wasn’t clean.

I thought Barzal faked out Matheson, who expected Barzal to continue forward. Barzal’s quick change of direction was…too quick for Matheson to abort the hit.

Now, to the former Pittsburgh Penguins…

Florida Hockey Now: Patric Hornqvist scored two more goals, and the first-place Florida Panthers spanked the Detroit Red Wings 7-2.

Ottawa Sun: This stat line is brutal. Matt Murray is 2-9-1 with an .878 save percentage and a 3.82 GAA. For the Ottawa Senators’ most recent loss, Matt Murray blamed himself.

TSN: Now, to the NHL trade chatter, or lack thereof. The TSN Insiders say Taylor Hall is discussing a contract with Buffalo and take Ryan Getzlaf off the NHL trade market, too. 

National Hockey Now

Three of our teams will participate in the Lake Tahoe outdoor games.

Philly Hockey Now: The Philadelphia Flyers will put Carter Hart in the net, but SIX Flyers will miss the game due to COVID.

Vegas Hockey Now: An outdoor game bodes well for Marc-Andre Fleury and the Vegas Golden Knights.

Colorado Hockey Now: Here’s Colorado Avalanche waiting outside to practice in their sweet reverse retros. Cale Makar is a game-time decision.

SJ Hockey Now: Who are the San Jose Sharks?