Dan’s Daily: Big Problems in Philly, Penguins Injury Updates

Sometimes, you have to break it before you can fix it. John Tortorella is breaking the Philadelphia Flyers as they embark on a tear-down project more akin to Godzilla in Tokyo, fire-breathing included. The Flyers and Montreal Canadiens were talking trade over the summer. Chicago media are starting to dive into the NHL trade rumors and what a Patrick Kane trade to the Rangers would look like. There was some hockey on Monday, and Cale Makar’s sportsmanship led to the overturning of a penalty against his opponent. And a scene in the Pittsburgh Penguins’ locker room was too perfect.

Perhaps I’ve been doing this for a long time. No one should be surprised the Flyers have friction with top players. Remember Tortorella vs. Vincent Lecavalier in Tampa? It was contentious in Vancouver, and he lasted only a year. It was Torts vs. Ryan Johansen in Columbus, and the cycle repeats in Philly with Kevin Hayes. When Tortorella sees the need for culture change, he uses his top players to effect change. If he doesn’t feel they’re on board with his program, he makes an example of them, and it’s not usually pretty.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Surprise … look who was in a full-contact jersey at practice. Get the practice story full update on Jason Zucker.

The numbers tell us you really like the Penguins locker-room stuff we do. I do, too. There was a sweet little moment in the locker room, and the PK was all over the Penguins’ power play. So, what did they win? Absolutely nothing! Check it out: Penguins Penguins locker room.

Steelers Now:

• Yeah, probably best not to say anything. The Carolina CB who was torched ripped the Steelers.
• Finding its identity. The Steelers offense is kicking ass.
• And — it’s a long shot — but here are the Steelers playoff scenarios.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

Hey, if you’re a Pirates fan or try to follow them, I’d love for you to visit John Perrotta and Pittsburgh Baseball Now home page. They’re putting out fresh stories and analyses daily, and you won’t get fanboys or a pre-set narrative.

The Pirates acquired Connor Joe from Colorado.

John Perrotto tells you what to like about the Pittsburgh Pirates acquisition.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

Philly Hockey Now: There is a lot of drama. Kevin Hayes was a healthy scratch for a couple of games and voiced his disagreement. Now, there are reports that the Philadelphia Flyers might buy him out.

Hayes openly disagreed with the scratches. I know you love the Flyers‘ problems.

And for some salt in the wound, the Flyers’ injuries are catastrophic. Cam Atkinson is done for the year. And an update on Sean Couturier.

NBC Sports Chicago: Patrick Kane isn’t yet on the NHL trade block. Cmon, it’s coming, and the rumored front-runner is the New York Rangers.

Montreal Hockey Now: How’s this for a little juicy gossip: This summer, the Flyers offered James van Riemsdyk around the league, but the Montreal Canadiens wanted a first-round pick, too.

Boston Hockey Now: This situation is one to watch. Craig Smith is a legit player, one year removed from a 16-goal season, and cleared waivers on Monday. What are the Boston Bruins’ options?

NYI Hockey Now: I’ve never seen this before. Officials called a penalty on the Islanders, then Cale Makar talked them out of it?! He gifted the New York Islanders.

Washington: Gordie Howe’s sons met Alex Ovechkin’s son. Talk about offspring, eh? See the Washington Capitals moment.

Sportsnet: Stuart Skinner has taken the net from Jack Campbell in Edmonton, and Skinner got a new contract this week. Mark Spector says it was an easy decision.

San Jose Hockey Now: Tomas Hertl earned a two-game suspension for high-sticking Elias Lindholm. Here’s why the NHL suspended the San Jose Sharks forward.

There was a three-way trade with Toronto, Florida and Detroit. The Red Wings acquired defenseman Michael del Zotto from Florida, then flipped him to Anaheim for an AHL veteran scorer. Ok? Here’s the full details of the Red Wings trade.

Lastly, Andrew ‘the Hamburglar” Hammond announced his retirement via Twitter. It’s not often cheeseburgers rain down on the ice, and it’s awesome when they do. That was a special run with the Ottawa Senators.