The Daily: Penguins Insights; False Expansion Rumor; Matt Murray Comeback

Even Commissioner Gary Bettman saw the NHL rumors that were spreading quickly this week that talks had begun to expand to two more cities, and he sternly debunked them. The Pittsburgh Penguins had a few more firsts Tuesday, including Owen Pickering finally on PPG Paints Arena ice. We have the good and bad from their loss to the Buffalo Sabres. The unsigned goalies are trying to break the bank to set a new standard, while former Penguins goalie Matt Murray is making a comeback.

It felt good to get to the arena last night and see people I haven’t seen in six months. From my guy Dave at the front door, with whom I trade loving insults, to scruffy nerf herder and PA announcer Ryan Mill, it was like the first day of school without the stress of what to wear but with the gamble of cafeteria food.

If you want the raw locker room video, make sure to follow our YouTube page. I’ve had two recent meetings to add a lot more content in the video and podcast realm. One addition is definitely a name you know and will be primarily on the Steelers channel. The other is a former International and Juniors coach who has a great rep inside the industry. He will be a name you want to know, adding in-depth hockey analysis, team, and game breakdowns.

It’s time to play the music. It’s time to light the lights…

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: We’ll cut straight to the postgame. The Penguins had a “sleepy” first period but then rebounded after coach Mike Sullivan gave them a little kick in the pants. However, they still lost to the JV Buffalo Sabres. Who looked good, and who missed their chance? Three good, three bad things from the Penguins game.

PHN+: Finally. It’s been more than two years in the making, but bad luck and injuries have kept the Penguins’ 2022 first-round pick out of the previous two camps and preseasons. However, on Tuesday, Owen Pickering finally debuted.

Steelers Now: The latest on Jaylen Warren and Najee Harris–Steelers injury updates.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Oh, I have a column coming this morning on the baseball side, but yesterday, owner Bob Nutting hit a new low, if that’s even possible. The Pittsburgh Pirates DFA’d Rowdy Tellez, despite his above-board performance, especially over the past month, just a few at-bats shy of a $200,000 bonus. Here’s the Pirates news.

Have you ever seen a columnist compare a sports owner to Lizzy Borden? You’re about to.

NHL Rumors, News & National Hockey Now

Toronto Star: First was the report that NHL owners were meeting to open the expansion process to Atlanta and Houston. It came from a reputable source, but Bettman didn’t mince words debunking that report. The real scoop is that two cities are interested in expansion, but that’s where the story ends.

There are a few franchises not on entirely solid ground, or at least not in great positions with small fanbases and aging arenas, but Atlanta has had TWO hockey teams. How many times are we going to take a swing at the square peg?

TSN: Former Penguins goalie Matt Murray is making a comeback. He looks and sounds good after hip surgery last season. Physically and mentally. It sounds like Murray is rejuvenated.

The TSN Insiders dug into the NHL rumors and contract talks of multiple goalies around the league. From Jeremy Swayman to Igor Shesterkin, it seems the goalie fraternity is trying to re-invent goalie salaries, if not break the bank. In 2017, Montreal paid Carey Price $10.5 million per year, but no one else has eclipsed that number since. Where are we headed?

Philly Hockey Now: A high first-round pick should be a contender to make the NHL roster, but what about the guys in the middle of the round? The player the Flyers snagged at No. 13 is pushing hard to make the roster, and there’s an increasing debate about Jett Luchanko on the Flyers’ roster.

New Jersey Hockey Now: Stock up. Stock down. One of the most improved teams over the offseason also has a few camp battles for position. So, who is rising to the top with the New Jersey Devils?

Buffalo Hockey Now: The regular season for the Sabres and Devils begins on Oct. 4. Things are accelerated, especially in Buffalo. So, where does Jordan Greenway fit with the Buffalo Sabres?