Dan’s Daily: Squashing Babs Controversy; Letang Skates with Canadiens

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is spending a few extra days in Montreal and skated with the Montreal Canadiens on Wednesday. The NHLPA did its best to squash the allegations and reports surrounding Columbus Blue Jackets coach Mike Babcock reviewing players’ phones. Is Marc-Andre Fleury the predominant Canadian goalie? Boston Bruins defenseman Charlie MacAvoy did some trash-talking to NY Jets fans, Matvei Michkov finally got to strut his stuff in the KHL, and Josh Bailey officially said goodbye to the New York Islanders.

Today begins the last motorcycle ride of the season. I’ll chat with a few Penguins prospects this morning, then head north for the Prospects Challenge in Buffalo. Perhaps I’ll stop for the night in Coudersport or Bradford, taking the long way and getting a hamburger or some BBQ, of course.

I wish I could show you some of the sights on these trips. There’s always something spectacular, like a cub rolling around, an elk sauntering across the country road, or an eagle just gliding above and absolutely disinterested in the lonesome idiot below. Sometimes, it’s the people with fascinating life stories who adopt you as one of their own for the day who make the trip worthwhile. Instead, you’ll have to settle for my amateur hotel and restaurant reviews, pictures of mountainscapes, ugly statues, and police officers putting the lights on to discuss why my license plate is vertical.

Any greasy spoons between here and there are always appreciated.

And check this out–It’s OFFICIAL. The single subscription for all Pittsburgh sites is done, and the marketing campaign launches soon. I’d love it if you would join this band of rebels. We are happily the underdogs. Join me, Dave Molinari, John Perrotto, Danny Demilio, Alan Saunders, Nick Farabaugh, and other professional reporters in showing the corporate types how it’s done.

Pittsburgh Penguins:

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Molinari Notebook. Mike Matheson has matured in Montreal, and plenty of former Penguins are on the Bruins’ top 100 list. Penguins notebook.

This was not a big deal, but it was certainly interesting. The Montreal Canadiens’ unofficial practice had a new player who looked to be wearing an inside-out Canadiens jersey — Kris Letang.

Steelers Now:

This makes sense. The Steelers used practice on Wednesday to try first-round pick Broderick Jones at a new position.

Changes on offense? Ya think? Players advocated one key change in the Steeler’s offense.

Matt Canada isn’t an NFL-quality offensive coordinator. From scheme to attack to adjustments, it’s just not good enough. Read the above. It’s a good start.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

Bryan Reynolds went yard, and the Buccos won! Get the important details with Danny Demilio’s quickie Pirates recap.

“Alright, we have Dave.” The Pirates closer pulled a Houdini to salvage that Pirates win.

NHL News & National Hockey Now:

CBC: The NHL is indeed planning a modified, scaled-down World Cup of Hockey in February 2025.

Toronto Sun: This should put any of the Mike Babcock speculation of impropriety to rest. It really looks like the details got twisted, and things were on the up and up.

TSN: So, who is the premier Canadian goalie right now? Is it Marc-Andre Fleury? Who would start in the Olympics? It’s time for a Canadian goalie summit.

Metro Division:

Washington Hockey Now: The Metro Division primer. Strengthening one of the top defenses in the league, the Carolina Hurricanes are still really good.

New Jersey Hockey Now: New year, old player. Keith Kincaid again signed a two-way deal with the New Jersey Devils.

Philly Hockey Now: New KHL team, new results. Matvei Michkov showed off his skills with a new KHL team. The news on the Philadelphia Flyers prospect.

NYI Hockey Now: It’s official. Josh Bailey said goodbye to the New York Islanders.

And some trash-talking…

Boston Hockey Now: Charlie McAvoy paraphrased Stephen from Braveheart. The Boston guy told NY Jets fans, “You’re F—-d!” after Aaron Rodgers went down for the season. The Bruins defenseman let rip.