Dan’s Daily: It’s Still Dirty, More Penguins, NHL Playoff Coverage…

NEW YORK — After a night to sleep on it, reflect and rewatch replays from all conceivable angles, our top story this morning: Jacob Trouba’s hit on Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is still dirty. Perhaps Garret Morris could shout it. It was an unpenalized attack meant to end the game for the dominant player and give the losing Rangers a chance. The NHL has not yet announced a hearing, penalty, or time for Trouba’s public stockade. The New York Rangers won Game 5 by any means necessary, 5-3. The Washington Capitals had a lead, but the Florida Panthers rallied for a Game 5 win and a 3-2 series lead.

My anger is disappointment in the game. Again, hockey fans are saying, “This is why we can’t have nice things.”

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Dave Molinari’s postgame. There were three goals in less than three minutes, an injured Sidney Crosby, and a new series. Pittsburgh Penguins postgame.

The hit and the damning still frame from noted Canadian reporter John Shannon. Sidney Crosby hit.

As you may have guessed, I have thoughts. I’ve covered the game for 20 years, and I’ve seen a few things. I know the difference between a mistake in the moment and a headhunter. The officials failed the game, and the underbelly of the ugly NHL culture roared. The Pittsburgh Penguins had one stolen.

This said it all–Make sure to subscribe to the NHN YouTube channel for direct video and live chats:

NHL News & National Hockey Now

Florida Hockey Now: Carter Verhaeghe had a big night, which sparked a comeback win. George Richards is calling Verhaege “Swagieux” after Mario Lemieux. Fun read — Florida Panthers lead 3-2.

Washington Hockey Now: The flip side of the Panthers surge was the Capitals’ collapse. Nick Backstrom was not a happy camper, “We gave that game away.” Washington Capitals disgust.

NHL.com: It’s been 10 years since former Pittsburgh Penguins GM Ray Shero passed on Filip Forsberg at the 2012 NHL to select an offensive defenseman who enjoyed life, Derrick Pouliot, despite this reporter’s near insistence to select Forsberg. Now, Forsberg is a UFA…

Vancouver: There’s been some drama surrounding Bruce Boudreau. He’s still not officially the permanent head coach of the Canucks. Boudreau dished the inside dirt to our Rob Simpson about his Vancouver Canucks tenure.

Calgary: Mangiapane cooked up a third period comeback, and the Calgary Flames are rolling.

Montreal: First–for those who didn’t see it, Gary Bettman’s reaction to the NHL Draft Lottery has Canadiens fans belly laughing. Montreal Canadiens lottery.

Man, that hit was dirty. Roger Nielsen would have been proud.

Philly: Speaking of dirty…I kid, I kid. With the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, the Philadelphia Flyers select…

Colorado: Will the Avalanche be rusty after sweeping Nashville and waiting for Round Two? What are the rules for getting your name on the Cup? Adrian Dater’s Colorado Avalanche mailbag.

San Jose: The latest on the GM search for the San Jose Sharks.