Dan’s Daily: Penguins Prepare for Must Win; NHL Pushes Coyotes Move (Yay!)

The Pittsburgh Penguins are bracing for the impact of the biggest game of the season, which is essentially a must-win. Erik Karlsson was chirping his teammates, who were embracing the challenge against the Detroit Red Wings as “fun.” Is Alex Nedeljkovic prepared for the physical and mental challenge of starting the rest of the games? NHL players bestowed complete honor on Sidney Crosby. Elsewhere in the Daily, the NHL is moving quickly to relocate the Arizona Coyotes as early as next week. Finally, rumors surfaced and were squashed that John Tortorella could leave the Flyers’ bench. Toronto is expecting a major update on Matt Murray today or tomorrow.

I’m not sure if I should bring this up, but there’s some misinformation out there. Some are promoting that only two outlets have covered all 82 Penguins games, morning skates, and practices. That is perhaps true. But you should know that Pittsburgh Hockey Now is one of them. And we’ve had two people at all but one home game. Dave and I have worked for months without taking a day off.

I’ve driven all night (and wrecked because of it), changed flights at great expense, and PHN has been at every road game, even when it looked like the Penguins were out of it. Pittsburgh has so many great media members who work incredibly hard. Many of us like to go out together on the road. We all pound our chest to some degree, but I want the record straight, especially because I’m quite proud of our effort and your support of it. As long as you know the truth…

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: NHL players respect No. 87. They voted and bestowed a “complete” honor upon Sidney Crosby.

Lars Eller missed practice. Sam Poulin was sent down to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, and the Penguins recalled a forward.

Probably a move that could yield some benefit.

The notebook has some “fun” items. Marcus Pettersson didn’t even let a reporter finish the question. Erik Karlsson was chirping the boys and a little note on fourth-line breakaways. The Penguins notebook.

PHN+: Use code Dave10 and save 10 bucks. Hop on board with these hockey media rebels. Dave has the exclusive with Alex Nedeljkovic. He was honest. Is he ready for the mental and physical grind of starting up to 14 straight games with the high-pressure stakes of the Penguins playoff push?

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Don’t forget — you get Pirates exclusives with your subscription, too. David Bednar is struggling. How concerned should the Pittsburgh Pirates be?

NHL Rumors, News & National Hockey Now

Detroit Hockey Now: Andrew Copp won’t play tonight against the Penguins. That’s the good news. The bad news is that a former Penguins winger will take his spot in the Detroit Red Wings lineup.

I may have to wander over to say hello…

Sportsnet: The big four reporters all have their version of the story. Credit to Frank Seravalli, who was first. The NHL is moving quickly after the Scottsdale mayor lambasted the Coyotes’ development plan. I think Elliotte Friedman has the most advanced story — the Coyotes could move as early as next week?!

Oh by the way, check this out — Salt Lake City Hockey Now!

TSN: The Toronto Maple Leafs are expecting to know a lot more about Matt Murray’s future today or tomorrow.

Philly Hockey Now: Rumor squashed. John Tortorella is not leaving the Philadelphia Flyers’ bench.

Colorado Hockey Now: Nathan MacKinnon even surprised himself with his 50th goal of the season. Evan Rawal takes us inside the Colorado Avalanche locker room for MacKinnon’s explanation.

Nashville Hockey Now: Sure, keep counting the Predators out. They like it that way—the Nashville Predators are underdogs.