Dan’s Daily: Coaches on the Hot Seat, WBS Pens Explode for 9

The Pittsburgh Penguins had a day of rest on Sunday, though we analyzed when the flightless birds proved and what they didn’t prove last week. There are nearly a dozen coaches on the hot seat or who could change benches this summer. And good news for the Penguins, the Washington Capitals, and New York Rangers lost on Sunday evening.

The WBS Penguins tied a franchise record with a nine-goal outburst against the Bridgeport Islanders. Alex Nylander scored, and Sam Poulin netted a pair. The WBS win put them into a playoff spot. WBS Penguins recap.

Go Baby Pens. GM Ron Hextall and Erik Heasley put together a pretty solid team. Alex Nylander looks like a great addition, and the defense with Matt Bartkowski and P.O. Joseph has some NHL chops.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins showed well against two very good teams on the road. They beat the Minnesota Wild and outplayed the Colorado Avalanche before losing 3-2. So, what did the Penguins prove, and what didn’t they show? Pittsburgh Penguins debate.

I also delved into the Trevor Zegras “Michigan” move and the latest kerfuffle. Yes, I’m an old-school soul, usually.

Late Sunday night, Jason Zucker posted his own injury update. It seems like good news.

NHL News & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: Jeff Marek went through the 11 coaches whose contracts are expiring or on the hot seat. 11?! Sportsnet video.

Montreal Hockey Now: Jordan Harris made his NHL debut. Sources told us the Penguins scouts really liked him, and if he hit the open market… Harris signed with Montreal and looked like a stud in his first game. Montreal Canadiens news.

TSN: Leon Draisaitl hit the 50-goal mark. He is the Malkin to McDavid’s Crosby, and he’s getting quite a bit of pub for 50.

Washington: The Caps were outclassed and hammered on Sunday. The Minnesota Wild did so with malice. Washington Capitals takeaways.

The Capitals trail the Pittsburgh Penguins by eight points with one game in hand.

Philly: Down go the Rangers. In a surprise of surprises, the Flyers squandered a late lead (that wasn’t surprising) but rallied for a win over the New York Rangers (that part was surprising). Philadelphia Flyers takeaways.

NYI: The story will soon be written of the Islanders’ season. Most of Lou Lamoriello’s decisions backfired. Injuries derailed them. And they limped to the finish line. BUT–Cory Schneider made a triumphant return to the NHL. In his first NHL start in two years, Schneider won in his old barn, and J-G Pageau had the natural hatty. New York Islanders win.

Atlantic:

Florida: The Florida Panthers punched their playoff ticket to the delight of dozens and dozens. That barn should be SRO, not “anyone wanna go?” They won, and they are in the 2022 Stanley Cup playoffs. Florida Panthers, rats ahoy!

Detroit: From the top to the bottom. The Red Wings are a sinking stone, and no amount of press box Crazy Bread can make our scribes feel better about it. Tons of young talent. Tons of potential. Terrible results. Bob Duff unvarnished: The Detroit Red Wings must do five things to right the ship.

Western Conference:

Vegas: The Golden Knights put a dagger in the Vancouver Canucks playoff hopes, even as Vegas clings to life. It’s not looking good for our formerly favorite desert dogs who done Fleury dirty. But they won on Sunday. Vegas Golden Knights in a playoff spot.

Vancouver: The Canucks were flat against Vegas. One of the players tied to the Penguins via speculation was Conor Garland. Rob Simpson did a shift diary on the Vancouver Canucks winger.

San Jose: There will be no playoffs in San Jose. They made a little run at midseason, but that was all. Sheng Peng helped NBC break it down–newbie Sasha Chmelevski and serious injuries to Kevin Labanc and Jonathan Dahlen. San Jose Sharks updates.

Colorado: It’s scary to think what may come of a healthy Avs lineup. Add Gabe Landeskog and Bo Byram to the lineup we saw on Saturday–just, wow. I think only Calgary or Minnesota can stop them, and only by hammering them. Head coach Jared Bednar is getting excited–his crew is getting healthy. Colorado Avalanche updates.

Say a prayer, if you’ve got a moment, for the great Mike Bossy, maybe the most gifted goal scorer in hockey history, who is battling lung cancer. #bossystrong

— . (@simmonssteve) April 3, 2022