Connect with us

Links

Dan’s Daily: Backstrom’s Debilitating Pain, Should Penguins Offer PTOs?

Published

on

NHL news, pittsburgh penguins, zach aston-reese

Fortunately for hockey nuts (and nuts in general), the National Hockey Now family does not take the summer off. We are still pushing out NHL news and professional analysis. Should the Montreal Canadiens retire Carey Price’s number? Which veterans could be ripe for the Pittsburgh Penguins to offer a PTO as they did for Brian Boyle last September? Nicklas Backstrom opened up about his debilitating pain that necessitated major hip surgery. Five reasons why the Philadelphia Flyers will be better this season. And Boston Bruins high-scoring winger David Pastrnak borrowed a page from Alfred E. Newman and asked, “What, me worry?”

Thanks for the kind words about my first high-profile local TV appearance. I was a bit uncomfortable, but I’m told it came off well. We had a little impromptu watch party at my little corner bar. When the room laughed at a couple of lines, I felt a bit better about it. We’ll be making a big announcement about a TV partnership soon.

It’s awkward watching yourself…

And just to really screw with a few of my trolls, competitors, and those who use it as an indictment of my character, I WILL wear a vest soon. Alby approves.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Sports Now PGH

Click on the link above to follow Sports Now PGH’s Twitter. All of the Sports Now stories publish immediately to the account. Steelers, Pirates, and Pens, oh my!

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Brian Boyle was a success story who came to the Penguins camp on a PTO. We’re getting close to September, and an inordinate number of veteran players are unsigned. Here are six veterans who could accept tryout agreements to come Pittsburgh Penguins camp.

Steelers Now: He’s not wrong. Despite a busy offseason, the same problems are becoming apparent, including an offensive line that is better at waving rushers through than blocking. Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mitch Trubisky wasn’t very happy with the offense’s performance on Saturday night. “We hurt ourselves.” Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: The Buccos stink on ice. So, we focus on the prospects. There are a few racing up through the system. Check it out in the daily Pittsburgh Pirates watch.

As I said on the air Sunday night, enough is enough. The Pirates’ hodgepodge of nothingness is unacceptable. The tens of millions from MLB aren’t being spent on payroll. If they don’t spend it this season, it should be applied to next season in addition to the new MLB revenues. MLB and the players union have to step in because it’s an embarrassment that won’t end until the league stops it.

NHL News & National Hockey Now:

Montreal: High praise indeed. If you’ve missed the NHL news over the last few days, Carey Price will probably not be able to play again. If he is done, Marco D’Amico writes that it’s a no-brainer. Enshrine the goalie beside the Habs greats. Retire Price’s number. Montreal Canadiens.

Philly: I’m not sure who kidnapped Sam Carchidi and replaced him with a guy capable of optimism about the Flyers’ rough offseason. Perhaps John Tortorella can have a transformative effect. Here are Sam’s five reasons why the Philadelphia Flyers are improved.

Boston: The Bruins and David Pastrnak haven’t talked in a good while. No doubt that “Pasta” saw the digits splashed around this summer on Johnny Gaudreau and Matthew Tkachuk. The winger doesn’t seem worried about a deal with the Boston Bruins.

Washington: I know Pittsburgh Penguins fans respect Nicklas Backstrom. He may have helped to break your hearts a few times, but he’s been a great player for a long time. His career might be over. He opened up about how bad his quality of life became before the major hip surgery. He couldn’t bend over to put on socks or tie his shoes. That’s the price these guys pay. Washington Capitals.