Dan’s Daily: Those Damned Islanders, NHL Trade Rumors Grow

The Pittsburgh Penguins outplayed the New York Islanders, but the Islanders won. The Boston Bruins had a series lead and seeming control of the series. But the Bruins got fined, angry, and the Islanders won. The team that traffics in less exciting hockey entered the NHL Final Four on Wednesday night, and Boston limped to their demise. How would the Penguins fare against the final four teams? And the NHL trade rumors, as well as big-time coaching rumors, are growing as more teams settle into their short summer with needs.

A tough crowd, I tell ya.

After a significant amount of comments, replies, and messages, I thought I understood where you were with the Penguins future. Then the silent majority showed up—over 50 comments on the following story. I’d say the fanbase is split.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Penguins Fans, I Get it, You’re Tired But One More Time? 

We also broke down how the Penguins would fare against the top teams–because that’s what the Penguins front office is doing, too. So, how many of the remaining teams could the Pittsburgh Penguins beat? Any? There were two that I circled.

There are still three National Hockey family members playing, though one more will bite the dust this week when the Colorado Avalanche-Vegas Golden Knights series concludes.

NHL trade chatter, free agency, coaches, and the National Hockey Now network

TSN: Let’s circle this one as one to watch. Penguins GM Ron Hextall already tapped his former teams, the Philadelphia Flyers and LA Kings, for players during his first two months on the job. TSN analyst Daren Dreger says the Kings are looking for top-six help on the NHL trade market. 

If only the Penguins had top-six wingers and a need for some change.

NYI: 13 minutes. That’s how long the New York Islanders held the Boston Bruins without a shot in the third period of the Islanders 6-2 series-clinching win.

Those damned Islanders are moving on to the final four…

Boston: The Bruins talking points. It’s not a happy scene in Boston…

Just wait. Boston has a long list of important UFAs, like Tuukka Rask, David Krejci and Taylor Hall. They’re going to be more drama than a junior-high lunch table.

NY Post: Our Vegas friends and New York friends may have Gerard Gallant as their head coach. Not sure if we told you– Rick Tocchet also got a couple of interviews. Here’s the latest update on the Rangers search.

ProHockeyRumors: This is a story to watch. There’s been a rumored deal in place for weeks, but not signed. There could be complications with assistant coaches the Carolina Hurricanes still haven’t locked their coach, Rod Brind’Amour. 

News & Observer: Things don’t look good in the NHL rumor mill for Dougie Hamilton’s Carolina future, either. 

Colorado: The Colorado Avalanche have lost three straight. They answered the bell but still lost in Game 5. They have one more chance to disprove they’re “pretty but not gritty.”

Philly: Oskar Lindblom is a Masterton Trophy finalist after overcoming his battle with cancer to return to the Philadelphia Flyers lineup. Stick tap!

Detroit: Hey, that must make Red Wings fans happy? Pavel Datsyuk picked up a couple of awards in the KHL.

San Jose: And…here’s an important primer for the offseason. The San Jose Sharks are most burdened by long, heavy contracts given to players who are not performing (ahem, Erik Karlsson, and a few more). So, how does a team get rid of those burdensome, loathsome, salary-cap-eating, roster soul-sucking contracts?