Dan’s Daily: Malkin Posts Rehab Pic (& Ugly Scars), Goalie Market is Slim Pickings

The Pittsburgh Penguins training camp has a certain air of optimism. Like spring training, there is hope that certain players will play above their paygrade, the rigors of the season have not weighed down attitudes or conversation, and head coach Mike Sullivan smiled while talking about prospect Nathan Legare and his thundering wrist shot. Evgeni Malkin posted a rehab picture on Instagram, but when you blow it up, the scars from his knee surgery tell a serious tale. The NHL trade market for goalies is paper-thin, and just for fun, an update on Josh Ho-Sang.

And Robin Lehner was digging up snakes in Mark Stone’s yard?!

Penguins camp is fun. The scrimmages had good pace and some heavy hitting. Anthony Angello and Cam Lee had a couple of run-ins on Friday. Angello crunched him twice. They scrimmage again today around 10 a.m. I’d recommend grabbing the kiddos and making the trip.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Day 2 scrimmage analysis–who showed well and why it could matter. 

Nathan Legare tapped a pass from skate to stick and shot it just over Casey DeSmith’s shoulder. The move took only a moment. Head coach Mike Sullivan noted Legare’s improved speed and his ability to shoot in any position.

DraftKings offers our readers a $200 win for just a $1 bet on the Bungals – Steelers game. John Perrotto is 2-0 this season and broke down the game and best Steelers bets. 

If you use the above story to drop a bet, send me a screenshot. I’ll send you a free PHN+ subscription. You can DM me on Twitter. 

To Pittsburgh Penguins star Evgeni Malkin. On the left is the screenshot of his Instagram post. It looks like he’s in Pittsburgh (the atomic clock and black-and-gold equipment). I zoomed the photo on his knee. That’s some serious work and scars.

Malkin on Instagram and picture enlarged. Yikes. pic.twitter.com/ECvAWCFboU

— Dan Kingerski 🇺🇦 (@TheDanKingerski) September 24, 2021

Metro Division

Philly: I know Pittsburgh Penguins fans love to hate the Philadelphia Flyers…and vice versa. However, the sudden passing of Jimmy Hayes this summer affected many in the hockey world. Hayes’s brotherFLyers center Kevin Hayes talked about the outpouring of support, “Life is fragile.”

Washington: Ovechkin is already sharp and raring to go. Capitals head coach Peter Laviolette is experimenting with a few new line combos, too. 

NYI: The New York Islanders are putting the health of their fans at the front of the line. The team is requiring vaccination proof or a negative test to attend games this season. 

Allegheny County reported 332 new cases and “only” three COVID-related deaths on Friday. Pennsylvania reports a 90% recovery rate after 30 days, excluding deaths.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now

Vegas: First things first. What the hell is wrong with Robin Lehner?! -it’s pretty funny. At a party, he started digging up snake holes to scare Ryan Reaves. 

Just remember, Panda, never grab a tiger by the tail unless you have a plan to deal with its teeth. Reaves is not a guy you want to make angry!

The Hockey News: Yes, I know some of you are hoping for a goalie trade. Both Brian Burke and Ron Hextall said they wished to acquire a veteran goalie to be with or behind Tristan Jarry. However, there are slim pickin’s. Lyle Richardson looks at the NHL trade market for goalies and veteran rentals. From Joonas Korpisalo to Jonathan Quick, here’s what’s available. 

Toronto Star: Josh Ho-Sang has become one of my pet causes. I hope he makes the Islanders regret trying to break him–call it a kinship with someone willing to do whatever it takes to reach his goals. As he told reporters, he’ll start in the ECHL or sharpen skates just for another NHL chance. 

Sportsnet: The story that could rock the NHL and Chicago Blackhawks is moving along…The investigation into sexual assault and the alleged coverup has a new witness. A former Blackhawks player is now speaking to investigators. 

Boston: Brad Marchand is talking about retirement–well, he set a date: “Not until they boot me out.”

Detroit: Detroit Red Wings coach Jeff Blashill is, shall we say, follicly challenged. That doesn’t mean he can’t admire at least one Wings’ prospect lettuce. 

Colorado: Erik Johnson has made it back to the NHL after some dark days. But where does he fit?

Vancouver: Elias Pettersson and Quinn Hughes. Two of the three big RFAs are still unsigned, and both play with the Vancouver Canucks. Yeah, the concern is definitely growing in Vancouver.