Dan’s Daily: Possible Penguins Cap Issues, Ice-Cold Fleury

Both full-time PHN writers hit the road today. Dave Molinari has coverage from Columbus. I will have coverage beginning Sunday from Edmonton. The Pittsburgh Penguins salary cap crunch could cause a significant issue today and continue until Jake Guentzel is healthy. Marc-Andre Fleury is causing concern in Minnesota. One of the more dramatic storylines in the NHL is the Vancouver Canucks early implosion. The Florida Panthers finally signed their big-name PTO, and the LA Kings and Montreal Canadiens might be a great fit on the NHL trade market.

And, for those who participated in the poll: What will Dan forget for his 10-day trip? We have the answer. Dan forgot his media credential (though teams provide them to visitors), and Dan lost his coat somewhere between the airport tram and the gate. So, if you guessed media pass and coat, you are a winner. Please report to Leo. A Public House to claim your prize.

And if you find a spiffy black bomber jacket at the Pittsburgh airport, you’re welcome. Wear it well.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Jake Guentzel was absent from practice. The updated practice report and Pittsburgh Penguins lines.

It doesn’t appear to be a concussion, but an upper-body injury for Jake Guentzel.

PHN+: Head coach Mike Sullivan deferred the question when asked what he would do if the Penguins were shorthanded, “that’s a question for Ron (Hextall).” The Penguins’ salary cap implications.

On a better note, “He’s a menace out there.” Sullivan heaped praise on Jason Zucker.

Zucker has been really…really good.

Steelers Now:

• How much are the Steelers asking? The Chase Claypool trade ask.
• Claypool is trying to shut out the trade talk, “If they want me, they’ll keep me.” Steelers trade talk.
• It’s game weekend. Get the latest Steelers injury updates.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now (+): How does Kevin Newman fit into the 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates plans?

Join the Sports Now Group. We’re going all out this weekend. We have ALL the games covered from the Penguins and Steelers’ road trips, and your support keeps us going. Get an ad-free experience and exclusive content for all three pro teams with PHN+.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

Sportsnet: There is cause for concern, though not yet alarm. Cam Talbot didn’t want to share the Minnesota net, so it’s just Marc-Andre Fleury and Filip Gustavsson. Neither has been competent, and there is a goalie problem brewing.

TSN: J.T. Miller says there’s nothing to worry about. Bo Horvat sang a different song. The Canucks early season implosion has the Pacific Northwest on edge.

Montreal Hockey Now: Montreal, meet LA. The Montreal Canadiens are hunting a right-side defenseman, and sources tell our reporters that the LA Kings are ready to deal one. Are they NHL trade market partners?

Philly Hockey Now: Believe it or not, the Flyers may not be as bad as we thought. Several components are making strides for the Philadelphia Flyers.

I’ll never forget the guff and condescension I received in 2015 via the Penguins interweb protectors when I declared John Tortorella a good coach worthy of consideration (In fairness, Mike Sullivan has done a pretty good job, eh?) Torts is the real deal. But I digress…

NYI: The Islanders knew they were boat raced by the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night. The players admitted their effort was “pathetic,” and they realized they must learn how to deal with speed. The New York Islanders locker room talk.

Washington: What are the Capitals’ plans for Sonny Milano?

Florida: FINALLY! The Florida Panthers signed training camp PTO Eric Staal.

Detroit: What do you feel when you blow a 3-1 lead to a bad team? Pain. Chicago rallied and dealt pain to the Detroit Red Wings.

Dallas: Backup goalies are en vogue right now, and Scott Wedgewood should not be overlooked in his role with the Dallas Stars.

Vegas: My favorite story of the day: What if Vegas got a team in the mid-’90s? They have a retro jersey from the 1990s, so who would they have snagged? Jaromir Jagr? Check it out — The hypothetical Vegas Golden Knights.