Dan’s Daily: Penguins Like the Drama; Kane Leaving Detroit?

Perhaps the simplest explanation for the Pittsburgh Penguins’ never-ending drama is that they like it. With everything going their way in the third period and a two-goal lead following Jeff Carter’s inspired short-handed goal, the Penguins punted a two-goal lead in a matter of minutes, forcing overtime in a 6-5 OT win. We’ve got full coverage, including the Penguins locker room being in awe of Sidney Crosby. Elsewhere in the Daily, colleague Bob Duff wondered if Patrick Kane had signaled that he was out in Detroit. The Washington Capitals choked away their chance to keep control of the wild card, the Golden Knights gave Noah Hanifin eight more years, and Auston Matthews scored two more to get within reach of 70.

So, about this rain, eh?

I’ve walked home from the arena many times. I’ve never before had the option of a midnight swim.

Pittsburgh Penguins

PHN+: Before we get to game coverage, we had a chance to talk with the Penguins’ “young” defensemen Ryan Shea and Jack St. Ivany. They’re playing in the biggest games of their lives. How are the Penguins defensemen handling the pressure?

Use code Dan10 to get $10 bucks off PHN+. It’s on me!

It was wild. The Penguins had the game in their hands several times and promptly chucked it away before finally beating the Detroit Red Wings in OT. Here is Dave Molinari’s Penguins recap.

Erik Karlsson was both a goat and a hero. Evgeni Malkin, faceoffs, and Reilly Smith are a few of Dave’s Penguins’ six-pack.

I had to do a bit of a rewrite of the Penguins report card. Oh had some scathing critiques ready to roll as the Penguins gave up a two-goal third period lead. Sidney Crosby’s heroics to the tactics and player grades; “Bad habits and battles, Crosby is unstoppable.” The Penguins report card.

The Penguins’ room was a scene. Crosby discussed his two milestones. Bryan Rust brought his young son to the media scrum, and the youngster delivered a “Let’s Go Pens.” Nedeljkovic had mixed emotions, and Sullivan had some commendations. It’s the Penguins locker room.

PHN Video: Postgame Q&A. I asked, and you delivered. From Crosby to arena snacks, we got it all—the Penguins postgame.

NHL Rumors, News & National Hockey Now

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The latest Penguins playoff scenario.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings’ playoff hopes suffered a potentially mortal blow. And Patrick Kane signaled he might be one and done with the Red Wings.

TSN Video: Auston Matthews scored two more, for a total of 68 goals. Bruce Boudreau explains how and why Matthews is so good.

Vegas Hockey Now: Noah Hanifin signed an eight-year deal, and Vegas rejoiced. Now, what about Jonathan Marchessault? The Vegas Golden Knights contract is fun.

It’s taken longer than expected, but here are the Golden Knights clinching scenarios for tonight.

Buffalo Hockey Now: Put bluntly by a Capitals writer: “Capitals Playoff Hopes Get Kicked in the Teeth.” The Buffalo Sabres might get a steak dinner from the Penguins as the Sabres beat the Capitals.

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers gave away their playoff spot. They hit the wall on the last lap (see also J.R. Hildebrand, 2011 Indy 500). However, they’re not going without a little fight. The Flyers handed it to the Rangers Thursday to stay alive. Here are the takeaways from the Philadelphia Flyers win.

NYI Hockey Now: And the Islanders have a three-point lead with three games to go. It’s four points over Washington and Detroit. The Islanders can clinch a playoff spot after they beat the Montreal Canadiens for their sixth straight win. The New York Islanders at the doorstep.