Dan’s Daily: Coaches Trade Chirps About Their Looks, Penguins Take Shape

The Pittsburgh Penguins split their remaining squad into two groups, and coaches put Radim Zohorna into the NHL group and Drew O’Connor into the minor league group. Even NHL coaches are having some fun with the weird list put out by a gambling company that ranked NHL coaches by their attractiveness. The Vancouver Canucks owner is facing allegations of child abuse. Matt Murray is off to a good start in Toronto, Michel Therrien ripped his prospects during his time as Canadiens head coach, and Penguins defenseman Jeff Petry was fined the max for a punch on Tuesday night.

And sportswriters are glad that no gambling company has ranked us by our looks.

Pittsburgh Penguins / Sports Now Group PGH

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: For that roughing penalty and little punch, the NHL dished a max fine to Jeff Petry.

Teddy Blueger was injured at practice, and head coach Mike Sullivan split his squad into two groups. The NHL players and the likely minor league players. Sullivan said there could be some movement between the groups, but the surprises were a couple of players in the minor league group and Radim Zohorna in the big group that will be the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Dave Molinari chatted with one of those players in the big camp, whose signing many fans bemoaned. The Penguins were the “best option” for Josh Archibald.

SteelersNow.com:

• Studies suggest Diontae Johnson is open, but George Pickens is not. Steelers analysis.
• Jaylen Warren has some pop. He’s done well in limited PT, but can he deliver more for the Steelers?
• Updates on the Steelers injuries.
• SN+: Can the Steelers’ offense find an identity? Steelers film study.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now

• Endy Rodriguez blasted his first Triple-A homer. Pirates prospects watch.
• Hello Newman! Kevin Newman hits a walk-off single, and the Pittsburgh Pirates sweep the Reds.

NHL News & National Hockey Now

San Jose Hockey Now: David Quinn can’t believe–can’t believe!–that Red Wings head coach Derek Lalonde is the third most handsome NHL coach. San Jose Sharks coverage.

Detroit Hockey Now: Oh yeah? Lalonde has a few words for David Quinn, too. Detroit Red Wings coverage.

Mike Sullivan was ranked 26th. No, I’m not going to ask. OK, I might.

Back to real hockey…

San Jose Hockey Now: It’s a big deal. Czechia will allow Russian NHL players into the country. The Sharks and Predators play on Oct. 7 and 8, but the Sharks threatened to withdraw if ALL of their players were not allowed. Czechia made an exception, and the Sharks are going.

Montreal Hockey Now: Michel Therrien isn’t one to hold back the truth, and sometimes he puts a little hot sauce on it, too. The former Canadiens head coach appeared on a French language podcast and took an indirect poke at former GM Marc Bergevin and staff by ripping the quality of his prospects. Montreal Canadiens news.

Boston: A handful of players around the league are in the same situation: A Former top prospect and on the cusp of the NHL but never quite over the hump. Jack Studnicka knows it is now or never for him and the Boston Bruins.

Sportsnet: Matt Murray shined for the Maple Leafs in his first preseason game.

TSN: The NHL is monitoring a situation in which an ex-wife has made child-abuse allegations against the owner of the Vancouver Canucks, Francesco Aquilini

Vancouver Hockey Now: On the ice, coach Bruce Boudreau wasn’t happy. He put the boys through a bag skate, but no one puked! The Vancouver Canucks full story.

Colorado: Alex Galchenyuk was released from his PTO and more notes from the Colorado Avalanche.

Dallas Hockey Now: Without John Klingberg, the team is looking for a youngster to step forward and claim a role. It’s not happening. Uh oh, for the Dallas Stars.

Metro Division: 

Philly Hockey Now: It’s good news? Bad news? You decide — An update on Sean Couturier.

Washington Hockey Now / Philly:  Observations from the Philadelphia Flyers‘ loss and the Washington Capitals win.

NYI Hockey Now: After two preseason games, what have we learned about the New York Islanders?