Dan’s Daily: Penguins Questions, Biden Goof Cracks up Lightning

There are two games left in this long, grueling, COVID-challenged, topsy-turvy NHL season. If the players aren’t worn out, this scribe is tired enough for both of us. The players will get a few days of rest before the postseason begins, but there are real questions about the state of the Pittsburgh Penguins. After multiple false starts and reports, Vegas Golden Knights goalie Robin Lehner finally had knee surgery and is done for the year. Eight Eastern teams reached 100 points to make history. And Joe Biden’s unintentional way with words cracked up the Tampa Bay Lightning.

You’re free to speak on your own platforms, but let’s avoid a political debate here. This was a funny moment–it cracked me up and was too good not to share.

Joe Biden calls NHL Commisioner Gary Bettman “Gary Batman” and one of the players on the Lightning standing behind him starts cracking up.
pic.twitter.com/KHUZrs8Mux

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) April 25, 2022

I just can’t see Bill Daly in the Robin suit? Maybe Gary will find his Jason Todd.

Now to hockey and the Penguins’ direct playoff competitors:

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Questions. I have a few questions about the Penguins, including whether uncertainty over the core players’ future is part of the problem. Also, some serious criticism of the TNT broadcast. Pittsburgh Penguins blog.

Washington: Alex Ovechkin is out day-to-day for the Washington Capitals.

Florida: The NHL suspended Ryan Lomberg and fined Andrew Brunette. It all stemmed from a fight with Tampa Bay’s Erik Cernak. Video and full story: Florida Panthers news.

NHL News & National Hockey Now:

NHL.com: Eight Eastern teams crossed the 100-point mark for the first time. It’s a top-heavy conference.

Vegas Hockey Now: After rebuking multiple reports of serious injury and being done for the season, Robin Lehner is having surgery. The second time was the charm for ESPN– Vegas Golden Knights update.

Sportsnet: Pittsburgh Penguins President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke has a distinguished career, and he doesn’t mind sharing some stories. The latest “Hey Burkie” talks about the runup to firing Mike Keenan.

Philly: The Flyers lost, and that’s…the good news? Philadelphia Flyers draft odds improve.

NYI: It was alumni weekend. You may cringe, but Bryan Trottier was an Islander with four Stanley Cups before joining the Penguins fraternity. After losing Mike Bossy and Clark Gillies this season, the alumni group is more important than ever for the New York Islanders.

Montreal: Some NHL trade rumor analysis. Pierre-Luc Dubois could be on the market, and Montreal will be an oft-mentioned team. However, Marco D’Amico writes, stay away, Habs. Montreal Canadiens trade rumors.

Vancouver: But I’m not dead yet! The Vancouver Canucks have no margin for error, but here’s how they can still squeeeeeek into the playoffs. Vancouver Canucks playoff scenario.

The Hockey News: I missed this. And I have a few words that come to mind that I won’t print. The ticket prices are INSANE for the Arizona Coyotes.

Seriously, sell the team to Rachel Phelps and be done with it.

Colorado: The Penguins aren’t the only team stumbling down the stretch. The powerful Colorado Avalanche are struggling to bring their best game in the final week. Head coach Jared Bednar says they are self-inflicted wounds by the Colorado Avalanche.