Dan’s Daily: Ovechkin in Decline? More on the Penguins Struggles

The Pittsburgh Penguins and Washington Capitals are front and center in NHL news. Perhaps we will look back and notice a poetic symmetry that would be incorrect and premature to notice now. The Canadian media is already asking the question of whether Alex Ovechkin is being slowed by Father Time. The Penguins are again having trouble finding the care and intensity necessary to win in the NHL. Evander Kane took a little dig at his coach on Hockey Night in Canada. Alex DeBrincat is on a goal-scoring tear, Connor McDavid suffered an injury, and why are goalies so much better, but their save percentage is declining?

I thought Steelers offensive coordinator Matt Canada did a great job in the second half Sunday. The playcalling was, at times, surprising and usually effective.

During the second half, I housed some Flavors Famous Italian Beef with hot peppers, BBQ ribs, and bacon fries. If you don’t know Flavors Famous and are close enough to the city, I suggest looking them up. It’s Chicago soul food meets great street food. The little spot is between the North Side and Bellevue on Brighton Rd. It’s a favorite of this guy when I’m in the mood for the warm glow of a comfort food coma.

I also find the Steelers to be an especially undisciplined team. Two taunting penalties in the final few minutes? That’s being dumb, and it is or becomes team culture. Enjoy the satisfaction of winning instead of giving the other team a chance to make a comeback in exchange for the pleasure of showing up an opponent.

Pittsburgh Penguins:

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The good, the bad and the ugly. From Evgeni Malkin’s surge to Mike Sullivan’s anger. The Dave Molinari Penguins wrap.

From the Penguins locker room — What can the Penguins improve? “A lot,” said Sidney Crosby.

PHN+: On Friday, I talked with Drew O’Connor. He’s not off to the start anyone expected, including himself. He’s refreshingly honest inside the Penguins locker room.

Steelers Now:

The Steelers won with a little help from the linesman. And maybe the ref. The Rams refused to blame the officials for the Steelers win.

The Kenny Pickett question and a problem for Joey Porter Jr. The Steelers analysis.

Terry Bradshaw had some big compliments for Kenny Pickett.

The Rams got hosed. The next time you think the Steelers got hosed by the stripes, remember this one. The Rams should have had two minutes and the ball near midfield. Shortly before the botched spot was the phantom pass interference penalty. But standings only count wins.

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

From John Perrotto: Evaluating Jim Leyland’s case for the Baseball Hall of Fame.

NHL News & National Hockey Now:

TSN: Craig Button blasted away. Not physically or mentally engaged? Is Alex Ovechkin slipping?

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings are much better. Their new winger is on a goal-scoring rampage. 40? Maybe 50. Alex DeBrincat is lighting it up.

NHL.com: Better goaltending, but save percentages are down. What to make of NHL goaltending in the evolving game.

Chicago Hockey Now: The Blackhawks fans are back, but not everyone is patient with the still-rebuilding team. Nate Brown goes through the ups and downs of the prospects, the youngsters fighting to make a dent in the NHL, and the current Chicago Blackhawks.

Sportsnet: Connor McDavid is out for one or two weeks with an upper-body injury.

Right or wrong? Our buddy Evander Kane took a little shot at his coach during intermission on Saturday.