Dan’s Daily: Islanders Get Screwed; Fights Rise; Tough Penguins Observations

TAMPA, Fla. — Pittsburgh Penguins fans may get a chuckle, but the New York Islanders were robbed of a win Monday night on a pretty terrible goaltender interference call and review. Did Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov rip goalie Jeremy Swayman in the locker room after Swayman tried to fight Darcy Kuemper? Brian Burke and the Sportsnet boys discuss increased fighting and its role in the game, and while the Montreal Canadiens are surging, the Detroit Red Wings are marching toward the beautiful oblivion, again.

I made it through central Florida but didn’t see any critters, gators, or the infamous species known as “a Florida man.” I was very much looking forward to driving around Lake Okachabee, but I learned something that some of you probably already know. Since Florida is at sea level, they built large natural levees around the lake. So, as you drive around it for miles, all you see is a uniformly created hillside. Boring!

I finally found a little place to stop for lunch. A health inspector was walking into the place with Gator Bait, so I bounced, but I found a little spot that simply had a chalkboard on the roadside: BBQ today.

As I pulled up, they were smoking the ribs, and I could have sat there all day immersed in the smell. By noon, they had already run out of the sliced beef, but the pulled pork was every bit as good as you’d hope. I also tried deep-fried corn on the cob for an extra $1.99 (I splurged, eh?). It wasn’t anything special, but the mac and cheese made up for it. The pulled pork was about to be covered in a homemade Carolina sauce, which was very, very good. The total bill was $14. Gotta love it.

I probably wouldn’t take the long way to Tampa again, but exploring is its own fun.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: With the long car ride and canceled practice, we wrote one longer article and did the podcast on the water later in the day. These Penguins sure have heart, and 10 other thoughts about these Penguins who are scrapping to the end. From Bryan Rust to Tristan Jarry, to prospects and lacking talent: 10 Penguins Thoughts.

Podcast: I took a few questions from X. and a few things that I’m seeing for the latest No Pucks Given, Ep. 19.

I recorded the podcast on the water here at the hotel. I’m staying on Tampa Bay (1/3 the cost of downtown Tampa), and it was a pretty picture. You can watch the video version on our YouTube channel.

Steelers Now: There is still no contract, but here’s the important question and some answers: What would Aaron Rodgers bring to the Steelers?

Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Don’t forget that we also cover baseball. As Spring Training winds down and we hit the “dog days” of it, here are five Pirates predictions.

Spring Training seems like a bygone era when players had jobs in the offseason. Do we really need six weeks of screwing around in Florida for players who now stay in shape year-round?

NHL Rumors, News, & National Hockey Now

NYI Hockey Now: “It’s f**king embarrassing.” Kyle Palmeiri may get a bill from the NHL after his comments following a 4-3 overtime loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets. The issue stems from the seeming game-winning goal he scored with less than 10 seconds remaining. The refs waived it off for goalie interference. However, if you actually watch it, Columbus goalie Elvis Merzlikins tried to push Palmieri and got distracted. Russ Macias has the replay, as well as the scene afterward, as players and coach Patrick Roy let rip in the New York Islanders locker room.

Detroit Hockey Now: For the second straight season, a playoff spot was at hand for the Winged Wheels, but they absolutely melted down. They’re just 2-8-0 this month, and it’s another March collapse for the Detroit Red Wings.

New Jersey Hockey Now: A good night for Rick Tocchet, a bad night for Tom Fitzgerald and the New Jersey Devils. Vancouver won and moved closer to a playoff spot, but New Jersey lost again. They’re understandably floundering but also playing poorly. James Nichols asks a pointed question: Is Sheldon Keefe’s intensity weighing too heavily on the New Jersey Devils?

Philly Hockey Now: Michkov-mania. What are the Calder Trophy odds for the Philadelphia Flyers’ rookie sensation, Matvei Michkov?

I knew the kid was going to be a star on draft day. As he stood beside his podium to make room for the interpreter, he was completely confident. All 5-foot-9 of him (he’s listed at 5-foot-10). He has “it.” I don’t think he wins the Calder, but he’s in the conversation.

Vegas Hockey Now: It’s not great news for the princes of Paradise, the Lords of Las Vegas Blvd. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon updated the status of Shea Theodore and Tomas Hertl.

Sportsnet: Is fighting making a comeback? Yep. Nick Kypreos and Brian Burke dig a little deeper into its role and the good and bad fights.

And did Boston Bruins defenseman Nikita Zadorov just throw shade at Jeremy Swayman?

“Did you guys appreciate that Jeremy stuck up for Khusnutdinov?”
“Is that what it is?” No comment.”

Nikita Zadorov got asked about Swayman’s near-fight. pic.twitter.com/xqjeWZZf60

— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) March 24, 2025