Dan’s Daily: National Media Notices Penguins, Turner Gets NHL TV Rights

The expiring NHL television contract and the lure of hundreds of millions was part of the reason for the bubble creation last June. If the NHL didn’t burn up the final year of the TV contract, they would have to wait to cash in on new TV deals. The NHL finished their second and final TV deal on Monday. Also, national media are beginning to notice the Pittsburgh Penguins, and Patrick Roy wants to come back to the big show.

And the Penguins quietly stepped into the national debate on vaccine passports.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: There might be more Penguins tickets on sale soon. On Monday, Penguins President David Morehouse sent a letter to season ticket holders explaining the team is petitioning the state for “vaccinated sections” to have more fans. 

We published the story but turned off comments for obvious reasons. Hopefully, news that 230 million doses have been delivered in the U.S. alone with minuscule side effects (0.005% have had reactions) will allay some fears. I was happy to be the guinea pig for you!

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: I’ll say it–YES, the Pittsburgh Penguins can WIN the Stanley Cup. And they are one of a few teams which SHOULD win the Cup. 

The national Canadian media was right behind me.

National Post: Michael Traikos–Don’t count out Sidney Crosby for another Cup. Traikos enlisted the help of Jim Rutherford, too. 

Sportsnet: The NHL will make their second TV partner official today. Turner Sports (TNT/TBS) will be the second rights holder. The NHL made $350 million on broadcast rights last season and will make about $635 million next season (ESPN, streaming, Turner). 

And that’s why we had the bubble, kids. That is almost $300 million MORE per year. That should help the flat cap in a couple of years, eh?

East Division, National Hockey Now & More…

Philly Hockey Now: The Flyers are calling up the kids for their final games. Egor Zamula and Cam York are possibilities. 

Yahoo! Sports: Patrick Roy wants to come back to the NHL, but on his terms…

Boston Hockey Now: Bruce Cassidy wants MORE from his third line. The Penguins shut them down on Sunday, and he wants more in the Tuesday rematch with the Penguins. 

Also, our boys in Boston gave a stick tap to NBC, who did well for the NHL and provided excellent coverage. 

I’ll never understand fans’ irritation with Pierre McGuire. The dude brings more knowledge, inside insights, and connections than anyone has ever brought to TV. But he does call him Kristopher Letang, I suppose.

NYI Hockey Now: Barry Trotz is promising line changes. The Washington Capitals won the first two games of their three-game set, and the Islanders’ offense is in the tank. But who gets moved?

San Jose Hockey Now: Remember former Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Jim Kyte? The late 80s, early 90s Penguins defender had a long career, and he was the first legally deaf player in the NHL. San Jose Hockey Now had a good chat with the former defenseman, including what he thought was a prank call from the Sharks.