Dan’s Daily: Flyers Help Penguins, Tom Wilson Reaches Out to Panarin

I certainly didn’t see that one coming. The Pittsburgh Penguins got some help from the Philadelphia Flyers on Friday night as the Flyers beat the Washington Capitals and gave the Penguins a fighting chance at the East Division. Washington forward Tom Wilson reacted to the world’s reaction over his takedown on Artermi Panarin. Nathan MacKinnon was injured, and the Penguins suffered another injury as well.

Philly Hockey Now: The Pittsburgh Penguins are still in first place. The Flyers handled the Washington Capitals on Friday night, and the Flyers prospects led the charge.

So, here’s how this works. To get first place and a date with the New York Islanders, the Penguins have to win today vs. Buffalo, then hope the Flyers or Bruins beat or at least take Washington to OT just once in the next two games.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: First, Penguins tickets for the first two playoff home games are on sale beginning Wednesday. 

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Tristan Jarry is OUT today with an upper-body injury. Brandon Tanev still isn’t ready. 

Now to the story of the week… Two Canadian outlets, two very different stories.

TSN: Tom Wilson sent a text “to check-in” with Artemi Panarin. 

Sportsnet: Tom Wilson defended his actions and ignored social media. 

National Hockey Now

*It appears our weekly Off the Record column was a solid week ahead of the national folks. The word is that Rick Tocchet will test the coaching free agent waters (as we strongly hinted on Sunday). Check out the original PHN+ story. 

Ahem, Seattle.

Boston: The Boston Bruins still have a chance to win the division. They also have a rookie goalie, Jeremy Swayman, who is “having a heck of a time” in the NHL and probably claimed the backup role. 

Colorado: Nathan MacKinnon suffered an injury and didn’t play against the LA Kings. Adrian Dater has some inside info–the Avalanche don’t think it’s “too serious.”

San Jose: The Sharks lose 5-2 to Arizona. Ivan Checkovich (think he’s Russian?) scored his first NHL point. 

Florida: The Round One matchup is set. The Florida Panthers vs. the Tampa Bay Lightning. Hang onto your butts.