Dan’s Daily: Flyers Fire GM, Penguins Playoff Race Updates

The Pittsburgh Penguins face a big weekend with a pair of late afternoon games against Metro Division rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers. Of course, after a couple of days of figuring out the salary cap math on when and how the Penguins can recall Alex Nylander, they made him an emergency call-up later Friday. We’ll get the rest of that story at 1:30 p.m. The Philadelphia Flyers fired their GM Chuck Fletcher, John Gibson set an Anaheim Ducks record, and the Florida Panthers are two points back of the Penguins in the wild card race.

Hey–Bourquey and I had a spirited go on 11 on the Ice. We’re getting some good chemistry on the TV. Check it out–11 on the Ice on WPXI this morning at 9:30 a.m. The “overtime” segment will be available online.

Watch, pretty please?

Pittsburgh Penguins / Steelers, Pirates

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Later Friday afternoon, the Penguins recalled Alex Nylander on an emergency basis.

The salary cap situation is on pause as Nylander is again an emergency recall, but here’s the cap math if they want to bring him up for real. Penguins salary cap.

Steelers Now:

The Steelers hosted Florida FL Gervon Dexter for a little chat. Steelers draft news.

The Steelers released William Jackson III, but Alan Saunders writes the saga around Jackson makes little sense. Steelers analysis.

The team could sure use a top offensive tackle. Could one be available when the Steelers pick?

Pittsburgh Baseball Now:

There’s always a breakout performance in spring training that makes you wonder. This year, Travis Swaggerty is pushing for a roster spot. Pirates prospects watch.

NHL News, Penguins Playoff Chase, & National Hockey Now:

Philly Hockey Now: First, the news story. Danny Briere is the interim GM after the Flyers purged their front office of failed GM Chuck Fletcher. Philadelphia Flyers news.

Now, get this–Sam Carchidi writes there could be one very interesting name on the Flyers list. Ready? Ray Shero. Flyers GM search.

The Flyers would do well to keep Briere, but that’s my .02.

Keeping up to date on the Pittsburgh Penguins playoff battle:

Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers are within two points of the Penguins and on a winning streak. The Florida Panthers beat Chicago.

NYI Hockey Now: After beating the Penguins, the Islanders have outscored their opponents 17-1 during the third period of their last 10 games. They’re a third-period monster. Stefen Rosner goes through the ebbs and flows of the new trend of the New York Islanders.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Red Wings are out of the playoff race, but it will be weird this weekend when they face the Boston Bruins. Dylan Larkin teared up when Detroit traded Tyler Bertuzzi. Now, they’ll face each other. Detroit Red Wings story.

Washington Hockey Now: Yes, the Capitals did some selling at the NHL trade deadline. They acquired young defensemen, and GM Brian McClellan has a clear plan for the Washington Capitals’ future blue line.

The Buffalo Sabres and Ottawa Senators were off.

So, we’ll head west today:

Vegas Hockey Now: The playoffs are coming back to Vegas. VGK is projected to make the playoffs, but where will they slot? Vegas Golden Knights projections.

Colorado Hockey Now: Checking in on our defending Stanley Cup champions, concerns are rising over the health of Gabriel Landeskog.

Calgary Hockey Now: One of the great disappointments this season has been the sideways trajectory of Calgary. They got a good haul in the Mathew Tkachuk trade, but it hasn’t clicked. They’re still fighting for a playoff spot, but it’s not looking good. When asked about the challenge of facing non-playoff teams, coach Darryl Sutter shot back–Neither are we. Check it out. Calgary Flames angst.