Dan’s Daily: McGroarty Felt Nasty Social Media; Penguins Lead Draft Category

The Pittsburgh Penguins lead the NHL in one draft category, and shockingly, it is a positive one. Newly acquired Penguins rookie Rutger McGroarty participated in the NHLPA rookie showcase and discussed dealing with the social media venom of spurned fans, as well as watching and re-watching Sidney Crosby’s Golden Goal. Also, Pittsburgh Hockey Now wrapped a Crosby weekend by looking at what could be the immense fallout if Crosby doesn’t re-sign with the team.

Elsewhere in the Daily, today is the day the Gaudreau brothers will be laid to rest. The service is private but will be live-streamed for fans who would like to pay their respects. Defenseman Mark Giordano wants one more go-round in the NHL, and a draft study should serve as a fair warning to the Penguins and fans as it emphasized how barren the cupboard was for the Detroit Red Wings five years ago.

Hopefully, you tuned in. We had a blast on WPXI Final Word last night. The new format was well worth it, and it helps when you trust the folks you’re working with. Paul Zeise can bust my chops, and if you stayed up late to watch, you saw Chris Carter’s shocked when I returned a zinger. It’s all in good fun, but I couldn’t have said what I said to anyone but a friend. We all laughed and talked for a half hour after the show.

I’ll post it later today or as soon as WPXI sends it over. It’s a little crazy for me to think that I’m one of the guys on TV now. Like, seriously?!

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Saturday was the follow-up to Elliotte Freidman’s news that the Penguins have offered Sidney Crosby several different contracts and are letting him decide if or what he wants. Yesterday, we did the hard work of examining the potentially immense fallout if Crosby leaves the Penguins.

Sportsnet: In retrospect, this one made sense. Sportsnet has been looking for trends and patterns in the NHL Draft from 2010 to 2019. The early years of the study include some of the best Penguins’ drafting ever, and they top the league in one category—drafting goaltenders.

Steelers Now: The Steelers looked a little better than expected. The offensive line held firm and the secondary was competent even after Joey Porter Jr. went to the blue tent. And the Steelers pulled away in the end. However, the refs were under scrutiny after a few badly botched calls. One ref even apologized to T.J. Watt.

The Steelers won 18-10. Here are Derrick Bell’s studs and duds in the Steelers win.

NHL News, National Hockey Now

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Here is the funeral service information and how to view the Gaudreau memorial service.

ESPN: The NHLPA rookie showcase is in Arlington, VA. All of the boys get their picture taken in their new jerseys and answer some questions from the national media. Among those attending was Rutger McGroarty, who admitted seeing some of the pretty angry (OK, nasty) social media posts directed at him over not signing in Winnipeg.

Detroit Hockey Now: A draft study emphasized just how little GM Steve Yzerman had to work with when he arrived five years ago and how empty the Detroit Red Wings pipeline was.

Six years on, and Detroit may miss the playoffs again. But all you need are high picks, right? (Please note the tinge of sarcasm). I think the Penguins are going to become a cautionary tale to keep a few first-rounders. No more No. 1s for rentals. Or, if you trade for a missing piece like Derrick Brassard, make sure he’s cool with your plans for him.

That’s all there is today. Hockey media is back from the lake houses today, so here we go.