Dan’s Daily: Reflections of Crosby, Malkin, Letang; Carolina Stuffs Rangers

It was one of my favorite Pittsburgh Penguins pieces of the week, and I’m blessed it came from our own Shelly Anderson. Shelly has been there since the beginning when Sidney Crosby stormed the NHL when Kris Letang and Evgeni Malkin were learning English. They were barely more than teenagers, but the band of brothers looks like they’ll finish their careers apart. The NHL trade rumor mill is coming to life, and there are some entertaining Game 2s.

The Carolina Hurricanes stuffed the New York Rangers (a team without awful special teams is having no trouble with New York? huh). And despite a terrible start, the Edmonton Oilers and Connor McDavid rallied for a Game 2 win.

My goodness, McDavid is good and seems to be getting better.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Breaking up is hard to do. The read from Shelly Anderson is free for everyone. I happen to know that Shelly was especially close with Sid when he was younger (and we were allowed in the locker room pre-COVID). I don’t think there’s a Penguins reporter on the beat who understands as well what that relationship between Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang means to the boys. Pittsburgh Penguins locker room.

NHL Trade Talk, News & National Hockey Now:

Calgary: The Flames jumped on Edmonton in the first period. It looked bad–again–but Connor McDavid rose to the occasion, and Edmonton pulled out a 5-3 win. It’s a beaut of a series. Calgary Flames postgame.

NHL.com: More than a few of our readers and Pittsburgh Penguins fans predicted Carolina would wipe the floor with the New York Rangers. Sure, some of that was sourness, but also, the Penguins dominated New York but somehow couldn’t finish the job. Carolina is getting it done and has a 2-0 series lead.

Sportsnet, Ottawa: The Senators will be players this offseason. Their young talent is about ready, but they’re missing a few pieces. The NHL rumor mill is beginning to include them in some high-profile discussions like Kevin Fiala and Travis Konecny.

I see Evgeni Malkin choosing a major Metropolitan city (If not Pittsburgh), but Ottawa would be a great team fit.

Montreal: Here’s a name that dropped off the NHL trade bait board, but only because the price was ridiculous. Jakob Chychrun. What about the Montreal Canadiens?

Montreal would be interesting for both Letang and Malkin, eh? Nah, they need a goalie. If only a French-Canadian one were available.

Washington: What’s next for the Capitals? GM Brian McClellan said it could be a big summer, “Nothing is off the table.” Well, that adds some intrigue. Washington Capitals offseason.

Boston: Team president Cam Neely left head coach Bruce Cassidy twisting in the wind after the season. Will Neely repeat history or give Cassidy the boot? Boston Bruins offseason.

Philly: The Flyers GM outlined what he wants in a coach. He basically described Barry Trotz. And more Barry Trotz. Philadelphia Flyers coaching search.

Colorado: The Avs are tied with St. Louis 1-1, but as Ryan Boulding writes, there are too many passengers, still. The Colorado Avalanche troubles.