The Pittsburgh Penguins had a turning point win Thursday night. What could have been the gateway to a spiral became a character-building win. In the report card, we went inside the collapse and the comeback. We also questioned if (and why) Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas is pausing the youth movement in light of the great start.

Elsewhere in the Daily, the St. Louis Blues sent a message to one of their star players as trade rumors are beginning to percolate in the Midwest. It seems there’s a team watching Artemi Panarin’s availability, and Linus Ullmark fired back at his critics in Ottawa.

The Daily is a little late today as I didn’t get out of the arena until well after 12:30 (and had to walk home because I missed the last T home). I treated myself to an extra hour of sleep.

Also, I have bad news for some of you who hate my travel exploits and restaurant recommendations. I received some very kind compliments from an ESPN personality last night–I’m always surprised when anyone knows who I am outside this loyal circle here–and one of the things he most likes about PHN is the food and restaurant finds. Sorry folks, looks like they’re here to stay!

Also, thank you very much, kind sir. Even at this point in my life with ever more gray hair (or has it gone white?!), a little recognition goes a long way. When you’re in Chicago later this month, hit Luke’s Italian Beef on Jackson. It’s in the shadow of the skydeck and the Federal Reserve, and it is the hidden gem of the city.

I’m on the road to New Jersey after practice today. I’m staying in Allentown to avoid the cannonball run tomorrow (and I got a super AmEx discount on a decent hotel–$67 for a suite?!). Any restaurant recoms?

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Penguins made a few recalls on Tuesday and another on Thursday, but no young players. What gives? Did the strong start prove too tempting for Kyle Dubas, and did he pause the Penguins’ movement?

The Penguins vs. the Capitals. It’s always a fun one. Except this one looked like the Penguins’ strong start was about to come crashing down with a third straight bad loss. And then, the Penguins rose from the dead for a roller coaster win. Here’s the Penguins recap.

“We couldn’t let it happen again.” Inside the collapse and comeback. The mistakes, the resurrection, and what the Penguins did well. Plus, the player grades in the Penguins’ report card.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

TSN: First, the St. Louis Blues sent a message to the team and to star player Jordan Kyrou by making him a healthy scratch on Thursday, the first of his career.

Sportsnet: Elliotte Friedman reports in 32 Thoughts that St. Louis was one of the most active teams on the phones last week. In the latest 32 print edition, Friedman also drew attention to the increased role and improved play of Erik Karlsson.

“…to finish his contract in Pennsylvania.” I’m not sure, but did Friedman drop a hint about trading Karlsson to Philadelphia?!

New Jersey Hockey Now: The Penguins’ opponent tomorrow got some bad news last night. Defenseman Dougie Hamilton had an early exit due to injury. However, New Jersey rallied for a big win over Montreal. James Nichols has the Hamilton update and the big Devils win.

Montreal Hockey Now: Same game, different take from Marc Dumont. Check out the late-game chaos that handed the Montreal Canadiens a surprising loss.

Bleacher Report Video: Back to NHL trade chatter. Frank Seravalli says watch the Carolina Hurricanes and Artemi Panarin.

It looks like the Hurricanes are going to become the team to watch for every player this season, eh?

Philly Hockey Now: It has been a rough start for sophomore Matvei Michkov. He got a season low in ice time last game, but Will James reports, it also looked like the beginning of a breakout for the very confident Flyers winger.

I’ve liked Michkov since I talked to him and his interpreter at the 2023 NHL Draft. The kid was fearless and had real swagger, despite being the smallest person in the media scrum. After that, you just had to like him.

Chicago Hockey Now: Hat Trick! Tyler Bertuzzi lit the lamp three times, and Spencer Knight was a wall. The Vancouver Canucks’ struggles continued as the Chicago Blackhawks rolled.

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