What happens when the team pursuing you for a playoff spot refuses to lose for a month or more? At this point, the Columbus Blue Jackets have become the stalking 40-ton tanker in Steven Spielberg’s cult classic, Duel. They won again Thursday to keep pace with the Pittsburgh Penguins and leapfrog the New York Islanders.

We also took readers behind the scenes of the Penguins’ room and their success on the five-game road trip, which might have been the crucible of their season. Elsewhere in the Daily, the latest UFA rumors, more wins by playoff contenders, and Auston Matthews went under the knife to repair the damage done from Radko Gudas’s dirty hit.

Five games. But it’s okay, Gudas plays the game hard, so those things will happen. Evgeni Malkin is childish; he swung his stick at someone a few years ago, too. He needs to be taught a lesson. I promise you, those were the thoughts in the NHL meetings, and that’s why the league needs a full overhaul.

Home. And I have what is likely a bad case of bronchitis. I’ll roll into the Doc’s today, but I might be down for a few days. Don’t worry, we’ll have everything covered if I’m unable. Shelly Anderson has practice today.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: So, let’s get into a lot of the stuff you don’t see but want to know. The Penguins survived their roadie with a 2-1-2 record. We also learned a few things about them on their last flight-hopping road trip, from the enormous impact of Erik Karlsson on and off the ice to finding an identity, and the unflappable Ben Kindel dealing with struggles and the playoff atmosphere. Check out the PHN Penguins blog.

That’s one of the best things I’ve written this season. You definitely want to read it.

News: The team recalled Ryan Graves from his conditioning assignment in Wilkes-Barre, but Avery Hayes was demoted.

Last night, I saw the reports from Wilkes-Barre. Police and Marshalls arrested a troubled former Penguins (and Flyers, and Rangers) forward on a bench warrant, but it’s far from his first time behind bars. The latest on Billy Tibbets.

I have stayed at the same Red Roof near the arena where cops nabbed Tibbets, and when the WBS folks found out where I was staying, they advised I never stay there again because it’s always bad news. Why would a person fleeing the police retreat to a town where he used to play hockey?

A couple of reporters texted me after they saw the story–we were all uncomfortable around Tibbets with his calm, icy stare and sometimes unpredictable comments. I think some of his teammates were uncomfortable, too.

NHL Rumors, News, & National Hockey Now

Sportsnet: The Top 12 UFAs of the coming summer, including Evgeni Malkin, the latest news and rumors.

Sportsnet 32 Thoughts: A lot of speculation about coming moves, but also a couple of notes that I fully endorse, including Erik Karlsson getting some Norris Trophy consideration.

I’m glad someone in the national spotlight wrote it, because I fully intended to put him on my ballot if I get a vote this season (we rotate in Pittsburgh).

Columbus Dispatch: Would you lose already?! The Columbus Blue Jackets’ point streak ran to 11 games, and they have seven wins in that time. They also closed to within one point of the Penguins and jumped over the Islanders for a playoff spot. They made an ugly win over the Rangers a thing of beauty.

ESPN: Auston Matthews will be down for 12 weeks after surgery to repair is MCL after Gudas’s kneeing “incident” ended his season.

Boston Hockey Now: A resounding win over the Winnipeg Jets and the Boston Bruins are keeping pace in the race among teams who refuse to lose. Jack Studley breaks apart the important Boston win.

Detroit Hockey Now: The Detroit Red Wings are experiencing the same wave of momentum and refusing to lose. Their comeback win Thursday allowed them to keep a wild card spot, but Kevin Allen and Bob Duff also break down HOW the Red Wings are doing it.

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