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Dan’s Daily: More GMs on Hot Seat; Penguins Jell
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- Dan’s Daily: More GMs on Hot Seat; Penguins Jell
Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
There were only a few NHL games Wednesday, and they were all Western Conference battles, so for the first time in a few days, the Pittsburgh Penguins did not gain ground on their goal of the 2025-26 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In addition to the Penguins Live Chat, we also looked at a couple of pending lineup decisions that might challenge coach Dan Muse.
Elsewhere in the Daily, a couple of general managers are feeling some toasty cheeks as the season winds down, including Steve Yzerman, whose Detroit Red Wings have wilted down the stretch. The reverberations continued after Toronto Maple Leafs president Scott Pelley relieved Brad Treliving of GM duties. And Will James took us inside the surprising Philadelphia Flyers ’ late playoff push.
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While I did not see it, I’m told the idiot clickbaiters took our little prank and ran with it as real. I cannot think of a better fate for those Temu hockey writers and websites than realizing they’d been got and it could have been avoided if they simply, you know, READ the story before ripping it off.
If you missed yesterday’s fun, — here you go .
Several days earlier, my father sent me an idea for the annual prank: The Penguins are threatening to sue the NHL over the reviews and refereeing. Wednesday morning, I went full-on into writing a hoax story built around that. I even researched the Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act, which includes provisions for the FBI to investigate sports teams, leagues, and refs, and had a section built around that, too.
The reason the Daily was a bit late Wednesday was that after I finished the prank story, I realized–it was way too good and too many people would absolutely miss the April Fool’s part. It was too serious. So sorry, Pops, it was a good idea. But too good.
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Off to Tampa! Consecutive game #230 awaits.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The folks on the Live Chat went all-in on the big man from Sweden. No, not Erik Karlsson , but Elmer Soderblom . In fact, it seems many of you want to call him Glue, or Glue Guy, and let me tell you, I’m here for that. But what happens to Soderblom when Blake Lizotte returns in a week or two? Also, what will become of the Penguins’ goaltending situation as the playoffs near? We’ve got answers in the Penguins blog .
In case you’re wondering, Elmer wears a size 13 skate and a size 15 shoe. Yes, he and I had that convo a couple of weeks ago. He is really playing well–as well as he did in preseason when PHN took note of him.
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NHL Rumors, News, & National Hockey Now
Sportsnet: Unfortunately, this story is going to have real legs through the summer. Nick Kypreos reports that New Jersey Devils GM Tom Fitzgerald’s job is in jeopardy .
Elliotte Friedman has floated a few names for the Toronto GM gig, now including Penguins AGM Jason Spezza .
One name that makes sense for Toronto is John Chayka. An analytics guy who had a good rep until he got caught interviewing for a better job away from the Arizona Coyotes. Perhaps hindsight will help people realize what a gong show Arizona was and why a GM might want to get the hell out.
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NHLtraderumors.com: Friedman also did a radio hit on the NHL’s Sirius/XM channel. He broached a previously no-fly zone topic: Could Steve Yzerman step back and bring in a fresh voice as the GM of the Red Wings ?
It’s been seven years for Yzerman in Detroit. He just hasn’t gotten it done–he suffers from the same issue that plagued Ron Francis in both Carolina and Seattle : Far too cautious and methodical while trying to build primarily through the draft. Penguins GM Kyle Dubas is using the draft, but look at the bevy of young talent acquired outside the draft model. Detroit just hasn’t done that.
Detroit Hockey Now: I was a bit surprised and saddened at how easily Detroit rolled over Tuesday. As the boys at DHN note, it’s quite simple: the Detroit Red Wings can’t score.
Philly Hockey Now: It’s been a gallop back into playoff contention for Rick Tocchet’s Broad St. Bullies. They are right there, on the cusp. Will James examines the very important HOW?! are the Flyers back in it .
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Florida Hockey Now: The Penguins have a bruising series with the Florida Panthers this weekend. A pair of home games for the Penguins against the rowdy Panthers, but the Penguins won’t see the Panthers’ full lineup. Add two more Panthers injuries to the pile.
Vegas Hockey Now: And down the stretch they come. A coaching change. Some listless play. Where do the Vegas Golden Knights stand?
The post Dan’s Daily: More GMs on Hot Seat; Penguins Jell appeared first on Pittsburgh Hockey Now .
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