DENVER — It will be a big day for the Pittsburgh Penguins as they get Evgeni Malkin back in the lineup, and they will face one of the best in the NHL, the Colorado Avalanche, at Ball Arena. The playoff chase is now intense as the Penguins’ cushion is now just two points. We did a Penguins Q&A with some interesting questions, though I apologize I didn’t take bold stands but tried to lay out the full situation and the factors going into the decisions. And some opinions, too.

Elsewhere in the Daily, NHL trade rumors are going to start in Nashville and St. Louis this summer. St. Louis management will reconsider its decision to hold on to players at the deadline, while not everyone is happy to stay in Nashville. Don Cherry is being pushed for the Order of Canada, and Tristan Jarry has been demoted to backup status in Edmonton.

Perhaps someday I will have a blog with my travel eats and activities, but not every meal is a winner. In fact, some are losers. The hotel prices are outrageous in Denver this week, but beware of hidden fees when you use Vrbo. I don’t recommend it because Vrbo advertises all fees are included, but they fail to disclose that they add their own fees after you book.

I’m staying about 1.5 miles outside of Denver, in a kind of empty area because it was the closest affordable hotel (which is pretty cool). My dining options were nothing or the little brewery and pizza spot next door. Not even a convenience store. This little flatbread pizza (garlic oil, a cheese blend, bacon, jalapenos, ricotta, and crushed red pepper) was $36 before “living wage” fees and tip. It was just fine, but a small flatbread and a beer, $36?! Hell no, but if I wanted to eat, this was it.

The jalapenos really lacked any kick.

Seriously, $36?! Let’s get to hockey.

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The Q&A is all about the playoffs, the prospects trying to stick and who won’t, and the blue line when everyone gets healthy. I’ll admit that I might have made an error of omission on the blue line question because I didn’t include Jack St. Ivany—but I just don’t know how healthy he is or when he’s coming back. So, here’s the in-depth Penguins Q&A.

The No Pucks Given podcast will post today, too.

Steelers Now: The Steelers got their WR2, but who remains on the free agent market at the slot receiver spot? Our boys have your Steelers free agency targets.

NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now

The Athletic ($): Jeremy Rutherford digs into the Blues’ front office decisions and what will happen this summer. Will they push harder to trade 26-year-old Robert Thomas, and how will that affect the other young Blues forwards?

Yahoo Canada: The Conservative Party in Canada is pushing Don Cherry for the Order of Canada. There’s some opposition in Quebec, and it’s spreading. Alberta’s premier is all in for Cherry and is speaking out.

DFO: Tristan Jarry will get a seat. Afer some discourse with teammates and abysmal numbers that were only getting worse, Jarry will sit and Connor Ingram is now the starting goalie for the Edmonton Oilers.

Sportsnet: Staying in Edmonton, Connor McDavid said it. The superstar said what so many of us are thinking–the NHL needs to review the Department of Player Safety.

Good on Connor.

Washington Hockey Now: Another Hutson is on his way to the NHL. The Washington Capitals signed Cole Hutson.

NHLtraderumors.me: Jonathan Marchessault wants out of Nashville? Frank Seravalli reported on a recent podcast that Marchy has wanted out of Nashville for a year now, after signing a five-year deal in 2024.

Tags: nhl trade Pittsburgh Penguins Tristan Jarry

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