It was an epic weekend for Pittsburgh sports fans. The Pittsburgh Penguins swept their weekend games in wildly different fashions, including Sunday’s dramatic three-goal comeback and overtime win. Oh, and the Steelers had a little fun Sunday night. We’ve got the full breakdown, locker room comments, and analysis of the Penguins’ comeback.
Elsewhere in the Daily, the NHL trade chatter remains centered on Vancouver, but Carolina is, or should be, shopping, and the Edmonton Oilers have some nibbles on Andrew Mangiapane. Injuries to Olympic players are quickly piling up, and the latest two might be concerning for Team Canada. And the junior version of Team Canada was upset again at the WJC.
No White Castle out of Columbus last night. I strapped in and put the pedal down–all the way to the speed limit, of course–to get home for as much of the Steelers game as I could. I listened to the TV broadcast in the car and caught the latter third quarter and all of the fourth. I think I woke up my upstairs neighbor with a yell that even surprised me as the kick went Norwood.
Also–I did not know this–Columbus Blue Jackets play-by-play man Bob McElligott is a fellow Johnstown Chiefs alum, and a Somerset native?! He was my predecessor by one announcer. Sadly, I was the one who broke the long string of Johnstown broadcasters getting to the NHL (or NBA). There were many reasons for that, a large one was family absolutely despised the life of a PBP.
Bob is good people. And Bob, if you bring some White Castle on your next trip through, this writer doesn’t mind re-heating it.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The notebook has an update on Harrison Brunicke, Sergei Murashov, and a little note on Yegor Chinakhov’s return to Columbus. I suppose we’re all still learning the ins and outs of the 19-year-old prospect rules before they change next year. So, here’s what’s up in the Penguins notebook.
Now, if you didn’t see the Penguins’ 5-4 OT win over the Columbus Blue Jackets because you had to focus and be ready for the Steelers game in case Mike Tomlin needed to pull a player out of the seats, here’s the incredible comeback Penguins recap.
Two problems and one solution. We delivered some grades and genuine game analysis Sunday. As much as I respect and even look up to some of my colleagues, PHN is the only place that will dip into the nuts and bolts of the game with some tactical analysis, too (and that’s why I do it!). There were some wildly varying grades and analyses in the Penguins’ report card.
And for all of your Steelers needs, you should know where to go. It’s not over. As much as it SHOULD be over for the coach and the team, the football gods decided they weren’t done with Aaron Rodgers, who earned a win, and with Mike Tomlin and staff, who did not. Just head over to Steelers Now for everything.
Also, I do not think Aaron Rodgers will retire. I have thought he was coming back for a while, but his scoff at the question during the postgame field interview said it all. It was also a wonderfully genuine moment.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Sportsnet: As usual, our Monday links are headlined by the Headline segment. In addition to the Vancouver Canucks making a contract offer to Keifer Sherwood, Elliotte Friedman reports that the Oilers are getting some interest in Maniapane, notably from the Anaheim Ducks. Edmonton should sell sell sell.
News & Observer: Stick tap to Spector’s Hockey for digging this one up. The chatter around Carolina is that they need to acquire a goalie if they’re going to pursue and reach their ultimate goal this season.
No, I don’t see the Penguins parting with one unless Carolina makes a “wow” offer. Have you seen the standings? Also, read the Penguins notebook.
New Jersey Hockey Now: Devils fans really let young defenseman Luke Hughes have it. After a couple of costly giveaways, boos rained upon the D-man. Upwards of 17 times when he touched the puck, fans booed. YIKES. James Nichols has it all, and the game analysis, too, in the Devils’ postgame analysis.
Once upon a time, the Washington Capitals had a future Hall of Fame defenseman. The fans got on his back, too. “Whoops!” “Whoops!” they would crow in high-pitched voices when he had the puck. Eventually, Washington had to trade that defenseman to Minnesota, who traded him to the Penguins. And Larry Murphy began collecting Stanley Cups with the Penguins and Detroit Red Wings.
Keep it up, New Jersey. I’m sure Kyle Dubas would be interested.
Colorado Hockey Now: Maybe bad news for Team Canada, Devan Toews will “miss some time.” However, the scary injury occurred Sunday when Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog crashed into the boards. It looks and sounds serious for the Colorado Avalanche star.
Sportsnet: Oh, the angst up North. Team Canada will play for bronze after being upset for the third straight year by Czechia. Here’s what went down. There will be no gold for Canada.
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