The Pittsburgh Penguins were grateful and satisfied with their victory Saturday. They were not at their best, but they not only forced overtime but won just their second shootout of the season. We’ve got full locker room coverage and more reaction to yet another controversial goaltender interference call against the Penguins.

Elsewhere in the Daily, it seems the NHL and CHL are nearing an agreement on a new rule for more 19-year-olds to play in the AHL, which could be good news for the Penguins. There’s more controversy regarding a light suspension for Florida’s A.J. Greer, who dangerously tossed Calgary’s Conor Zary headfirst toward the boards. And the Penguins got some playoff help.

In many ways, the NHL is in a no-win situation with goalie interference and suspensions. It’s impossible to be rigidly consistent with such variables, but they also bring so much more on themselves with no cohesive strategy or guidelines. What people on the outside don’t seem to understand is how deep the personal relationships and reputations go on the inside. And we’ll leave it at that…

Pittsburgh Penguins

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: The recap. Wow, another offensive battle in which the Penguins didn’t have their best but filled the net. This time, the Penguins won a shootout.

The analysis of the goaltender interference, the Penguins’ biggest (and persistent) struggle, the player grades, and locker room reaction—it’s all in the Penguins report card.

Now, I went a step further. I’ve been around this game for a long time and have picked up a lot of info, knowledge, context, and dirt. Here’s what is really going on and what you, and the Penguins, need to know about goaltender interference.

I swung from the heels, but not in the direction you’ll expect. The above column is one of those stories I write that educate and inflame. It’s a gift.

NHL Rumors, News, & National Hockey Now

The Athletic ($): A good look at the Carolina Hurricanes. Can they finally get over the playoff hump and go the distance? I know the Penguins would love a crack at them in the playoffs. Also, Pierre LeBrun reports they kicked the tires on St. Louis goalie Jordan Binnington but balked at the price.

Hockey Night in Canada: The Headlines Segment also touched on the Penguins goalie interference call. They also thought it would be overturned. There’s also more angst over the suspension for Greer, who threw Zary toward the wall head first.

And the NHL is bearing down on an agreement to allow more 19-year-olds to play in the AHL, specifically if they are first-round picks.

The Penguins will have a pair of eligible prospects for that rule next season if it goes through: Bill Zonnon and Will Horcoff.

Boston Hockey Now: The Penguins got some help in the playoff race. The last bit of help was because some teams had to play each other. Jack Studley gives the whys and hows as the Boston Bruins beat Detroit.

Detroit Hockey Now: The emotions in Detroit were raw. They’re clinging to a wild-card berth and trying to break a nine-season playoff drought. The Detroit Red Wings gave away a winnable game.

Montreal Hockey Now: Ole` Ole` Ole`. The Penguins got some real help when the New York Islanders lost. Marc Dumont has Montreal Canadiens victory coverage.

The Penguins have a three-point lead over the Islanders with one game in hand. And the Penguins lead Detroit by two points with one game in hand. The Penguins have 12 games to go, and their magic number to eliminate the Islanders is 22 points.

Tags: nhl rumors nhl suspensions Pittsburgh Penguins

Categorized:Links NHL Trade Rumors