The Edmonton Oilers are hoping to make history by overcoming a 3-0 deficit in the Stanley Cup Final. Their words and tone are getting more assertive after their big Game 4 blowout win, and Leon Draisaitl has engaged in contract talks. The San Jose Sharks introduced their new head coach and mercilessly shot down the recent NHL trade rumors involving Logan Couture. The Columbus Blue Jackets fired their head coach after one season, and we did some digging into potential Pittsburgh Penguins’ free agency.
I rode through the northern PA mountains on Monday. It was cool and shady, and I had a great time. I went further than I expected on Sunday, so I snagged my favorite historic hotel in Wellsboro (where Groucho Marx and Bing Crosby stayed) and rode home yesterday. I wish I could tell you about some great mountain eats, but most places are closed on Mondays, so I had a Cobb salad on Sunday night and Arby’s on Monday. But if you’re into some mountainscapes and amazing scenery for a road trip, Rt. 287 and 414 in Potter, Lycoming, and Clinton County are pretty epic.
And then I caught the storm cells that rolled across Butler County and a bit north. Coming south on Rt. 28, I saw an opening between two cells. I was getting a little bit of rain from the cell that just passed, but not enough to stop. Realizing that for once I was going to make it without getting hammered by a torrential downpour, I summoned up by best Lt. Dan and yelled, “Haha, is that all you’ve got?!”
Before I finished my taunt of God and Mother Nature, a long and jagged bolt of lightning ripped horizontally across the sky right in front of me. I immediately apologized and kept my head down.
Pittsburgh Penguins
Pittsburgh Hockey Now: Sidney Crosby is eligible to sign a new contract on July 1. So, too, is steady Eddie defenseman Marcus Pettersson, whose five-year deal is wrapping up after next season. Based on contemporaries and trajectories, here’s what Pettersson is worth on the market and to the Penguins.
Pittsburgh Baseball Now: Paul Skenes is just fun to watch. He didn’t have his best stuff early, but he showed that he was quickly learning how to be a major league pitcher and mowed down the Cincy Reds. More on the complete win for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Steelers Now+: It’s Derrick Bell’s Steelers Mailbag for all subscribers. What about the Justin Fields red-zone package, Calvin Austin hype, and Nick Herbig’s role? Check it out–some real Steelers analysis.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
Sportsnet: Nope. No way. Not happening. A young San Jose reporter stirred the pot with a recent report that Logan Couture wanted out of San Jose. Despite Couture shooting down those ponderances in March, a new report gained attention, but at new head coach David Warsofky’s introductory presser, GM Mike Grier doubled back to squash those rumors.
Let’s skip the locker room bravado. Of course, Edmonton is going to throw everything they’ve got at the Florida Panthers in Game 5, and of course, they’re telling themselves they have a chance. However, here’s a good sign for Edmonton but bad for the deafening trade rumors that were to follow. The team and Draisaitl are engaged in contract talks.
You might think it obvious that Edmonton would re-sign him. Still, there were several reports that Draisaitl was entertaining an exit, believing Edmonton just couldn’t get over the hump … and the Boston Bruins were waiting with open arms.
The Cannon: Pascal Vincent lasted just one season in Columbus. The coach who was thrust into the job after the Mike Babco*ck fiasco received praise from the organization and his walking papers.
Don’t be surprised if Penguins assistant Mike Vellucci, who has a good history with Don Wadell, is a candidate for the job.
New Jersey Hockey Now: The New York Rangers were poking around the New Jersey Devils and Tyler Toffoli at the NHL Trade Deadline. A deal didn’t happen, but now New York might splash the cash on Toffoli at the free agent frenzy. Check the latest in the Devils news.
Chicago Hockey Now: Former No. 1 pick meet new No. 1 pick. As Steve Stamkos and the Tampa Bay Lightning grind towards a new contract that may or may not happen, a great landing spot for Stamkos would be the Chicago Blackhawks.
