The Daily: The Last Hurrah for Crosby & the Penguins? Not So Fast

The Pittsburgh Penguins may be entering some uncharted territory — a place they haven’t seen in nearly two decades. And yet, as Pittsburgh Hockey Now’s Dan Kingerski writes, the Penguins may yet be able to avoid a lengthy rebuild and retool on the fly.

Sure, the core is aging. One of their bigger acquisitions was 34-year-old Jeff Petry. Some fans are clamoring to read the writing on the wall in the way of tearing it down, and rebuilding it as fast as they can.

Team President Brian Burke thinks the team is better than last year. There’s a chance they’re an Eastern Conference contender. Beyond that, Kingerski writes there may be a glimmer of hope that allows Pittsburgh to avoid rebuild hell altogether.

The same salary cap that has hampered some teams may actually benefit Pittsburgh, whose rise began when the cap was instituted back in 2005. In two seasons, Kingerski claims, the Penguins will have a lot of cap room. It’ll coincide with a significant rise in the cap ceiling.

Does it equate to success? Not necessarily. But it could prevent a painful rebuild that has befallen so many NHL teams.

Red Wings In Case You Missed It

• Another day, another goal for recent Detroit Red Wings draft pick Marco Kasper. Kevin Allen writes that while some wondered if Kasper would score goals, that doubt is certainly being erased by the young center.
• Remember the time Pavel Datsyuk exchanged punches with Anaheim’s Corey Perry? You’re not alone. Bob Duff looks back at a fight in 2010 when Dastyuk recored a Gordie Howe hat trick on opening night.
• Where does the Red Wings goaltending rank in the Atlantic Division? (DHN+)

National Hockey Now

Colorado: Adrian Dater of Colorado Hockey Now looks at the speculation surrounding contract talks for Nathan MacKinnon. Colorado Avalanche

Montreal: An explanation as to why Kent Hughes waited to put Carey Price on the LTIR. Montreal Canadiens

San Jose: Looking for the new San Jose jerseys? Photos are popping up everywhere that they’re in stores. San Jose Sharks

Vancouver: Spencer Martin is poised for NHL duty this season. Where does he fit into the tandem? Vancouver Canucks

Washington: Once upon a time, he played for the rival Penguins. Now, Carl Hagelin’s Washington teammates are rallying around the veteran as he attempts a comeback. Washington Capitals