Deen’s Daily: Where Drouin Fits for Avalanche; Devils Get Hate From a Governor; Crosby Makes History

Jonathan Drouin just needs to get through practice on Monday to confirm he’ll return against Winnipeg. Where does the usual top-six winger fit best? The Devils beat up on the Carolina Hurricanes and were criticized by… a U.S. Governor? Sidney Crosby made history for the Pittsburgh Penguins, again. 

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — December 30.

Colorado Hockey Now

Jonathan Drouin is expected to return against the Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday. The only thing the Avs are waiting for is practice Monday to ensure he hasn’t suffered any setbacks since skating with the team over the weekend. Drouin’s return and acquiring Juuso Parssinen could shake up the Avs’ roster. Where does Drouin fit best?

Around the NHL

New Jersey Hockey Now: Following the feisty matchup between the Devils and Hurricanes on Saturday, the Governor of North Carolina chimed in on how he feels about the Devils. This isn’t quite what I was expected to read about during a regular season game in December.

NYI Hockey Now: The Islanders couldn’t complete a comeback against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday after defeating them the previous night. Patrick Roy called out his team following the loss.

Pittsburgh Hockey Now: In the Pens’ bounce-back performance against the Islanders, captain Sidney Crosby made history. Catch up on the latest Penguins Report Card as they improved to 10-4-1 in their last 15.

Detroit Hockey Now: Massive bounce-back performance by the Detroit Red Wings on Sunday in Todd McLellan’s second game behind the bench. One of their notable veterans also reached a huge milestone along the way.

Florida Hockey Now: The Panthers made history on Sunday, doing something that has never happened in franchise history. It’s not quite an achievement worth celebrating.

Montreal Hockey Now: How ’bout those Habs? They followed up a shutout victory over Florida with another solid performance on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Don’t look now but Montreal has won five of its last six games.