Where We Are: Taking the first step on a quest for the Cup. We know the road is tough and fraught with danger but the prize is well worth it: a place in history.
Where They Are: Celebrating their place in history. Bastards. The Penguins will raise their Stanley Cup banner before the game - rubbing it in our faces. Seeing that smile from Cindy ... *shudder* I still fully believe that if Mike Babcock kept Justin Abdelkader in the Finals rather than putting back in a banged-up Kris Draper, the Cup would be in Detroit. The series was that close that the spark from one player could have swung it the other way. As is, Nik Lidstrom had a chance to force overtime in Game 7 but shanked the shot. The youthful legs of Afrogator were such a spark in the first two games ... but yeah, the Penguins. They will be breaking in some new players - youngster Chris Bourque (Ryan's brother and Ray's other son), geezer Jay McKee and obnoxious Mike Rupp (yep, the former Jersey thug). Who To Watch For: Crosby, Malkin, blah blah blah. I have a hunch Kunitz can top 30 goals with a full season alongside Sid, maybe even 40. If Rob Brown can get 49 with Mario ... Looking past the stars, look at the defense and see how that unit fares without the pillars that were Long Island's own Rob Scuderi and the U.S.S. Hal Gill.
What To Watch For: What kind of start the Rangers get. After suffering through the slap in the face that is watching the banner raising, they then have a game to play. And there is a lot of other things to keep an eye on: See if they buy into Torts all-offense-all-the-time mentality. See if Michal Rozsival is as bad a player now as he was in the preseason. See if Marian Gaborik can make it through a whole game without getting hurt. See if the lack of a legit checking line will cost the Rangers badly. See how long the Rangers can hold onto the puck as Cindy and company have the speed to take advantage of any and all turnovers. See if Torts melts down and loses the game for the team, like he did the series in Washington. Bitter much? Yes I am.
What We'll (Hopefully) See: A statement from the Rangers - a lotta shots going on net while keeping the Pens penned in their own zone. Relentless forechecking. Few odd-man rushes bursting in on Hank. Oh, and Brashear to ruin Crosby's season before it really starts. That would be nice. I would cheer for that; call me a hypocrite all you like.
Also Check Out: Empty Netters, which is the Pittsburgh Post Gazette's awesome link-happy blog, the snarky photoshop-heavy awesomeness of The PensBlog and SBN's Pensburgh. The funny thing is that looking for the Pensburgh link, I stumbled across this. Hilarity.
Peepin' Foes: Pittsburgh Penguins - A Legacy of Success
In the realm of professional ice hockey, few teams have garnered as much success and admiration as the Pittsburgh Penguins. With a storied history, a roster of legendary players, and a dedicated fan base, the Penguins have established themselves as one of the premier franchises in the NHL. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the captivating story of the Pittsburgh Penguins, their journey to prominence, notable players and moments, and address frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide a comprehensive understanding of this iconic team.
The Birth of the Pittsburgh Penguins
Early Struggles
The Pittsburgh Penguins entered the NHL as an expansion team in 1967. In their early years, the team faced challenges on and off the ice, including financial difficulties and struggles to compete.
Stanley Cup Glory
Despite the initial obstacles, the Penguins experienced a turnaround in the early 1990s. Led by legendary figures like Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr, the team secured back-to-back Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992, marking their arrival as a force to be reckoned with.
Notable Players and Moments
Mario Lemieux
Mario Lemieux, often referred to as "Super Mario," is one of the most iconic players in Penguins history. His exceptional skill and leadership on the ice made him a beloved figure in Pittsburgh and a transformative force in the NHL.
Jaromir Jagr
Jaromir Jagr, known for his incredible scoring ability, was another cornerstone of the Penguins' success in the early 1990s. His partnership with Lemieux was a key factor in the team's championship victories.
Sidney Crosby
In the early 2000s, the Penguins once again rose to prominence, thanks in large part to the emergence of Sidney Crosby. The "Kid" quickly became one of the league's top players and led the Penguins to three Stanley Cup championships in 2009, 2016, and 2017.
The Impact of the Penguins
1. The '90s Dynasty
The Penguins' dominance in the 1990s left an indelible mark on the NHL. Their style of play and the talent of players like Lemieux and Jagr inspired a generation of hockey fans and players.
2. Sidney Crosby's Legacy
Sidney Crosby's era ushered in a new chapter of success for the Penguins. His leadership and skill solidified Pittsburgh's reputation as a perennial contender.
3. Community Involvement
The Penguins have a strong commitment to their community. Through initiatives like the Penguins Foundation, the team supports youth programs, education, and charitable causes in the Pittsburgh area.
FAQs: Uncovering the Penguins' Legacy
As fans and hockey enthusiasts follow the journey of the Pittsburgh Penguins, questions often arise about the team's history, its impact on the NHL, and its future prospects. Here are some FAQs that provide insights into the world of the Penguins:
1. What is the significance of the Penguins' team colors and logo?
The Penguins' black and gold color scheme pays homage to Pittsburgh's rich sports history, with a nod to the city's other beloved sports teams, the Steelers and Pirates. The penguin logo reflects the team's unique identity in the NHL.
2. How has the Penguins managed to remain competitive over the years?
The Penguins' sustained competitiveness can be attributed to a combination of strong leadership, player development, and a commitment to acquiring top talent through drafts and trades.
3. What role has the fan base played in the Penguins' success?
The passionate and dedicated Penguins fan base, known as the "Pens Nation," has been a driving force behind the team's success. The support of fans both at home and on the road has energized the players and created a formidable home-ice advantage.
4. Can the Penguins continue their success in the coming years?
The Penguins remain a formidable team in the NHL, with a roster of talented players and a strong organizational culture. The future looks promising as they continue to compete for championships.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, with their legacy of triumphs and the contributions of legendary players, stand as a testament to the enduring spirit of professional ice hockey. From their early struggles to their triumphant Stanley Cup victories, the Penguins have captured the hearts of fans and inspired generations of hockey enthusiasts.
As we celebrate the storied history and promising future of the Pittsburgh Penguins, we recognize the team's role in shaping the landscape of the NHL and the enduring impact of legendary figures like Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, and Sidney Crosby. With each new season, the Penguins continue to embody the essence of dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence that defines the world of professional ice hockey.
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