It is easy to abhor the Pens. Very, very easy. They have many loathable players, they have had significant success against the Rangers and they put us in the position of rooting for the damned French in the playoffs. They are on national tv all the time (four of our six games will be on Versus or NBC), they are getting a second Winter Classic and they make the Blueshirts look bad by being excessively friendly to their fans. Wah, wah, freakin' wah, I know, I know.
Those bandwagon Penguin fans always throw "you wish you had Crosby and our team" in our faces and they are - in general - wrong. We don't wish we had that crybaby, we don't wish we had that idiot Cooke or the rest of the clowns ... we wish we had their franchise. The franchise that cares. The franchise that understands that they should service the fans or at least work as partners. The franchise that adapts and changes with new challenges.
Familiar Foes: You know 'im, you hate 'im, you're inundated with 'im in eeeeeevery damned NHL promotion - Sidneyyyyyyyyyy Crosssssssssssssssssbbbyyyy. Boo. Cindy will have his usual runningmates around: Geno Malkin, Free Candy Orpik, DayGloSmile Fleury, Dammit Cookie, Eyebrows Dupuis, WangBang Letang, Shhhh Talbot, Mike F-ing Hat Trick Rupp, etc. Jordan Staal is still on the Pens but will miss the start of the season with an infection and Eric Godard is sure to miss plenty of games with "can't skate scratchitis."N00bz: There is virtually no need for Godard anymore as they have Talbot, Rupp and new acquisition Arron Asham all capable of tussling while skating. It is hard to hate Asham as he clearly selects his teams to give the Rangers the most trouble, now having played for every other team in the Atlantic - gotta appreciate that kind of hatred. Others added by Pittsburgh also have a lot of experience against us: Paul Martin from the Devils and Mike Comrie of the Islanders (via Edmonton and Ottawa). Martin will be joined by shot blocker extraordinaire Zbynek Michalek on the blueline, where former Ranger Corey Potter may (doubtfully but hopefully) be given a shot.
Last Year: Friday, October 2nd 3-2 Penguins win; Saturday, November 28th 8-3 Penguins win; Monday, November 30th 5-2 Penguins win; Monday, January 25th 4-2 Penguins win; Friday, February 12th 3-2 Rangers overtime win; and Thursday, March 4th 5-4 Penguins overtime win.
This Year: Monday, November 15th in Pittsburgh; Monday, November 29th @ MSG; Wednesday, December 15th in Pittsburgh; Tuesday, February 1st @ MSG; Sunday, February 13th @ MSG; Sunday, March 20th in Pittsburgh.
What They Mean To Blue: As you can see, the Pens easily represented the difference between making the playoffs and not making it last season - especially when they blew a 4-3 third period lead in that late March overtime loss. Going 1-4-1 against a division rival, even one as admittedly skilled as Cindy's side, is unacceptable.
Peepin' Foes Preview Edition: Pittsburgh Penguins
The Pittsburgh Penguins, a franchise with a storied history of success, continue to be a force in the National Hockey League (NHL). As the new NHL season approaches, it's time for another installment of "Peepin' Foes Preview Edition," where we provide an in-depth look at what to expect from the Pittsburgh Penguins in the upcoming season.
In this article, we'll dive into their roster, recent performance, key players to watch, and address some frequently asked questions about the team. Whether you're a die-hard Penguins fan or simply curious about one of the NHL's most iconic franchises, our preview has got you covered.
Pittsburgh Penguins Roster Analysis
The Pittsburgh Penguins have long been a powerhouse in the NHL, known for their star-studded rosters and championship success. Let's examine some key aspects of their current roster:
1. Offense:
The Penguins boast an impressive forward group led by two of the greatest players of their generation, Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. Crosby, the team's captain, continues to be a dominant force in the league, while Malkin's skill and creativity are second to none.
Additionally, they have a strong supporting cast with players like Jake Guentzel, Bryan Rust, and Jason Zucker, who provide scoring depth. The recent addition of Jeff Carter has also added experience and scoring to their lineup.
2. Defense:
Kris Letang, a perennial Norris Trophy contender, leads the Penguins' blue line. Letang's ability to contribute offensively while playing a shutdown role is invaluable. John Marino and Brian Dumoulin provide stability and defensive responsibility.
3. Goaltending:
Tristan Jarry is the projected starting goaltender for the Penguins. Jarry has shown promise, but consistency will be key as he takes on a larger role. Casey DeSmith provides capable backup goaltending.
Recent Performance
The Penguins have a rich history of success, with five Stanley Cup championships to their name, including titles in 2009, 2016, and 2017. Recent years have seen them remain competitive, consistently making the playoffs.
In the 2020-21 season, the Penguins finished first in the East Division during the regular season, thanks to strong performances from their star players. However, they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the New York Islanders. This early exit was a disappointment for the team and its fans, but it serves as motivation for the upcoming season.
Despite some ups and downs, the Penguins have shown they are still a formidable team and a perennial playoff contender.
Key Players to Watch
Sidney Crosby: The Penguins' captain and one of the greatest players in NHL history, Crosby's leadership and skill make him a player to watch in every game.
Evgeni Malkin: Malkin's combination of size and skill is unique. He's a game-changer and a player capable of taking over a game with his playmaking ability.
Kris Letang: Letang's contributions on both ends of the ice make him a key player to watch. His ability to control the game from the blue line is a game-changer.
Jake Guentzel: Guentzel is a consistent scorer and an important part of the Penguins' offensive attack. His chemistry with Crosby is a big asset.
Tristan Jarry: As the starting goaltender, Jarry's performance will be pivotal to the Penguins' success. His ability to make big saves in crucial moments will be under scrutiny.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do the Penguins consistently remain competitive in the salary cap era?
The Penguins have managed their salary cap effectively by making shrewd trades and signings. They've also developed young talent through their minor league affiliate, the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins.
2. Can the Penguins win another Stanley Cup with their core of aging stars?
While their core players are getting older, players like Crosby and Malkin continue to be elite performers. As long as they are in top form, the Penguins have a chance to compete for the Cup.
3. Who are some promising young players in the Penguins' organization?
Pittsburgh has some promising prospects, including forward Pierre-Olivier Joseph and goaltender Emil Larmi. These players could play significant roles in the team's future.
4. What style of play do the Penguins employ?
The Penguins are known for their speed, skill, and offensive prowess. They play an uptempo game and rely on their star players to generate scoring opportunities.
5. How important is coaching in the Penguins' success?
Coaching has played a significant role in the Penguins' success. Mike Sullivan has been instrumental in adapting the team's style of play and getting the best out of his star players.
The Pittsburgh Penguins, a franchise steeped in tradition and championship success, are poised for another exciting NHL season. With a roster featuring some of the game's biggest stars and a commitment to winning, they remain a perennial contender.
As the upcoming season unfolds, all eyes will be on the Penguins as they look to add another Stanley Cup to their storied history. Whether they achieve this goal or not, one thing is certain: the Pittsburgh Penguins will continue to be a team worth watching and supporting as they strive for excellence in the world of professional hockey. So, get ready for another thrilling season of Penguins hockey as they aim to make their mark once more in the NHL.
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