Penguins Retool

By Robert Walling
After missing the playoffs every year since the 2001-2002 season, the Pittsburgh Penguins are once again making a run at the Stanley Cup. One year before the NHL lockout caused the cancellation of the 2004-2005 season, the Penguins finished at the bottom in both standings and attendance. After the lockout led to a decrease in fan interest, NHL officials adopted new rule changes designed to ease passing and increase scoring. The struggling franchise has dug into their wallet to sign veteran players with a history of scoring goals.

Creating hype for both Penguin fans and the NHL is the rookie prospect and number one 2005 draft pick, Sidney Crosby. The young player’s success in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League attracted a dozen media outlets from Canada and the U.S. to cover his first day at Penguins training camp. “He is one of those three or four players people have been talking about since he was 14 and rightfully so,” said Pittsburgh Coach Eddie Olczyk. Crosby has already filmed promotional ads for NBC’s new coverage of the NHL. His signing has also encouraged a number of high-profile free agents to sign with the Pens.

Making the move from the cross-state rival Philadelphia Flyers are John LeClair and Mark Recchi. Both players have scored more than 400 goals during their long careers while Recchi has tallied up 728 career assists. Combined, both players give the Pens 24 years of postseason experience.

Also making the move to Pittsburgh is former Los Angeles forward Zigmund Palffy. “Ziggy” has led his team in scoring three out of the past five seasons, and scored 16 goals and 25 assists despite missing 67 games.

Helping on the defensive side is former Washington Capital and Boston Bruin Sergei Gonchar. Earning a spot in the All-Star Game during the past four seasons, Gonchar has also scored more points than any other defenseman since the 2000-2001 campaign.

Fans have responded to this newly improved Penguin team. Season ticket sales are up, while front row seats to the Oct. 8 home opener against the Boston Bruins are selling for approximately $450 a piece on eBay.