Looking Forward

A cold, chilly October night. Rain falling, temperatures in the 40's and 50's. True October weather in Pittsburgh. Yet, one of these nights, will be different. On one of these nights, something will happen that this city has not seen in over 17 years. For one more night, and one final time, a banner will be raised to the rafters of Mellon Arena. Not an MVP banner, or a Conference Champion banner, but a Stanley Cup Champion Banner. The Penguins could be an overwhelming favorite to repeat as champions. 11 of 12 forwards, and 4 0f 6 defensemen returning from the Champion team. Adding grit in forward Mike Rupp, the Pens solved a problem in being too much of a "finesse" team. Then you have Marc-Andre Fleury. Absolutely silencing all the critics by leading his team to a Championship. So ultimately the Pens are in a good position. But Pens fans, dont get too excited too fast. The Pens will have an offseason that only last 3 months. Very little rest, after playing 9 months of hockey, takes a tole on your body. Then you have the fact that every single team in the NHL is gunning for you. You are the top dog, teams want to do anything possible to knock you off, even if it means beating you in October. Best Advice to the Pens- Dont be Detroit. A Red Wings team that lost the home opener on the night where the banner got raised. A Red Wings team that lost to the Maple Leafs. Please Pittsburgh, dont be that team