Simply put, the value of that experience is huge. If they learned about playoff hockey in 2007 against Ottawa, think what they learned about Stanley Cup hockey facing Detroit.
Here comes 2008-09, and with it, even higher expectations. Anything short of a Stanley Cup victory parade might be seen as a disappointment, given the rapid rise to the top for these Penguins. Last season's Stanley Cup Finals loss is still a bitter taste in the mouths of these hungry young players, and Sidney Crosby makes no effort to hide it.
So will we see a 10-0 start to this season's campaign? Doubtful. It is more likely we will see another slow start for Pittsburgh as the team shakes off the short offseason, the cross-continental travel to start the regular season, and gets used to the new faces in its lineup.
Nonetheless, the Penguins are a better team right now than they were a year ago. Not so much in personnel or talent, but in experience and motivation.
Last year, there were lingering questions about Marc-Andre Fleury, a suspect defensive corps, and as to how long it would take the team to mature into a true contender. Those questions are history, and the taste of the Stanley Cup Finals has made this team downright bloodthirsty.
Assuming a few more exceptional personnel moves during the season from general manager Ray Shero, and you have to consider Pittsburgh as the favorites to win the East again. Now that may be an easy pick right now, but let's see who sticks to that pick two months from now if the Pens stumble out of the gate.
I, for one, will stay the course, even if there happens to be considerably more legroom on the Penguins Bandwagon after a dozen games are in the books.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Pittsburgh Penguins articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
5 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete