BT's 2008-09 NHL Season Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins

Preface: Alright, so I'm a little angry right now.

Due to the fact that I'm knee-deep in season previews, I'm a little at a loss to do research for an MLB playoff column, and three of the games start wednesday.

I'll see what I can do between now and then, but I can't guarantee any miracles. All I can say is that if the Minnesota Twins represent the AL Central, then their series with the Tampa Bay Rays will be excellent—possibly a first-round classic.

I'm not so confident if the Rays go up against Chicago White Sox but that's just me.

Continuing along into the Atlantic, the Pittsburgh Penguins are primed to be a powerhouse for the next five to seven years.

Their three key forwards are ridiculously talented—so much so that the Pens don't need to surround them with exceptional talent, just talent.

Roster Additions: Miroslav Satan-F (F.A.), Matt Cooke-F (F.A.), Ruslan Fedotenko-F (F.A.), Eric Godard-F (F.A.), Dany Richmond-D (Trade)

Roster Subtractions: Georges Laraque-F (F.A.), Marian Hossa-F (F.A.), Ryan Malone-F (Trade), Gary Roberts-F (F.A.), Ty Conklin-G (F.A.), Tim Brent-F (Trade)

How did 2007-08 go? 47-27-8, 102 points, second in Conference, first in Atlantic division, Lost in Stanley Cup Finals.

2008-09 Goal: First in the league, Stanley Cup Champions

Let's Break'er down...

Possibly the best thing to happen to the Pittsburgh Penguins last season was to lose in the Stanley Cup Finals to Detroit.

That loss did a few things. First of all, it ensured that the youngsters learned that nothing is guaranteed year-in, year-out, no matter how good you are. Second, it gave them an experience to learn from, as it's not often a team like this is faced with that kind of adversity.

Third, it ensured that the fire for this season wouldn't be gone and the team wouldn't get lackadaisical.

Do you want Smarties or M and M's with your McFleury?

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