Skip to main content

Featured

Forever "Flower": The Goalie Who Captured Pittsburgh's Heart

  Graphic: Genevive Oliver When you talk about players who truly defined the Pittsburgh Penguins, a name that isn't just on the list, but at the very top for so many fans is Marc-Andre Fleury. 'Flower,' as he was universally known, wasn't just a goaltender; he was a defining presence for over a decade, famous for his heart-stopping saves, that famous smile, and a sheer dedication that never wavered. His career wasn't just about stats; it was a remarkable journey from a highly anticipated first overall pick to a three-time Stanley Cup champion, a testament to his remarkable perseverance, unwavering development, and the deep, enduring connection he forged with Pittsburgh. The Budding Star: From First Pick to Full-Time Starter On draft day in 2003, when the Pittsburgh Penguins made the bold move of selecting Marc-Andre Fleury first overall - a rare and significant distinction for a goaltender - is when the excitement began. Only 18 years old, Fleury promptly made his N...

Update: Crosby Continuing To Be Evaluated For Upper-Body Injury

 







Mike Sullivan said on Thursday, February 6th, that captain Sidney Crosby is continuing to be evaluated for an upper-body injury sustained against the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, February 4th.


During the Penguins' morning practice on Thursday, Crosby did an individual workout in full gear on the other rink as the rest of the team practiced together on the other at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. The captain had been skating with both the director of player development Tom Kostopoulos and skills consultant Josh Wrobel.



Head Coach Mike Sullivan on Sidney Crosby: "Obviously, he skated on his own today. That was pre-planned. He's continuing to be evaluated. We'll probably have more information on his status tomorrow."





The Penguins, without Crosby, used the following line rushes on Thursday...


Anthony Beauvillier - Rickard Rakell - Bryan Rust

Michael Bunting - Cody Glass - Danton Heinen

Matt Nieto - Kevin Hayes - Phil Tomasino

Boko Imama - Blake Lizotte - Noel Acciari


P.O. Joseph - Kris Letang

Matt Grzelcyk - Erik Karlsson

Ryan Graves - David Desharnias



Mike Sullivan stated that Rakell is the middle option in place of the captain, but he added, "let's see what Sid's status is." If he's out for any length of time, "the message is the expectations haven't changed, and it's a next-man-up mindset," Sullivan said. "Guys are always looking for more ice time, want to play a more significant role - here's your opportunity. So, that's the world we live in, that's the NHL. So, when injuries occur, it provides opportunities for others."




After practice, the Pittsburgh Penguins left to head on the road for their two-game road trip to New York City and Philadelphia, the annual Highmark Dads Trip. These two games are the last Penguins games before a two-week break, where Sidney Crosby is set to captain Team Canada from February 12-20 at the 4 Nations Face-Off.


Comments