Oct 25, 2014; Nashville, TN, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center
Evgeni Malkin(71) celebrates with Pittsburgh Penguins center
Sidney Crosby(87) after scoring a goal during the third period at Bridgestone Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joshua Lindsey-USA TODAY Sports
2. The Core
How often do you hear about the core of the Pittsburgh Penguins making too much money? How many times will folks suggest that breaking up Crosby, Malkin, Letang, and Marc-Andre Fleury is what’s best for the Pens?
Well, it isn’t. Don’t get caught up in large media outlets and Pittsburgh sports personalities telling you that Crosby and Malkin make too much. Their combined cap hit is less than that of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, and they consistently provide more production. The Blackhawks are doing just fine with that amount of money tied up in two players. Would you agree?
The difference, of course, is their supporting cast. The core of the Pittsburgh Penguins is the best in hockey, hands down. Pittsburgh Penguins fans have been spoiled with names such as Mario Lemieux, Jaromir Jagr, and the aforementioned Crosby and Malkin. These guys aren’t common, and when you suggest trading them, I hope you understand that it means no longer having them.
Those four will lead the Penguins to another Stanley Cup Championship. But, Management has to do it’s part and give them the necessary support to do so. I don’t think they’re very far from it right now.