Pittsburgh Penguins 2023 All-Star

As the NHL approaches it’s All-Star Weekend, it’s a good time for the Pittsburgh Penguins to sit back, get healthy, and think about how they need to play in the second half, in order to make it into the NHL Playoffs, for a record 17 consecutive year.

This year has been another struggle for the Pens.  Injuries and inconsistent play, being the common theme.

I think we, as fans, need to take some time off as well.  Sometimes we get so wrapped up into the team, that we forget to smile and be thankful.

So, Pens Fans, Press Pause.  Go for a walk, get some fresh air (it’s -40 where I live… it’s sure fresh out here…lol), and let’s be thankful, for where we live, who we love and for the Joy we get, by watching the Penguins play the game of hockey.

And while we are at it, let’s congratulate our Captain, Sidney Crosby, for being picked for the 2023 All-Star Game.

It’s actually a rarity to see #87 at the All-Star game.  He has been named to the game 9 times, however, he has missed the event due to a high ankle sprain, two concussions and a knee injury.

So, let’s pump some tires, for the Heart and Soul of our beloved Pittsburgh Penguins.

Sidney Crosby #87 C

Crosby has been our Leader this entire season.  Night in and night out, he always comes to play.

As of Jan 30.2023

Crosby 60 Points – 11th -tied overall in the NHL. (1st on the Penguins)

Crosby 24 Goals – 20th -tied overall in the NHL. (1st on the Penguins)

Crosby 36 Assists – 15th -tied overall in the NHL. (1st on the Penguins)

Crosby Faceoff Win %: 52.5%

Crosby, at age 35,  is showing no weakness in his game what-so-ever.  He can win draws, pass through traffic, pick up a pass in full flight, as well as, snipe with the best of them.

Crosby is willing the Penguins to win on many nights.

He is playing All-World… still.

Say Hello, to your 2023 All-Star, at Center, #87 Sidney Crosby.

Pittsburgh Penguins as of Jan30.2023 –NHL All-Star Break

24-16-9 = 57 Points

5th in the Metropolitan Division.

8th in the Eastern conference.

15th in the NHL overall (ties)

Pittsburgh Penguins are holding the #2 Wild Card Spot, in the Eastern Conference.

Note: Losing 9 times in overtime seems to be unheard of given this lineup.  Flip the script on a few of these OT games and the Pens are right where they think they should be.

Last Year…at the break

Pittsburgh Penguins as of Feb03.2022 – Last Years NHL All-Star Break

27-11-8 = 62 Points

3rd in the Metropolitan Division (Up from 7th Place in Oct)

4th in the Eastern conference (Up from 13th Place in Oct)

6th in the NHL overall (Up from 22nd overall in Oct)

Pittsburgh Penguins are holding the #3 Playoff Spot, in the Metropolitan Division (Eastern Conference).

My View from the Cheap Seats

In my humble opinion, it has been the Rock-Solid play of #87 that has carried the Penguins so far this year.  He is playing at an All-World level again.

We will need that same level of play in the second half of the season, from Crosby as well as all the other Penguins, if we want to make it into the dance for a 17th consecutive season, and beyond.

Let’s not waste another good Crosby year, or it will be seen as just another missed opportunity to win the cup, with one of the Greatest Players in NHL History, in our lineup.

Thank You Sidney Crosby, it’s a joy to watch you play…and congrats.

Quote of the Day:

“Be like a Star, Beautiful to look at, Impossible to Catch.”

Anonymous