UPDATE: Special Deliveries for Lucky Pens Fans TODAY

[UPDATE]
The Penguins webpage finally posted some information about today's deliveries!!  Players involved in the delivering tickets to over 30 houses were Sid, Fleury, Talbot, Letang, Kunitz, Dupuis, Rupp, Adams, Godard, and Johnson.

“It’s such a great way for our players to reach out to our season ticket holders, who are the backbone of this franchise,” said David Morehouse, CEO of the Penguins. “We’re fortunate to have so many guys who enjoy interacting with our fans in this unique way.”

This morning on KISS 96.1's "Freak Show," they mentioned that the Penguins would be involved in their annual task of delivering tickets to a few lucky season-ticket holders today (nothing official on either site, but wanted to mention what I heard).

Check back for more on this as I come across it!!

Stan and Guy Podcast: Shero and Bylsma

In case you missed them on the Stan and Guy radio show (ESPN 1250) this past Wednesday, here's a link to the podcast (if that doesn't work, CLICK HERE):

LISTEN TO SHERO AND BYLSMA

ON STAN & GUY

(Lunch with a Legend)

Two Pre-Season Games Being Broadcast

This is either a sign of just how big the Pens have become or it's a special treat to usher in the inaugural season at the CONSOL Energy Center and only time will tell what the reasoning is for the Penguins latest plans (or perhaps it's actually a mix of both).

The Penguins announced today that two of the three pre-season games will be televised which is not typical based on previous seasons (with both games being called by FSN's Paul Steigerwald and Bob Errey):

• Saturday, September 25th VS Columbus Blue Jackets @ 7 PM (LIVE on WPCW / Pittsburgh's CW - due to a scheduling conflict on FSN)
• Tuesday, September 28th VS Chicago Blackhawks @ 7 PM (delay broadcase following Pirates post-game show)

Ovechkin, Kovalchuk, Malkin Headline Charity Game in Moscow

CLICK HERE TO READ MY ARTICLE

at The Hockey Writers (THW)

Bylsma and Shero on ESPN 1250

Today from 12 noon to 1 PM, Ray Shero and Dan Bylsma will be on Stan and Guy's special "Lunch with a Legend" show.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN LIVE!!

The rest of the lineup for today:

1:30 - Patrick Kane

Lots of AWESOME Pens News Today - Pens Release Promotional Schedule!!

The Penguins released their promotional schedule today since the season is quickly approaching.  The big announcement today with the release of the promotional schedule was that they will be giving away a "commemorative first-game ticket" at the home-opener October 7th against the Philadelphia Flyers.

For the entire promotional schedule, VISIT THE PENGUINS WEBPAGE (CLICK HERE)!!

The Pens also announced today that Prospect Camp begins this coming Friday, September 10th (hockey is right around the corner, gang!)!!!  It runs from September 10th through Tuesday, September 14th and will be held in London, Ontario. 

The Penguins will arrive on September 17th to begin their training camp the following day.

#1 Cochran Labor Day Event: Fast and Fleuryous

I just saw #1 Cochran's new commercial for one of their Labor Day events:
Anyone who purchases a new or pre-owned Hyandai September 2nd - 6th at #1 Cochran will be invited to an EXCLUSIVE VIP "Meet 'N Greet" with Marc-Andre Fleury.

Pretty COOL but I'm not in the market for a new vehicle and if I was, it would never be a Hyandai.

Interview with Mike Comrie

Yesterday Mike Comrie was on 105.9 The X with Mark Madden.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN

(NOTE: there's Steelers talk at the beginning and the interview doesn't actually start until about the 2-minute mark)

It's a pretty interesting interview.  I'm impressed with how Comrie diverts the attention back to hockey when Madden starts out by mentioning his recent marriage to Hilary Duff, "... it's back to business now and on to Pittsburgh ..."  There's no better way h

They talk about his role in Pittsburgh (filling a position based on chemistry) and that he's played center but most recently, wing.  Also touch on other things such as:

• Edmonton's losing season as well as his illness (mono) last year
• possibly playing wing alongside Crosby and what that would mean
• his excitement for being in Pittsburgh and the fans welcoming him

 To get a really great background story on Comrie, CLICK HERE to visit Globe and Mail and read "Beauty and the brick."

The Program: Question of the Day

Head over to The Program for THE QUESTION OF THE DAY courtesy of "yours truly" (after I proposed the question, "Shall the Hilary Duff drinking game commence?")!!!

What ideas would you give for a Hillary Duff Drinking Game?

Head over to The Program and SUBMIT YOUR IDEAS NOW!!!

Pens Sign Mike Comrie

The Penguins just announced that they've signed forward Matt Comrie to a one-year deal.  As a side-note, we may be catching glimpses of Hilary Duff at the new CONSOL this season as she and Mike were married last month!!

TALK ABOUT AN ARSENOL OF YOUNG GUNS ... WOW!!!  I can't wait for the season to start!!!

Staal Injury Update: Will Miss Start of Training Camp

It appears that the injury Jordan Staal suffered during Game 1 of last season's Eastern Conference semi-finals is still keeping him from a game-ready return for this season.  The Penguins announced today that Staal will miss the beginning of training camp set for September 18th. 

“Jordan’s setback with his foot held him back from a training standpoint and it prevented him from getting his foot into a skate and doing some of the activities in the summer time that you would like,” head coach Dan Bylsma said. “The good thing is that there is time to do the appropriate thing – which is to take time and get the foot healed up properly before we move towards getting him into a skate.”

Despite this minor setback, the Penguins remain optimistic that Staal will be ready for the regular season beginning October 7th at the new CONSOL Energy Center against the Philadelphia Flyers.

“The fact that Jordan came back and played with this injury during the playoffs is a testament to his toughness and competitiveness,” Shero said. “He has experienced some setbacks due to infection, but is now on the road to recovery. We believe he’ll be ready for the start of the regular season in October.”

One Good Turn Deserves Another ... Bill Guerin Skates with Philly

OK ... I'm getting a little paranoid.  It's seriously like a Penguins Armageddon around here lately.

First we sign Arron Asham and now THIS (for those Pens fans who have weak stomachs, you may want to avoid viewing the picture below altogether!)!!!

Photo courtesy of Flyer Files

WTF is going on??!!!!!

Granted, all the news articles are saying that Guerin is just SKATING with the Flyers and there's no real plans for anything more, but this ... THIS IS JUST - OMG, I just don't know how much more of this orange shit I can take!  Billy G has always been a funny guy, but wearing that shirt ... I don't see the humor there, man!

But the latest on this situation according to Flyer Files is that Guerin simply wants to keep himself in shape for any offers that may come his way.  He told Flyer Files:

“I was down in the area visiting my father-in-law who lives in Medford. I was going to be in the area anyway and I wanted to get on the ice. My agent talked to Paul (Holmgren) about possibly having me come here and skate around with the guys. It was nice. It was good to finally get back on the ice and skate.”

“Right now, honestly, it is just about getting back on the ice. I’m just getting myself in shape, skating shape, to be ready just in case anything happens somewhere. I am definitely looking to play this year.”

Paul Holmgren, the Flyers GM, also told Flyer Files:

“Bill’s wife is from around here (Medford) and his agent (Bob Murray) called to see if it was OK for him to skate here a few days and I told him he could. But don’t read anything into it. We’re happy with our team.”

Regardless, this is hockey and the bottom line is hockey is a BUSINESS and some of the time it's not pretty and these are just one of those times (fortunately, for now, it's an "ugly lie" and not the "ugly TRUTH!")!!

Link to Podcast: Rupp on 96.1 KISS FM

If you missed the earlier post, Mike Rupp was on 96.1 KISS FM this morning talking to the guys from the Morning Freak Show.  He talked about his trip to Haiti with Talbot, Guerin leaving AND Big Brother (the more I know about him, the MORE I like the guy!)!!!

CLICK HERE to listen!!!

Rupp on 96.1 KISS FM Tomorrow

According to the Penguins webpage, Mike Rupp will be on 96.1 KISS FM radio tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM.

The Good, the Bad, and the [Not So] Ugly: A Preview of the CONSOL Energy Center

CLICK HERE TO READ MY ARTICLE AT "The Hockey Writers"

Altoona Curve Promotion: Pascal Dupuis Appearance!

From the official Altoona Curve webpage:

PENGUINS WINGER PASCAL DUPUIS VISIT BCB ON AUG. 26

The Altoona Curve are pleased to announce that an appearance by Pittsburgh Penguins right-winger Pascal Dupuis will headline the fan experience at Blair County Ballpark on Thursday, August 26 at 5:30 p.m. in a twin bill against the Richmond Flying Squirrels.

Dupuis will sign autographs on the concourse for 90 minutes during the game and throw out the night’s ceremonial first pitch. Dupuis’ appearance at BCB is made possible through a partnership with the Altoona Trackers, Glacial Energy, and Advanced Chiropractic.

“At first viewed as a secondary addition in the Marian Hossa trade, Pascal has become a fixture on Sidney Crosby’s line,” said Altoona Curve General Manager Rob Egan. “With the popularity of hockey growing in our part of the region given the Pens’ recent success, it makes perfect sense to welcome in one of the more popular members of their roster.”

In addition to Dupuis’ appearance, fans can also enjoy the final Thirsty Thursday promotion of the 2010 season where 16 ounce Yuengling draft beers will cost just $2 and 22 ounce fountain sodas just $1.50.

CLICK HERE to buy tickets!

MORE 'Free Candy' for Pittsburgh!!!

The Pens just announced that they signed Andrew Orpik (Brooks' little brother) to an AHL contract to play with their affiliate in WBS!!!!

AWESOME!!!!!!!

Here's a short post I did on him a year or so ago -->  CLICK HERE!!!

Focus on the Fight Against Cancer

With the recent cancer-causing deaths we've suffered over the last few weeks, I believe it's fitting to do a post on some of the people who have contacted me regarding things they are doing to take an active approach in the fight against the horrible disease that is taking so many lives (in hockey and otherwise) ... the twist of the two people in this post is that their charity is hockey-related which is really pretty cool!!

If you have a minute, be sure to check what these women are doing to help the fight against cancer and help their cause if you're so inclined!!  THANKS!!

Stanley Cup 4 Cancer Melissa Krupa (photo courtesy of Puck Daddy)

Melissa was recently featured on the ever-popular Puck Daddy blog (which you should consider reading to get a more detailed background of Melissa and her project) at the end of July which is around the same time she contacted me to kindly ask if I would consider participating.  As most of you are aware my life kept me away from the blog for a few weeks, so this was the first chance I got to post the information.

Melissa's motivation for the project came about after her mother and brother were diagnosed with Stage 3 neurological tumors within a few weeks of each other (March and April 2009).  Her love of the Blackhawks, their Stanley Cup win, and bonding with her family during Game 5 of the Final became inspiration for the project itself and involves the "Burning Man" celebration which takes place in Black Rock Desert, Nevada - also known as "the playa" - and runs this year from August 30th - September 6 ... learn more about "Burning Man" by CLICKING HERE!). 

The actual project?  Melissa is creating a replica Stanley Cup out of cardboard, writing names of cancer survivors as well as those who take part in their struggle ... a spiritual offering and memorial for those who have succumb to the unyielding disease that affect so many.

The Cup symbolizes so many different things for the players who win it and the fans who witness it. For Krupa, it's a symbol of hope and strength for families like hers that have suffered, and battled, through the horrors of cancer.

If you would like to learn more about Melissa's project (OR would like to include a name on the Cup), visit her Facebook page, "Stanley Cup 4 Cancer," or email her at stanleycup4cancer@gmail.com.

Drawing the Pittsburgh Penguins [for MLF]
Michelle Jurgens

Michelle is from all the way "Down Under" - Australia - and she started drawing in order to "survive the off season" and currently has a blog appropriately named, "Drawing the Pittsburgh Penguins," highlighting all of her drawings (which are amazing, BTW!).

Soooo please help Michelle choose which of her drawings she should send to the MLF for auction by visiting her blog and taking part in her poll by CLICKING HERE!!

The loss of loved ones to cancer inspired me to give back. I saw your posts and was devastated to hear that so many people have lost their lives to cancer in the past month.I contacted the MLF last night about donating 2 of my drawings for auction. The only problem is I don't know which 2. I have set up a voting poll ...

If you would like more information about Michelle, her drawings, and / or her MLF project, visit her blog, "Drawing the Pittsburgh Penguins" or email her at mugglemayhem@gmail.com.

Penguins All-Time Team

Today, the Penguins organization announced their "All-Time Team" which were chosen by the fans and a panel of media and team officials as well as unveiled the special interactive display at the CONSOL Energy Center that includes touch screens, video, photos, and stats of all the honored players.

The article and pictures alone are impressive so I can't imagine what it's going to be like to actually be there to experience the display!!

THE All-Time TEAM:

• Mario Lemieux
• Paul Coffey
• Ron Francis
• Joe Mullen
• Larry Murphy
• Syl Apps
• Tom Barrasso
• Les Binkley
• Dave Burrows
• Jaromir Jagr
• Rick Kehoe
• Pierre Larouche
• Jean Pronovost
• Kevin Stevens
• Ulf Samuelsson
• BUILDERS:
  Bob Johnson
  Scotty Bowman
  Herb Brooks
  Craig Patrick
  Jack Riley
  Eddie Johnston
  Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr. (former owner)
  Mike Lange
  Vince Lasheid
  John Barbero
  Elaine Heufelder (executive assistant)
  A.T. Caggiano (long-time locker room attendant)
  Frank Sciulli (long-time locker room attendant)

OTHER Notable PENGUINS

Randy Carlyle

Lowell MacDonald
Ron STackhouse
Martin Straka
Rick Tocchet

“It’s really an impressive group, and it certainly reminds us of the tremendous individual talent and great team moments that have defined Penguins history,” team president David Morehouse said. “And we can’t wait until our fans get a chance to experience the interactive Trib Total Media Penguins All-Time Team Zone. It is amazing.”

CLICK HERE TO VIEW

the Penguins "All-Time" Team 

WBS Head Coach Promoted to Penguins Assistant Coach

This past Saturday, the Penguins announced that they promoted Todd Reirden (former head coach for Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate) to assisstant coach which was a spot left by Mike Yeo earlier this year after becoming the head coach of the AHL Houston Aeros.

“We seriously interviewed between 10 and 15 candidates and conducted an extensive search, and the best fit for us at the conclusion of the process was Todd Reirden,” Bylsma said. “Todd and I have developed a strong working relationship, which started when we played college hockey together at Bowling Green and continued in our time together in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. He’s a valuable asset to our coaching staff.”

John Hynes who worked with Reirden last season as his assistant coach for the WBS Baby Pens has also been promoted to fill Reirden's head coaching position with the AHL team.