Two Penguins Invited to USA Hockey Olympic Camp

Both Rob Scuderi and Brooks Orpik have been invited to attend a hockey orientation camp for the 2010 U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey team.

The camp is scheduled for August 17th - 19th in Woodbridge, IL and is to assist in the preparation for the tournament to be held in Vancouver February 12th - 28th.

Two other former Penguins have also received invites: Ryan Whitney and Ryan Malone.

Here are the all invitees:

Goaltenders: Ryan Miller, Jonathan Quick, Tim Thomas

Defensemen: Tom Gilbert, Tim Gleason, Ron Hainsey, Erik Johnson, Jack Johnson, Mike Komisarek, Paul Martin, Brooks Orpik, Brian Rafalski, Rob Scuderi, Ryan Suter, Ryan Whitney

Forwards: David Backes, David Booth, Dustin Brown, Dustin Byflugien, Ryan Callahan, Chris Drury, Scott Gomez, Patrick Kane, Ryan Kesler, Phil Kessel, Jamie Langenbrunner, Ryan Malone, Mike Modano, Kyle Okposo, T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise, Joe Pavelski, Bobby Ryan, Paul Stastny

Adams and Guerin Signed with Pittsburgh

I know - I'm a little late, but I was out of the state yesterday and didn't have access to the internet!!

As you all have probably already heard, the Penguins signed both Guerin and Adams yesterday. They were both to be free agents come tomorrow, July 1st. Guerin will return for one more season with the Pens signing a contract for $2 million and Adams agreed to a 2-year / $1.10 million.

"With Craig and Billy, these were deals we wanted to get done because we thought we were close," Shero said. "We've had conversations with the other players' agents, and we'll continue talking through (Wednesday), but right now it's not there — and that's what I said to those agents.

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, by signing those two wingers yesterday, it will make it more difficult to keep other key players like Fedotenko, Scuderi, and Gill.

"Some changes are always somewhat good. That doesn't mean we don't want them back, but it's a balancing act."

It is very likely that Fedotenko will be testing free agency as it is almost certain Scuderi and Gill will as well.

More later, so check back!!

Possibility of Signings Today

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Pittsburgh offered Guerin a one-year contract of an unknown amount, and Shero is confident "he wants to come back." They're looking for it to be final sometime today.

Penguins also expect to offer Fedotenko a deal on Monday as well. Fedotenko as well as Scuderi are both looking for a multi-year deal; however, Shero is expecting Scuderi to test free agency.
Although things haven't been looking good for Sykora being signed they "have not ruled out re-signing" him.

Guerin, Fedotenko and Sykora are believed to be seeking no-movement clauses, which would prevent them from being traded without consent and negate the possibility of minor-league assignments.

With almost $49 million committed against the $56.8 million cap for next season, the Penguins are counting on veterans to accept less money and term to return and again chase the Cup.

On this Date in Pittsburgh Penguins History

1993

The Penguins and the Russian Central Army Team announced a working agreement.

Pens Nominated for ESPY's

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been nominated for both team and individual ESPY awards this year. The team itself has been nominated for "Best Team" award (which, coincidentally, the Pittsburgh Steelers have also been nominated for!). Bylsma is nominated for "Best Coach" award, and both Sid and Geno are nominated for "Best NHL Player" award.

The ESPY's will be presented at the annual award ceremony on Sunday, July 19th @ 9 PM (est.).

CLICK HERE TO VOTE!!!

Crosby Mural to be Auctioned Off

Peter Matyas, a "nationally recognized artist" and hockey fan who has painted murals of star athletes for many years, has painted a 7 X 7 foot-square mural of Sidney Crosby that remains at Cole Harbour Place overlooking Crosby's hometown of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia. Matyas painted the mural during the intermissions of the Penguins Stanley Cup win in order to capture the magic of that event.

Cathy Burgess, general manager of Cole Harbour Place, has been in touch with the Crosby family in order for the mural to be auctioned off when Sidney brings the Cup to Cole Harbour and has requested that he sign the mural as well. The mural will become the prized-possession of the highest bidder of a silent auction during Cole Harbour's celebration of the Penguins Championship win (the date of which is still yet to be determined) and the money raised will be put towards the expansion of Cole Harbour Place.

Bidding is now open and will be closed on the night of the upcoming Cup celebration in the hopes to raise as much as $2,000 - $3,000 (quite honestly, I'm betting on their getting a whole lot more money raised than that especially if Sidney signs it!).

“I have decided to have my work do something for someone else,” he [Matyas] said. “And you have to have a vision and make it mean something. I want Cole Harbour Place to make a lot of money.”

For more information, to place a bid, and / or to keep up-to-date with the Cole Harbour Place expansion, contact / visit the following:

Cathy Burgess
464-5120

Cole Harbour Place

To read more, VISIT HALIFAX NEWS.

On this Date in Pittsburgh Penguins History

1999
The Penguins selected Konstantin Koltsov (18th), Matt Murley (51st), Sebastien Caron (86st), Ryan Malone (115th) and Tom Kostopoulos (204th) in the NHL Entry Draft.

1993
The Penguins selected Stefan Bergkvist (26th), Domenic Pittis (52nd), Dave Roche (62nd), Patrick Lalime (156th) and Hans Jonsson (286th) in the NHL Amateur Draft.

Add Another Shirt to the Collection

If you're like me, you want to buy everything related to the Penguins Stanley Cup win as soon as you lay your eyes on it. I'm an avid t-shirt collector to begin with so my collection has grown 10-fold over the last week or so.

But this one IS A MUST (courtesy of the Pensblog and their official artist, Stephen S.):

SWEET!!!

They also have shirts / items with the above graphic as well!!

To purchase this or a number of other items with these graphics, VISIT THE STOREBLOG

More Free Agency Info

I've come across interesting items about free agency:

• The Penguins are to have met with representatives for Satan yesterday. Despite KHL's interest in him, Satan wants to play in the NHL for the 2009 - 2010 season.
  
  I think this is unlikely; as much as Satan improved throughout the playoffs after being called back up from the AHL, I don't think the Penguins are any more interested in signing him than the day they placed him on waivers, but I could be wrong about that.
  
  
• Zigomanis is said to be a priority for the Penguins and a deal could be made prior to July 1st (for a 1- to 2-year contract); he's interested in staying with Pittsburgh.

This would be a good move. Even though he only played for the Penguins for a short time before suffering a shoulder injury, Zigomanis' skill with face-offs made a big difference for the team; he was a top face-off winner with a 60%+ wins.

All-Star Game in Pittsburgh a Possibility

According to TIOPS sources, the Pittsburgh Penguins have notified the NHL that they would be interested in hosting the 2011 All-Star game if the Phoenix Coyotes relocate (and will immediately make a bid) and plan to make a bid soon for the 2013 All-Star game if that doesn't happen.

The St. Louis Blues are also interested in hosting the 2011 game if the Phoenix's relocation comes about and other organizations interested in bidding for the 2013 game are Chicago Blackhawks, Columbus Blue Jackets as well as the St. Louis Blues.

The Penguins haven't hosted an All-Star game since 1990.

Missing the Chills?? WATCH THIS!!

CITY OF CHAMPIONS 2009

THANKS to j22skillz for a great tribute video!!!

Hockey Hall of Fame Class of 2009

Inductees into this year's Hockey Hall of Fame were announced yesterday:

• Steve Yzerman
• Luc Robitaille
• Brian Leetch
• Brett Hull
• Lou Lamoriello (builder category)

The ceremony is scheduled for November 9th.

Angle Shows Some Hometown Love in Detroit!!

Any TNA / WWE fans know that Olympic Gold medal-winning wrestler Kurt Angle is from Pittsburgh (I only know this because my husband was an avid wrestling fan and still watches, but not as obsessively as he once did).

TNA's 2009 Slammiversary was this past Sunday, June 21st in Detroit, MI at the Joe and of course Angle took the opportunity to antagonize the Detroit fans by coming out in a Sidney Crosby jersey.

From the Philadelphia Examiner:

Angle comes out in a Pittsburgh Penguins Sydney Crosby jersey... Great stuff,,, crowd boos it... Angle looks cool with beard and hair... Borash makes official announcements after all guys get in ring... Foley wearing tweak and tweet pants from Borash.. Lots of boos for Angle.... Cheers for Foley.... Joe puts on a Red Wings jersey and attacks Angle..

On this Date in Pittsburgh Penguins History

1999
Mario Lemieux's investment group is confirmed as the new owners of the Penguins.

Jaromir Jagr wins the Hart Trophy and the Lester B. Pearson Award becoming only the second Penguin to win these honors.

1991
Penguins visit the White House to meet President George Bush (they are the first NHL team to ever visit the White House).

Contract Talks

According to Brian Metzer of HockeyBuzz.com, Pittsburgh and Guerin are set to begin contract negotiations.

Having spoken with Guerin about his time in Pittsburgh, I can tell you that he was absolutely blown away by the way he was received in Pittsburgh. He is also quick to point out that playing with Sidney Crosby and the rest of this group has reinvigorated him and helped him have fun playing the game again.

Metzer believes that from what he's heard that Guerin will be offered somewhere in the range of $2 million / 2 years.

I've also read that Mark Madden was reporting the Penguins offered Fedotenko a 3-year deal worth around $2.4 million.

Pens Diesel Party

Have any of you seen these videos of the Pens party at the Pittsburgh night club, Diesel, or were any of you actually there? I'm pretty sure the "Keeper of the Cup" was having massive coronaries throughout the night from the looks of it (especially the video of the view from outside!)!! I really wish I could've been there - it really looks like a fun time!!

There's a few of them, so I'm only embedding one here and posting links to the rest.

Pens take Cup to Diesel (2)
Pens take Cup to Diesel (3)
Pens take Cup to Diesel (4)

Pens take Cup to Diesel (view from outside)

If any of you were there and have any stories / photos you don't mind sharing, please feel free to post a comment or e-mail me!!

Talbot to Undergo Surgery

I'm not sure how many of you caught this, but Talbot mentions that he would be undergoing shoulder surgery two weeks from the last post of his blog (June 14th) which would be around the end of June. I haven't come across any more information on this, but will be sure to post it here if I do.

He also mentioned his annual golf open, Omnium Gervais-Talbot golf tournament which will take place on Friday, July 3rd. There will be a silent auction that include things such as Talbot autographed jersey and hockey stick, Crosby autographed jersey, Malkin autographed jersey, Staal autographed jersey, and Fleury autographed jersey among other items.

I'll be sure to post pictures after the event.

Courtesy of Jim Shearer

Jim Shearer of "Yinz Luv 'Da Guins!" fame has created this sweet picture of the 2009 Stanley Cup Champions!!

NHL.com IMPACT! Online Magazine - Special Stanley Cup Edition

NHL.com just released it's latest edition of IMPACT! online magazine.

It's full of Pens articles and the entire magazine is dedicated to the playoffs and Final.

Duper's Lasting Tribute

This picture is from last Monday's Pens parade (no, I can't take credit for taking it - I found it browsing the internet).

Dupuis is showing off his newest tattoo and it's a pretty SWEET tribute to his playing on the 2009 Stanley Cup Championship team.

I WANT ONE!!

If anyone saw him "show it off" or if you can take claim to the picture, be sure to post a comment or e-mail TSCSF!!

Party and Ruslan's!!

Fedotenko hosted a party for 150+ of his closest neighbors last week. What a guy!!

CLICK HERE TO SEE WTAE'S COVERAGE OF THE EVENT

On this Date in Pittsburgh Penguins History

2008
The Penguins selected center Nathan Moon (4th round), goalies Alexander Pechurski (fifth round), Patrick Killeen (sixth round) and defenseman Nick D'Agostino (seventh round) in the NHL Amateur Draft.

2000
Ivan Hlinka named head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins (16th in the organization's history).

1997
Civic Arena hosts the NHL Entry Draft.

1986
The Penguins selected defenseman Zarley Zalapski (fourth overall), Dave Capuano (25th), Brad Aiken (46th), and Rob Brown (67th) in the NHL Amateur Draft.

Pens Win and I Won My Bet!!

I'm sure you're all wondering what I did as a "Grande Finale" to the pranks that have been going on all season with the Judge in my office hailing from Michigan (and a die-hard Red Wings fan). Well, I must say that a tiny part of me wanted the Pens to win just so I could pull this one off -- I actually thought of this at the beginning of the Playoffs!!

Unfortunately, he wasn't in the office during the beginning of the week, but he was surprised when he returned to the office.

THIS IS WHAT HE RETURNED TO:

And he said he'd make good on his bet and will take me to lunch soon (said he didn't want to cheat me so he's putting a generous limit of $2.00 on my selection!)!! Again I have to say that he's been a good sport through it all (as you can see, he kept all of the signs up since I put them there)!!

WAY TO GO PENS!!!

Bill Guerin on Texas Radio Station (BaD Radio)

“The first couple days are a blur,” Guerin said of celebrating the Cup win. “Not because they go so fast, but because you drink so much.”

Guerin on BaD Radio

THANKS for the link, Kena!!

No NHL Awards for the Penguins

Both Malkin and Crosby were not selected as trophy-winners at last night's NHL Awards ceremony.

Malkin was nominated for both the Hart Trophy and the Lester B. Pearson Award with Ovechkin taking home both of those. Crosby was nominated for the Mark Messier Leadership Award, but was beat out by Jerome Iginla. However, Malkin's speech after being presented with the Art Ross Trophy was priceless and he was endearing as ever!

How I see it, both of them won the best awards even though they came up short last night. They were both winners of the Stanley Cup and Malkin was the Conn-Smythe Trophy-winner. I think both of those are probably more rewarding than anything else they could've won!!

As a side note, Talbot and Malkin carried in the Stanley Cup (followed by head coach Dan Bylsma) up to the stage at the beginning of the ceremony. I was pretty impressed with how many of the award-winners and presenters congratulated the Penguins on their Stanley Cup win, especially Ovechkin -- classy!!

Also, the speech at the beginning of the ceremony given by Dennis Leary along with a montage about hockey players, the fans, and the sport gave me chills -- it was absolutely amazing and emcompassed the relationship among all three - GREAT STUFF!!

Did any of you happen to catch Ben Roethlisberger's message in between presentations? It was a surprise to see him during the ceremony, but I suppose it's because he's the QB of the NFL Champions.

Penguins Free Agency Talk

The following is a list of Penguins players that will be free agents come July 1st:

Craig Adams (F)
Ruslan Fedotenko (F)
Bill Guerin (F)
Miroslav Satan (F)
Petr Sykora (F)
Mike Zigomanis (F)
Philippe Boucher (D)
Hal Gill (D)
Rob Scuderi (D)
Mathieu Garon (G)

Personally, I'd like to see Fedotenko, Guerin, Sykora, Scuderi, and Zigomanis stay; whether or not that will happen is yet to be seen. Sykora will probably be a long-shot since the talks between him and Pittsburgh hit a snag earlier in the season and he was benched for alot of the playoffs (what a difference a year makes, huh?!!).

Last night on "Savran on Sportsbeat," Stan mentioned that there's been talk of the Flyers being interested and actively shopping Hal Gill. I doubt that he'll stay in a Penguins uniform, but who he ends up with will probably depend on the interest and offers.

TIOPS is reporting from sources that Zigomanis is in talks with Pittsburgh since there's mutual interest in his remaining a Penguin and that a one- or two-year contract "will be finalized by the draft." Additionally, Metallurg Magnitogorsk is interested in Sykora as the KHL is interested in Satan (Pittsburgh will not make a deal with Sykora prior to July 1st and are not interested in re-signing Satan which isn't a surprise).

Talbot's NEW and Final Blog Post for the Season

I just noticed that Talbot has a new post on his blog, "It is difficult to believe." It's quite a contrast from his last post at the same time last year, "Thank you for this beautiful season"!!

NHL Names 2008-2009 All-Star / All-Rookie Teams

Voting for the All-Star / All-Rookie Teams are conducted among representatives of the Professional Hockey Writers' Association at the end of the regular season.

And only one representative from the Pittsburgh Penguins for either team (Malkin).

2008-2009 NHL First All-Star Team
G - Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins
D - Mike Green, Washington Capitals
D - Zdeno Chara, Boston Bruins
C - Evgeni Malkin, Pittsburgh Penguins
RW - Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames
LW - Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals

2008-2009 NHL Second All-Star Team
G - Steve Mason, Columbus Blue Jackets
D - Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings
D - Dan Boyle, San Jose Sharks
C - Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings
RW - Marian Hossa, Detroit Red Wings
LW - Zach Parise, New Jersey Devils

2008-2009 NHL All-Rookie Team

G - Steve Mason, Columbus Blue Jackets

D - Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings

D - Luke Schenn, Toronto Maple Leafs

C - Patrik Berglund, St. Louis Blues
RW - Bobby Ryan, Anaheim Ducks
RW - Kris Versteeg, Chicago Blackhawks

On this Date in Pittsburgh Penguins History

1996
Mario Lemieux wins his third Hart Trophy as well as the Lester B. Pearson Trophy.

1984
Mario Lemieux signs his first contract with the Penguins.

Penguins SI Cover

Here is the Sports Illustrated regional cover for the latest issue featuring Sid with the Cup (06/21/2009)!! SWEET!


Also, the NHL network is planning on rebroadcasting the seven games of the SCF series between the Red Wings and the Penguins this Saturday beginning at 8 AM (est) - "Saturday with Stanley." For the entire schedule, visit NHL.com.

Cabbie's Journey to the Cup -- LEADS TO THE PENS!!

Here is the final episode of Cabbie's videos (including a short special edition video). Do you think he's partial to the Red Wings??? The total time for BOTH videos is around 2 minutes (SAD!)!!

Post-Game 7
and

Special Edition

Lemieux Honored

Yesterday, Mario Lemieux was inducted into the Order of Quebec during a ceremony held at the Quebec legislature.

"I've been in Pittsburgh for 25 years. A bit more than one-half of my life has been spent (away), so to be recognized in Quebec is something very special."

The Order of Quebec is an order of merit and is one of the province's most prestigious honors.

2009 NHL Awards Tonight!

Tonight is the night we find out which NHL awards will be presented to this year's nominees (Malkin being among them being nominated for two: the Hart Trophy and Lester B. Pearson Award).

The show will be televised on Versus at 7:30 PM (est) in the US and 8:30 PM (est) on CBC in Canada.

As far as I'm concerned, Malkin earned the biggest award on June 12th when he took home the Conn Smythe Trophy (not to mention the Stanley Cup!)!!

Game 7 (Pens Win the Cup!)

Enjoy the final episode of "Yinz Luv Da 'Guins!" for this season!!

Goligoski Signed

What a week for Alex Goligoski!!

First, he was called up during the SCF and took part in the festivities and today, the Pittsburgh Penguins signed him to a three-year deal. Pretty sweet!!

“Alex is a skilled young defenseman and a tremendous skater, and we are pleased to sign him to a multi-year deal as we continue to build our young core,” Shero said. “He gained some valuable experience this season and made contributions to our Stanley Cup run. He is another example of a great future here in Pittsburgh.”

SORRY for the Lack of Updates!!!

I apologize for that!!! THE MOST exciting time for the Pens and us fans and I slack off. I figured you'd give me a break since I've been celebrating since last Friday. I even talked John into going to the parade yesterday -- we have some great pictures (most were thanks to John - he's taller!)!!!! I'll be posting them here (with updates) SOON!!!!!!!!

So please bear with me and check back for some pictures and stories / news!!!!

WAY TO GO PENS!!!!!!

PRICELESS -- WE Are the Champions!!!

This Is YOUR Time!!

Another new inspirational Pens video making its way around the net -- I am SO READY for tonight's game!!! How about you?? NO? You will be after you watch this video!!!

"Damn Right I Want It!"

Cabbie spent some time with the Pens after winning Game 6 in Pittsburgh - reliving the highlights with TK, Staalsy, and Scuds!!

I think TK speaks for the entire team and Penguins organization as well as all of us, Pens Nation!!! Watch the latest "Journey to the Cup" to see what I'm talking about!!

Cabbie / Pens - Game 6

"Damn right I want it!"

Game 6 Overview (It Comes Down to One!)

Enjoy this episode of "Yinz Luv 'Da Guins!"

On this Date in Pittsburgh Penguins History

2003

Former Penguins player Ed Olczyk became the 18th head coach of the Penguins (and the fourth former Pens player to become head coach).

First and Last for Sykora

I've been hearing / reading all day about Petr Sykora having an injury from last night's game (seeing him leave practice with crutches, a brace). John did notice his not being out on the ice sometime after the 2nd period, but I didn't pay any mind.

Last night was the first time Sykora was in the lineup after missing a total of 14 games and it was also unfortunately the last time we'll see him this season. Rob Rossi has reported that Sykora broke his right foot blocking a shot during the 2nd period of last night's Game 6. The team doctors have treated him and have instructed him to use crutches.

It is expected the Satan will return to the lineup for Game 7 on Friday to replace Sykora.

Game 7 - HERE WE COME!!!

We owe A LOT to Rob Scuderi for last night!! Now being referred to by some fans as the "American Hero!"

WHAT A GAME -- LET'S GO PENS (one more win before we dance with Lord Stanley!)!!!!!

LOOK AT THAT!!!

MORE LATER -- check back!

A Good Omen?!!

This was in today's newspaper, The Argyle Sweater comic and I'm not ashamed to say I had a really good laugh and took it as a really good omen for tonight's game!!!!!

PS -- Osgood is the polar bear!!

THANKS to my husband, John, for finding this while reading the paper in his favorite spot!!!

Sykora In???!

According Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Sykora will be in tonight's lineup and it's uncertain who he'll be replacing.

Dan Bylsma:

"It's a game-time decision. He'll .be out there for warm-ups."

Wings lead series 3-2
In net tonight: Chris Osgood

Detroit Red Wings webpage
Red Wings know what's at stake (06/08/2009)

Notes: Coaching lessons from Babcock (06/08/2009)
Cup confrontation has become a war of wills (06/08/2009)

Detroit Free Press

Wings' Cleary misses practices but says he'll play Game 6 (06/08/2009)

Pavel Datsyuk's return makes this a fair fight (06/08/2009)

Four Red Wings, two Penguins in running for MVP of the playoffs (06/08/2009)

The Detroit News
Datsyuk's return 'huge' for Wings (06/08/2009)
Osgood, Wings relish challenges (06/08/2009)

Hossa's plan nearing fruition with Wings (06/08/2009)

Being disciplined pays off for Wings (06/08/2009)