How Far We've Come

When you look at the 2006-07 Pittsburgh Penguins season, it's pretty remarkable. And I'm not just talking about the spectacular 33-18-9 record or the 75 points (3rd in the East). Everyone had high hopes for this team, but not this soon. When you look back at the early script for this season, it looks like a re-write at this point.

The hot preseason topic was whether or not to keep rookie Jordan Staal on the roster. As he lit his 25th lamp tonight, you wonder how the idea of not keeping him was even a remote possibility. I'd say the Pens made the right call in this personnel matter.

We move to the first game, where prospective owner Jim Balsillie dropped by to check in on his potential investment. He certainly made an impression in the booth, where he dropped an s-bomb on live TV. What a symbolic way to ultimately remember his flirtation with our city.

From the opening whistle of this season, this team exceeded expectations. They led off with an old-fashioned butt-kicking of the big, bad Philadelphia Flyers, shutting them out 4-0 in front of a raucous Pittsburgh crowd. The game would serve as a fitting start to a 7-0 record against the Broad Street Babies this year.

The opener was a big night for Marc-Andre Fleury, who would mature greatly in his third season. Fleury brought a career record of 17-41-2 and a 3.41 goals-against average into the campaign, numbers he's improved upon greatly. He currently stands at 29-13, with a 2.92 goals-against. Despite his recent "break" given by Michel Therrien, Fleury has solidified the position for this team for years to come.

The opening night lineup featured dead weight like John LeClair and Andre Roy, both of whom were put out of their misery and traded in for newer models. And don't forget, we had to wait five games for the unveiling of Evgeni Malkin in a regular season game. 29 goals and 38 assists later, and I'd say he's adapted to life in the Burgh quite well.

There are feel-good stories all around. Sergei Gonchar is to be praised for his 50 points and his off-the-ice mentoring of Malkin, even if he's not exactly qualified to give him lessons on what to wear.

Mark Recchi's made everyone forget the locker room friction of last season, with 22 goals (including #500) and 60 points at age 39. Ryan Whitney has come into his own, as he ranks fifth on the team in scoring. Eric Christensen is a shootout wizard. Michel Therrien was on the verge of being canned, now there's Coach of the Year talk. Mark Eaton is so beloved by fans that he gets his own photoshop contest. And Ronald Petrovicky will knock you out.

The most amazing part of this story and this season is that I've been able to write eight paragraphs and not mention Sid. This team has come so far in such a short span of time that the face of the NHL can experience a little goal slump and the players around him are good enough to overcome it. He is better than advertised, he's leading the league in scoring, and he's a polite, mannerly guy. He's a breath of fresh air in a world of PacMan Jones, Tank Johnson, and the Cincinnati Bengals. You'll never see him flying to Vegas and showering strippers with $81,000 in a garbage bag. He knows how to handle himself, and he's the perfect man to lead this team into the journey they're embarking on.

I know I haven't mentioned all of the great stories surrounding this squad. That would take way too many words to describe. But the highs feel even better when you consider the obstacles the team battles on a regular basis: the perception of Crosby as a whiner; the perceived return of the "garage league" in the way the game is called by the refs; and to a lesser extent (but important to Penguin fans), getting proper recognition and national coverage, especially when the "worldwide leader" doesn't seem to care much about the sport (geez, ESPN can't even get the right Penguins logo for their playoff matchup simulator!). What doesn't kill the Penguins makes them stronger. For all the hatred spewed from jealous teams, jealous coaches, jealous players, and jealous fans, the Pens have risen up to overcome the road blocks. That will only make this dangerous team even more formidable down the road.

For people waiting for the postseason to see something "special" happen, open your eyes. It's already going on around you. This team has already had a storybook season, regardless of what happens in the playoffs. This team is ready. They expect to win. We're lucky to watch them on a nightly basis. I believe there's a phrase for what this feels like:

The Pens did a nice job tonight pulling out a win at a place where they've traditionally struggled. Thibault played well, Colby saved the day, and the Pens are two points richer as a result. Next up is Tampa Bay at 5 PM on Sunday. Make sure to watch. You'll want to be a witness. The script has many more acts to follow.