The long awaited arrival of NHL hockey has been torturous for Pittsburgh Penguins fans. Luckily, the wait is over and our ailing hockey hearts are quickly being healed by seeing our beloved Pittsburgh Penguins take CONSOL Energy Center ice, once again. Informal practices have been held at Southpointe and continue at CONSOL Energy.
On January 8th, the first time back to CONSOL since April, the Pens skated on their home ice. Players who were eager to gear up were: Kennedy, Jeffrey, Vitale, Crosby, Glass, Cooke, Neal, Kunitz, Adams, Engelland, Niskanen, Orpik, Lovejoy and Fleury. These informal practices continue with additional players such as forwards Sutter, Dupuis, Jeffrey and defensemen Engelland, Martin, Niskanen, Lovejoy, Orpik and goaltenders Fleury and Vokoun.
Even practicing an informal skate, just like the good ‘ole times, the fierce line of Kunitz-Crosby-Dupuis is still magical and will definitely prove each players strength, ability, and power come January 19th when the Pens take on the Philadelphia Flyers. Another line waiting for an extreme forward is the intense line of Evgeni Malkin and James Neal.
“There will be some wiggle room with the other player in the top six,” Head Coach Dan Bylsma said. “I can see several players fitting into that line with Malkin and Neal depending on the situation, the game, whether we’re up in a game or not. But that’s really the initial thoughts and that’s what you’ll see when we start Day 1.”
One player in the top six is Tyler Kennedy. He’s a right wing veteran who has filled a top-six role over the past two seasons due to various injuries. Kennedy had a career year in 2010-11. He filled in on the top two lines and swept the board with 21 goals, 24 assists, 45 points and seven power-play goals.
“I’m going to come in and compete how I would even if there wasn’t a spot there,” Kennedy said. “Wherever I play I’m happy. I’m just glad to be back playing hockey.”
Not only is Kennedy thankful to be playing NHL hockey again, he’d absolutely love the opportunity to skate with the best of the best; Malkin and Neal. Kennedy’s speed, optimism, and determination would be a good fit in this beast-like line. Hopefully, come Day 1, he’ll get the chance to prove that he is a true contender.
“It would be a great opportunity. It seems like they’re going to give me a chance,” he said. “I want to do the best I can.”
And that he will. Lace ‘em up, boys! Hockey is back and Pittsburgh is beyond ready for the first drop of the puck!
Photo Credits: Getty Images
