The Pittsburgh Penguins begin the 2022-23 season tonight with a home game against the Arizona Coyotes at PPG Paints Arena, and the veteran trio of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Kris Letang will begin their 17th season together. But it’s the first time in two years that the three will be on the ice together for a season opener. Last season, Crosby and Malkin were injured and began the season in street clothes.
For Sidney Crosby, the start of his 18th season makes him the second-longest tenured Pittsburgh athlete, behind only Willie Stargell’s 21 seasons with the Pirates. Crosby also passes Mario Lemieux for most seasons played in a Penguins uniform.
Coach Mike Sullivan says Crosby fits well in the pantheon of Pittsburgh greats such as Stargell, Roberto Clemente, and Ben Roethlisberger.
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Sullivan says his veterans, with all of their Stanley Cup titles, are eager to welcome newcomers to the Penguins.
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Crosby says he is ready to put last year’s disappointing first-round playoff loss behind him and start a new season.
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The Penguins’ captain says he is happy to start another season in Pittsburgh.
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At their final practice before the season starts, the Penguins worked on playing when one of their skaters has lost his stick, because Sullivan said it’s a common occurrence in game situations, especially since the modern hockey sticks are made of composite materials and are not as durable as the wooden sticks he used as a player.
Sullivan said forward Teddy Blueger remains “day to day” with an undisclosed injury suffered September 28th. Blueger practiced with the team in a non-contact jersey yesterday.
Tonight’s game faces off at 7 PM. The pregame begins on 92.5 FM U92 and the U92 Sportschannel at 6.
After tonight, the Pens host Tampa Bay on Saturday before playing their first road game of the year at Montreal on Monday.
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