Health is first priority.

Crosby's update yesterday should not have been a surprise to many and I know it's not the focus any longer; we have a game tonight to concentrate on, but it is good to see a player take this seriously.

I read an article on pittsburghlive.com (link above again by clicking on title of this post) that made me realize that so many players just think it is better to play through whatever injury they have. Sometimes, I think it's ok. Hockey fans know how tough hockey players are. We know that it is not unheard of for players to suffer a big gash or cut or various other injuries and come out minutes later patched up and play like it never happened. It's a part of hockey that I find admirable because it just doesn't happen that often in other sports. Though, sometimes it may be better to sit out and concussions are an injury that need to be taken seriously.

We have all heard the people saying that Crosby is being a baby, that he should just play through the headaches and that players have played through a lot worse, but as Keith Primeau points out and talks about in the article written by Josh Yohe, Crosby is doing the right thing, which is a lot tougher to do than you may think. Keith Primeau has been through this road before and ultimatley retired because of concussions. He has worked on trying to stop the high occurence of concussions ever since and he believes Crosby is being a hero for how he is handling his recovery. "The fact is, Sidney had the courage to speak up when something wasn't right. Good for him. Maybe people don't realize it, but that's a true sign of courage. It really is."

While I am done talking about Crosby's concussion because it is being discussed nonstop, I thought I would bring this article to you, my readers, to see that Crosby is doing the right thing and putting his health first now and hopefully continues to do so, as if you didn't already know that. Now, let's focus on tonight's game.

Read more: Primeau: Pens' Crosby showing true courage - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_771752.html#.TuexjZOhp4Z.facebook#ixzz1gSJ4TXqV

Stanley Cup win had help from people no longer a part of the Pens.

A great article by Joe Starkey of the Tribune Review reminds us that it is not only the current members of the Pittsburgh Penguins organization and team that we should give credit to when winning this year's Stanley Cup. Starkey mentions Ryan and Greg Malone, Gary Roberts, Craig Patrick, Michel Therrien, among others. All the members that had a part in rebuilding the Pens and building through the draft deserve a great deal of credit for the product on the ice that won the Stanley Cup on June 12th. It took many years to get to where we are today as a team. Anyone who has had any effect on this team deserves some credit for this year's spectacular win.

Also, how great is it that Malone was contacting Starkey on his way to Colby Armstrong's wedding in Atlanta this past weekend. Malone said that the Penguins feel like a kind of family to him and though he may not get to be a part of this Stanley Cup win, he had an effect on the team and he was rooting for the Pens, like he has all his life. I am sure the former and current members of the Pens that were together at Colby's wedding celebrated the championship.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_630435.html?source=rss&feed=8

Updates.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_592322.html?source=rss&feed=8

John Curry was sent down to the Baby Pens and we are already aware that Janne Pesonen was sent down as well.

Jeff Taffe was placed on waivers and Kris Beech was placed on unconditional waivers. It has been reported recently in the past weeks that Beech has an interest in playing in Europe.

Sykora is expected to miss Saturday's game, according to coach Michel Therrien.

Malkin will wear A, will Orpik too?

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/penguins/s_591060.html?source=rss&feed=8

Malkin has said that he will be wearing an "A" this season, but for the first month. He said they will be rotating. The team has not made an official announcement, but said one will be made this weekend. Malkin also says there will be "no problem" with him speaking to officials, something only a captain and alternate captains can do during a game.
It is also a possibility that Orpik will be wearing an "A" this season, perhaps permanently or rotational, for his leadership skills in the locker room.
I believe Malkin can handle being an Alternate captain and do I see him speaking a lot to the officials? Probably not, because he may not wish to at times and yes, he may be a little uncomfortable with some of the English. However, the truth is, without Gonchar helping him with translating now, Malkin will need to be speaking English even more and this can only help him to become more comfortable speaking English and more confident when speaking it as well.
As for Orpik getting an "A," I believe it is great! He is a great candidate because of his character and leadership and him signing the long term deal this summer showed his dedication to Pittsburgh and the Penguins and that dedication can be turned into an "A" on his jersey.