Penguins Paparazzi- Reebok Commercial & Crosby, Geno, Superstar Max- Practice Tidbits 3/19/10

Hello fellow hockey fans!!!

I have some more inside information for my Pens fanatics! After a fantastic shutout against the Boston Bruins last night, the Pens were back at practice in Southpointe today... They seemed energized and excited. There was extra madness today because hockey equipment giant, Reebok was in the building. It was a beautiful day in Pittsburgh, and the boys were feeling good... Goalie Brent Johnson dropped the top of his Jaguar and Marc-Andre Fleury was feeling flashy, fresh from his 16th career shutout last night. His choice of vehicle, was a BEAUTIFUL steel-colored  Lamborghini...

• Evgeni Malkin #71 practiced with the team today after missing last nights game from a foot injury gained by a flying puck. He seemed back to normal, practicing and showing signs of chemistry with new line-mate Alexei Ponikarovsky #23. Geno was the first one to leave the ice. So maybe he may not have been totally healed...
  
• The traditional end-of-practice shootout drill came down to our captain Sidney Crosby #87 and defenseman Kris Letang #58. It was the beautiful Kristopher that lost the shootout, destined to perform some mundane duty for the team... I am just glad it wasn't the first practice of the month, because I don't think a mustache would compliment his look... ;p
• Kris Letang & Max Talbot #25 were the last two on the ice today. They partnered for some shooting drills, and Max dazzled a handful of fans with a stick handling demonstration, which I caught on video and will upload soon! He is the Superstar!! He basks in the spotlight, no matter what the situation. He celebrated his successful drill with the few fans that were left watching, doing a solo celebration dance and acknowledging the cheers of the TRULY dedicated fans that stayed just to watch him skate. He left me with the feeling I had just been a part of something and was totally appreciated. Thanks Max!
• Sidney Crosby #87 is the face of hockey. That has never been so obvious especially since his gold medal for Canada in the Olympics and his fantastic time with Lord Stanley with Pittsburgh... But for me, seeing the large productiion around him today, completely put it in perspective. His biggest endorsement comes from Reebok and they were at the Iceoplex today shooting a commercial in and around the locker room. There were movie trailers, craft services mobile, constant traffic of grips, assistants, fans, wires and cameras. All for our own Sid. The fact that Reebok chose to bring all its crew and cameras and sets to to Southpointe, was surprising enough. Let's just say it was a little chaotic. On top of all that, there was a cat show/convention setting up in the indoor field next to the rink.
• Bonus: While waiting for Sid to finish his commercial shoot, we went fishing for autographs. We had fantastic luck, meeting the newest addition to the Pens, Alexei Ponikarovsky for the first time. I had a minute with Coach Disco Dan Bylsma when he complimented me on the Igloo photo I took and was having signed. He is always super kind, and takes the time to look you in the eye while having a conversation. Also got autographs for the dapper Brent Johnson, Mike Rupp in his ginormous Ford truck, Chris Kunitz, Ruslan Fedotenko, Craig Adams, Alex Goligoski... Sid left around 4:15 sporting his Reebok gear, and happily carrying a handful of brand new sticks. He quickly signed a dozen or so autographs, as he was driving away, for the 35 people that waited for over 2 hours to see him. It wasn't the most legible signature, but at least I have a scribble and a photo of him as proof of meeting!
  

It was a beautiful day for hockey!