You know, this isn't a political blog and you'll hardly hear me voice my concerns or discerns here on anything related to politics.  But if there's something I really despise about politicians of any party in any part of the world it's when they try to be funny.

That's what we see here in the video of Mario Lemieux at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new arena, taken a few weeks ago.  Listen to the little jokes of "his left wing" and how "we won't see any right wingers here, we'll all Democrats."

Funny stuff (sarcasm).

What IS kind of funny is the design of the shovels.  Look familiar?

When you also consider Republican VP candidate Sarah Palin's "the difference between a bulldog and hockey mom" joke during last week's convention, it's fair to say the sport has garnered some hearty attention in politics over the last few months.

PS - This is also the video where Lemieux says the trips to K.C. were just for nice dinners.

I'll admit, I knew about this a bit in advance but didn't have enough details to ruin the surprise.  Because let's be honest - I love ruining surprises.  Having a surprise bday party for someone?  Don't tell me...

Anyways, a friend of mine works with NHL radio and actually had the privilege of interviewing Sidney Crosby earlier this week.  Jealous much?

Sid and Jordan in NYC

Whatever.  Not like I'm a fan or anything.

Got the video and audio here for ya, but I'll be the first to say - it's not exactly exciting.  This is just one of those things the NHL does in the pending weeks before the season.  As if we really needed a reason to get fired up.

If you've never heard of Icethetics then allow me to enlighten you: they combine hockey and art in the good ol competitive nature of sport.

Throughout the offseason Icethetics held a center ice challenge.  Which team has the best center ice logo? 

Guess who won

Do you think the Pens have the best logo?  Take a look around and pass judgment here.  Obviously the Penguins have the most loyal fans, there's no denying that.

In the end though I could really care less who won as long as it wasn't the Flyers/Rangers/Devils.

Well, it's not the Penguins' highlight tape for Evgeni Malkin per se, but it is a pretty sweet vid regardless.

Plus, it's that kind of day for hockey news so far, so enjoy the hysterical music that accompanies the video and I'll get something up later if we have anything going on around headquarters.

I tossed news of The Hockey News rankings up about two or three weeks ago (available here).  Today the Penguins have the info up on their main page, so I guess at the least I can reiterate what has already been shared.

Last season THN predicted Sid would score 123 points.  In case you missed it, he didn't.  Despite his ankle injury from last season, which I'd imagine is 110% healed by now, THN once again placed Sid at the top of the charts with a predicted 113 point season.

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As I've already mentioned a few times before, I'm no expert on the WBS squad.  So when word starts to make its way around about prospect camp and we receive word of some 'top' guys in the running for a starting role, I go to the experts. 

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Tony from Confluence of the Three Rivers (over at MVN), e-mailed me last week to gauge my interest in a round table discussion focusing on the upcoming season.  In addition to the great cast of representatives, there are some great questions that carry a variety of answers.

Here is the list of reps involved in the discussion:

Sean Leahy (SL) - Going Five Hole
Matt Bodenschatz (MB) - Faceoff Factor
Hooks Orpik (HO) - The Sweater Ted
FrankD (FD) - Pensburgh
Joe Sager (JS) - Pittsburgh Penguins Director of Content/Publication
Chris Yarbrough (CY) - Taking One for the Team
Chris Wassel (CW) - The NHL Arena
Chris Gates (CG) - Pittsburgh Puck Talk
Seth Rorabaugh (SR) - Pittsburgh Post Gazette’s Empty Netters
Tony Ferrante (TF) - The Confluence of the Three Rivers

The topics of discussion range from Sid's linemates, to Janne Pesonen and all the way up to next year's Stanley Cup winner.  So shoot over and check it out.

Over the past few days' worth of posts related to prospects, you've no doubt seen your fair share of the name Luca Caputi.  Yesterday I reached out to a WBS expert who will hopefully touch base soon to give us some more insight on the top prospects for the Pens.  In the mean time, check out this video (turn down the volume - the music kinda sucks).

Sports Illustrated writer Darren Eliot put together a great article about the breakdown of players in the NHL.  Sure, it may be obvious, but it's worth noting regardless.

The East is known for its young offense, while the west is known for its defense and veterans.

Sounds like the AFC/NFC debate in football.

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Some prospect rundowns coming from the Penguins' site about camp.  Fact is, Alex Goligoski is getting the same sort of attention that Kris Letang was receiving before the start of last season.  The only thing that tends to sway more in favor of GoGo is the fact that the Penguins are obviously starting the season short a defenseman.  Unlike Letang, a position is wide open and ready for the picking.  It's just going to come down to a "who" more than a "when."

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