Time really does fly when you're having fun.
Exactly four months ago today the Penguins celebrated winning the Stanley Cup in San Jose. Tomorrow they will raise a fourth championship banner to ceiling of the PPG Paints Arena before kicking off the 2016-2017 against the Washington Capitals.
It's hard to believe a new season is already upon us but what a summer it was. All we can hope for is the same result this year.
A lot of good reads to get your morning started so here we go...
Pens players received their championship rings on Monday night and they featured A LOT of bling. [Puck Daddy]
The players weren't the only ones to get a ring to commemorate their success. The team also presented the entire front office staff with their own rings.
Earlier today GM Jim Rutherford presented the Penguins front office staff with Stanley Cup rings. pic.twitter.com/BPuhN67Hvh
— Pittsburgh Penguins (@penguins) October 11, 2016
A day after it was announced he had a concussion, Sidney Crosby skated and spoke to the media. A good sign that the injury is not too severe. [Pensburgh]
Regardless, there is still no timetable for Crosby's return to the lineup. It appears the Pens will be very cautious with their superstar. [Toronto Sun]
Adam Gretz examines the "what ifs" surrounding Crosby's career and his concussions. [NBC Sports]
Tristan Jarry was slated to be the backup netminder until Matt Murray returned but the team opted for playing time in AHL over sitting on bench. Kevin Porter and David Warsofsky were also sent down. [Penguins]
Taking over for Jarry will be Mike Condon, who the Pens claimed off waivers from the Montreal Canadiens Tuesday. [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]
Last week the Pens announced that former players Colby Armstrong and Mike Rupp will be joining game day coverage. They will work as pre-game analysts on the Penguins Radio Network. [Penguins]
Forty-nine years ago yesterday the Penguins played the first game in franchise history. A 2-1 loss to the powerhouse Canadiens. Andy Bathgate scored for the Pens. [Penguins]
Former Penguins' forward Ruslan Fedotenko announced his retirement on Tuesday. Fedotenko won two Stanley Cups during his career, including in 2009 with the Pens. [Puck Daddy]
A few news and notes from around the NHL...
RFA Nikita Kucherov and the Tampa Bay Lightning agreed on a new three year contract worth $4.67 million per season. [USA Today]
Rasmus Ristolainen also got paid, ending his standoff with the Buffalo Sabres. The two sides agreed on a six year deal. [CBS Sports]
The Calgary Flames added to their forward depth by agreeing to terms with veteran Kris Versteeg on a one year deal. [Matchsticks & Gasoline]