The Penguins hosted their first preseason game on Friday evening. They earned a 3-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings. However, it is the last thing on most fans minds.
Friday saw a flower in full bloom in late-September Pittsburgh. Marc-Andre Fleury joined the Penguins for the morning practice in advance of his preseason appearance. The excitement for the fanbase is through the roof. In what is likely going to be a rough season on the ice for the Penguins this might be one of the high water marks for fan enjoyment.
He is even giving a nod to his former iconic look. His famous yellow pads
Way back in the day when Fleury was still in the AHL me and my now wife attended a Rochester Americans game when the Baby Penguins were in town. It was pretty exciting being able to see the Penguins #1 overall pick. Vibes were low with the big club. The team was terrible and Mario Lemieux’s on-ice impact was diminishing. Fleury was the sign of things to come. He was the hope and excitement for the coming years. When he came on the ice his yellow pads popped and he looked so cool. To this day, we still use my wife’s nickname for him at home, Cheez-Its. It is awesome to see those Cheez-Its pads back in action today.
Fleury coming back for his preseason cameo was apparently all Kyle Dubas’ idea dating back to the end of last season.
Fleury said the idea to do this was all Kyle Dubas. Dubas suggested it late last season, Fleury was reluctant because he was banged up and feels as if he’s said goodbye “17 times” already. Finally agreed to it a few weeks ago, and he said now he’s just hoping he doesn’t let in six goals and ruin tomorrow.
Officially back on the ice
Flower talk
Over the years the best part about Flower is the impact that he has on his teammates and those covering the team. Naturally, the vibes were immaculate after practice as Fleury addressed the media and his teammates were able to speak about him
Flower: “It’s good to be on this side of the locker room for once, just to have some time. Like this morning, sitting at breakfast, having little talks is good. Just to be able to spend some time like we used to.”
Nobody is safe
Marc-Andre Fleury is a famous prankster. It looks like it is genetic
I can only imagine what Marc has planned for his longtime Stanley Cup teammates.
Tonight’s lineup
Here are the lineups for tonight’s preseason contest.
If I’m being completely honest this has been the least interested I’ve been in the three games to this point. There’s just not a lot of intrigue with the Penguins lineup for me. My focal point will be on Filip Hallander and Arturs Silovs. Those are two of the unknowns that have a chance of impacting the team in a positive way this season. I suppose I can add Tommy Novak to the players I am interested in this evening. Outside of that I can’t fake my investment. It is just kind of whatever. I imagine tomorrow night’s lineup will have more of the players I want to learn more about.
Injury news
Lastly, and unfortunately, there is some injury news to pass along. Joel Blomqvist is going to miss around a month of action due to a lower body injury.
So not great news from Blomqvist who is trying to fight for time at the NHL level. Missing the beginning part of the season can sometimes be a difficult thing to overcome as you are consistently trying to play catch up with the healthy players. I share this same concern with Rutger McGroarty, another younger player looking to make his stamp on the lineup.
