head coach: Kevin Constantine

roster: C - Ron Francis, Petr Nedved*, Stu Barnes, Alex Hicks, Ed Olczyk. LW - Joe Dziedzic, Garry Valk, Josef Beranek*, Dave Roche, Roman Oksiuta. RW - Jaromir Jagr, Greg Johnson, Ed Olczyk, Alek Stojanov. D - Darius Kasparaitis, Kevin Hatcher, Chris Tamer, Fredrik Olausson, Jason Woolley*, Francois Leroux, Neil Wilkinson, Ian Moran, Jiri Slegr. G - Tom Barrasso, Ken Wregget, Patrick Lalime*.
*-Unsigned free agent.

injuries: None.

transactions: XX/XX - Announced the retirement of center Mario Lemieux and right wing Joey Mullen; released defenseman Craig Muni. 07/20 - Signed center Martin Straka. 08/02 - Signed free-agent defenseman Ian Moran. 08/12 - Acquired defenseman Jiri Slegr from the Edmonton Oilers for a 1998 third-round draft pick. 08/19 - Reached agreement with the Vancouver Canucks to place their players with Syracuse of the American Hockey League. 08/26 - Announced they will place an American Hockey League franchise in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Penn., starting in October 1999. 09/10 - Signed free agent right wing Joe Dziedzic.

standings:

1996-97 FINAL RESULTS
RECORD:     
 OVERALL      38-36-8
 HOME         25-11-5
 ROAD         13-15-3       
POINTS:             84 (10th)
GOALS SCORED:      285  (1st)   
GOALS AGAINST:     280 (25th)
POWER PLAY:      21.9%  (2nd)
PENALTY KILLING: 81.1% (23rd) 

game results:

PRE-SEASON RESULTS
9/13 Phildelphia        L 3-1 

team news:

by Michael Dell, editor-in-chief

IS THERE LIFE AFTER MARIO?

1997-98 will give the Pittsburgh Penguins their first taste of life without Mario Lemieux. But really, how lucky are the fans in Pittsburgh? How many other franchises in history have had a legendary star like Lemieux retire and then still had a player of Jaromir Jagr's caliber ready to step in and carry the team? Folks in Pittsburgh are living a charmed life.

Lemieux's absence may be grabbing all the headlines, but the arrival of new coach Kevin Constantine could have the biggest impact on the club. Constantine has the reputation for being a strict coach that demands hard work from his players and he's also famous for running some of the best practices in the business. All will be welcome traits in Pittsburgh, where the team is famous for its "country club" atmosphere. It was routine to see Jagr, Petr Nedved, and other skilled players show up for practices without wearing helmets or shoulder pads. A message got sent early on in training camp when Constantine sent Jagr off the ice during his first practice to get his helmet. Jagr respected his new coach's wishes and was eager to comply. So far there's been nothing but praise for Constantine. He's been lauded by veterans and rookies alike for his teaching and communication skills. It seems like the Penguins have found the right man to lead them into the post-Lemieux era.

OFFENSE: Jagr and Not Much Else

Due mostly to the brilliance of Lemieux, the Pittsburgh offense has always been known as one of the most dangerous scoring units in the league. However, times have changed. There isn't a whole lot of scoring depth on the Pittsburgh roster. Obviously, Jagr is the most dominating offensive player in the league, scoring 41 goals in his first 44 games last season before a groin injury stole the second half of the season from him. There was some growing concern that the injury might be something Jagr would just have to play through for the rest of his career, but a summer's worth of rest has reportedly done wonders. Jagr is back to full strength and looking forward to leading the offensive charge.

As usual, Jagr will get help from his good buddy, the great Ron Francis. He may be 34, but Francis is still a serious point producer and defensive presence. He remains one of the best two- way centers in hockey. He's also a leader that sets a perfect example for young players to emulate. There is no question he will take over the captaincy in Lemieux's absence.

The only other legitimate scoring threat up front is Petr Nedved. Currently an unrestricted free agent, Nedved is involved in quite the messy contract dispute with GM Craig Patrick. The Penguins have offered Nedved a deal extremely close to Tony Amonte's recent contract, something in the neighborhood of $15 million over four years. Well, apparently that's not enough for Petey. He's reportedly seeking a deal of around $18 million over four years. His agent even went as far as to say that he's a better player than Amonte. Uh, yeah, okay... what color is the sky in that little world of yours, Petey? Nedved can score goals with Amonte, but the Chicago winger is a leader and such an overall better player that the comparison is laughable. Nedved has threatened to play this season in the Czech Elite league if the Penguins don't come through with the bread. Our advice is let him. Have fun trying to make $15 million in the Czech Elite league.

The Penguins were hoping to have Russian right winger Alexei Morozov in the mix this season to help pick up some of the scoring slack, but the club has yet to sign him to a contract. Morozov is said to be the best forward in the world outside of the NHL and could make an immediate impact. It seemed all but decided that Morozov would spend this season back in Russia, but lately there has been some talk that he still might get signed before the start of the regular season. If Nedved doesn't get signed, the club has to get Morozov in town.

The club is also hoping to get some offensive spark out of this summer's first-round pick, Robert Dome. The young Czech winger showed up to training camp in the best shape of his life and has been working extremely hard to make the team. Dome goes about 6', 205, and is a powerful skater that protects the puck well. Whether or not he'll make the team pretty much depends on his work in the defensive zone.

And, hey, get a load of this! The Penguins have invited Downtown Robbie Brown to camp! Yes, the loveable fan favorite that once scored 49 goals and 115 points playing the right wing for Lemieux in 1988-89 is back looking to earn a spot with the club. Brown reported to camp in tremendous shape and has been working on his defensive game, something that was practically unheard of during his first stint with the team. Brown has been a pleasant surprise at camp. Not only has Constantine been impressed with Brown's natural offensive skills and instincts, but he has also said that Brownie hasn't made a mistake defensively in his first three scrimmages or his lone exhibition appearance. It would be great to see Brown back in the 'Burgh. And his chances of making the squad increase the longer Nedved holds out and Morozov remains in Russia. After all, the Pens are going to need somebody who can score. The club made another reach by signing former L.A. King Robert Lang. The lanky Czech winger has all sorts of talent and can score some of the prettiest goals you'll ever see, but he's going to have to prove that he can play at both ends of the rink to make the roster.

The rest of the offense is headlined by small, skilled guys like Stu Barnes, Greg Johnson, and Martin Straka. All three can score, but they're also defensively-impaired. Ed Olczyk will return to add some veteran leadership. Alex Hicks, Garry Valk, and Ian Moran are all pretty good role players, with Moran able to shift back and play defense when needed. Young guys Joe Dziedzic and Dave Roche will be looking to supply muscle. Josef Beranek seemed like he'd be able to contribute some goals this season, but it doesn't look like that club has any intentions of re-signing him.

The Pittsburgh offense is nowhere near as potent as it used to be. There's been some talk that Constantine will transform the club into a patient defensive team, instead of the normal run- and-gun system they've used in the past. The only problem is the club really doesn't have the personnel to employ an all-out defensive system. Look for the club to try and ride Jagr and Francis for offense and then just try to keep it conservative with the other units.

DEFENSE: It's Not That Bad

When it's considered on a man-by-man basis, the Pittsburgh defense isn't bad at all. They caught a lot of grief last season, but the club's defensive woes were due mainly to the pathetic play of the forwards and not the actual blueliners.

Pittsburgh mixed up the pairings a bit last season, but one of its most successful combinations was Darius Kasparaitis and Kevin Hatcher. Kasparaitis was incredible when he first arrived from the Islanders, but his aggressive, hard-hitting style eventually led to a series of injuries that made him basically a non-factor down the stretch. When he's healthy, Kaspar gives the team a much needed shot of emotion. Hatcher got off to an excellent start last season, scoring 10 goals and 36 points and recording a +16 in his first 45 games. However, as the season went on, Hatcher's play dropped off dramatically. Over his final 35 games, Hatcher played at a -5 and posted only five goals and 18 points. And for a guy that used to wear the "C" earlier in his career, Hatcher never once displayed a modicum of leadership. He needs to step it up. Anything less than a 20-goal season should be a disappointment for Hatcher.

The club's second pairing often featured Chris Tamer and Neil Wilkinson. At least it did when they were healthy. Both guys were plagued by injuries and were forced to have off-season abdominal surgery. Tamer's loss last season was especially devastating, since he had established himself as one of the best young defensive defensemen in the game the previous year. The team needs him, not to mention Wilkinson, to be at full strength. They are two guys relied upon to provide a physical presence in front of the net. Both should be good to go when the season starts.

Offensive specialists Fredrik Olausson and Jason Woolley were often paired together and used to help jumpstart the attack. Olausson, tho', surprised many with his defensive game and quickly emerged as the club's best all-around defender. Woolley wasn't so lucky. As the season wore on he began to get exploited more and more defensively. He's currently an unsigned free agent and Patrick is in no hurry to give into his salary demands. With each passing day it gets more unlikely that he'll be back with the Penguins.

Looking to take Woolley's spot will be Czech defender Jiri Slegr. The former Edmonton Oiler and Vancouver Canuck played in Europe last season, but has enough size and skill to make an impact. Rookies Stefan Bergkvist (6'3", 216) and Sven Butenschon (6'5", 210) are also in the hunt for jobs and would add plenty of size. If you recall, Bergkvist appeared to be on his way to becoming a regular last season until he was forced to have a tumor removed from his right ear. After the surgery Bergkvist suffered problems with his balance, had the right side of his face temporarily paralyzed, and became permanently deaf in his right ear. Happily, Bergkvist has fought his way back and, aside from the deafness in his right ear, is close to being fully recovered. It wouldn't be surprising to see both these guys on the opening day roster.

GOALTENDING: Barrasso Is Back

Yes, Tommy Barrasso is back with the Penguins and will be the starting goaltender. It was thought that Barrasso might just be getting showcased for a possible trade, but he recently told the media he has a no-trade clause in his contract and isn't planning on going anywhere. That's right, Barrasso is talking to the media! He also said he didn't come back to just be average. He fully expects to be the star netminder he once was. Having a healthy Barrasso around to move the puck would be a great advantage to the Pittsburgh defense.

With Barrasso's return, goaltending is once again an area of strength for the Arctic Birds. Ken Wregget will continue to act as the number two man, or maybe more accurately, option 1A. Patrick Lalime, last year's rookie phenom, remains unsigned. The Penguins offered him a two-way contract that would pay him just $60,000 if he played in the minors. That's pretty much a slap in the face. Needless to say, Lalime and his agent politely declined. The Penguins also have former number one pick Craig Hillier continuing to develop.

GEE, THAT'S SWELL

* Jagr is the most dominating offensive player in the game.

* Barrasso's return could make a difference.

* Constantine is the right guy to lead this team into the future.

TROUBLE

* If Nedved doesn't sign and Morozov stays in Russia, there won't be much scoring up front.

* The health of Tamer and Wilkinson is still somewhat questionable.

* The defense could use one more proven horse.

1997-98 OUTLOOK: Believe it or not, Pittsburgh will actually be a better team this season with Constantine than they were last year with Mario. They may not score as many goals, but they'll be a better overall team. Jagr will carry the offense, and both the defense and goaltending should be fairly strong. Plus the Northeast Division is as weak as it gets.

PREDICTION: Second in the Northeast and in the playoffs.

[ issues | web extra | stats | nhl archive | home | chat | mailing list | about us | search | comments ]

1997 © Copyright LCS Hockey All Rights Reserved