Sid the Kid delivers
Can't help but be impressed by the Pittsburgh Penguins after this week's fan appreciation move. They already have a rabid fan base, thanks to a run at the Stanley Cup and having two of the most electrifying players in the NHL. But they refuse to rest on their laurels.
Penguins season-ticket holders got a treat this week when their tickets arrived via hand delivery from team stars. Sidney Crosby, Jordan Staal, Marc-Andre Fleury and Brooks Orpik were among the Pens who went door-to-door with the ducats.
"I don't think there are a lot of teams that do this in any sport," Crosby told Penguins.com. "It's a pretty unique thing we do. As players, we appreciate it, and it's a way to kind of give back more on a personal level. I think people appreciate that."
In other hockey news from the day:
*Eric Staal will remain a cornerstone of the Carolina Hurricanes. He will sign a multiyear, big-dollar contract this afternoon. Reports peg the deal at seven years and more than $8 million per year.
I don't know. He's not even the first player I think of with that team. Rod Brind'Amour is more important right now. But, the cap keeps going up, so the money has to be spent somewhere.
*The Canadiens, celebrating their 100th season, will announce today they are retiring Patrick Roy's No. 33. Hall of Famer for sure. One of the best ever without a doubt. But so is Montreal Gazette sportswriter Red Fisher, and one of the most intriguing articles I read last season was his plea in March that the Habs ignore Roy. Make sure you take a look at Red's thoughts here.
*Bruins owner and Buffalo-based Jeremy Jacobs held a town meeting with more than 700 season-ticket holders, who have renewed at a 93 percent rate.
---John Vogl
