Opener Sets Stage for Exciting Time for Penguins and League
The Pittsburgh Penguins home opener will feel much bigger thanks to the many narratives surrounding the night.
With a new season ready to get underway, all eyes in the hockey world will be drawn to the opening night matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and Chicago Blackhawks.
For the Penguins, it’s a time of optimism, excitement, and the hope of a fresh start after brutally missing the playoffs last year.
For the Blackhawks, it’s the dawning of a new era as their recent first overall pick Connor Bedard is set to make his official NHL debut.
Tack on Erik Karlsson's Penguins debut and you've got a huge night of hockey that will be must-watch stuff.
Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan believes that no home opener is 'regular' and they always carry a ton of excitement, but the Bedard factor is hard to ignore.
“These are all exciting times for us,” Sullivan said. “It’s the start of a journey that we’re looking forward to. The fact that Bedard is coming to play just adds another narrative to the game, which is exciting for hockey fans.”
Bedard’s debut is arguably one of the most anticipated in the NHL since 2005 when Sidney Crosby broke into the league with the Penguins.
Sure, Connor McDavid in 2015 and Auston Matthews in 2016 were special nights, but there is something extra notable about Bedard beginning his career against someone who has been in a similar position.
Crosby noted before that he can relate to the pressure that is being set on Bedard, but everyone believes he has the ability to grow into one of the best in the league.
“He’s a bright young player that will inevitably emerge as a superstar” Sullivan said. “With Sid being our leader, that’s a great narrative for hockey.”
There is no doubt that the hockey world will be watching and the Penguins are hoping to get off on the right foot to start the season.
The Penguins know the importance of every game in the regular season, no matter the scale of the audience.
“We’re certainly excited about the group that’s assembled here in Pittsburgh,” Sullivan said. “We recognize that we got to go out and earn it each and every night. And we’re going to start tonight.”
Each and every home opener is a special night for teams; but for the Penguins and Blackhawks tonight, there is a ton of extra heat on the fire.
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