Multiple Penguins Superstars Reach Major Milestones
Oh, Lord Stanley. Lord Stanley, get me the brandy. Oh, yes. Welcome to episode three of Get Me the Brandy. I’m Dan Potach alongside former Penguin Ryan Malone and current member of our broadcast team, Bugsy. Good to have you with us, buddy. Oh, yeah. Thanks for having me. This is great. Of course. Absolutely. Long time coming. Glad you could finally join us. and um packed uh show coming up mainly because we had an exciting night Tuesday at PPG Pants Arena. The Penguins with a huge win over Vancouver, their third straight, but another big night for two members of the big three. Of course, I’m referencing Sydney Crosby and Chris Latang. So, let’s start with the captain who gets a big goal, but a big point. A point that enables him to pass Mario Lemieux for the most points regular season and postseason in franchise history. Uh, we knew it was going to be a season of milestones for the big three, but for Cydney Crosby to pass Mario Lemieux, your thoughts on that? and he was very humble in his postgame interview saying that well it took me a a few more games to do it. But come on, so what? Who cares? I mean, he is now the all-time leader in points in the regular season and postseason in franchise history. Your thoughts about that? Yeah, I think uh again what a tremendous accomplishment, you know, with the the hype coming in as a you know 18-year-old um and then living up to it and surpassing it in many ways is is pretty incredible. But I think Sid you know honestly tipping his hat to Mario 500 games less is a lot the last game. So it really shows again how Mario I think even looking back at all Mario’s stats everyone forgets about the games plays even the one year he uh beat Lef Fontaine there I think he only played like 50 games but he had like 150 points uh which is as a as a player you do you do respect that uh that mark you know so I think Sid um as always being humble uh and giving the nod to Mario but it just goes to show his you know discipline his commitment and his mindset over the past uh two decades. Uh but it is amazing to see him uh have these accomplishments. Of course, I’m always kidding when I talk about Sid being modest, but he’s always always been that way and very respectful to Mario and the other greats in the game. Uh my question to you, Bugsy, is look, I I I know he’s been playing a long time, but does it surprise you at all that he continues to play at the level that he’s currently playing at or has always played at? Um, I mean, no, but you know, it is I mean, too, like with the the style of play, uh, that he plays and he’s, you know, he’s not afraid to go into the dirty areas and mix it up. Um, it just shows again, I think, his commitment in the off season to prepare himself for the long uh, track of the regular season and playoffs. Uh, I know from, you know, training with him in in Colorado early on, and I even talk about it with mental health, your gut health. He he was talking about it, you know, when he’s 18 years old. I have no idea what he’s even talking about until his last few years um learning about mental health and how important your your gut actually is for you to uh you know be able to think properly and even that the serotonin that happy chemical is 90% in your gut. So I mean that’s where performance really starts. I know he takes care of himself uh to to be the best he can and uh it’s just again amazing to see him now do it for two decades. Uh but again it goes into all those little details that he was very aware of as a as a young kid and uh it’s it’s great to see him continue to play at such a high level. What did it mean for you to play with him for the handful of seasons that you had the opportunity? And I and I asked because you know your dad played for the Penguins, so you grew up here in Pittsburgh and you had a chance to watch Mario Lemieux play as a kid and then you get a chance to play alongside Sydney Crosby. What was it like to play against or play alongside him not only, you know, in games but practice where he was kind of sharpening his craft for game nights? Yeah. I mean, I was fortunate too to get a few years with Mario there at the end. That’s true. Yes. you know, playing online with him and seeing him in practice, always like what how are the defense going to hit him in practice in the one-on-one drill, you’re like, what’s going to happen here? And he even Mario would there’s just a one-on-one drill kind of the the the defenders on the hash marks and the the fords on the goal line. It’s kind of a straight down one-on-one drill where the D kind of can angle when they get to the red line. And I remember Drake Berhowski, you know, trying to cut Mario off. And anytime the D would cross his feet over, Mario would do that, you know, put the puck through their stick and then hop around the other side and dance around him. And then after that happened a few times, the defenseman would just stay straight. So then that, you know, Mario would just take a shot from the outside. Um, and Sid, man, in practice he, you know, was very focused and intense. And I know from playing with him in practice as well, you know, even on our breakouts, if I was his winger, you know, getting him the puck and the puck was a little wobbly, you know, he wanted it perfectly flat on a stick so then he could be ready to make the next play or handle it the the proper way. And I was just kind of like why don’t you just slow down a little bit instead. So it is like uh early in the morning here. Um definitely uh you know raised everyone’s performance around him and uh you know demanded this uh another level of guys that compete factor. I I still remember that first year um us not making the play off our Sid’s first year and uh you know he was pissed and I was still like in La La Land. I’m playing for the Penguins. I’m like, well, it could be worse. We’re playing in I’m like, we’re playing for the Penguins or he’s calling my job. So, he had that other level uh that he’s always been kind of training for, you know, we all believe in that. Uh again, given, you know, given everything he has on and off the ice to to be the best he can. I want to ask you, what do you think in your opinion would be the most significant uh accomplishment for him? Uh tying Stevie Eisermanman for the longest tenured captain with one team. um passing Wayne Gretzky uh for the most points per game u uh per game seasons in NHL history and then of course passing Marilm for the most points in Penguins history. I mean those are three pretty significant uh players or or things that you could possibly do uh as an NHL player. Yeah, I think you know for him probably looking back at I mean he as you just listed I mean um all those accomplishments I think just come with his character. So at the end of the day, it’s probably you know again how he led the team and how he made others feel I think around him uh that will go down as his legacy and again I think it’s the work ethic and all these points come because of his love for the game and uh his dedication to the game. So I think you know him looking back again I think it’ll be more about all of his teammates that helped accomplish those goals than you know his name at the top of all those lists. So, you know, again, those are three amazing, you know, milestones, and it’s it’s it’s crazy to think, you know, he still has probably, you know, maybe four or five years left in him if he wanted to keep going, uh, uh, as much as he, you know, loves the game and takes care of himself. So, I think for him looking back personally, it’ be more about, again, I think the the team the team accomplishments and, you know, how he, uh, you know, led. All right, let’s move the spotlight over to Chris Lang, who was also a shining star in Tuesday’s victory over Vanc over Vancouver. A couple of assists, 600 career assists, becoming the 20th defenseman in NHL history to reach that number. Uh I I have to ask you your thoughts as a former NHL player just because of the fact that that’s a lot of helpers for a defenseman in the National Hockey League. Yeah, I mean I think I only played around 650 games. So I think uh just uh assist and even the one last night is is 600 assist. Um his vision on the ice and that’s what I think the Penguins have done so well this year is actually put you know the puck in places where they can get it first and it was an indirect pass off the back wall uh to his teammate there that that they could get the puck first. So again, his uh his vision on the ice and then his skating ability as well. I don’t know. I’m sure everyone’s kind of seen his uh training programs there in the summer. Um as you know, the the legs feed the wolf as Herb Brooks used to say, and he’s uh got some tree trunks there. So doesn’t look like he’s slowing down either uh for 39. So, but again, it’s his uh his vision um and be able to to be able to to see those plays and then make uh again he’s he’s know making those great plays to help his teammates as well. You know, he’s been in the conversation for a Norris Trophy for many years and I had a chance to catch up with Randy Carile a week ago. Uh the only Penguin to ever win the Norris Trophy and and your dad uh played with him in the early 80s as a member of the Penguins. Does it still amaze you that no other member of the Penguins has won the Norris Trophy considering how many uh excellent defensemen have come through Pittsburgh in the time since Randy played for Pittsburgh? Yeah. Yeah. I mean I think um you know especially Latang I think I mean a few of those years you know sometimes I feel like you know the media is involved so they look at the points maybe um in instead of maybe the overall game. Um, you know, and that’s where I think, you know, Tanganger especially isn’t afraid to, you know, shy away from those one-on-one battles, uh, and be hard to play against. And he kind of mentioned even last night, you know, talking about this milestone. Um, you know, it’s about him showing up and doing what he can to help the team uh, team first and all these assists and goals and stats kind of come along uh, with him just playing his game. So, um I think he’s again more proud of the the championships they won and him being a big role and the driving force uh there on the back end. So, you know, I think uh it it would be great for him to get a little more recognition for his uh great play. So, a couple assists last night, he had just one coming into last night’s game. Can I don’t know reaching a milestone like this or or any milestone for that matter kind of give a player a little bit of a boost and and look I think it’s fair to say that Chris is certainly looking at uh a Hall of Fame a future or or an opportunity to enter uh the the Hall of Fame uh because of his play on the ice and I don’t know if a milestone is something that really triggers or or clicks in his head but is that something that you think can help a player like get in the groove and start to to get on a run at certain time in the season. Well, I think definitely would help his confidence. I know like again we talk about a team player he is with Carlson kind of running the number one power play now. So Tanganger, you know, selfishly like he could have be like I want to trade. I want out of here, you know, I want to be the guy. um but that’s not his character and he’s willing to you know help out that second unit and again be used as uh he can to help the team which you know says a lot I think about him and I think you know for himself maybe he when he gets home with his family and you know take you take a pause for a second especially through some of his injuries um he’s probably just very grateful again about uh the career he’s had and you look back and you’re like oh man time is time is flying you look and see the accomplishments. So, I think it’s definitely a confidence booster for him. Um, and, uh, again, it goes to his, uh, you know, testament to his dedication uh, on and off the ice for him to to reach those levels. [Applause] Here, we don’t just watch the Penguins, we live every tipped puck. Unbelievable. Every battle. Give me more of this. Every new prospect. This is a glimpse of the future. Everything you love about the Pens, we do, too. I’m down here between the benches. You know what that means, Pens fans? Cheers for that. The did they manifested it? Stream the Penguins all season long on SNP 360. [Applause] All right, let’s stay with defense, but move to the Penguins crease and talk about the uh the goalending situation. And I guess it’s it’s a onetwo punch because we’ve seen both goalenders get a a fair shake cuz it’s one goalie one night, the next goalie the the next night. It’s it’s been a a 50/50 split and Archer Sheils got a chance to shine last night against his former team. And I would think the opportunity to do that is motivation in itself and he did not disappoint with his showing last night. a goal got by him early, but after that he he stopped what 23 of 24 shots overall to beat his former team where he didn’t spend a lot of time, but he was quick to to to talk about or he he spoke at the morning skate how he did learn a lot while he was in that organization and he did some some pretty good things. He helped him win a playoff series against Nashville in 2024. Yeah, I think you look back at his track record even uh he got Latvia their first uh medal at World Championships. I think he had like 50 or 60 saves. Uh that was obviously a few years ago. Um and as you mentioned, hopping into Vancouver’s playoffs there a few years ago and sealing the deal in the in the to end the series and then last year even um you know being part of the American Hockey League CER Cup championships, winning the MVP. So anytime he’s been under the gun, it seems like he’s risen. So I think this is definitely a great steal for the Penguins. And I think, you know, with uh with Jarry and him rotating, I think it keeps them both fresh. And Jarry as well, obviously, he’s had uh I would just say, you know, a tough few years here so far. Um but again, it’s it’s that mindset. And I think together they’re pushing each other. Um and I think you got to really look at the guys in front of them as well. uh is not giving up so many great a chances, but they both have been the so far this season when the the time is needed for that big save. They they both been able to make that big save where I feel like the last few years some of those have just squeaked in or we haven’t been able to get those timely saves. And I think you hear them both kind of say that in some of the postgame interviews, right? You got to make the the save when it it matters. I know uh you look at Bennington there in St. Lewis, that’s kind of everyone his nod is when when the game’s on the line, they know he’s going to make that save. And I believe uh this is be a great uh goalie here for the future of the Penguins. You know, this is not the first time a couple of goalenders have have gone back and forth and we don’t know how long this may continue. It’s a long season. Uh but can we dig a little deeper into what the pros and cons may be? And you already talked about the fact that they could both stay fresh, right? There’s never a chance, at least so far, there’s not been the opportunity for one of them to to um you know, get cold. You know, they’re both going to be sharp knowing that the next game most likely they’re going to get back in the crease and play. So, no one’s going to have to shake off any rust. But what what’s what are some of the pluses and minuses of having an opportunity to go back and forth between two goalenders? Yeah, I mean, I wouldn’t I wouldn’t say there’s too many negatives. you know, maybe the one guy, unless they’re like egos or kind of like I want to be the guy. But again, I think they both are team first guys. So, you know, at the end of the day, it’s just like, geez, if I get to rest and then, you know, feel better. I mean, those guys are taking a lot of shots, you know, the backup goalie staying after practice and working. So, um, again, I think if they, you know, can rotate and stay fresh, you know, they’re going to have, you know, maybe a little stronger push each game or whatever, maybe a little more maybe better focus. And, uh, I think it’s, you know, especially now with how fast, uh, the game is and how sharp you have to be, um, you know, those game situations with traffic, tracking the puck. And I mean, it’s a lot uh more tiring than we probably think from sitting up in our seats uh than when you’re in that in that goalie stance. They’re uh you know, pushing back and forth when they’re in the offensive zone there night after night. So, when you add in the travel and some of those little things, you know, again, you don’t want all that adds up. Uh so, again, I think if you can keep two guys fresh and then, you know, hopefully come playoff time, you you maybe can ride the the guy that’s in the zone there. Um, but again, I think it’s it’s a good thing and I think it it’s uh it makes it more about I think the team as well. Um, you know, the guys in front of them want to play well uh each night for both both goalies. So, it kind of brings everyone together, I think, too. What’s Ryan? What’s the communication like? I mean, um, you know, you get used to playing with guys on the ice, you develop some chemistry, and I think there has to be, uh, a steady line of communication, especially between defenseman and a goalender, but I guess everyone, depending on where the puck is on the ice, uh, or who’s back there retrieving the puck. Uh, but then you change goalenders. Uh, is it just an easy turn of the page and all of a sudden you’re communicating with the other guy one night and then this guy the next night or you know can there be a little bit of a a challenge or hurdle involved with that? There would be yeah a little bit. I know Sheilaf I mean he has broken English so maybe they have code words uh back there goending coach Andy Kyoto has them maybe doing something similar. So the D know over uh hard rim or just keep it very simple. Um, and that’s where I know, you know, I haven’t really thought too much about how they both handle the puck. You know, maybe Jarry might be a little uh better, easier to come out and then help his uh defense get set or make that pass. Um, but yeah, I think even Jarry, was he shooting for an empty net the other night, too? Didn’t he try for another empty net goal? So, I mean, I know as a defenseman or even a forward, I remember we had Mike Smith as a goalie when he was back there. You know, the other team would dump it and he’s like a, you know, third defenseman back there. So, the D the D loved it. They didn’t have to get run through the wall. So, uh, you know, if those guys can help, uh, those defense, you know, get out of the zone easier. Um, you know, everyone’s all for it, but I think that communication is is important and they I’m sure they review uh what that is. Maybe that’s a good question you can uh ask them. Well, let me ask you what I hope is a good question. I think it was maybe your last your last season with the Penguins. I don’t think it was an even split, but I think you played with three different goalies throughout that season. I think it was Marco Day Flurry, Ty Conklin, and Danny Sabin. So, you know, again, it was almost like keep your head on a swivel because we could have, you know, a different guy, uh, you know, not almost every other night, but throughout the season you played with different guys. So to keep that communication open and develop that chemistry with three different goalenders or however many may it may be I think is is super important, right? Yeah. Yeah. I mean, for me, I wasn’t too worried about it. I just had to get back to my wall usually. But but but uh yeah, the defenseman for sure, you know, it is it is a big difference and that communication is important because you definitely see some of those fluke goals or the miscommunication goals unfortunately uh when you kind of have those new net minders back there with some of these uh defensemen as well from you got them all over the world here trying to speak English. So, you got to have definitely a plan in place to how how to move the puck. So, I mentioned three goalenders. Let’s talk about the other guy, if you will, and Sergey Mir and what he’s been able to do. Uh, he had another solid or had a solid training camp with the Penguins. Uh, went back to Wilsbury Scranton and is off to a great start. Your impressions of what this young goalender continues to do and what the future may have in store for him at some point here at the NHL level. Yeah, I think again, you know, you got to tip your hat to the brass and scouts for kind of bringing these guys in. And I think, you know, anytime a player can go be the guy, uh, and get all the shots and games and reps, that’s going to do, you know, tremendous things for his his own personal growth and game. So, I think he’s in, you know, a great spot now. And you know in obviously I’m sure you know Jari and Sheilaf know uh hey we got there’s another there’s another kid knocking on the door too. So it kind of is that internal uh battle and competition you want in the organization to kind of push guys to continue to develop and grow. So I think that’s a great position down there for him. And again I think it’s a great things for the Penguins future. I know Dubis and and Spez are trying to do two things at once here uh with uh bringing in some of these instrumental parks to to grow the future of the the Penguins and make sure we they can get back in the playoff hunt. And uh so it’s I think a great uh a great thing for him too to kind of develop down there. And you never know if one of these guys gets hurt, you know, he’ll definitely I’m sure get a look up here. So he’s one of many new faces we could see at some point this season. But I want to talk about a new face we are currently seeing with the Penguins now and that’s Parker Weatherspoon who was a free agent acquisition for the Penguins and has really made his presence felt. Your thoughts of what he’s been able to do in a short time here on the defensive side uh with the Penguins working with a veteran like Eric Carlson. Yeah, I mean playing with Eric Carlson’s not probably easy, right? Because he’s up in the in the play. He’s all over. But I think um for me he’s kind of one of those guys you don’t notice because he’s in the right spot. He’s killing the play. He’s making just those simple plays. Uh kind of like maybe a Rob Scaderi type uh you know defenseman. Um that’s just kind of in the spot at the right time. Does those little things very well. I think he’s averaging like 23 minutes a night I believe or around there for the team. Um, so you see that how the team’s had success so far this season and a lot of it’s been these guys been able to make that higher percentage play, not, you know, not get uh beat with their one-on-one battles and uh he’s definitely stepped right in and earned a spot. How about the opportunity or the way he was able to, you know, he had a a difficult ending to the game at Anaheim uh a week or so ago where uh he had to delay a game penalty that led to the game-winning goal for Anaheim. And then two nights later in Los Angeles, he was able to get on the score sheet, help the Penguins to a win over the Kings. Uh you know, you’re trying to settle into a new system with new teammates, a new defensive partner and Eric Carlson. Uh I I I think there could be a lot of pressure on a new guy trying to feel at home with a new team. Uh do you feel that he’s handled that well and and what’s that like? You know, you you obviously having left the Penguins at one point, went to Tampa, trying to settle in, not make every play the best play. Is is that difficult to do? Yeah, you just want to obviously help the team win any way you can. And you know, unfortunately, you know, with the delay of game, you know, hockey plays are going to happen. So, you kind of just got to shake them off and uh, you know, you know, reset the mind and and worry about what you can control. Um, so, as you said, he had, you know, a good bounceback game there in LA. And, you know, at the end of the day, it’s just uh it’s it’s the we the Wii attitude, I think, when you you join the team, you know, how how can I help? And then you just want to make sure you start seeing W’s go up on the board and uh you’re making sure when you go over the boards you’re making an impact, you know, and it’s I think usually looking in the mirror, can you win your one-on-one battles? Can you sometimes just even get the puck out of your zone? Um you know, and sometimes it’s uh you know, maybe you you have to draw a penalty to get the the guys on the ice for the power play or whatever little thing you do or block a shot at the end of the game. you want to be able to contribute in some way uh to the team and I think that’s uh the beauty about uh you know hockey and and the great teams. Everyone kind of has their role and embraces that role and um you know that’s how that’s how you win. [Applause] Inside Penguins Hockey is back. Let’s go eat sushi for an all new season. And now he’s your best friend. Yeah. Getting a line in the water is is always a joy for me. Inside Penguins Hockey, new episodes every month on SportsNet Pittsburgh. presented by UPMC Health Plan. [Applause] I want to fast forward a little bit to uh what’s going to be uh something that the Penguins uh will celebrate this weekend with the Penguins Hall of Fame weekend and the class of 2025 and uh some pretty big names uh that will be entered into the Hall of Fame and names that you are certainly familiar with. Ron Francis, Kevin Stevens, Eddie Johnston, and Scotty Bowman. And I I want your thoughts on on on these gentlemen and I I know that you have a connection to them. Let’s start with with Ron Francis and again having grown up here and watch them watch the Penguins especially during the first two cup seasons. Your thoughts on Ronnie Franchise? Yeah, I mean it’s crazy to see him second all time in assists and he’s never even mentioned as like a greatest player in this game. Um, but for me personally, you know, I had a unique uh upbringing with my dad actually playing in Hartford. Uh, so my brother and I were your rink rats as well up there. And I remember him and Ron Francis and Kevin Denine stuffing my brother into like a dirty laundry bin. And that they Ron Francis became my favorite player. I think he was only 18 or 19 at the time. So, I always uh watched him there cuz he was my dad’s teammate. And I still remember that that morning. Uh my dad, you know, ca gave me the call or he’s like, “Guess who we got.” And that’s when they made the big trade to get Frances and Sam and Grant Jennings. So, I had my uh Ron Francis sweater. Actually, he was actually my favorite penguin uh growing up. No disrespect there, Mario or Yags, but uh yeah, he was actually my favorite penguin growing up. So, I watched him uh pretty closely when he’s on the ice and he was uh just such a smart player. Um and again, it was great to see him have success. I think know even last night we’re talking about Gino and he’s flying under the radar of Sid, you know, pretty much and how talented he is and what a great player he is. And then I think it was very similar when you know Ron Francis was our second centerman, Yen Mario as as the big guy. But uh you know what an impact and I think you heard again what a great teammate and leader he was in the room uh with all the guys and they obviously had a great uh group there to go back to back. So it was cool to see him uh bring a championship to Pittsburgh. How about Kevin Stevens? And I I I don’t think I’m I’m I’m reaching here. The the true definition of a power forward. Oh yeah. I remember just as a kid again, I was fortunate as my dad uh was a head scout uh at that time. So I was kind of in the locker rooms after and in practice around and I just remember he looked like a freight train. He had the the big barrel chest. Uh he’s like, you know, he was a freight train and uh I definitely again uh looked up to him as a as a player on the ice. uh again going to the hard areas um doing what it kind of took for the team and then now get him to know a little more personally after his career and what he’s doing with power forward uh you know what a great story and great human and couldn’t be more proud uh to just even call him a friend and um you know again so welldeserving all these guys getting into the Hall of Fame here and being recognized for their contribution to to the city here. It’s awesome. How about uh Eddie Johnston? And I know that he’s one guy that’s still Look, I saw him last night after the game. He still comes down to the room uh slides in and says hello to everybody. Um just somebody that always has a smile on his face and and look, I I I have a a a good time just saying hello to him as a member of the Penguins front office over the years. Uh I did not get a chance to cover him when he was a head coach or general manager or a player for that matter, but I can imagine I can only imagine how much fun it must have been to be around him when he uh worked at at that level or in those particular uh positions. Uh because he seems like he’s I mean he’s so much fun to be around now. I can only imagine what it was like to be around him in those particular uh levels of play. Yeah, I think uh I mean we go obviously way back. Uh so I mean with his family and Joe, his son as well as uh my age, so playing uh in the South Hills high school hockey together. Um but even EJ last night, same thing. I I pop up there to watch the game with him and he’s like, “We got to shoot in between once we get inside the dots, we got to shoot the puck.” And next thing you know, Novak is inside the dots scoring from inside the dots and then Sid’s shooting from inside the dots. I’m like, well, he’s definitely still uh, you know, got it up top there. So, again, he’s done so much for this city and franchise. Uh, it’s um, you know, truly, I mean, it’s crazy to really think about the the decades um, of how he’s really helped bring Pittsburgh to a hockey town and what a significant impact he’s had. Um, I kind of remember actually when he was out of town, Joe would have parties at his house. So that’s we we sneak over there. But, um, again, uh, another a great person, understands the game, and he’s built, uh, obviously a legacy here in Pittsburgh with his, uh, hockey IQ and mindset. And again, it’s I think comes down to that character and treating everybody with respect and being part of the team. So again, it’s great to honor him and what he’s done for the city of Pittsburgh. Uh lastly, Scotty Bowman, and I I I shouldn’t say lastly, but going back to your your childhood after the Penguins won that first cup, uh did you think they had a chance to repeat? Uh and how exciting was it to see them do so considering, you know, the challenges they had overall, including a new head coach in Scotty Bowman? Yeah, I think you know um well I mean I think him and you know Badger Bob just with their their attitude um you know it’s a great day for hockey with with Badger always just that just the positivity and Scotty I think understanding the the skill level and uh the character of the guys they they had here um you know mix of the grit and talent and um you know I think when Scotty was there then they had I think you Trotz is on the fourth line with the AS uh again just the the the character they brought in for the depth uh to to have a complete team and uh you know guys the hard to play against on the back end that can get the puck up the ice. Um but again I think for his you know NHL legacy is uh putting those pieces together and then kind of letting them do their thing. You know, I think looking back at some of those practices, I don’t think many guys had shoulder pads on or it wasn’t uh as intense as practices are now. We can say, you know, so you kind of let the the big boys be creative, I think, offensively, but then, you know, uh bring back that structure and that defensive side uh of the puck uh to really help, you know, own those championships. Well, in addition to celebrating the Penguins Hall of Fame class of 2025, we’re also celebrating the 10th anniversary of their Stanley Cup championship in 201516. And let’s just start with this. What do you remember most about that season? And it doesn’t necessarily have to be the playoff run that led to a Stanley Cup championship, but what stands out? Is there a play? Is there a game? Is there a stretch of games uh that when you think about that season as a whole where you go to me that’s what stands out that’s why they were able to turn the corner and win it all? Um for me not really. I remember just always check it in that season. That’s kind of the year I actually retired. So, I was uh just, you know, watching the boys uh again see see where you know Sid and these guys were and again for what they’re doing for the city. And I think you know anytime you have you know Sid kind of leading the ship he’s just going to pull everyone along. So again even this year you know I was on Matt and oh you know Penguins aren’t going to make the playoffs. I’m like, don’t say that because I think with the the leadership group and if you can play well five on five and then the special teams are well like if you can get the power play, you know, in the top five, maybe even top 10, you know, they’re going to have a chance to get in and then anything can happen. Like we we talk about the goalending, one of these guys gets hot, you’re playing well, um you know, anything can happen. So I never doubt this leadership group and how they can really turn things around. So again that year in 1516 um you know they they were able to get it done but I think it’s those those leaders that that lead. So it was no surprise to me to see them do that then. And you saw that that leadership firsthand in 0708 when the Penguins made the run to the finals against Detroit. Um and I I would think that that opportunity just to be a sponge was probably uh huge for you as a player. Um because you had a you know not only a front row seat to watch them Sid Latang Min operate but it probably helped you as a player as well raise your level of play. Oh yeah definitely. I think um like I said from the practice to to all the way through. I know Gino was a little different in practice than Sid. He was more like easy bugs. He was me kind of ming and Sakura that 08 year. So, but uh again I think um everyone kind of had their their role in the team and obviously we wanted to bring another championship uh to Pittsburgh. I know you know personally for myself um you know from being a fan to being able to you know wear these colors. Uh you’re definitely thinking of the city and how amazing it would be to be part of one of those championship teams. uh you know unfortunately coming up a little short but again all that experience you know I take now uh and continue to to use it uh even unfortunately my my two boys are in high school I’m talking to them about gut health and taking care of themselves I’m like listen if I wasn’t sitting next to Sid or knew this information I wouldn’t I wouldn’t care I wouldn’t be telling you but it’s just it’s gonna help you you know over the end so there definitely uh a great uh opportunity riding shotgun you know with those guys and definitely learned a lot. So, uh you know, it’s uh it was a privilege again to be able to wear these colors and play with those guys. And you know, I’m jumping I’m jumping around here a little bit, but it it just came to mind uh and and talking about wearing the colors and having relationships. Uh I’m going back in time a little bit to uh I think it was Balkan’s rookie season. I forget where we were. We were on the road. It may have been during training camp or the early part of the season, but the nickname Gino, we were all calling him Evenny to start. Didn’t you have something to do with coming up with Gino? Yeah. What’s the story? Refresh my memory on that. Well, we were I think we were just out and he obviously had broken English and he’s like Guinea Guinea. And we’re like Guinea like Guinea was not a good nickname, you know, was not not good. And then obviously in practice he’s scoring goals. He’s got a big uh curve. So, we’re like, Gino, Gino’s, Gino’s the name. So, uh then it kind of sucked. It I think Andre Wah and I, uh we’re talking we’re all out one night. So, that’s how it came uh to be, I think. Uh so, yeah, Gino, not not Guinea. Not Guinea. It’s stuck and obviously he’s become extremely popular over the last 20 years. All right, so trivia time real quickly. Uh going back to the the celebration of the 2015 16 Stanley Cup season. Um, six players from the 1516 Penguins Championship team were also teammates of yours. Can you name all six? And I I think there may be a little little trick in here. I’m not sure. Our our producer Nick, okay, is uh a little slick. Um, well, obviously the big Yeah, the big three. Okay. Um, and then I want to say, geez, I’m 15 because I remember the ’08s. I don’t know if Orpic was still there. Scader. Oh jeez. Uh, 1516. Come on. You want some help? Yeah, I need some help. Sometimes you have to take a moment to smell the Oh, flower still. He was still here. Come on. Yeah. Yeah. Why? I should have known that one. That’s all right. That’s right. I still couldn’t get the whole list. I could not get the whole list. It’s a good question. Yeah. Let me know when you’re running on gas fumes and we’ll we’ll we’ll bring out the answer. Well, I’m trying to think who else is on the the back end. That would be around from ’08. Um, Scaderi was gone, right? That was No, Orpic is gone. Scader, yes, maybe. Or are you You’re not guys aren’t going to tell me. Um, I’m not here to help you, dude. No, I know. I wish I I should have You guys I should have studied. [Laughter] There we go. Oh, Dup. All right. Hags. All right. Hag. Yeah. Hagglid from what? Uh, oh, the Rangers. Oh, that’s the trick. There’s the trick one. Yeah. Cup of coffee with the Rangers. That doesn’t count. Yeah. But see, like I said, our producer Nick threw us a curse. I would not have not have caught that. That’s pretty That’s pretty good. Yeah. Yeah. Um how many So outside of, you know, the the obvious um the big three and and Flower as well, who are some of the guys that you still you still stay in touch with uh from your time here in Pittsburgh? Well, a little bit uh with those guys. I think in passing, you know, kind of stay connected. I think now um helping out with the alumni, we kind of reach out to to everybody to kind of trying to get us back get the band back together here shortly. I think everyone’s uh, you know, looking for that. So, we’re all excited for those opportunities. Um, yeah, I mean, mostly, you know, life gets a little busy, so it’s not like I’m talking to someone, you know, every month or anything like that, but we’re always usually just checking in on guys uh and see how we’re doing. So, you know, no one uh specifically. So, you know, bringing you guys back to the TV side, uh yourself, uh Max Talbot, uh I I think it’s an opportunity for you guys to to connect again. But these are relationships that, like you said, every once in a while you could just pick up the phone and you could pick up from where you left off the last time you spoke, whether it was the week before or a year before. Is it just that easy? Yeah. Yeah, it is. That’s where I don’t know if that’s just like a guy thing or uh but uh or maybe that’s just I think uh maybe myself too. I I don’t know. I’m not you know I I don’t need to have constant check-ins or or contacts with guys, but I know when we get together with these alumni events, you know, we all just pick up right where we left off. And it’s it’s great uh being around the guys. Uh it’s been great see I mean Army’s always kicking around here. uh you know talking to obviously seen Sid when you’re in town and certain guys just catch up a little bit. So you know I think that’s uh the beauty about the the unique brotherhood of NHL alumni. Um you know most guys even if you haven’t played with them you know a guy that has. So if you bump into them wherever it may be you know at the hockey rink you’re usually saying hi and catching up. Um so I think that’s the the cool thing about you know being alumni. Um, I think there’s only 5,000 of usish alive uh that have played in the NHL. So, it’s a unique definitely brotherhood and and mindset. So, I think we all especially after, you know, we kind of hang up the skates. you know, Glenn and uh Chaser and everyone there at the alumni has done a great job now, you know, fighting for uh some of our, you know, Medicaid and dental and certain things that the the the previous, you know, guys before us may not have the best coverage. So, we’re really trying to take care of everyone um and lean on each other so when you do get out of the game, you don’t get uh you know, left behind or lost. you can always check in and have a place to find support and uh you know whatever help or trouble you might be in there’s a great um hockey hug waiting for you uh anytime you know so we don’t want guys to feel left out because sometimes it gets very lonely. You leave the game and you’re the locker room and you’re used to hanging out with the the guys. Um, and that’s where I think, you know, most of us miss that locker room atmosphere and the magic of, uh, just being accountable each day for each other and showing up for each other. And, um, it’s been, you know, a great honor and privilege to kind of help out with the alumni side to make sure guys are, uh, you know, known there’s information out there, that there’s help or again, whatever you may need, uh, to transition into that next phase of your life, uh, so we can help each other out. So, I think that’s uh the cool thing about our, you know, unique brotherhood. You talked about the brotherhood, the connection, staying in touch with former teammates. Uh, real quickly, I want to make sure we touch on this before we we wrap things up. Uh, your foundation, your continuing efforts to help uh outside of uh the TV work that you do and and the game of hockey. Uh, what what current things are you working on? How can people find out more about your foundation and what you’re currently doing? Yeah, thanks. I think again it’s understand that the magic of that locker room and how important that dynamic is for people to heal and that’s where we are we honor we celebrate you know the veterans and our first responders in our community with uh you know we say hockey is healing so you can go to hockeyy’shealing.org to learn more about the Malone family foundation. Um we got a big event in Tampa. They’re going to let us use Benchmark Arena November 22nd. Uh we got NHL as our our uh you know presenting sponsors to the NHL now is uh understand the power of the hockey community and how we’re able to help bring the true heroes in our communities uh together using our game. I think that’s uh an edge we have on all these other pro sports. There’s not any other sports league that can I think celebrate their heroes in this way. um you know on we get them on the ice and off the ice. Again, we’re talking about resilience and nutrition, all these things I I kind of spoke of uh that I’ve experienced and how important that is for our you know mental health and our well-being. So, it’s just really been an honor and privilege uh to do that. I know last uh May we had a great turnout here in Pittsburgh for our gala and you know this year again we’ll do another uh great uh great event. So, um, you know, we’re really trying to reach out to even other alumni chapters to have it grow. Um, so Philadelphia might be another great, uh, area to start a Warrior Academy. So, we’ll get, uh, even show Philadelphia some love, too. We’ll spread the love everywhere. So, I think I think that’s great. And, you know, the celebrity game that you have at Robert Morris University, uh, has become a huge event and a lot of fun to watch. Uh and again Ry the the the efforts that you and many others uh continue to make uh does not go unnoticed. It really is great and I’m thankful that you have asked me to be involved uh in in a very small way but so thankful that you you think of me and so many others but it it’s a great it’s a great venture by you and and hats off to everything you continue to do. Well, thanks. Yeah, it’s obviously a team effort and it’s uh it’s a we thing. That’s where it’s it’s it’s cool to just get just so many people getting involved and supporting um you know all the the local area teams here in Pittsburgh. Uh you know supporting the Pittsburgh Warriors and then you have the Pittsburgh Fire and Police. Uh it’s definitely cool to to honor the true heroes in our community. So it’s a it’s definitely a privilege and very grateful for the opportunity. So thanks for all the support. Bugsy, thanks for joining us on the show. We appreciate it. Look forward to working with you in the studio in the not too distant future, buddy. Yeah, sounds good. Oh, Lord Stanley. Lord Stanley, get me the brandy. [Music]
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