Mellon Arena Memories - Brent Johnson - 12-04-09
"Mellon Arena Memories" is a semi-regular feature that will appear in this forum from time to time during the remainder of the Penguins' final season at Mellon Arena. We will attempt to interview several individuals inside and outside the Penguins about the arena which has served as the franchise's home facility since its inception. Today's subject is Brent Johnson.
Johnson is currently a goaltender with the Penguins. A free agent signing this past offseason, Johnson is 3-2-0, with a 3.01 goals against average and .902 save percentage. Prior to joining the Penguins, Johnson spent parts of five seasons with the Blues, one with the Coyotes and four with the rival Captials. He is the son of Bob Johnson, an NHL goaltender who spent part one season with the Penguins in 1974-75.
First Memory of Civic/Mellon Arena:
"My first game here (Marc-Andre Fleury), I think it was his first year. Me being new to Pittsburgh and starting, I kind of skated out, went around for warms up and I went around the wrong side (of the rink). It actually was “Flower” that told me ‘You got to go around the other side.’ That (game) was my 10th win in a row which set a franchise record in St. Louis."
Favorite Memory of Civic/Mellon Arena:
"My first win here as a member of the Penguins. It was definitely a great game, a great feeling. To get it in the shootout, it’s even better."
Worst Memory of Civic/Mellon Arena:
"I had a game where I hurt my knee here a few years ago. Sidney Crosby scored a rebound goal. I hurt my MCL."
Worst part of Civic/Mellon Arena:
"Maybe just the bounces off the glass. They’re the worst. The stems in between, they just seem to pop out weird. I’ve had a couple on me already this season. It’s not fun when you’re going back there."
Best part of Civic/Mellon Arena:
"I love the dressing room. Everything about the dressing room. The way it's very comfortable."