Why you'll watch - January
Here's an in depth look at the Penguins' January schedule:
Jan. 1 - At Bruins: Because you'll be too hung over from the night before to play the Brent Musburger Drinking Game while watching USC slaughter some Big Ten team in the Rose Bowl.
[View:http://youtube.com/watch?v=JJhktBHplvg&feature=related]
Jan. 3 - Panthers: Because noted Penguins-killer Olli Jokinen has been replaced by noted Penguins-killer Cory Stillman.
(Photo: Gregg Forwerck/Getty Images)
Jan. 5 - At Rangers: Because a game on Monday night with a 7 p.m. starting time means it might be on Versus and we might get to see the lovely and talented Chris Simpson.
Jan. 6 - Thrashers: Because you might get a chance to see "The Moose" start.
(Photo: Peter Diana/Post-Gazette)
Jan. 8 - At Predators: Because despite their financial and attendance woes, the Predators are one of the most entertaining teams in the league.
[View:http://youtube.com/watch?v=X5_A0E6On8s]
Jan. 10 - At Avalanche: Because this might be your last chance to see Joe Sakic (assuming he comes back at all for next season.)
[View:http://youtube.com/watch?v=zfeh9DtXE7Q]
Jan. 13 - At Flyers: Because Ryan Whitney probably wants another shot at Jeff Carter.
[View:http://youtube.com/watch?v=FBEkUozlg6Y]
Jan. 14 - Capitals: Because we can hope Evgeni Malkin and Alex Ovechkin will offer another dazzling show.
[View:http://youtube.com/watch?v=IZkPn9kjRFE]
Jan. 16 - Ducks: Because Ducks goon George Parros is from Washington, Pa.
[View:http://youtube.com/watch?v=-Yya8PhltLI]
Jan. 18 - Rangers: Because Paul Mara wants his revenge on Evgeni Malkin.
[View:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DN99_E0tLhg]
Jan. 20 - Hurricanes: Because you just know Josef Melichar will record a hat trick.
Jan. 28 - Rangers: Because Miroslav Satan has scored 28 career goals against the Rangers, the most against any team. Only the Capitals (28) have given up as many goals to Satan.
[View:http://youtube.com/watch?v=SSr5cb-McVI]
Jan. 30 - At Devils: Because perhaps we can see Brian Gionta do this again:
[View:http://youtube.com/watch?v=XFEBFyCBL9Y]
Jan. 31 - At Maple Leafs: Because Jordan Staal had arguably his finest moment as a NHL player at the Air Canada Center.
[View:http://youtube.com/watch?v=XzkMn8yBcCY]
Tomorrow: "Why you'll watch - February."
EMPTY NETTER ASSISTS
Penguins
-Bob Smizik says Marian Hossa shouldn't be booed when he returns to Pittsburgh.
-The Confluence of the Three Rivers compares the 2007-08 Penguins vs. the 2008-09 version of the team.
-Eddy Spaghetti found the best picture of Michel Therrien ever. Ever.
Central Division
-Getting tickets to the second Winter Classic won't be easy. It certainly wasn't last year.
Northwest Division
-Former Lightning and Penguins goon Andre Roy signed a one-year deal worth $550,000 with the Flames.
-Former Maple Leafs forward Mats Sundin did not sign with the Canucks.
Pacific Division
-Former Red Wings defenseman Danny Markov will not be signing with the Kings.