Good morning, dear readers.
OK, enough. The MVP will speak later, and (promises, promises) expect something unique from him in your friendly neighborhood tab.
Could he have granted interviews Monday? Yes. Should he have? Probably.
Is it fair, however, to give him a break after a day-long flight from Moscow, especially after a three-hour practice?
Absolutely.
Clearly, this blog author cannot be considered completely impartial when it comes to Evgeni Malkin. And if Malkin has not spoken by day’s end, then this blog author will hold him accountable. Until then, the MVP says he will speak Tuesday, so we can wait.
♦ Day 2 of camp lines, note a change IN BOLD:
Chris Kunitz-Sidney Crosby-Pascal Dupuis
BEAU BENNETT-Malkin-James Neal
Matt Cooke-Brandon Sutter-Tyler Kennedy
Tanner Glass-Joe Vitale-Craig Adams
ERIC TANGRADI-Dustin Jeffrey-Jayson Megna
Defense pairings are a hot mess, so an executive decision has been made to spare you.
♦ If you missed it, the Black & Gold scrimmage Wednesday (7 p.m.) will be televised by Root Sports Pittsburgh.
GM Shawn McClintock said the decision was made in part because of the enviable fans support the Penguins generate.
“The fans here have given the Penguisn the best local TV ratings the last two years, and you see how many showed up for the first day of training camp,” McClintock said. “There is obviously a high level of interest in the Penguins, so that really was the basis for our decision to put the scrimmage on TV.”
Root Sport Pittsburgh was scheduled to televise three exhibition games before the original preseason was canceled, so Wednesday will provide the TV crew a chance at a warm-up of their own.
Paul Steigerwald will call the game from the media box. Bob Errey will be between the benches. Dan Potash will conduct interviews.
For those attending, the Trib Total Media gate opens at 6 p.m. Admission and parking is free, the latter after 5 p.m.
Cheers,
Rossi
