For starters, let's all realize what the PIttsburgh Penguins and Head Coach Dan Bylsma have accomplished throughout 87's absence. After your done, read on. Actually, I lied - since I don't really think many people reading this understand what the Pens have done with out their captain, let me recap. Lets start with the man behind the bench, Coach Bylsma. Personally, this is not bias whatsoever, but how is he not considered the hands down best coach in the NHL. Obviously, he deservingly won the 2011 Jack Adams award for Coach of the Year with half his squad beaten and battered. Individuals should not of even had to vote for that award last year, they should of just handed it to Dan. The 'Guins ran up the standings and finished second in the Atlantic Division with 106 points. The closed out the season with 4-straight wins and were looking like they could run all the way to the finals. They were stopped short of this goal by a disappointing game 7 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning.
The summer went on and the team got healthy and came back to camp fresh, wondering when Captain Sid would come back. His delay of returning continued....but all you would read about is the resurgent Penguins continue to pile up points. Now tied for first place atop the Atlantic with the Flyers, they continue to fly around the ice. New addition James Neal is finally showing his talents that he portrayed in Dallas. GM Ray Shero looks like a genius, yet again. But, fear no more Pittsburgh, here comes #87.
Sidney is back and probably healthier than ever. Many fans, writers and some players have criticized the face of the NHL for taking such a long absence. However, if you look at it now - would it of really been worth it to rush Sid back in late March to help the already surging Penguins go over the 100 point mark for the season? What if Sidney would of taken a blow to the head one more time, he could of risked his entire career. Now, it seems like only yesterday Sid hit the ice in the Winter Classic towards the end of the first period after a big hit from Mike Green. Here we are, ten months later. The greatest hockey player in the world will finally lace his skates up in front of the electric atmosphere of the Consol Energy Center. This has got to be the hottest ticket in sports right now, and why would it not be? Sid has torched the New Yorks Islanders throughout his career.
Before his injury last season, #87 was on pace to shatter a handful of records and set career highs. Sid had 32 goals and 34 assists to give him a total of 66 points through 42 games. Unbelievable? I'd say so. I receive Pens Alerts through my phone after every game as most Pens fans do, and I would be lying if I said I was not baffled by the numbers that Sidney was putting up to that point.
So what should we expect from Sidney. Well, he is in top shape as always. He has been practicing, taking hits and flying around the ice. Personally, I don't see why we wont see what we are used to seeing from him. He has waited and waited solely because he does not know how to play any other way then how he had played before his injury. The Penguins, team doctors and Coach Bylsma went through this process perfectly. It may take a few games for Sid to get used to the game rhythm and top speed, but I would not bet against the greatest player in the world.
Welcome back Sidney, we've been waiting for you.
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