The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The panel was asked this week their thoughts on Pittsburgh Penguins star rookie Evgeni Malkin making history as the first player in 89 years to score goals in his first six games. Brent Lethbridge: It's no surprise to me as Malkin brings all the tools necessary to the new look NHL. You better believe he will continue to light it up. But this was predictable, I mean he is playing left wing with Crosby at centre. It does not require a Sports Expert to pick out the obvious. I would say the performance of 18-year-old Jordan Stall is something a real sports expert would have predicted. Yes, the young man has the size, speed, and skill to help the Penguins keep on rolling. What a bonus for the management who will be paying minimum salaries for two entry level rookies. The team better roll up some profit now because to keep these three players on the club will be a challenge. Which brings me to the GM of the Canucks who says the whole free agency age issue is a "joke." Nonis advises the money and time spent on "Sid the Kid" in terms of development will be wasted by the time Sid is 25 due to free agency. I guess this GM hasn't looked at the standings lately 'cause the future is now for Sid and the Penguins. It's just too bad they are in the same conference as the Sabres, as they will lose in the conference finals to the Sabres. However, the future is bright for the Pens for another five to six years. Tanner Brough: Malkin has been amazing. If it wasn't for John LeClair laying his first hit in 12 years, this might have happened earlier. I'm gonna take a shot in the dark, but I'll pick Evgeni Malkin for the Calder Trophy for Rookie of the Year right now. He'll be on the all-star team, all-rookie team, maybe even MVP if he keeps his pace up. It won't be long till you see kids walking around with #71 on their back for their new favourite player, and I can't wait to see all the bandwagon jumpers becoming Penguin fans. Hey maybe all of the Flyer fans in town will have a new hero. Anyway, this guy is gonna be something to watch and with Crosby as a linemate they should score goals in bunches faster than you can say Gretzky passes to Kurri. (Sports Editor's note: In response to Lethbridge's comments with Nonis saying free agency is "a joke." Nonis made that statement because once Crosby hits 25, he will have the freedom to play for any team he wants. Some of the big media outlets have already wondered if Crosby will make his way to Montreal so he can play for the Habs, who happen to be his favourite team. While the future may be now, is it possible for the Penguins to win the Stanley Cup within the next three years? The answer to that lies with goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. Once Crosby does become a unrestricted free agent, the same will happen with Malkin and Staal the following year. It may not be easy for the Penguins to keep their fabulous trio.)
