*Regular Season Finish: 4th in Eastern Conference’*Postseason Finish: Stanley Cup Champions’
When you win the Stanley Cup as a franchise, it’s often difficult to improve a team that has already proven itself to be capable of achieving the ultimate goal in hockey. However, in 2009, it would appear that the Pittsburgh Penguins did just that, continuing to build their already proven roster through some timely and well placed additions.
First, veteran winger Bill Guerin, acquired at the trade deadline, chose not to follow the path of Marian Hossa, and re-signed with the club that gave him the 2nd Stanley Cup of his 18 year career. Following Guerin’s re-signing, the Pens added a major role player in Mike Rupp, who has spent the last 7 seasons banging bodies for the New Jersey Devils. Pittsburgh also added another physical presence by signing Wade Brookbank, who spent last season in Tampa Bay.
On defense, the Penguins lost one of the key parts that helped them win their Stanley Cup when Rob Scuderi signed with Los Angeles. Scuderi played a major role throughout the postseason, making a number of key plays, including a game and Cup-saving stop on Johan Franzen in the closing minutes of Game 6 in the Finals. However, Pittsburgh immediately plugged the gap left by Scuderi by adding veteran Jay McKee, who has been one of the most consistent shot blockers in the NHL for the past decade. McKee has been a defensive leader in both Buffalo, where he spent the first 10 seasons of his career, and St. Louis.
The Pens also added former Capitals netminder Brent Johnson to backup Marc-Andre Fleury. Without any major losses, aside from the aging Petr Sykora, the Penguins should be a lock to be competing for the Stanley Cup again next season.