A Significant Return to the Lineup Has CONSOL Energy Center Buzzing
By Matt Shetler
Minutes before the puck drops against the New York Islanders, CONSOL Energy Arena is buzzing like no other time perhaps since the gates first opened.
Could it be because a certain someone is returning to the lineup after a long layoff?
That’s right. Defenseman Zbynek Michalek makes his return to the blue line tonight following injury. His presence should give the Pens a big lift.
Oh, that’s right. That other guy is coming back as well.
It’s been 61 games since Sidney Crosby has taken the ice and seeing No. 87 skate out of the tunnel for the first time is a sight everyone should see. The Penguins faithful let him know right off the bat how much he was missed.
What to expect tonight from Crosby?
The head says maybe not much. About 15 minutes of ice time and a huge lift for the team.
My heart though says to expect the remarkable. He’s that good.
The special only come around once or twice a lifetime, and The Kid is indeed special.
I made the trip up from Charlotte, NC for Mario Lemieux’s comeback game. I wouldn’t have missed that for the world. when Mario scored against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the crowd was emotional. There wasn’t a dry eye in my section; including myself.
Mario was loved.
So is Sid. I wouldn’t be surprised for him to do something special and for the crowd to pour out emotionally.
Crosby will start on the top line in between Chris Kunitz and Pascal Dupuis, but I would expect to see him some with James Neal. He will also see time on the first powerplay unit.
One other item of note, tonight marks only the third time since the 2009-10 season that Crosby, Jordan Staal, and Evgeni Malkin will all be in uniform at the same time.
Don’t blink for a second. Expect the remarkable.