The Dynasty is Back

Head to the Net’s “Hockey Insider” Saj Karsan has advised me not to make predictions. He warns that in sports, nothing is predictable. No truer words could be spoken, yet, what fun is sports without picking sides? With this in mind, I predict that we have just witnessed the beginning of hockey’s first dynasty since the great Edmonton Oilers of the 80’s.

The Pittsburgh Penguins finally overcame their youth and inexperience on Friday night to win their first Stanley Cup since 1992. Sidney Crosby became the youngest ever captain of a Cup winning team, and it’s only a sign of things to come. For all the leadership provided by Crosby, Evgeni Malkin answered with scoring – becoming the highest ever point scoring playoff performer not named Gretzky or Lemieux. And for all the scoring Malkin provided, Marc-Andre Fleury answered with goaltending. Although he may have had his weak spots during the run, he showed championship mettle when it counted in game seven. Not only did he play a stellar game, he made two Stanley Cup winning saves in the final minute, on none other than Henrik Zetterberg and Niklas Lidstrom, two former Conn Smyth trophy winners.

The reason I label this team capable of a sustained dynasty is that the key players are all locked up with the team for years. Crosby is signed until the 2012-13 season, Malkin until 2013-14, Fleury until 2014-15, and even “checking centre” Jordan Staal is locked up until 2012-13. As long as they can continue to fill the role player positions, this hockey franchise has a very good shot at achieving four straight championships.

Looking for a bandwagon to jump on? Hop aboard the Pens’ train, you’re in for a fun ride.

Photo: courtesy Shaun Best - Reuters