Second straight Elton John reference to open a recap. No one talks about Elton John enough. Billy Joel gets an XM channel, but Elton John gets nothing. Hard to believe.

Speaking of Billy Joel, the Ducks are in town.

Yea, that doesn’t make sense, but neither does playing a Western Conference team this early.

Let’s go…

Game Notes:

Opponent: Anaheim Ducks (0-1)

Location: PPG Paint Can Arena

Time: 7:00pm

Broadcast: ROOT Sports

The Marc Andre Fleury problem

Marc-Andre Fleury was solid in his first game against the Caps. Our biggest question is, is he the backup, or is he considered the starter? It probably doesn’t matter, but it still seems like an interesting question. When Matt Murray is healthy, we’ll find out.

Until then, Fleury is the guy. Wish they would poll the crowd at Consol to see what the actual support for him is. Some people still really like him, and some people really don’t.

As the year goes on you’d have to think trade rumors will start to pick up. With the impending expansion draft ( you can’t protect Fleury and Murray) the Penguins might be forced into making a decision or even better maybe someone will force the Penguins to make one with a great offer.

Take the Kings for example, Jonathan Quick got hurt and might be out for months. The Kings backup: Jeff Zatkoff.

Not saying the Kings would do something like trading for Fleury, but Fleury’s stock could really go up as the season goes on.

Player to watch on the Ducks

The Ducks have had the same roster since 2006. It’s really hard to even care about watching them.

John Gibson may not even play tonight, but he became the first person in the history of Whitehall,Pa to actually be known for something, that’s a big deal. Gibson played against the Penguins last year and he got lit up. Gibson started the season opener in Dallas and lost 4-2. He may play tonight, but honestly who cares.

Annoying Story lines to watch

• Tonight is the first game on Root Sports so get ready for the Paul Steigerwald victory lap. Over/under on times he mentions the Penguins winning the cup is 29. We’re honestly not ready for this guy yet.
• Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry’s fat faces.  Two of the most annoying players in hockey play on the ducks. They will be the ones crying after one call doesn’t go their way.
• Simon Despres – The Despres trade was once looked at as a loss for the Penguins. Probably not so much now. Despres is hurt again. This was supposed to be a big season for him. Looking more and more like a massive bust.
• Ryan Kesler vs Phil Kessel. Will Kesler try to take a shot at Kessel because Phil burned him and his boys in the World Cup?

Prediction

1. Paul Steigerwald gets choked up talking about the Penguins winning the cup and cries on air.
2. Could go either way on this one. The Penguins speed is a terrible matchup for big teams like the Ducks. The Ducks also have no goaltending whatsoever. 5-3 Penguins.

Don’t be afraid of the ducks: