**Rating system for “Plus/Minus” Series**
+3 = Major Upgrade
+2 = Upgrade
+1 = Slight Upgrade
0 = Same as prior year
-1 = Slight Dowgrade
-2 = Downgrade
-3 = Major Downgrade
Team: Pittsburgh Penguins
2010-11: 106 points, #4 in Eastern Conference
GOALIES
Returning: Marc-Andre Fleury, Brent Johnson
Arrivals: N / A
Departures: N / A
Grade: 0
No changes in goal for the Penguins; expect to see a lot of “Flower in the cage”.
DEFENSE
Returning: Kris Letang, Brooks Orpik, Paul Martin, Zbynek Michalek, Matt Niskanen, Ben Lovejoy, Deryk Engelland
Arrivals: N / A
Departures: N / A
Grade: 0
Pittsburgh will enter training camp with no changes on defense. However, if Simon Despres proves he is NHL-ready, the Pens could potentially deal one of their blueliners.
FORWARDS
Returning: Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, James Neal, Chris Kunitz, Pascal Dupuis, Tyler Kennedy, Mark Letestu, Matt Cooke, Aaron Asham, Craig Adams, Dustin Jeffrey
Arrivals: Steve Sullivan
Departures: Max Talbot, Mike Rupp, Alex Kovalev, Chris Conner, Mike Comrie, Eric Godard
Grade: +3*
While Crosby, Malkin and Staal are technically returning players, they missed a combined 120 games last year. Getting full seasons out of all 3 of their top players would have a tremendous impact on their lineup. Out of all of the players they are losing, the top scorer (Kovalev) put up 34 points. Replacing him will be Steve Sullivan which is also an upgrade to the top 3 lines.
OVERALL RATING: +3
2011-12 Prediction: #1-#3 in Eastern Conference
The Penguins are in a tough division, but at the end of the day I see them as the team to beat in the Atlantic…if everyone stays reasonably healthy.
About the Author
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Written by Corey Krakower
I am the Director of NHL Content & Habs writer for ProSportsBlogging.com; I have spent 8 seasons behind the bench as a minor hockey coach; and I am the future GM of the Montreal Canadiens (according to my mom). I spend my days managing the Harrow Sports brand in my hometown of Montreal and I moonlight as a Hockey Advisor for Pi Athlete Management. Most importantly, I'll throw anyone under the bus for a laugh.
