The Penguins may not be having a specific banner raising ceremony prior to the home opener on Saturday evening, but they will be introducing a number of new banners.

The Penguins will introduce two new banners celebrating their 2007-08 Eastern Conference and Atlantic Division championships, as well as three others commemorating the team’s history of individual achievement.

Two new banners will list the Penguins’ 12 NHL scoring champions, and another will list their five NHL MVP award-winners.

The Penguins have also created new banners for their existing championships in an effort to create a standardized appearance in the rafters of Mellon Arena.

Overall this is a great idea. The Penguins have a rich history of players who have won scoring championships, MVPs etc and it is something that the team should celebrate. Mario Lemieux and Jaromir Jagr had a stranglehold on such awards throughout the 90's.

It is also the first recognition of Jaromir Jagr's Penguins achievements with the team since his leaving in the summer of 2001. It is a nice nod to one of the greatest European players in the history of the National Hockey League now that his NHL career appears to be over.

Saturday evening should be an exciting evening for all involved as the Penguins take Mellon Arena ice for the first time in a game that counts since falling in game 6 to the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Final. Be sure to arrive early as the "Trib Total Media Faceoff Festival" will be taking place on Mario Lemieux Place starting at 4:00pm.

Join the Discussion: » Comments » Post New Comment

» A Fond Farewell...

» Penguins Primed for Another Run... Idol's Newest hit: Poni, Poni

» Penguins Acquire Ponikarovsky From Leafs... Caputi, Skoula Heading Out

» Pens Notch 150th Consecutive Sellout... Live at Mellon Arena...

» Leopold, Penguins Excited to Come Together...