Penguins Wrap: Hockey’s Almost Here; Crosby’s Dismay

Football season is in full swing — yes, Steelers devotees, last Sunday actually happened, just the way you remember it — and that means the return of Pittsburgh Penguins hockey is imminent.

Although training-camp workouts at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex are not scheduled to begin until Friday, a contingent of young players headlined by first-round draft picks Sam Poulin and Brayden Yager already is in Buffalo, competing in the Prospects Challenge there.

Here’s a look at the final full week of an offseason that stretches all the way back to mid-April:

Sunday

With the start of training camp looming, here’s a projection of what the Penguins’ lines and defense pairings will look like. And who might not have a place on the NHL roster.

Monday

The Penguins will have a surplus of NHL-caliber players at training camp. Some of them likely will end up working elsewhere during the coming season.

Tuesday

Newcomers like Reilly Smith and Matt Nieto are among the players participating in informal workouts at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

Wednesday

Like most NHL players, Kris Letang has been taking part in informal workouts to prepare for training camp. But he hasn’t been doing it in Pittsburgh.

Defenseman Mike Matheson, who revived his career in Pittsburgh, takes on a formal leadership role in Montreal.

Thursday

Here’s a look at the Penguins players to keep an eye on during the Prospects Challenge tournament, which opened Friday in Buffalo.

Sidney Crosby, back from the NHL media tour in Las Vegas, takes part in the Penguins’ informal practice at UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

The Pittsburgh Penguins add personnel to three departments.

Friday

Moose Jaw forward Atley Calvert, a 40-goal scorer last season, is trying to earn an invitation to the Penguins’ main training camp with his performance at the Prospects Challenge. He knows it’s an uphill battle. (+)

You asked, he answered. A Penguins Q&A.

Saturday

The Penguins’ prospects earned a measure of redemption with a victory over Ottawa, and Jagger Joshua just might have the makings of a folk hero.

Think fans were upset when the Penguins failed to qualify for the playoffs this spring? Well, so was Sidney Crosby.