The student news of Bethel Park High School.

Hawk Eye
The student news of Bethel Park High School.

Hawk Eye
The student news of Bethel Park High School.

Hawk Eye

Five Questions Surrounding the Penguins in 2013

Jake McCall, Staff Writer
January 25, 2013

Now that the lockout is over and hockey is starting, there are many questions surrounding all NHL teams. However, the team that seems to have the most questions to be answered is the Pittsburgh Penguins. Let’s take a look at 5 major questions surrounding the Pens this year.

1. How is Sidney Crosby’s head?

When healthy, Crosby has proven to be one of the most dynamic players in the world.  The Captain of the Pens has missed almost a full season of games in the past two years due to a nasty serious concussion.  If he can stay healthy and finish the season, the Pens can look to compete for an Eastern Conference title this year.

2. Can Marc-Andre Fleury stay consistent in net?

Let’s face it, when at his best, Fleury is an elite goaltender in the NHL. However, in recent times, Fleury has lacked consistency.  In the first round of the playoffs last year, the Pens allowed 30 goals in 6 games.  The Penguins can’t win when allowing that many goals, even with Crosby and Malkin fully healthy.  Fleury must stay consistent in order for the Penguins to be successful in the 2013 campaign.

3. How will the Penguins replace Jordan Staal?

In June the Penguins cut one of the most monumental deals in franchise history.  They sent center Jordan Staal to Carolina in exchange for young center Brandon Sutter, a defensive prospect, and the eighth overall pick in the 2012 draft.  Jordan Staal was a great penalty killer as well as a threat on offense.  While the Penguins will rely on the newly acquired Sutter to make plays on special teams, Staal’s offensive production will have to be made up by multiple players.

4. Can Evgeni Malkin repeat his 2011-12 MVP season?

Malkin ended the last campaign, leading the club in goals and assists.  In Crosby’s absence, Malkin gained superstar status, winning the Hart Memorial Trophy honoring the NHL’s most valuable player.  Malkin also tallied an NHL-leading 109 points.  Malkin’s production was key to the Penguins success last season.  Add that to a healthy Penguins squad, and the team could be staring a shot at the Stanley Cup right in the eyes.

5. Are the Penguins going to be able to compete in a tough Atlantic Division?

In past years, the Atlantic Division has always been one of the most competitive divisions in hockey.  Most experts have picked the New York Rangers to win the division because they added All-Star Rick Nash in the off-season.  The New Jersey Devils showed how competitive they can be last year by winning the Eastern Conference.  The young New York Islanders have star-power and can steal wins from top teams in the division.  Also, cross-state rival Philadelphia poses a threat to the Penguins.  With the shortened hockey season, the Penguins could struggle to get wins in a schedule loaded with talented teams in their division.

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About the Contributor
Jake McCall
Jake McCall, Staff Writer
In this world, a good man is hard to find. Most men, shallow men that is, want wealth, fame, a hot wife, a nice car, and a big house. But you need not look any farther than the halls of Bethel Park High School, because there you will chance upon a humble guy, who comes from a good-natured family. In a material world, Jake McCall, a Senior, is a fine man with simple tastes. Jake spends most of his time playing baseball. He’s dedicated 13 years of his life to America’s past-time, a passion of his. “Baseball is my happy place. When I play the game, or even if I’m around it, all of my troubles go away.” Soon to be a 3 year varsity letterman, Jake plans on receiving a scholarship to play in college. His interests include Allegheny College, Denison University, and Washington & Jefferson. A sport-enthusiast, Jake enjoys meeting players of all sports, and getting autographs. His favorite teams include the Pirates, the Steelers, and the Mountaineers. Jake is also hoping to win fantasy football this year with his team, “The J-Mac Attack.” His inspiration is Yankee pitcher Mariano Rivera. Rivera came from a poor family, and not letting anyone stop him, became the MLB’s greatest closer. Jake wants to model his life after Rivera. “He’s a guy who achieved all of his dreams and is humble about it. He didn’t use his success to marry a supermodel, but instead he married his childhood sweetheart.” Jake and Rivera share a simple but strong love of family and baseball. In 30 years, Jake sees himself living the American Dream. “I just want to be settled down, with a wife and kids, in a nice house.” He doesn’t want much, just to be happy. Happiness to Jake isn’t about getting everything you want; it’s about the road to getting everything you want. When asked what it is that he wants, Jake replied, “At the end of my life, I want to look back and say, ‘wow’.  I want to make a difference.” Modest, humble, and friendly, we can all learn something from Jake McCall. He treats everyone with equality and does not judge. Years from now, one could hope to see Jake coaching their son’s baseball team. When it feels like the world is a bad place, and immoral people are everywhere you look, somewhere in a green, quiet suburb, you’ll find a shimmer of light. You’ll find Jake McCall, playing catch in his front yard with his son, and his beautiful, kind wife cooking up a hearty meal in his quaint home.   Written from the heart of Mitch Krieger, Staff Writer