Less than 48 hours after their season ended, the Pittsburgh Penguins returned to their practice facility in Cranberry on Thursday morning to clear out their lockers and address the media for the final time of 2018-19.
The Penguins were swept by the New York Islanders in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Captain Sidney Crosby said he will not play for Canada in the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships, which begin May 10 in Slovakia.
Crosby: Not going to worlds. Wants to make most of chance to rest. No specific injuries, but nagging things he’d like to rest as he gets older.
— Jonathan Bombulie (@BombulieTrib) April 18, 2019
Sidney Crosby on what the Penguins can take from this season. pic.twitter.com/SmazU35SmM
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) April 18, 2019
Crosby: When you get swept and you lose the way we did, there’s always going to be questions and you have to evaluate things.
— Jonathan Bombulie (@BombulieTrib) April 18, 2019
Forward Bryan Rust said he believed this year’s exit from the postseason was more “self-inflicted” than last year. But for those who might suggest this era of Penguins hockey is coming to a close, Rust disagreed.
Rust on the idea that this Penguins era is over: I think they were saying the same things five years ago
— Jonathan Bombulie (@BombulieTrib) April 18, 2019
Defenseman Kris Letang reiterated Rust’s point, saying he “absolutely” believes in the current group.
Letang said he “absolutely” still believes in the Penguins core and its ability to win.
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) April 18, 2019
Kris Letang discusses the just-completed Penguins season pic.twitter.com/RbT62ExhPK
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) April 18, 2019
Forward Jared McCann said he was dealing with a shoulder injury that he suffered during the playoffs.
Jared McCann said he had a separated AC joint in his shoulder suffered during the playoffs. pic.twitter.com/tCfr1otowO
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) April 18, 2019
Patric Hornqvist said his drop in production was a slump, unrelated to concussion recovery.
Patric Hornqvist on if he’s worried that his numbers dropped off dramatically after his concussion:
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) April 18, 2019
“No, I’m not. I just didn’t play well.”
Said he feels no different after concussion.
Hornqvist: Nothing Sullivan could have done vs Islanders. Up to players to score goals.
— Jonathan Bombulie (@BombulieTrib) April 18, 2019
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Phil Kessel on break-up day pic.twitter.com/xye92G2CYz
— Jonathan Bombulie (@BombulieTrib) April 18, 2019
Phil Kessel: “It’s hard to win. You think it’s easy to win (in the NHL playoffs)? ... from the outside world it might look way to win - but it’s not.” pic.twitter.com/TL0memazRU
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) April 18, 2019
Forward Matt Cullen, who is 42 and just finished his 21st season, said he hadn’t made up his mind about whether he would retire.
“It’s a big decision for me and my family,” he said. “In the whole grand scheme it’s not, but for us it’s big. So we will give it time (to weigh the decision).”
Cullen played in 71 games and finished with seven goals and 13 assists.
He said his family would “wear black and gold for the rest of their life.”
Matt Cullen on retirement pic.twitter.com/RozpDfLlTB
— Jonathan Bombulie (@BombulieTrib) April 18, 2019
Olli Maatta on his future with the Penguins pic.twitter.com/7ly573vANA
— Jonathan Bombulie (@BombulieTrib) April 18, 2019
Nick Bjugstad said “losing 4 straight, we’re all bummed, just as bummed as the fans.”
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) April 18, 2019
Gudbranson: Trade to Penguins gave him confidence, encouraged him to simplify his game
— Jonathan Bombulie (@BombulieTrib) April 18, 2019
Gudbranson said he’s getting married this summer
— Jonathan Bombulie (@BombulieTrib) April 18, 2019
