Shero’s three-center model figures to win a few more Stanley Cups

By MARK MADDEN

For months, I implored Penguins GM Ray Shero to trade Jordan Staal for a scoring winger, or for Staal to be permanently moved to wing. The talent imbalance between center and wing didn’t seem to make sense.

One Stanley Cup later, well…shows what I know.

Shero’s three-center model won’t be copied because it’s nearly impossible to assemble three centers the caliber of Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Staal. The intent is clear: Dominate the ice from slot to slot through skill, speed and physical play. Don’t underestimate Crosby and Malkin in the latter department. Sid’s a bull. Geno can be nasty.