WINGS AND THINGS

Much needless argument is manufactured on this site and others like it regarding the Penguins’ situation at wing. Debate away. But things won’t change. No significant moves will be made to upgrade the Pens’ wingers. Not now, and not at the trade deadline.

This is what General Manager Ray Shero has chosen: Strength down the middle, mediocrity on the flanks. If Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Jordan Staal can live with it, so can you.

Let’s get this one out of the way: The Penguins will NOT acquire Ilya Kovalchuk as a rental player at the deadline. Even if Shero could maneuver cap room, Kovalchuk will fetch Atlanta far more than the Pens would want to surrender. The Penguins’ future is, indeed, NOW – but you can’t totally pillage your future or give up young wingers who can solve the problem long-term.

Which brings us to…