Conference Finals Buzz: Jarome Iginla reflects on being “fortunate” to have had the chance to pick between Pens, Bruins

PENGUINS POST-PRACTICE BUZZ

While some complain about his foot speed in the Penguins system, Jarome Iginla is averaging more than a point per game in the playoffs with 4 goals and 8 assists in 12 games. 12 points in 11 games is 12 points in 11 games no matter what way you look at it, especially when you consider Bylsma has not utilized Iginla the right way at times. Iginla is producing in a top-6 role and he’s been everything as advertised off the ice in providing great leadership ability.

It’s among the reasons Iginla is expected to be right up there with Pascal Dupuis among the Penguins top priorities this off-season.

Following today’s practice, Iginla spoke during today’s media session on being “blessed” to be chasing a Stanley Cup with the Penguins and also reflected on having the chance to pick between the Penguins and Bruins.

“Thrilled to be here, been a great experience here in PIT,” Iginla said. Looking forward to this series, think it will be a great series.”

“When you come to a team as good and deep as Penguins, and really playoffs that’s what’s its about, it’s about whatever role we are given and as a whole group and not just guys coming, but you could see it was already in place, very good team atmosphere here, whatever role we’re given we want to do to our best abilities and you know big expectations and hope was to be a really good team and goal is to win.”

“So, we’re part way there, just keep going focus on this series. Just keep going where we’ve left off, I think we’ve been playing better as a team and we have different guys having  really good nights, and everyone plays hard as a group. It’s been a great experience throughout, blessed to get a chance to come here.”

“It was a little bit different. I’ve never been through that situation before. Had a no movement clause and never left anywhere before in leaving Calgary. I talked to our GM a month before and probably a week or two before, Jay Feaster, then he was dealing with Donnie Meehan {Iginla’s agent} and me. I was asked for a list of teams to see if there was a market and interest among them and gave them a group of teams. After that I was fortunate to hear there were a couple teams interested, Pit and Boston were a couple of them and I was thrilled with that opportunity.”

“You know, I never said yes and then no, it wasn’t a case of that. It was just a case of being very fortunate that both teams were interested and I was fortunate Calgary to give me that chance and I chose PIT. I’m thrilled. I know Boston is a great team and it’s one of those situations when I did it, I knew there was a big possibility we could be in this situation and I’m excited about the challenge.”

Practice Notes: Chris Kunitz was the only Penguin not to practice today. Kunitz practiced yesterday but has been dealing with an undisclosed injury. His availability for Saturday’s Game 1 is not in question.