Impromptu Penguin Stalking.

It probably comes as no surprise that I've been a little stir-crazy lately.

I'm always stuck at home, usually with nothing to do. My parents are currently in Alabama and then going on a cruise. I'm here, watching the animals and keeping sharp objects away from my eyes.

So, on Monday, I threw a little pity party for myself at the YMCA. I mentioned how much I wanted to go to Pittsburgh for open practice the next day, but that I'd never go alone. Jenn, being the unselfish, generous best friend that she is, heaved a big sigh and said she'd accompany me.

So, I left the gym, packed a bag, booked a hotel, and we left for Pittsburgh at 9:00 PM.

We didn't sleep very long because I wanted to be at the Penguins' practice facility (Iceoplex at Southpointe) by 9:00. On the way to practice, we stopped at Giant Eagle so I could buy some FLEURY FLAKES, goalie Marc-Andre Fleury's cereal.

We grossly overestimated how many people would be at practice (it was a Tuesday), so we were a bit early. We just sat around, waiting for the players to arrive. Practice, as always, was fun to watch. Only back-up goalie Brent Johnson was missing.

Kris Letang was cleared for contact and skated with the team for the first time since his injury.



Sid looked really physical out there, taking some decent hits from Ben Lovejoy.



Something must have been in the water because the players were laughing almost the whole time. This, of course, means that I took unlimited pictures.





I'm not sure how else to say this - Evgeni Malkin is amazing. Yes, he's gorgeous. His smile melts my ovaries. But, his skill, size, and speed on the ice are incredible, even in practice. Everytime he touches the puck, you scoot forward in your seat. I also emit sounds that can only be heard by bats and dolphins, but that's probably just me.




After practice, we waited in line with the rest of the crazed fans in hopes that a player would sign autographs. No such luck. However, we did learn (via text simultaneously) that Sid will make his return on Thursday against the top-ranked New York Rangers. I must be good luck for him.

When I finally abandoned hope and faced the reality that none of the players were going to sign, we drove downtown and walked around Consol Energy Center for a bit. I took some pictures of Le Magnifique, the new, impressive statue built in tribute to former player and current owner of the Penguins, Mario Lemieux.



We walked around the PensGear store and, despite wanting everything in sight, I escaped having only spent $6. I did take a picture under Malkin's fake stall.



At this point, we were starving. So, we had some Chipotle and headed to Day Toyota in Pleasant Hills for an autograph signing by Geno's right-hand man, James Neal. The $6 I had spent in the PensGear store was on an 8x10 picture of Mr. Neal himself. So, I had him sign it and got another picture with him.





As you can see, the trip was a total whirlwind. Pittsburgh and back in 24 hours. It will also, however, keep me sane the next time I'm picking dog poop off the floor. Thanks again, Jenn!