2011-12 record: 51-25-6 (108 points)
Lost to Philadelphia in Conference quarterfinals
Captain: Sidney Crosby
For a while last year, the Penguins were battling the New York Rangers for the Atlantic Division, and they figure to do so again this year. However, the playoffs rolled around, and the Penguins folded faster than you could read this sentence. The most obvious question mark is Sidney Crosby, who will have to show that he's fully over his concussion issues. Yes, he is still a game changer, but he can't change the game from the press box. Evgeni Malkin is the team's best player (until Crosby can prove he can play an entire season again), and the Hart Trophy is proof of that. The team won't have Jordan Staal, as he was flipped for Brandon Sutter, Brian Dumolin, and a pick that became Derrick Pouliot. The only real dropoff in that trade is one of talent, but Sutter will slide into the third line center role seamlessly. Defense is an issue outside of Kris Letang, as evidenced by the team's pursuit of Ryan Suter. Yes, there are prospects, but no truly proven commodities at this point. Marc-Andre Fleury was great in the regular season, but he too, folded in the playoffs. Too much time on the ice was part of the issue, and Tomas Vokoun should shoulder some of the load.
Prediction: 4th in the East
Band: Iced Earth
A lot people love Iced Earth, but a lot of people hate Iced Earth, too. The Penguins are in a similar boat.
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