Three things to hope for this season

The season is nearly upon us with the banner raising against the Capitals a fine way to open the season as we start our defence of the cup. Pittsburgh are aiming to become the first team since the 1998 Detroit Red Wings to repeat as cup champions. Unlike most teams after winning a cup the  Penguins have kept their core together and only lost Ben Lovejoy and Jeff Zatkoff. This season will be fine to watch and I have highlighted three things to hope for this season if the Penguins are to do well, as many have predicted.

1. Crosby continues his good form and performances under Sullivan

Before Mike Sullivan was brought in Crosby was struggling heavily under Mike Johnston and was not producing anywhere near the expected rate. This was mostly due to the defensive and passive style system that Johnston implemented which nullified offense. After Johnston was canned the speed and skill based system implemented by Sullivan saw a rapid change and the return of a dominant Crosby, feared by all defences. 

Under Johnston Crosby was kept to a poultry 19 points in 28 games whilst under Sullivan he improved to 66 points in the following 52 games and managed to finish over a point per game. Crosby really benefited from the change in system. Crosby is one of the best at quick decisions and he has superb vision. With a fast team others took longer to react giving him an edge. This season he will hopefully continue his performances under Sullivan and, barring injuries, I wouldn't be surprised to see him hit 100 points again.

Typically, after posting this he was diagnosed with a concussion. Lets hope it is a minor injury and just a precaution.

2. The likes of Sheary, Rust and Kuhnhackl take the next step in their game

Pittsburgh really benefited from their young players stepping up when it mattered, especially when they were so unknown which I think really surprised teams. They just couldn't cope with them and when you have confidence, as they did, you can do anything.

With the last season now history they will need to adapt their game as the Penguins speed and skill with be copied across the league. They will need to prove that they're not just flash in the pans either as there are players waiting in the wings to take the chance should it come to them.

3. Matt Murray gets a solid number of games to showcase himself

Matt Murray unfortunately came back from the World Cup of Hockey with a broken hand which means he won't start the season and Tristan Jarry will deputise. However, his injury should only see him miss a short amount of time and he will be able to come back with plenty of the season left.

I want to see Murray face a larger number of games this season, nearer the 40 mark, to see if he is able to replace Fleury as the starter. Fleury shouldn't be a Penguin after this season if we want to keep Murray and this will be the season where Murray needs to stake his claim. He had a good number of games last season when Fleury was out with concussion but I'd like to see him repeat that form, showing it isn't a run of luck.

This season starts on Thursday with the banner raising ceremony against Washington and whilst we will be without Matt Murray and Sidney Crosby, we should be a strong bet to win.