Potash Postcards

Sid and Fleury catching some Z's on the long flight to Sweden.

2008-09-29T05:52:31Z

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Sid and Fleury catching some Z's on the long flight to Sweden.

Dupuis and Talbot decided to watch a movie on the flight, though they would later sleep as well. Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T05:57:44Z

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Dupuis and Talbot decided to watch a movie on the flight, though they would later sleep as well. Photo by Dan Potash

The sun was coming up toward the end of the flight, but Staal and Orpik were still out cold. Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T05:57:44Z

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The sun was coming up toward the end of the flight, but Staal and Orpik were still out cold. Photo by Dan Potash

Finally we arrive in Sweden! (Sykora and Sid getting off the plane.) Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T05:57:44Z

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Finally we arrive in Sweden! (Sykora and Sid getting off the plane.) Photo by Dan Potash

Our luggage was pulled off for us so it was straight to the bus (Gill getting on the bus). Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T06:06:06Z

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Our luggage was pulled off for us so it was straight to the bus (Gill getting on the bus). Photo by Dan Potash

Fedotenko and others got a chance to check out the Globe Arena before practice. Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T05:57:44Z

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Fedotenko and others got a chance to check out the Globe Arena before practice. Photo by Dan Potash

Fleury and other looking at the ice surface at the Globe, which was still being finished. Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T05:57:44Z

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Fleury and other looking at the ice surface at the Globe, which was still being finished. Photo by Dan Potash

Staal gets ready for practice. Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T05:57:45Z

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Staal gets ready for practice. Photo by Dan Potash

Penguins take the ice at Hovet Arena Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T05:57:45Z

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Penguins take the ice at Hovet Arena Photo by Dan Potash

Therrien, Shero and others watch practice. Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T05:57:45Z

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Therrien, Shero and others watch practice. Photo by Dan Potash

The sun sets on the water just outside the hotel, ending a very long day of travel. Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T05:57:45Z

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The sun sets on the water just outside the hotel, ending a very long day of travel. Photo by Dan Potash

Time to eat! We ran into Sid, Talbot and Dupuis at our restaurant in nearby "Old Town." Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T05:57:45Z

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Time to eat! We ran into Sid, Talbot and Dupuis at our restaurant in nearby "Old Town." Photo by Dan Potash

Rob Scuderi gets his stick ready for practice at Hovet Arena. Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T06:06:06Z

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Rob Scuderi gets his stick ready for practice at Hovet Arena. Photo by Dan Potash

Marc-Andre Fleury and the boys also prep for the morning skate. Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T06:06:06Z

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Marc-Andre Fleury and the boys also prep for the morning skate. Photo by Dan Potash

A golf ball is not the same as a puck, but it will have to do for Paul Bissonnette. Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T06:06:06Z

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A golf ball is not the same as a puck, but it will have to do for Paul Bissonnette. Photo by Dan Potash

Trainer Chris Stewart works on goaltender John Curry. Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-30T23:48:54Z

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Trainer Chris Stewart works on goaltender John Curry. Photo by Dan Potash

During practice Bob Errey bumps into former Penguins defenseman and Stockholm native Dick Tarnstrom. Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T06:06:06Z

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During practice Bob Errey bumps into former Penguins defenseman and Stockholm native Dick Tarnstrom. Photo by Dan Potash

Meanwhile next door at the Globe Arena, the ice surface is slowly coming together. Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T06:06:06Z

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Meanwhile next door at the Globe Arena, the ice surface is slowly coming together. Photo by Dan Potash

This is the "Vasa"....a 17th century gun ship that is almost fully intact inside the Vasa Museum. The Pens were given a tour after practice. Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T06:06:06Z

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This is the "Vasa"....a 17th century gun ship that is almost fully intact inside the Vasa Museum. The Pens were given a tour after practice. Photo by Dan Potash

Matt Cooke, Miraslav Satan, and Ruslan Fedotenko listen in.....(but keep an eye on Cooke). Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T06:06:06Z

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Matt Cooke, Miraslav Satan, and Ruslan Fedotenko listen in.....(but keep an eye on Cooke). Photo by Dan Potash

I did not, and he messed with my camera man and his gear! Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T06:06:06Z

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I did not, and he messed with my camera man and his gear! Photo by Dan Potash

The tour continued with Jordan Staal and Jeff Taffe. Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T06:06:06Z

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The tour continued with Jordan Staal and Jeff Taffe. Photo by Dan Potash

The Pens got a bird-eye view. It was hard for me to get the whole shot (it's a pretty big ship). Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T06:06:06Z

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The Pens got a bird-eye view. It was hard for me to get the whole shot (it's a pretty big ship). Photo by Dan Potash

Sidney Crosby gets one last look as the tour comes to a close. Photo by Dan Potash

2008-09-29T06:06:06Z

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Sidney Crosby gets one last look as the tour comes to a close. Photo by Dan Potash

No practice today. Ray Shero talks about the injury to Sergei Gonchar that will keep him out 4-6 months. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:00:38Z

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No practice today. Ray Shero talks about the injury to Sergei Gonchar that will keep him out 4-6 months. Photo by Dan Potash.

The team gathers for the scavenger hunt. Players are split into 6 teams. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:02:36Z

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The team gathers for the scavenger hunt. Players are split into 6 teams. Photo by Dan Potash.

The team of Staal, Orpik, Cooke and Taffe begin assembling a box from Ikea, which they must do before they begin the hunt. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:02:36Z

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The team of Staal, Orpik, Cooke and Taffe begin assembling a box from Ikea, which they must do before they begin the hunt. Photo by Dan Potash.

We decide to follow this group, and they are the first to reach stop # 1, climb to the top of City Hall (trust me, this was not easy), and take a photo with the Sweden flag and the Viking he ...

2008-09-30T06:02:36Z

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We decide to follow this group, and they are the first to reach stop # 1, climb to the top of City Hall (trust me, this was not easy), and take a photo with the Sweden flag and the Viking he ...

The photo was so good, Brooks and I decided to snap another one. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:02:36Z

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The photo was so good, Brooks and I decided to snap another one. Photo by Dan Potash.

The team begins the march to Stockholm Castle (This was stop # 2). Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:02:36Z

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The team begins the march to Stockholm Castle (This was stop # 2). Photo by Dan Potash.

That is where we bumped into Fleury, Dupuis and Sydor. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:02:36Z

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That is where we bumped into Fleury, Dupuis and Sydor. Photo by Dan Potash.

We continue through Old Town on the way to the Gondolen. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:02:36Z

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We continue through Old Town on the way to the Gondolen. Photo by Dan Potash.

That is where Cooke and Janne Pesonen's team ask a local for help. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:02:36Z

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That is where Cooke and Janne Pesonen's team ask a local for help. Photo by Dan Potash.

We do find the Gondolen (where some of Sweden's finest chefs cook) and that's where Sid and others had a bite to eat. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:02:36Z

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We do find the Gondolen (where some of Sweden's finest chefs cook) and that's where Sid and others had a bite to eat. Photo by Dan Potash.

We leave the Gondolen (that's it above us) and head for the water. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:02:36Z

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We leave the Gondolen (that's it above us) and head for the water. Photo by Dan Potash.

Time for a boat ride, where Orpik and the Viking helmet wave goodbye. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:04:44Z

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Time for a boat ride, where Orpik and the Viking helmet wave goodbye. Photo by Dan Potash.

Cooke and Staal take a look overboard as we head to Skansen (Stockholm's Zoo). This is the final stop. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:25:51Z

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Cooke and Staal take a look overboard as we head to Skansen (Stockholm's Zoo). This is the final stop. Photo by Dan Potash.

When we arrive, Cooke's group and Eaton's group decide to work together. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:26:04Z

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When we arrive, Cooke's group and Eaton's group decide to work together. Photo by Dan Potash.

We get a little help as we move toward our final stop. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:26:03Z

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We get a little help as we move toward our final stop. Photo by Dan Potash.

Trust me when I say the photo opportunities are endless. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:26:08Z

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Trust me when I say the photo opportunities are endless. Photo by Dan Potash.

Our final stop is taking a picture with a Moose. (Janne has made a new friend.) Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:26:28Z

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Our final stop is taking a picture with a Moose. (Janne has made a new friend.) Photo by Dan Potash.

Both teams then bus it back to the hotel (the finish line). Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:26:24Z

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Both teams then bus it back to the hotel (the finish line). Photo by Dan Potash.

Since both teams arrived at the same time, questions asked earlier will break the tie (winner will be announced later tonight). Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:26:33Z

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Since both teams arrived at the same time, questions asked earlier will break the tie (winner will be announced later tonight). Photo by Dan Potash.

Durgarden is playing at Hovet Arena, so we decide to check it out. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:26:57Z

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Durgarden is playing at Hovet Arena, so we decide to check it out. Photo by Dan Potash.

They score a goal early in the first. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:27:11Z

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They score a goal early in the first. Photo by Dan Potash.

As you can see, fans take their hockey seriously here. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:27:01Z

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As you can see, fans take their hockey seriously here. Photo by Dan Potash.

Look....I found Fleury's old pads!! Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:27:16Z

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Look....I found Fleury's old pads!! Photo by Dan Potash.

Ray Shero is also in attendance. Photo by Dan Potash.

2008-09-30T06:27:34Z

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Ray Shero is also in attendance. Photo by Dan Potash.

Sidney Crosby still making headlines on the other side of the world.

2008-10-01T00:56:41Z

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Sidney Crosby still making headlines on the other side of the world.

The boys board the bus at 9:30 for today's skate at 11am.

2008-10-01T01:17:43Z

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The boys board the bus at 9:30 for today's skate at 11am.

Penguins take the ice at the Globen Arena (site of this weekends games) for the first time.

2008-10-01T01:17:43Z

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Penguins take the ice at the Globen Arena (site of this weekends games) for the first time.

Michel Therrien speaks with the team at center ice.

2008-10-01T01:17:43Z

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Michel Therrien speaks with the team at center ice.

Petr Sykora returns to action after missing the first few days of practice with a cold.

2008-10-01T01:17:43Z

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Petr Sykora returns to action after missing the first few days of practice with a cold.

Djurgaren is back to watch Pens practice for a second time.

2008-10-01T01:17:43Z

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Djurgaren is back to watch Pens practice for a second time.

All kinds of action in front of Marc-Andre Fleury.

2008-10-01T01:17:43Z

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All kinds of action in front of Marc-Andre Fleury.

Mario Lemieux takes in practice, and is interviewed by a Sweden TV station.

2008-10-01T01:19:49Z

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Mario Lemieux takes in practice, and is interviewed by a Sweden TV station.

Alex Goligoski may see more action with Sergei Gonchar out.

2008-10-01T01:17:43Z

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Alex Goligoski may see more action with Sergei Gonchar out.

The same holds true for Kris Letang.

2008-10-01T01:17:43Z

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The same holds true for Kris Letang.

Mike Yeo draws up another drill.

2008-10-01T01:17:43Z

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Mike Yeo draws up another drill.

Therrien keeps a close eye on his team.

2008-10-01T01:17:43Z

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Therrien keeps a close eye on his team.

Max Talbot did not practice (bruised leg,) and will not play tomorrow in Finland.

2008-10-01T01:17:43Z

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Max Talbot did not practice (bruised leg,) and will not play tomorrow in Finland.

Sidney still can't get a break.

2008-10-01T01:17:43Z

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Sidney still can't get a break.

Sorry to report that my memory card lost ALL the photos from Thursday's trip to Helsinki. I was going to buy a new one here today but "PROBABLY" should look elsewhere!!

2008-10-02T23:30:12Z

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Sorry to report that my memory card lost ALL the photos from Thursday's trip to Helsinki. I was going to buy a new one here today but "PROBABLY" should look elsewhere!!

Okay the camera is good to go today, and mother nature is playing nice after a day of rain.

2008-10-02T23:36:00Z

pittsburghlive
Okay the camera is good to go today, and mother nature is playing nice after a day of rain.

Big day for us to shoot video around town for our upcoming special on FSN.

2008-10-02T23:36:00Z

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Big day for us to shoot video around town for our upcoming special on FSN.

I also decided to snap some shots just outside of Old Town.

2008-10-02T23:36:00Z

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I also decided to snap some shots just outside of Old Town.

Like I said...where do you stop?

2008-10-02T23:36:00Z

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Like I said...where do you stop?

Tour buses are running 24/7 here.

2008-10-02T23:36:00Z

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Tour buses are running 24/7 here.

I just couldn't resist. Back with more pics after practice!

2008-10-02T23:36:00Z

pittsburghlive
I just couldn't resist. Back with more pics after practice!

Fans take in the Pens open practice at the Globe Arena Friday afternoon.

2008-10-04T10:05:32Z

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Fans take in the Pens open practice at the Globe Arena Friday afternoon.

Yes...Penguins nation is in the house!

2008-10-04T10:06:07Z

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Yes...Penguins nation is in the house!

The boys try and put on a good show.

2008-10-04T10:06:27Z

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The boys try and put on a good show.

Sidney grabs the headlines this morning.

2008-10-04T10:10:51Z

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Sidney grabs the headlines this morning.

Game day......what else needs to be said.

2008-10-04T10:11:12Z

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Game day......what else needs to be said.

New colors for Ruutu.

2008-10-04T10:11:20Z

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New colors for Ruutu.

Pens get in their first morning skate of the season.

2008-10-04T10:11:25Z

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Pens get in their first morning skate of the season.

Michel Therrien and Mike Yeo watch closely.

2008-10-04T10:11:37Z

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Michel Therrien and Mike Yeo watch closely.

A local heavy metal band was part of the pregame entertainment Saturday night.

2008-10-05T09:13:43Z

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A local heavy metal band was part of the pregame entertainment Saturday night.

FSN's crew...Lowell (producer,) along with Bobby and Steigy are getting ready!

2008-10-05T09:13:43Z

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FSN's crew...Lowell (producer,) along with Bobby and Steigy are getting ready!

The 29er is always ready!

2008-10-05T09:13:43Z

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The 29er is always ready!

Some fans brought signs from Pittsburgh.

2008-10-05T09:13:43Z

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Some fans brought signs from Pittsburgh.

Others decided to bring a little more.

2008-10-05T09:13:43Z

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Others decided to bring a little more.

Sweden native Mats Sundin speaks to media before dropping the puck.

2008-10-05T09:13:43Z

pittsburghlive
Sweden native Mats Sundin speaks to media before dropping the puck.

Pens take the ice for the second period.

2008-10-05T09:13:43Z

pittsburghlive
Pens take the ice for the second period.

Tyler Kennedy is my first Penguins post game interview of the season!

2008-10-05T09:13:43Z

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Tyler Kennedy is my first Penguins post game interview of the season!

Geno speaks to a reporter after scoring a goal in Saturday's win.

2008-10-06T00:23:32Z

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Geno speaks to a reporter after scoring a goal in Saturday's win.

Michel Therrien talks about the Pens 4-3 win.

2008-10-05T09:20:22Z

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Michel Therrien talks about the Pens 4-3 win.

Daniel Alfredsson talks about the loss with the media from Sweden.

2008-10-05T09:16:37Z

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Daniel Alfredsson talks about the loss with the media from Sweden.

More headlines, more Sid in the Sunday paper.

2008-10-06T00:31:02Z

pittsburghlive
More headlines, more Sid in the Sunday paper.

The best training and equipment staff the NHL has to offer takes a team photo.

2008-10-06T00:31:11Z

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The best training and equipment staff the NHL has to offer takes a team photo.

Gary Bettman addresses the media before game two.

2008-10-06T00:31:22Z

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Gary Bettman addresses the media before game two.

NHL off ice officials from Pittsburgh are in the house.

2008-10-06T00:31:28Z

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NHL off ice officials from Pittsburgh are in the house.

Crosby during the National Anthem.

2008-10-06T00:31:37Z

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Crosby during the National Anthem.

Talbot and Fleury do that "thing" they do before the second period.

2008-10-06T00:31:50Z

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Talbot and Fleury do that "thing" they do before the second period.

We leave the team hotel around 6pm, and arrive at the airport just before 7pm.

2008-10-07T04:41:46Z

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We leave the team hotel around 6pm, and arrive at the airport just before 7pm.

After going through customs, we have a little time to kill before getting on the plane.

2008-10-07T04:41:27Z

pittsburghlive
After going through customs, we have a little time to kill before getting on the plane.

Time to board our 767 for the eight and a half hour flight home.

2008-10-07T04:41:48Z

pittsburghlive
Time to board our 767 for the eight and a half hour flight home.

Taffe and Eaton eat up the time with a movie.

2008-10-07T04:41:41Z

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Taffe and Eaton eat up the time with a movie.

Others just hang out.....(we had all kinds of room!)

2008-10-07T04:41:39Z

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Others just hang out.....(we had all kinds of room!)

Home at last....at about 12:30am! Hope you enjoy the photos, see you Saturday night at Mellon Arena!

2008-10-07T04:41:47Z

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Home at last....at about 12:30am! Hope you enjoy the photos, see you Saturday night at Mellon Arena!