Crosby, Penguins return from long summer

CRANBERRY, Pa. (AP) — Sidney Crosby has been back in Pittsburgh for a few weeks, participating in several informal practices while his Penguins teammates returned from an unusually long offseason. Still, the first day of training camp felt different Friday.

"It's always an exciting time. You're excited to see all the guys," Crosby said. "You're energized by the start of the year."

That's not the only way this camp, in particular, differs. After winning two straight Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, the Penguins don't enter the season as champs.

That said, different doesn't necessarily mean bad.

"It's a good challenge," Crosby said, "and it's fun to be back out there."

After being eliminated with a 2-1 overtime loss to the Washington Capitals in Game 6 of the second round in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Penguins will look slightly different while attempting to win a third championship in four seasons.

Forward Conor Sheary and defenseman Matt Hunwick were traded to Buffalo on June 27. In their place, 21-year-old forward Daniel Sprong has a chance to play first-line right wing next to Crosby and left wing Jake Guentzel and Jack Johnson could bolster a shallow defense after signing a five-year, $16.25 million contract July 1.

Matt Cullen, a 41-year-old forward who was on the two title teams, signed a one-year, $650,000 contract to return to Pittsburgh. He should return to the fourth line after Tom Kuhnhackl joined the New York Islanders on a one-year contract.

Penguins coach Mike Sullivan doesn't plan to approach this camp any differently, though.

"I think training camp is a great opportunity to establish our identity right away, to instill the right habits," Sullivan said. "It's no secret we're a team that likes to skate. So, our fitness level as a group is really important. We're trying to establish that foundation right away."

Sprong, who had 32 goals and 65 points in 65 games with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the AHL last season, helped push the tempo with Crosby during the first practice Friday. He remained there in a scrimmage, where set up a goal from Crosby in the right circle.

"You want to make a difference in camp and open eyes," Sprong said. "I think today was a good first day, but again, it's only one day in camp. There's many days left to go and you have to get better everyday."

The Penguins have seemingly been in an endless search for a right wing that could play next to Crosby throughout his 13 NHL seasons.

Sheary seemed like the answer after scoring 53 points (23 goals, 30 assists) in 61 games in 2016-17. That was before he regressed with 18 goals and 30 points in 79 games the following season.

With Sprong, they might have found the solution. His offensive upside could overcome what defensive pitfalls his game provides.

Even it Sprong doesn't fit, Crosby wouldn't be concerned.

"Whatever the combinations are, I think we're just looking to make things happen out there," Crosby said. "Create offensively. Make sure we get our timing and we're aware of each other out there on the ice."