Way Too Many Ifs
By Tony DeFazio, PSR Editor

IF: a: in the event that, b: allowing that, c: on the assumption that, d: on condition that Merriam-Webster Dictionary

It's only a two letter word, but 'IF' is much bigger than that for the Penguins. The Pens can make a run at the postseason IF everything comes together.

IF Mario plays 75 games. Hasn't happened since 1996-97, the year before he retired.

IF Marty Straka can get through the season in one piece. He's missed 91 games the past two seasons.

IF Melichar and Rozsival finally turn in full seasons as solid NHL-caliber defensemen. The two missed a combined 105 games last year. Melichar's already injured.

IF someone anyone not wearing #66 on their sweater can score more than 20 goals. Aside from Straka, no other Penguins managed to find the back of the net more than 10 times last winter.

IF Sebastien Caron can be a dependable NHL goaltender. Although his play last season was encouraging, his next NHL game will be just his 25th.

IF number one pick Marc-Andre Fleury, 18, makes the remarkable jump from juniors to top-flight NHL net minder. Since Tom Barrasso's rookie year of 1983, when he won the Vezina Trophy as the league's best goaltender, just three goalies selected in the first round saw significant action as rookies. Quebec's Jocelyn Thibault went 8-13-3 in 1993, the Islanders' Rick DiPietro suffered through a

3-15-1 season in '00, and the Rangers' Dan Blackburn was 12-16 in '01. All solid goalies, but not records on which playoff teams are built.

IF a coach with no experience at any level can get a team with 26 players under the age of 25 on its camp roster to play like NHL veterans.

IF the NHL's uncertain future, both on and off the ice, doesn't keep fans away.

The Penguins have a roster full of promising young talent, and I'm more excited about this season than I have been in some time. Watching exciting young players learn the NHL game on the fly should be fun, and watching Mario is still a treat for any sports fan. In fact, if, if, ah, nevermind.

There are just too many 'ifs' to play more than 41 games in the Igloo this season.