Cash Strapped Penguins Looking Like Fat Cats.

In Pittsburgh, the rich are getting richer. After signing the next Gretzky, Sidney Crosby, the Penguins are preparing to ink the next Mario Lemiux: Russian , Evgini Malkin. Many scouts are already foaming at the mouth over a player many concede is the best outside the National Hockey League: meaning, Malkin is the best player in the world bar none. The Pens must be doing some serious scouting because they have his draft rights. Pittsburgh also own the rights to the sensational, Alexander Ovechin, however they couldn't afford him. consequently Ovechin signed with the Washington Capitals. He ended the season with 52 goals and 106 points. Malkin's Russian club, Metallug, is seeking a major buyout from the financially strapped Pens. The Russians want $900,000 for his contract possibly more. Malkin, however, wants out now and maybe willing to sign for less, but the Russians say they are calling the shots. If the Penguins can pare Malkin with Crosby, it would look like the reincarnation of Mario Lemiuex and Jamir Jagar. A scoring tandem that led the Penguins to consecutive Stanley Cups. With so many talented European hockey players wanting to test their skills in the NHL, the league could experience an era similar to the good old days. A time when Gordie Howe, Jean Belivue, Bobby Hull, and Bobby Orr made hockey the greatest game on ice.