Monday, August 25, 2014

Alexi Morozov Retires


Former Penguin Alexi Morozov officially has retired from hockey.  Morozov was drafted by the Pens 24th overall in the 1995 draft.  He remained in Russia for a couple of years before finally joining the Pens in the 97-98 season.  Morozov scored a goal on his first shift, on his first shot, in his first game as a Penguin.  Over the 7 seasons he played as a Penguin Morozov netted 84 goals while adding 135 assists.  His best season as a Penguin somehow came in the 03-04 season when he tallied 50 points.  16 goals.  34 assists.  I say somehow because that 03-04 Pens team was as bad as Pens Initiative.  I mean for God's sake.  Defenseman, Dick Tarnstrom led the team in points that season. Anyways.  After the 03-04 season Morozov took his talents back to Russia during the NHL Lockout of the 04-05 season.  He would remain there for the rest of his career.  Throughout his career between the NHL, KHL, and Russian Superleague, Morozov tallied 506 points (209 goals 297 assists).  Morozov could of had a more fruitful NHL career but thanks to the lockout and having to play on the 3rd and 4th line for whatever reason his growth as a player was slowed considerably during his time in the NHL.  Although Morozov never rejoined the Pens after the 03-04 season, he is still engraved into the memories of Pens fans for this goal.  Well not really the goal.  More so the celebration.
Top 5 goal in Pens history IMO.  Also.  Pause that video and look at some of the names on that team.  Jesus.  

Morozov also got the privileged of being the Captain of the 2010 Russian Olympic Team.  Most of Russia probably wants to forget about those Olympics.

Congrats on a great Career Alexi.  Enjoy retirement.

Go Pens 

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