In 41 Days...

  The countdown continues today as the Pens are just 41 days away from battling Ryan Kesler and co. October 9th at Consol Energy Center. Which leads us into the infamous Penguins players to have worn the 41 sweater throughout franchise history. There's a good mix between "eh somewhat relevant", to "who the hell is that?", to "alright, I remember him." Those players include, THE Shane Endicott, Jocelyn Thibault, Nathan Smith, Martin Skoula, and current Penguin, #BangBodies superstar and former #PressBoxHero, Robert Bortuzzo. While the talent pool here unbelievably deep (luls) we chose to spotlight one player from the coveted "X-Generation" and one from the end of the Bylsma Era and hopefully a vital part of the #JohnstonEra. So without further adieu, ladies and gentleman Shane Endicott and Robert Bortuzzo.

Look at that "potential"

Endicott was taken by the Penguins in the 2nd round (52nd overall) by the Penguins in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft. He had two stints with the Penguins, 2001-2002 where he played four games and recorded one assist and was a -1. (He sucks because he had a bad +/-. He was then sent down to Wilkes-Barre where he became an AHL superstar. Endicott finished the 2004-2005 season with 68 games played, 24 goals and 23 assists for 47 points and most importantly he was a +3! Endicott had his second stint with the Penguins during the 2005-2006 season where he played legit half the season, 41 games recording one goal and one assist for a superstar-like two points. He also finished the season as a -9 (so basically he should have been sent to North Korea with those numbers). After the season, Endicott was bought out by the Penguins. You know it's bad when you're an "X-Generation" Penguin and the Penguins pay you to not come back. After Endicott was bought out, the Nashville Predators slid into Shane's DMs on July 17, 2006 and assigned him to their AHL affiliate Milwaukee Admirals. Endicott was then traded to the Ducks for a Denny's Baconalia Sundae. Shortly after the Ducks realized Endicott was bad he was then shipped to Dallas for "future considerations." Endicott now plays overseas for some Italian team that is part of the mafia. While there's not much to really say about Endicott, we believe he would have been a vital part of the Pens bottom six during Bylsma's final hours. #ThatBaconDoe.

What the Ducks gave up for Endicott

   The next Penguin player we decided to spotlight is way more relevant, talented, grittier, and passionate then your favorite porno. Robert now #BangBodies Bortuzzo, formerly known as #PressBoxHero. Bortuzzo was taken by the Penguins in the 3rd round, 78th overall in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft. Bortuzzo played in the OHL for the Kitchener Rangers prior to joining the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins during the 2009-2010 season. While in Kitchener, Bortuzzo and his team won the Hamilton Spectator trophy, which is awarded to the team who finishes first overall in the OHL. In 2009-2010 Bortuzzo went on to play for Wilkes-Barre Scranton where in his first season, he played in 75 games and recorded 109 PIMs (What a warrior). The following season Bortuzzo played in 79 games and recorded 4 goals and 22 assists (Sounds like a Norris Trophy candidate IMO). Bortuzzo's NHL debut came on November 5, 2011 when he was called up to fill in for Dr. Ben Lovejoy who had gone down with a wrist injury. A little over a month later, Bortuzzo was injured on a hit from Flyers piece of shit goon Zac Rinaldo. During the 2012-2013 lockout season, Bortuzzo's role on the Penguins increased as he was known as the 7th defenseman. Bortuzzo's first NHL goal came February 2, 2013 against Martin Broduer, so he will always have that going for him.

Look at that piece of shit Hartnell

   However, despite Bortuzzo's increased role on the Penguins, he did not see a second of ice time during the playoffs. However, this past year saw a dramatic increase in Bort's playing time as 99.95% of the Penguins, especially their defenseman were hurt at some point during the season. He went on to play 54 out of 82 games. Due to all the injuries, he played in his first playoff game on April 26, against the Columbus Blue Jackets after Brooks Orpik went down with an "upper body" injury. Bortuzzo is the new #FreeCandy Brooks Orpik on the Penguins and is not known for much other than ending careers, sticking up for the boys and talking some smack, Bortuzzo is a much needed piece for the Penguins going forward. Now that the Bylsma administration (#GetAlongGang) is no longer in charge and friendships do not matter, look for Bortuzzo to be an everyday guy this season. One thing is for sure, if someone looks at Sid or Malkin the wrong way, Surf Bort and Downie will be there. Stay tuned to see who number 40 is tomorrow.

By the way, before we end today's post we want to give a special shoutout to stripes and our goaltender Hryshko for costing us a run at a banner. As you all know, #BannerNightLiveTweet is a big part of why we tweet and we do it for you, the fans. However, the refs deciding to take this one away from us by a no-call goaltender interference in the 2nd period, in which a similar incident happened to our team which was called. Needless to say, stripes and Hryshko have some work to do before our next #BannerNightLiveTweet. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @ZackMorris82 @YouMeAndDupuis @Bobbles412 and @Kingling43 for all your #BannerNightLiveTweetCoverage.

Horrible Stripes