In 42 Days...

    In 42 days the Penguins will battle the Anaheim Ducks at 7:08PM at Consol Energy Center in search of their 4th Stanley Cup in franchise history. Which means, Jeff Jimerson serenading us with the Star Spangled Banner is just 42 days away. Which takes us to our countdown as we pick up with Penguins players who have worn the 42 sweater over the years. Wearing 42 were Tuomas Gronman (? lol), THE Dustin Jeffrey, Nick Johnson, Corey (Harry Potter), and Dylan Reese (#Homegrown). Naturally, Dustin Jeffrey is probably the most relevant (still not that relevant) player for the countdown. Jeffrey spent parts of six seasons with the Penguins. However his injuries, lack of production during his few opportunities he was given, and Dan Bylsma made Dustin Jeffrey's career as a Penguin easy to forget.

Not Dustin Jeffrey but close

Dustin Jeffrey was selected by the Penguins in the 6th round of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft at 171st overall. Jeffrey played in exactly 100 games as a Penguin. As a Penguin, Jeffrey recorded 15 goals, 13 assists for a total of 28 points. However, a fascinating stat all you #KeepMattNiskanen people would love, Jeffrey finished his career as a Penguin as a +4 (because +/- is the tell-all stat). Jeffrey was never the same after March 24, 2011 when he was placed on the I.R. with a "lower body" injury which turned about to be a torn ACL and basically goodnight moon for his career, as he never has quite rebounded.

What made Jeffrey a solid fit for the Penguins (if you want to call it that) was that Jeffrey had some size (some) at 6'1 205lbs. Jeffrey is listed as a center but also had the ability to play left wing. Jeffrey, despite injuries was never given a fair chance to play in Pittsburgh because of the million dollar Calgary superstar Deryk Engelland jumping up to offense and taking Jeffrey's potential spot on wing. It's not like Dustin Jeffrey was like EASHL banner worthy, it's just he wasn't given a fair amount of playing time. Jeffrey was known for his hard shot, going to the net and #GettingToHisGame, however, his flaws were his inability to skate fast (like Vanilla Midget Brian Gibbons), his offensive game in general, and lastly playing for Dan Bylsma. Had Jeffrey not played for Disco Dan the Man Bylsma (after writing that I feel horrible and need a shower) Jeffrey could have potentially helped the Penguins. Especially when the Penguins hardcore lacked a bottom six or anything relevant to one last year.

   At the end of the day, Dustin Jeffrey was just another scrub 3rd or 4th liner for the Penguins. However, if he was used properly by Bylsma, Jeffrey could have potentially (note: potentially helped the club, like not guaranteed he would have) helped the club. Either way, Jeffrey was claimed by the Dallas Stars on November 17, 2013. So there he went. Jeffrey went on to play 24 games for Dallas that season recording an astounding 2 goals, 1 assist for 3 total points!! Jeffrey was then signed by the Vancouver Canucks (@Rammer34 you're dead) on July 2nd, 2014. So the end of Dustin Jeffrey's career is upon us as we're sure he'll suck in Vancouver. Stay tuned to see who number 41 will be tomorrow. But seriously, it's banner night on NHL 14 and it's banner time. Follow us on twitter @ZackMorris82 @Bobbles412 @YouMeAndDupuis and @Kingling43! #FireRammer

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Honorable Mention

Corey Potter

Also known as the chosen one, Correy Potter was born on July 31, 1980 and is the son of Lily and James Potter. When Potter was a baby his mother and father were murdered by He Who Must Not Be Named. Voldemort attempted to finish off Potter as well but do to his grittiness and character, Potter miraculously survived while Voldemort died. Many years down the road Voldemort would make his return, after several battles, Potter would finally save to world and finish off Voldemort once and for all. Potter was also known for his exceptional skills as a Quidditch Seeker, the time he saved his future wife Ginny Weasley from the Chamber of Secrets, and for doing absolutely nothing in the one game he played in for the Pittsburgh Penguins. There isn't much else to say about Harry Corey Potter, see you tomorrow for 41, until then...

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