By Tony Ambrogio
The Pittsburgh Penguins aren’t stressing while awaiting the arrival of their newest teammate.
In fact, captain Sidney Crosby — who has exchanged text messages with Jarome Iginla to let him know how pleased his team was to have him on board — insisted there was no rush for the 35-year-old to join the team.
“Whenever he wants,” Crosby smiled. “Whenever he wants, whatever he needs. We’re all excited to have him.”
Iginla was acquired by the Penguins from the Calgary Flames early Thursday morning.
After some delay, Iginla had his immigration issues resolved Friday afternoon.
When a reporter joked the immigration people must be based in Boston, Penguins head coach Dan Bylsma smiled and said, “possibly.”
The Penguins’ current 14-game winning streak is something that will put less pressure on Iginla once he arrives.
“He doesn’t have to do something differently right away cause he feels pressure to turn things around for us,” said Brooks Orpik. “It’s a good thing for him. I’m sure he’s going to be fine with whatever role he has.”
The Penguins would like Iginla to practice with the team before he plays a game. With the Islanders in town Saturday and an off-day planned for Sunday, the Penguins hope Iginla can join the team Monday (should immigration issues be resolved) and play Tuesday in Pittsburgh against Buffalo.
The team got some good news on the injury front as well, as goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury practised after missing time this week with a sore neck. He is expected to be available to the team for its game Saturday against the New York Islanders. Defenceman Paul Martin missed practice with an upper-body injury and is questionable for Saturday’s game against the Islanders.
