RICHMOND, Va. -- What might the first quarter-century of the Penguins have looked like, had a slippery road in rural Quebec not robbed the hockey world of Michel Brière?
Might they have built on the success of 1969-70, and taken the next step to the Stanley Cup Final? Could he have provided the difference that would prevent the 3-0 collapse to the Islanders in 1975? Would a bona fide homegrown superstar have put enough spectators in the Civic Arena seats to avoid the myriad financial woes that plagued the team over the decades?
It's impossible to know ... and just as impossible not to think about.
ROB ullMAN / DKPS
For prints and books, including my new comic book 1919: An Old-Timey Hockey Tales Story, visit my site and/or the DK Pittsburgh Sports HQ/shop at 224 Fifth Avenue, Downtown!
