Looking up to the old man
PITTSBURGH — Gary Roberts pictured a soft landing back in Toronto or with rival Ottawa at last year's trade deadline.
Both teams were on his approved list of destinations when the Florida Panthers shopped the veteran winger around the NHL before last year's trade deadline, and it took some prodding once general manager Jacques Martin completed a deal with the Penguins before Roberts agreed to take his act to Pittsburgh.
Enjoying a trip to the Stanley Cup finals in what could be the last of his 20 NHL seasons, the 42-year-old Roberts is as happy with the Steel City as Pittsburgh's fans are with the hard-hitting forward, who still has plenty of spunk left in a body that often has broken down.
"I haven't played tons of hockey this year, so now that I'm feeling like I've got my health back, I'm just trying to bring some energy and create some scoring chances for my linemates," Roberts said Friday. "At this point, whatever you can contribute you try to contribute and help the team win."
Roberts has been one of Pittsburgh's best forwards in the series and will be counted on again Saturday when the Penguins try to get even 2-2 with Detroit in the finals.
Roberts has had an impact since getting in on the action starting in Game 2. He raced around the ice like a steamroller during a key third-period shift Wednesday, leading to Adam Hall's goal that prove to be the Game 3 winner.
"He's a guy that can go out there and really give you momentum with a big hit or creating that energy that you need," Penguins captain Sidney Crosby said. "When he's out there, every guy on the ice knows it."
Roberts brings energy, excitement and an edge that at best toes the line of clean play. Roberts drew the ire of Red Wings fans in Joe Louis Arena when he caught previously injured forward Johan Franzen in the face with his gloved hand. Franzen, who had just returned after missing six games due to concussion-like symptoms, dropped to the ice and stayed down for some time but was back for his next shift.
He and Roberts would later take roughing penalties, and for teams that hadn't played in the regular season, a rivalry was quickly born.
"I pretty much know my role whatever line I'm on and that is be the first man in on the forecheck, creating some loose pucks, getting some pucks to the net, and taking the body," Roberts said. "It doesn't change much for me."
What did change was his view of Pittsburgh. Roberts cited the way he was treated by teammates and adoring fans for his decision to re-sign with the Penguins last summer.
On a team full of stars like Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Marian Hossa, and even young goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, it was Roberts' name that was chanted in Mellon Arena on Wednesday during the Penguins' first Stanley Cup finals victory in 16 years.
"Dirty Gary, huh? It's awesome," Penguins forward Maxime Talbot said. "I love when the crowd goes for Gary. I think he's a legend in here. I wouldn't want to play against this guy. He's throwing checks out there. He's giving momentum. He's always giving 110 percent. He's Gary."
