PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — It goes without saying that today the Steel City has a case of Pens fever.

“We’ve been waiting for it for a while now,” said Frankie Grandstaff, manager of Jerome Bettis Grill on the North Shore.

After the months-long lockout, hockey fans have been chomping at the bit.

The home opener was supposed to be Oct. 12, but was pushed back to Saturday, Jan. 19.

It’s been specifically difficult for die-hard fan Heather Karpen.

“It hurt my heart every day to not have hockey being played,” Karpen said. “This is my city. This is what I live for.”

Sports Illustrated predicts the Penguins will bring the Stanley Cup back to Pittsburgh this year, and fan Mike Sackley has the answer.

“Having Crosby healthy is going to be a big factor,” he said. “I think he’s going to get them to the next level.”

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