Pens Forward Steve Downie Ready To Protect Sidney Crosby And Evgeni Malkin
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - Pittsburgh Penguins Forward Steve Downie joined the Starkey and Muller show Tuesday to talk about his role with the Pens this year and what lengths he'll go to in order to protect Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
The former Philadelphia Flyer explained his mindset for playing alongside Crosby and Malkin after saying that he "can guarantee there won't be any liberties taken on those players this year" when he signed with the team this offseason.
The new Right Winger said, "It's just playing a hard game. If they're going to push around our stars players I think you got to push back a little bit and give those guys a little space out there. I've taken that on my career the whole time I've been in this league. I just want to continue to play my game and do what I've been doing the last eight or nine years."
Downie also expressed his excitement to play on a Stanley Cup contending team and the presence of the pressure everyone feels to win games.
In reference to the team, Downie stated that they "have to find the balance of having fun and keeping a level head through the season. [We] have to relax and have a good time and work as hard as [we] can."
Although hard work is a crucial element of Downie's game plan, he has also assured Starkey and Muller that his presence in the locker room will remain light-hearted.
"I'm definitely not a quiet guy in the room. I like to joke around – I like to make a lot of noise and make guys laugh. That's just something I've always done."
With the pressure of winning games this season, the new Penguin sporting number 23 remains positive.
"I'm excited. I haven't had the chance to be on a team like this before and this is one of the reason's I came here is for that pressure and feeling of winning every night. And I'm just happy to be here and a part of things and I'm looking forward to getting ready here and get going."
Steve Downie
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