Pens are elite, on the ice and off the ice

Yes, the Penguins have one of the best on-ice teams in the NHL.  That is for sure.  But they also have possibly THE best front office/fan relations in the NHL, and maybe all of professional sports.

On monday, the day after the lockout ended, co-owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle released an apology.  It wasn't like some might expect.  It wasn't filled with "we are so sorry" or any method of assigning blame anywhere else.  They took full responsibility, and told fans they had every right to stay Angry.  Real classy move.

On thursday, They announced an unprecedented lineup of bonus promotions.  Promotions include free food at games, and half off merchandise.  May not seem like much, but that stuff is pricy at the Pens' home Consol Energy Center.  They also announced that they will hold a contest which will give away signed jerseys, numerous free tickets, partial season tickets, front row seats to the home opener, and even season tickets (yes, season tickets.  Those things you have to get on an 8,000 person waiting list to get).

I'm sure every team in the NHL will attempt something like this, but you can just tell that they are being sincere.  You can tell that they are truly embarrassed of the actions of Gary Bettman and the rest of the villains of the lockout.