Marleau hoping to capitalize on 'great opportunity' with Penguins

Pittsburgh Penguins forward Patrick Marleau is itching for a chance to compete for the Stanley Cup with his new club.

"It's a great opportunity for myself to get another shot at winning the Cup with the Penguins," Marleau said during a Zoom call on Monday. "Everything has been great with the organization, they've helped every step of the way. I'm looking forward to getting out of the house, and get back to normal and get out there and start playing again."

The Penguins acquired Marleau at the February trade deadline, but the 40-year-old veteran appeared in just eight games with the team before the season was suspended March 12 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Competing in his 22nd NHL campaign, Marleau ranks fifth all time in regular-season games played (1,723) and has suited up in an additional 191 playoff contests, but he's yet to capture a championship.

Despite his quest for the Cup, Marleau understands public safety remains the No. 1 priority and encouraged everyone to follow the appropriate protocol while self-isolating.

"Wash your hands for 20 seconds, don't touch your face when you go out. If you do have to go out to the grocery store do the essentials only and practice social distancing. I think the sooner we do all the right things, the sooner we'll be able to be in front of the fans and enjoy playing again and being with the fans."

Led by franchise talents Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins have captured three Stanley Cups since 2009, including back-to-back titles in 2016 and '17, with the former coming against Marleau's old team, the San Jose Sharks.

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