For six Penguins players, plus head coach Mike Sullivan, the upcoming Stanley Cup Final against the San Jose Sharks is the first of two championships they’ll be competing for in the coming months.
Beginning September 17, eight teams will vie to win the World Cup of Hockey in Toronto, and many of the key figures from Pittsburgh’s current playoff run will play important roles in that tournament.
Captain Sidney Crosby will suit up for the two-time Olympic gold medal-winning Team Canada squad; Evgeni Malkin will play for the Russians; Olli Maatta and Finland will look to build upon a bronze medal at the 2014 Sochi Olympics; Sweden will have a pair of hard-working forwards in Patric Hornqvist and Carl Hagelin; and Matt Murray will be one of three goaltenders on Team North America.