As promised, here’s the second installment of my 10 11 favorite Penguins of all-time. To repeat, this compilation isn’t based on talent, ability or impact. Just the players who, for purely personal reasons, I liked the best.
RON FRANCIS (1991-98)
By his own admission, Ron Francis wasn’t the fastest skater in the world. Nor the most talented player.
How, then, did he wind up as the fifth-leading point getter in NHL history and a Hall-of-Famer to boot?
For starters, with the possible exception of Sidney Crosby, Francis thought the game better than anyone I’ve ever seen. He had an uncanny knack for being at the right place at the right time. Look up Johnny-on-the-spot (Ronnie-on-the-spot?) in the dictionary, and you’ll find a photo of Francis. His work ethic, instilled by parents Ron and Lorita? Off the charts. To say nothing of his character, which was exemplary.
Acquired by GM Craig Patrick in a blockbuster six-player trade with Hartford in the spring of ’91 that became known in Penguins lore as “The Trade,” Francis had an immediate positive impact.
“Ronnie just had an uncanny way of settling things down whenever we got a little bit scrambled,” said the Ol’ Two-Niner, Phil Bourque.
