VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- One player new to Pittsburgh was asking where exactly Squirrel Hill was on a map. Another just shook his head in disbelief.
Even 2,100 miles away in the tranquil Pacific Northwest, the Penguins' thoughts and prayers on Saturday morning were back home with Pittsburgh, where a mass shooting in a Squirrel Hill synagogue has left multiple fatalities, rocking the city and making international headlines.
Before fielding questions after the Penguins' morning skate at Rogers Arena, Mike Sullivan addressed the situation with reporters:
"I just wanted to say on behalf of the Penguins organization, we wanted to express our condolences and our thoughts and prayers go out to the families in the tragedy that took place in Pittsburgh today."
Like most, the Penguins' players say they became aware of the tragedy when they woke up or checked their phones from the bus ride from the team hotel to the arena around 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time.
"Knowing Pittsburgh, I know that we'll stick together and rally around them and be there to support and help help in any way we can," said Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.
Most of the Penguins players live north of the city to be closer to the team's practice facility in suburban Cranberry Township but some do reside in city limits, like Olli Maatta.
The Finnish defenseman was asking for details of the shooting, but says he's very familiar with Squirrel Hill.
"Nothing like this happens," Maatta was saying. "I really don't know how to comment on that. It's been there for a long time now. Nothing like this ever happens. I love the city. It's an awesome city to live in. It's pretty crazy stuff."
Kris Letang, a father of two, said the shooting could have happened anywhere and shouldn't paint a poor light on Pittsburgh or its people:
"It can happen anywhere," the 31-year-old Montreal native said. "I don't even know. There's no explanation for that type of violence. It doesn't have its place, either."
The Canucks will hold a moment of silence before the puck drops for tonight's game.
Crosby, the longest-tenured Penguin and captain, was asked about his adopted hometown and he expressed his pride in living in Pittsburgh.
"The biggest thing that stands out to me is just the people. Just very proud people," Crosby said. "Proud of their city and proud to help in any what they can, whatever it is. I think it's just a great community, great city and a place I feel pretty fortunate to live."
