Penguins Move Closer To Leaving Pittsburgh

Yesterday, things took a turn for the worse in the Pittsburgh Penguins' negotiation for a new arena, and they notified Pennsylvania governor Ed Rendell that they were declaring an impasse in the negotiations and would begin aggressively pursuing options for relocation.

In addition to concerns regarding the rent payments the Pens would be responsible for, owner Mario Lemieux is also worried about the status of the gaming license that was awarded to Detroit businessman Don Barden. Barden had agreed to pay $7.5 million a year towards the Pens' arena, payments were predicated upon the construction and opening of his casino.

But on Friday, Isle of Capri Casinos and Forest City Enterprises (Barden's competitors for the license) filed appeals with the Pennsylvania Gaming Board over its decision to give Pittsburgh's lone casino license to Barden. This turn of events, combined with the tenuous negotiations between the Pens and the City of Pittsburgh, have made it quite likely that Sidney Crosby and company will be playing hockey elsewhere next season.