Pittsburgh Light Up Night 2007

Jagr to the Penguins a done deal?

The hockey world was told that Jaromir Jagr would make his decision on Wednesday. As Thursday has come and gone, we still haven’t heard any official statements to shed any more light onto the dimly lit situation. However, on Thursday night we now have a strong clue as to where the five-time scoring leader will land for the 2010-11 season.

Ray Shero and the Pittsburgh Penguins: come on down, you’re the next contestant on the Price is Right! Philadelphia Flyers beat writer Anthony J. SanFilippo of the DelCo Daily Times has been pounding the phones and gives us the most insight into the Jagr melodrama to date.  According to SanFilippo, it’s a done deal with the Penguins and all that remains is the official announcement.

If only that were the whole story.

I was told Jagr has already told Lemieux that he’s going to sign with Pittsburgh and that the Penguins have a huge front page for their Web site ready to go live at Noon tomorrow with a big “welcome home” theme.

Why the delay then?

From what I was told Jagr’s agent Petr Svoboda may have been trying to lure another team into offering Jagr a bit more money so he can put a PR spin like “I turned down more money to come back to Pittsburgh.”

In a situation that has had more twists and turns than a Six Flags ride, SanFilippo’s report could be the beginning of the end for #JagrWatch . The interesting bit is that even though a deal could be done in principle, Jagr’s agent is still working opposition organizations to drive the price up.

Sure, that makes sense. But when it comes out that the only reason for talking is to increase bargaining power, doesn’t that defeat the purpose? There’s supposed to be an actual threat that the player may take another offer. If he’s already told the Pens that he intends to sign in Pittsburgh and they’re rolling out the digital welcome mat, why would opposing GMs even pick up the phone? Would they continue to negotiate in an attempt to drive up the price for the Penguins? Then again, is it even possible for Ray Shero and Co. to feel desperation at this point? Doubtful.

While some of the best teams in the league are championing for Jagr’s services, it’s still worth asking if Jagr is worth all of the trouble. His play started slipping in his last season with the New York Rangers in 2007-08. In the three years since, he’s been less than a point-per-game player with Avangard Omsk in the KHL. If/when he returns to the NHL next season, will we see the player who has steadily declined over the last five years or will we see the player who captured hockey fans’ imagination at the 2010 Olympics?

Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel Window Reflects Holiday Spirit for ...

The scene is set in the gilded window of the splendid Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel on Sixth Street, where Light-Up Night revelers can peak inside to see a sleigh with Santa and a reindeer, two twinkling seven-foot holiday trees, and four gingerbread-style houses up to 33-inches tall.

Santa and his sleigh will descend on a gingerbread city in the hills, just in time for Pittsburgh's annual Light-Up Night festivities on Friday, November 16, 2007. Complete with live entertainment, meandering carolers, various tree-lighting ceremonies and the unveiling of the holiday window displays around downtown, Light-Up Night is an evening meant to kick-off the Pittsburgh holiday season. With 100,000 visitors expected to attend, the city will be bursting with excitement as downtown unites to light up the night. Culminating in a remarkable fireworks display, Light-Up Night results in many happy children and children at heart.

If cold weather beckons visitors indoors, they can take a break at one of the three downtown Pittsburgh restaurants and lounges found at this trendy Pittsburgh hotel. Relax at The Bridge Bar, a nouveau gathering spot serving edibles and spirits with a backdrop of black-and-white photography of the city's many bridges. Sip wine in style at Prelude Wine Bar where restaurant sommelier pours over 50 different labels to be enjoyed by the glass, or order dinner at Opus Restaurant, boasting masterful Mediterranean-inspired cuisine which earned the distinction of being Pittsburgh's top ten restaurants.

Three-hundred luxurious guest rooms offer a comforting end to an exciting evening. Draw your eye to the European "light well," which affords guests with an amazing view of the city's bustling North Shore and the bridges that Pittsburgh is known for. Suited for sophistication, these Pittsburgh accommodations offer individualized service and savvy style, perfect for any business trip, family vacation, or romantic getaway.

From the moment you arrive at the Renaissance Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania hotel, step into the exquisite rotunda, laid with intricate mosaic tiles and original marble detailing, and delight in the opulent public space that creates a grand entrance as well as a charming exit from a bygone era.

About Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel

Welcome to the architecturally stunning Renaissance Pittsburgh Hotel, where heritage and adventure blend into a magnificent landmark.

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