Back in 1995-96, the Penguins boasted a powerhouse team. Paced by the lethal Mario Lemieux–Ron Francis–Jaromir Jagr line, which combined for a ridiculous 158 goals and 459 points (!!!), they came within a cheesy Tom Fitzgerald goal of a berth in the Stanley Cup Final. (Sidenote: Fitzgerald was a forerunner to present-day Penguin-killer Jordan Eberle.)
Naturally, hopes were high for the following season.
In an effort to protect his superstars against aggressive foes like the Capitals and the Legion of Doom Flyers, then-GM Craig Patrick concentrated on making the team bigger and tougher over the offseason.