Keith Srakocic / AP file

Pittsburgh Penguins fans hang signs supporting the team's quest to get a new arena built on March 8.

Fans and players expressed relief that the team — one of the NHL’s most attractive franchises — would stay in the city. The Penguins began playing in Pittsburgh in 1967, and won Stanley Cup titles in 1991 and 1992. Their home attendance and local TV ratings are among the strongest of the NHL’s 24 U.S.-based franchises.

“I’m sure everyone’s happy, especially the fans,” said wing Ryan Malone, who grew up in the suburbs because his father, Greg, played then scouted for the Penguins. “Even all the guys really didn’t want to leave so, I think, deep down everyone’s excited.”

“It’s going to be nice just to know what’s going on and knowing you don’t have to talk about it anymore,” Crosby said.”

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl said, “It’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh, and it’s a hockey night in Pittsburgh for the next 30 years.”

Before Tuesday’s game against Buffalo, Lemieux walked onto the ice and stood in the spotlight as the crowd gave him a standing ovation, with his name “Mario” in lights on the scoreboard overhead.

A sign in the crowd said, “Hey Kansas City, in case you haven’t heard. The Penguins aren’t coming.”

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