This week’s “Madden Monday” starts on a somber note as we address the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant.

Mark Madden and I discuss his legacy, his place in NBA history, what made him unique, and the sad memories Pittsburghers may have of Roberto Clemente’s passing as a result.

After that, Mark and I hit on a few items from PiratesFest. Has this new management group fallen into the old ways of the previous regime already? It certainly appears that way. It very well may manifest in how they handle the Starling Marte situation.

The Penguins are on our radar, too, even though they don’t play again until Friday. I bring up a different angle as to why the Pens should investigate acquiring a winger, even though the team is playing well as currently constructed. We’ll see if Mark agrees.

We dissect the goalie tandem as well.

Mark and I won’t have another podcast until after the Super Bowl. So we preview Chiefs versus 49ers, some of the matchups and the gambling lines.

Then there’s the “Royal Rumble” lineup. Mark is less than enthused. He’ll tell us why.

Listen: Tim Benz and Mark Madden discuss the Kobe Bryant's death, Penguins’ return from break, PiratesFest futility and a Super Bowl preview

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