VANCOUVER — The Penguins have been on the road for 11 days, so they were already eager to get home.

Now, the feeling is a little stronger.

Waking up in the Pacific Northwest to chilling news about their adopted hometown, the Penguins found themselves talking about the mass shooting in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood more than Saturday’s game against the Canucks.

The death toll at the Tree of Life Synagogue reached 11 as of Saturday evening, according to the Associated Press. Six others, including four police officers, were wounded. Attorney General Jeff Sessions released a statement saying “the Department of Justice will file hate crimes and other criminal charges against the defendant (Robert Bowers), including charges that could lead to the death penalty.”

“I’m so sad,” Olli Maatta said. “I don’t even know what to say. I love Pittsburgh so much. It’s a great city. It’s a sad day.

“I knew it was a huge story because I’ve already heard from people back in Finland about it. It’s terrible.”

Mike Sullivan started his daily press briefing with a message on behalf of the Penguins.

“I just wanted to say on behalf of the Penguins organization, we just want to express our condolences,” Sullivan said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the tragedy in Pittsburgh that took place today.”

Sullivan, like most of his players, saw the news on television this morning at the team’s hotel in Vancouver.

The Penguins come from many countries, including the United States, Canada, Sweden, Finland, the Czech Republic, Holland and Russia. A great affection for Pittsburgh, though, is always felt throughout the locker room and was very much on display today.

“I haven’t been in Pittsburgh as long as most of these other guys,” Jack Johnson said. “But I’ve been here long enough to see what a great city it is. It’s just terrible news. It’s a scary world.”

Perhaps the most powerful words out of the locker room came from the Penguins’ captain.

Sidney Crosby, who very much identifies himself with the city of Pittsburgh, referred to the city as “we” when expressing his grief regarding the situation.

“We woke up to the terrible news this morning,” Crosby said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and families affected by what happened this morning. Knowing Pittsburgh, I know we’ll stick together and rally around them, and be there to support and help in any way we can.”

A Vancouver reporter asked Crosby to describe Pittsburgh.

“The biggest thing is the people,” he said. “Very proud people, very proud of their city. Very proud to help in any way that they can. A proud city, proud community. I feel very fortunate to play there.”

Several current and former members of the Penguins sent messages of condolences on Twitter, including Justin Schultz and Max Talbot, who currently plays in Russia.

Deeply saddened to hear the news of the shooting in Pittsburgh this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected. Stay strong Pittsburgh. — Justin Schultz (@6Schultz6) October 27, 2018

Deeply saddened to hear the news of the shooting in Pittsburgh this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected. Stay strong Pittsburgh #PittsburghStrong — Max Talbot (@Max25talbot) October 27, 2018

The Penguins are scheduled to fly home Sunday, and their next game is at home Tuesday, when a moment of silence will be held before their game against the Islanders.

Numerous players said they’ll be watching the coverage on news outlets Saturday afternoon before taking on the Canucks.

“You just don’t really know what to say at a time like this,” Maatta said. “I can’t imagine why anyone would do anything like this. Pittsburgh is a special place, a great place to live. We all feel so awful about it.”

(Photo: Jeff Vinnick / NHLI via Getty Images)