I woke up this morning to find that yesterday did indeed happen. The worst 24 hours of my sports life have left me pretty devastated, but my coworker and fellow hockey fan Gator left this on my desk:
Delicious homemade Rice Krispy treat heals all.
Fortified on sugar and sympathy, I feel strong enough to write something.
It’s been quite a year for me and the Penguins. I traveled to Anaheim, Atlanta and New York for Pens games. I made my poor dad drive 12 hours round-trip to Buffalo on Thanksgiving eve for a Pens game. We invaded the ‘Burgh for a VIP all-Pens weekend.
On top of that, there was HBO’s 24/7. You all know what that did, because almost all of you felt it. Caps fans, Pens fans… I don’t care who you like (or if you like both, we’re all traitors turned here). That series gave this game something it never had before.
Then Crosby went out. And Malkin. And you would have thought the sky was falling in on the damned NHL the way people carried on. But the Penguins manned up and got it done. What other team faced the loss of 50%+ of their fire power and still finished 4th in their division? Racked up 106 points? The Penguins had the 2nd most regulation wins in the NHL this season with 49 (5 behind Vancouver).
I could go on for ages, but I already have. See posts on Max Talbot, Kris Letang, Tyler Kennedy and Jordan Staal. Sure Tanger went almost as long as Crosby without a goal, but what about Michalek and Asham putting up points? Production came from every corner.
In the end… ugh. The Pens let this one get away a little. I hate to say that but when you’re up 3-1, you should win. So this early summer leaves me feeling bitter and unsatisfied. But in October, we’re getting the band back together and you’d better watch out. We’re coming for you.
I’m proud of the Pens. Hard work doesn’t always pay off and it’s not always enough just to want something so badly. But never giving up is always worth it.
Tags: jordan staal, Kris Letang, Max Talbot, Pittsburgh Penguins, Sidney Crosby, Tyler Kennedy
You said it best, Pants – the worst sports 24 hours of my life actually happened. Truth be told, I’m still more upset about the Hawks. I love the Pens, and they rallied SO MUCH, but just couldn’t get it done. And who could blame them? Really, missing that much arsenal … it’s tough.
Tomorrow is Tazer’s birthday, and I swear, if I see another post-game interview of him all sad and trying to be a good leader, I will never stop crying. What an awful week.
That said, I think these early losses will be great for both teams. They’ll regroup, likely make some roster changes (imminent for the Hawks who need to add some depth and size) and come back stronger than ever. My dream 2012 Stanley Cup Finals matchup? Hawks vs. Pens. Laugh all you want, but I’m holding fast to the dream.
A hawks/pens final? … my head might explode
Way back on 10/6, I called upon the universal to deliver me a Pens/Hawks Cup final. Now we can just have a Pens/Hawks golf tournament and I’ll drive the beer cart.
http://whatsupyasieve.wordpress.com/2010/10/06/were-calling-it/
At least they went out fighting. They played hard last night. They did everything they could have possibly done and it’s a miracle for Tampa that none of our shots went in. So at least it wasn’t an embarrassing lost. Imagine if game 6 would have been the last game. Vomit.
Beautifully written, Pants. It was quite a season.
*sobs uncontrollably*
I’m completely out of options for who to root for now that the Pens are out. I’m contemplating the dark side of rooting for Ovi and Sasha, honestly.
I’m going to go wallow in Kris Letang posts now. Maybe his shiny flowing locks will make me feel better.
Pants – I feel for you. I do. My heart sank when I saw the result.
If anyone wants to turn to the dark side now, can I recommend the Boston Bruins? Lots of French Canadian HAWTNESS to revel in.
Plus we’re playing the Flyers. IN the second round. AGAIN. I think we might need all the prayers we can get. Unless, that is, the boys want revenge and go out to kill those Philly men.
And I will be rooting for the Caps as well. Dawn – don’t you DARE say anything! It’s like the t-shirt from Back to Beantown says – NO WAY TAMPA BAY! You put out the Pens, grrrr.
I won’t say a word Cassy but me likey lots! 😉