Tuesday, June 25, 2013

How the west was won.

So last night the Hawks took back the cup and I had a dream that Kris Letang was annouced as a contestent on next season's Dancing with the Stars.


Congrats Chicago. Last night's game proved how a hockey game can change in seconds (17 to be exact) and anything can happen. It must have been awful to be a Boston fan at that game and watch the Hawks hoist the cup, but if any team was going to win the cup this year besides Pittsburgh, I'm glad it was Chicago. Not because I particularly like Chicago (I actually don't care either way about them-- although I still like saying Hossssssa from when he was a Pen and I'm constantly saying "Patrick Kane, the hockey player?"), but you can't argue that they were the best team of the season. Their record and their point streak reflected that. So congrats and enjoy your cup. We hope to take it from you next year.

As for Letang, while I don't see him making an appearance on DWTS, I also don't see him staying a Penguin. It breaks my heart to say, but all signs point to him leaving. I hope I'm (and the media) is wrong, but if he leaves pleeeeaaase let him go to the Western Conference.

Monday, June 17, 2013

NHL Awards

While the thought of Alex Ovechkin or PK Subban winning awards leaves a nasty taste in my mouth, it was nice to see two awards go to the Pens organzation. Congrats to GM of the year Ray Shero as well as Sid for the Ted Linsday (the players choice for outstanding player).


That's the ninth time a Penguin has won it- the most of any organization. So can we simmer down about Crosby's overratedness for a while? Clearly his peers think he's pretty great.

And Ray, while you're at being best GM, can you do your magic and resign/keep Kris Letang? Thanks.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

My team is out, so why am I tired?

So that's what it's like to watch a hockey game without having heart palpitations. It wasn't calm, to say the least, as it went into a third overtime. But not having a stake in the outcome let me sit back and enjoy well-played hockey. Both teams' goalies looked outstanding as ever. It really was hockey at its finest. I won't lie, it was nice to see Chicago take that game, but I see a long hard battle for both teams. I have no prediction as to who'll walk away with this cup.

In Pens news, this was just posted on NHL's site:

"The Pittsburgh Penguins have agreed to terms with forward Evgeni Malkin on an eight-year $76 million contract extension, it was announced today by executive vice president and general manager Ray Shero.

The deal begins with the 2014-15 season and runs through the 2021-22 campaign, and has an average annual value of $9.5 million. He will earn $9.5 million for each of the eight seasons."

9.5 million! There are no words but "wow." And why didn't I marry a professional hockey player? (love you, Mark).


So are we Geno. So are we.

And then there's the contact extension of coach Bylsma. I'm happy about it. I think he's done a better than fine job with his team and deserves to be there.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

And Scene.

A sweep. A shut out. A defeat. A loss for words. It's too early to wish the Bruins well and mean it, but they earned a spot in that final. We didn't. It's not worth my trying to figure out why that was- that's for Ray, Mario, Dan and the rest of the Pens organization to dissect. But right now I'm sad and embarrassed that this was the end result. Sure, they made it to the Eastern Conference finals, there's certainly something to be said for that. But the team I watched during the regular season did not show up for this series. 

I'll miss my team during this offseason and hope that next year is finally "our year." The beauty of hockey is that it'll be back before I know it, but what that team's roster (and even coaching staff) will look like is unclear. See you in October, boys.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Is this really happening?!

I prayed for a miracle, but even Jesus had to eventually go to sleep.

Two cities (and their corresponding fans) woke up this morning exhausted. After  two gut (and heart) wrenching OTs, one city is elated, while the other is cranky. I'm cranky.


I asked for at least a good show, and a good show we got. Even if it meant the game carrying over to the next day, and even though it ultimately meant a loss. We fought hard and looked much better than the two prior games. We outshot, won the majority of the regulation face offs, but we still didn't have the same rhythm withnessed during the regular season. And this guy is playing like he's not from this planet.


Pittsburgh Penguins for Life posted this picture of Mario this morning.


I'd like to call it, "Mario is not impressed." Neither is McKayla.



My guess is that if he could, Mario would suit up and try to get his guys back in this series. Hell, he'd be playing againt Jagr. What a crazy, amazing spectacle that would be.

I was very much hoping that Sid would score in the second OT when his helmet popped off. I was also praying that he wouldn't get slammed into the boards. Although...perhaps that would have knocked some sense into him. He's looked different in this series, and when I say different, I mean bad. Not our captain. Surely not the best player in the NHL. Is it too late to blame the SI curse?

I'm not admitting defeat just yet, but it's not looking good for the Pens. I'm disappointed that a team with this much talent can't finish the job. I'm also guessing that this is our last season with Pascal Dupuis. The best line in hockey may be dismantled without achieving the ultimate win.

I love football, but I was thinking about the NFL season and playoff process compared to the grueling nature of hockey and it just doesn't compare. I'm mentally spent, and we didn't even have a full season. Multiple nights a week glued to my tv, fully commited to my team, living each win and loss like it were my own. When it's over, it's like a relationship ending. I'm not quite sure I'm ready for that breakup...

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Frustrated, Incorporated.

Boston kicked our asses last night. There's no other way to explain it. We're an excellent hockey team who at times last night (and two nights prior) looked like a bunch of frustrated high schoolers. You know when I'm ready to turn on the Bachelorette that I've reached my melting point. I was one step away from this:

6-1! In the firt two games, the Bruins have outscored us 9-1! We're making them look brilliant. And maybe they are. And yes, the 0-2 defecit is bad. Not insurmountable, but bad. But we ARE a capable hockey team. We've won on the road. Everyone expected this series to be tight and possibly go to a game 7. So...Let's give them a god damn show!

Game three, in Boston, tomorrow night.

Monday, June 3, 2013

Puck just wouldn't. Go. In.

I watched Saturday's game in my usual spot. This time, however, my husband decided to do some decorating. You've heard of Pillow Pets? Well, these are "Pillow Pens" (pitbull sold separately).


It was a frustrating loss, and there's certainly some changes that need to happen as we go into game 2 tonight, but I can't say we played awful. The score could have definitely been 3-3 and going into OT, but as many opportunities as the Pens had, the Bruins defense, specifically Rask, was on fire. Shots were clanging left and right from the goal posts, but not one went in. Boston also did an incredible job of killing our powerplays.

I don't have a ton to say about the Matt Cooke hit. I read this morning that the NHL isn't going to suspend him. You may or may not think that's the right move, but considering the Bruins coach was OK with it, we all should be too. I agree the hit wasn't his best move, and the penalties assigned to him were warranted. However, I do think the refs need to be a bit more consistent. A bad hit is a bad hit, regardless of the name on the jersey. What warrants a penalty shot (I'm thinking of the Detroit game) in one game should warrant it in the next. Cooke got 15. Marchand got 2.

Let's also remember that this is just. a. game. I refuse to even repost what a disgruntled Pens fan tweeded. He's already heard an earful and might want to hire protection. While I take my love for hockey to an extreme obsession at times, there are some words you just can't take back. Think before you type (rant). Pens fans are better than that.

Finally, I will not be watching the remainder of the series with anyone other than my husband. I always thought my father-in-law was crazy for not wanting to watch Steelers games with the rest of the family. He thought it was a jinx. Well, after losing the two games I watched with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law, I maintain the same superstition. I think their Flyers blood has put some sort of voo-doo curse that even a bunch of Pillow Pens can't fight off.