Now that’s the kind of game we’ve been waiting for! Up and down skating, hitting, hitting and more hitting, beautiful goals, great saves – welcome to the roller coaster that is the Stanley Cup Final. Getting back home seemed to be just what the doctor ordered for the Pens as their “white out” crowd buoyed them and kept them energized.
Hmmm, what to wear with a white Pens tee?
Sid the Kid took another step in adding to his lore as he came up with the Pens first two goals, but scored from right in front of the net, down and dirty. These were not just any two goals – they were the first ones the team has scored in six periods! As the likes of Scotty Bowman, Mark Messier and Alex Ovechkin watched, Crosby proved why he is the youngest captain in the league as he and his line took control. Hossa and Dupuis played their parts well and a movie based on this game could be called “You, Me and Dupuis”!
Daryl Sydor came back to take the place of Kris Letang and played amazingly well for someone who has been a spectator since March. His experience of winning a Cup with the Dallas Stars may have been a steadying influence for the young team. Scary Gary did his thing too, making some huge hits.
The defense was really good and I thought I heard chants of “DeeFense, DeeFense” inside the Arena – was Big Ben leading that cheer?
Although the Pens scored three goals, enough to win, they had plenty of other scoring chances and looked much more like the team we know and love. The extended period of time of just great skating and great hitting without a whistle was a sight to behold for any hockey fan. What action!
So now the series is 2-1. We can breathe a little sigh of relief and know that we can relax just a tad before the game on Saturday. Again the Pens held the Wings’ big guys down, no points for Zetterberg or Datsyuk, while Franzen and Samuelsson scored the Wings two points.
Yes, there is no place like home for the Pens. The great and powerful “Oz” may have his flying monkeys to help him at the Joe, but not in Pittsburgh. There’s no place like home for me either, so this Munchkin will be following the Yellow Brick Road from Houston to Pittsburgh on Friday and attending Game Four. I won’t be wearing ruby slippers or taking Toto with me, but I can’t wait to be part of the ear-splitting crowd at the Igloo!
RANDOM THOUGHTS
I think Crosby’s horoscope for today helped him during the game. Leo: “Work with others. You do best with one-on-one contact. Allow greater give-and-take with individuals.”
I think the excitement in the city of Pittsburgh is absolutely palpable. Everyone I talk to there is so into these games, including POOFS (Play Off Only Fans) and bandwagon jumpers.
I think we should delight in a “raised” donut to celebrate this game, to honor the crowd and the team that “raised” the roof of Mellon Arena. (Assist to cousin Lee for this donut choice!)
Recent Columns from Jan Snyder
Mowed Down in Motown Part Two
Mowed Down in Motown Part One
Of Octopi and Penguins
Why We are Here
Pens Come Home and Rule the Roost
Oranged Juiced
Orange Crushed
Talbot Tickles the Twine
Jen's Playoff Report
Flashy Fleury
Crosby's Here!
Thanks to Hossa!
No Donut for You!
Beeeees!
Ooh La La
Donut Time
Ding!Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!
Open Letter to Lisa
Badger Bob
Jan's Jottings
Recent Columns from Lisa Ovens
Wings, Pens, Jan and Don
Sugar Cookies
Playoff Fashion Issue
Public Service Announcement
A Game Six Weekend
Playoff Reprt: From Lisa's Sofa
2008 Swag OFF: Playoff Edition
Her Team Nashville
The Playoff Planet Spins
Becoming a Blanket NHL Fan
Happy Birthday to Me!
Green Hockey Players
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