Playoff Penguins 2008
The Pittsburgh Penguins have won all six of their playoff games this season. After sweeping last year’s Eastern Conference champion Ottawa Senators, the Pens are now up 2-0 on the New York Rangers. I attended the second game of the series, and the electric atmosphere inspired me to write about the Penguins success.
My Game 2 Weekend
First let me describe my absolutely insane weekend leading to my attendance at the game. Last Friday I had a Physics test, and just as I was leaving to cram at the library I received a phone call. In that call I was informed that my mother had obtained four tickets and they were mine if I wanted them. Of course I did, but being in Rochester I was unsure if I would be able to make the trip. Luckily after a conference with Jesse I decided to drive down to Pittsburgh for the game.
However I could not drive down on Friday night because I attended the Paramore and Jimmy Eat World concert. You can check out a ton of pictures (and videos) Flickr. That meant getting up early on Saturday and driving to Pittsburgh. We went (with my girlfriend and sister) to the game on Sunday, then left directly from the arena to head back to Rochester. It was a busy and exhausting weekend, but I can safely say that all told it was one of the most fun weekends of the year.
Thoughts on the Penguins
Interstate traveling aside, the Penguins are playing out of their minds. Being in the arena there was an amazing vibe. The fans in Pittsburgh have a sense of how good this team actually is, and the whole city is excited about it. The fact that hundreds of people gather at Mellon Arena without tickets to watch the game on a big screen outside shows how excited they really are.
Honestly they should be. The Penguins are playing great hockey right now, and after rolling the Senators I think they are playing even better against New York. In the first two games the Penguins have had to play very different styles. Game 1 was a score-fest, and they had to rely on a late goal by Malkin (read: Crosby) to win it. In this game they had to come back from a three goal deficit in addition to those last minute heroics.
Game 2 was less about comebacks, but it still was a lot about resiliency. The game was a defensive struggle and the Pens killed off an absurd number of penalties to allow Fleury to pitch a shut-out in goal. I believe winning in both these ways shows the versatility of the team.
Of course a series does not really start until both teams get to play on home ice. We will see how the Penguins do playing in the Garden tomorrow night. Of course I see them winning, but they will have to adjust to playing in a hostile environment.
Looking Ahead
The Montreal and Philly series is much more competitive, so I am keeping my eye there to see who the Penguins will face in the second third round. Philly was one of the hottest teams going into the playoffs, and obviously their momentum got another boost when they overcame the Capitals in a huge Game 7 win. I think Philly will probably best the Canadiens, but honestly I would not be surprised either way.
Lastly, let it be known that I have a hockey-man-crush on Kris Letang. His defense is incredible. In fact my obsession grew so much that I bought a Letang shirt at the game on Sunday and I cannot wait to wear it with pride around campus.
What are your thoughts about Sunday’s game? What do you think about the Penguins playoff run so far? Let’s go Pens!
April 29th, 2008 | 12:21 am
Friday afternoon I got on eBay to casually search for for Pens tickets. I was able to find a single ticket for $60 to Friday nights game (Whiteout!). I was able to put in a last second bid of $91 and secure my ticket. I went to the game by myself, sat in the last row of section F (I could touch the ceiling of the Igloo), watched an improbable comeback and left feeling like I have never spent $101 (+$10-parking) better. I’m sure you can agree that the playoff atmosphere is something special. Congrats on seeing a typical Pens-Rangers slugfest that was Sunday afternoon.
The playoff run as a whole has been spectacular and I hope it continues until early June. M.A.F’s play in net has really been the most striking thing to me so far this post-season. He is becoming that great playoff goalie we all know and love in the regular season. And like you said… Let’s Go Pens!
April 29th, 2008 | 2:07 am
I’m happy you were able to enjoy the playoff atmosphere. I hope that every fan is able to go to at least one playoff game in their life time. I was privileged enough to go to game one (Whiteout!) this past Friday against the Rangers, with perfect center ice tickets (thanks Brian, i love you). It was undoubtedly the best sporting event I have ever been too. The atmosphere was literally out of this world. I could hardly even hear myself talking, and with each Penguins goal I found myself in pure joy celebrating with tears in my eyes. It was an unreal experience I’ll never forget.
I have a problem with you saying, “[…] so I am keeping my eye there to see who the Penguins will face in the second round.” First of all, it will be the third round, but that’s just a minor error. The big error is you’re looking ahead of the series at hand, against New York. We are looking very hard to beat right now, with a high powered offense, a hot goalie, and a fastly improving defense. However, it is a seven game series, and we need two more ever so important wins.
On that note, I stand by my prediction from the beginning of the playoffs, I think it will be a Stanley Cup final between the Dallas Stars and Philadelphia Flyers. Stars being the champions. I hope that I am wrong in every way though, for the Eastern Conference prediction at least.
I have a full on regular crush on Kris Letang. His play improves each game, and he is incredibly good looking. It is just sad that he is younger than me too.
Let’s go Pens! Let’s go Pens! Let’s go Pens!
Paramore smells like Malkin’s good twin’s dutch oven.
April 29th, 2008 | 8:46 am
luke, stop with the RJ on the pens.
April 29th, 2008 | 9:57 am
I also noticed the third round mistake. How could you dare to make such a ghastly mistake?!
I do not think that MAF has been as superb as everyone has made him out to be. I do think he is playing well, but to the extent of which Rowntree took it i believe is too far. let us remember the 4 goals he gave up in game 1 round 2. It was a phenomenal game but 4 goals is a lot. They may not all be his fault entirely but some blame needs to be placed. Thankfully it did not shake his confidence in game two, or it didn’t appear to.
I am also a fan of KL but because of his phenomenal skating prowess.
I attended game 1 round 1 and it easily was the best sporting event I ever attend. I was hoarse within seconds and Roberts’ early goal definitely contributed to this. I love the atmosphere and “playoff hockey” is truly different and awesome.
I could not care less what is going on in the western conference at this point because i am emotional uninvolved from all teams, including the Avs which at one point where my favorite team with Roy at the helm.
I will absolutely rip Luke, however, for not picking the Pens to come out of the east and saying they will lose for the sole reasoning that I was ripped predicting the Patriots would come out of the AFC. Luke, you apparently hate the Penguins and have just lied in your post to act like you care about the city of Pittsburgh. Frankly you disgust me and I wouldnt be surprised if you started filming the opposing teams signals on Wednesday nights this year.
Malkin is freaking awesome and I am proud to say is my evil twin (see Luke for explanation).
On a slightly funny note, Michel Therrien was highly voted by the NHL as a coach players do not want to play for.
The Pens are 0-3-1 in the garden this year (I think that is the correct stat, could be a little off). Doesn’t look good but have faith (see Hebrews 11).
April 29th, 2008 | 10:07 am
@Luke/mark: The error has been fixed.
Also I was not saying the Rangers are done already or an easy out. This will be a very tough series. I actually think it might be beneficial for the Penguins to lose one game just so they do not get too cocky. They need to stay grounded and focus on the task at hand. I can’t wait for tonight’s game (thank you Versus for actually broadcasting it).
April 29th, 2008 | 12:07 pm
Mark loves Jamal Lewis.
April 29th, 2008 | 1:47 pm
@Mark: I didn’t think that the Patriots would win the Super Bowl, and had no problem with you thinking they were. My problem was that you WANTED them to win, and not the Steelers. That’s why you are anti-Pittsburgh. My NHL playoff prediction is simply an honest one. Of course I want the Penguins to win, they’ve been my favorite sports team for as long as I can remember. That does not mean I have to be hard headed and think they are going to win it all. I didn’t think that the Steelers were going to win the Superbowl yet they’re my favorite football team. The fact that you slurped the Pats and Brady’s football sack is why I ripped you.
@Everyone else: Let’s go Pens! Let’s go Pens! Let’s go Pens!
April 29th, 2008 | 2:57 pm
@Puke: How’s the weather in Philadelphia? When is the technical day of your moving? Let me know.
April 29th, 2008 | 3:05 pm
the future of the pens.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=3373639
April 29th, 2008 | 10:58 pm
The Penguins are playing incredibly well right now. It’s been very exciting to watch them in the playoffs so far. They just seems like they’re on a roll right now. Fleury and the defense are playing extremely well, and the Penguins are also producing on offense. They played a good game to go up 3-0 on New York.
April 30th, 2008 | 12:29 am
what im likin gabout the pens this playoff run is that they are not relyin entirely on only crosby and malkin for goals. they are mad deep to begin with but when you keep gettin goals from dudes like laraque and malone we are gonna keep winnin them close games. hossa needs to keep producin as well. you cant help but compare this team to the pens of the early 90’s. hebrews 11 :1 baby. - luke i can t believe you picked philly yo. (even if it was a good pick)
April 30th, 2008 | 2:22 pm
beans, dont worry, luke is trying the RJ, or the reverse jinx on the flyers and the pens, hoping that by picking the flyers, the pens will actually beat the flyers.
also, bucks twitter is unreal.
Watching the Penguins beat up on the Islanders. - about 18 hours ago
April 30th, 2008 | 6:20 pm
@Bean & Ben: I actually predicted at the beginning of the playoffs the Flyers would be in the Cup finals.
May 1st, 2008 | 3:59 pm
@Mark- http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/statistics
MAF… 2nd in goals against, 1st is save percentage, and a 100% winning percentage (through 7 games).
What I meant was overall the flower has been great. Only giving up 5 goals through the whole 1st series, albeit we were playing with a team who couldn’t hang with Charlie Conway and the Ducks, is still impressive
Game 1 vs Rangers was full of awkward bounces and redirections. Still, I agree that 4 goals is a lot, but the blame can be put on the defense and Fleury equally.
Game 2… need I say more. Shutout.
Game 3… Stops 36/39 shots. Jagr plays with an illegal stick and scores because of it (in my opinion). Jagr is laying on top of flower and he still almosts makes the save. 2 goals that aren’t his fault.
It’s just my opinion, but Fleury has been a wall. Go Pens!
May 1st, 2008 | 9:29 pm
your opinions fine, im just stating mine. even if someone is ranked best in the league right now, it doesn’t necessarily means he is awesome. I mean i do think he is playing well and i don’t blame everything on him by any means. but theoretically, if everybody is sucking, being in first place doesn’t mean you are good, maybe you just aren’t sucking as much as others.
May 1st, 2008 | 10:08 pm
Fight fight!!! I’m eating crunchy peanut butter by the spoonful as I type this.