Blog Power . . . Go Pens!
Penguins 3 v 2 Rangers (OT)
The Penguins progressed to the Eastern Conference Finals today thanks to a Marian Hossa over-time goal, giving them a 3-2 victory against the New York Rangers. They took the series 4-1, and now advance to play the Philadelphia Flyers, in what promises to be a physical and grueling series.
The Pens have lost just once in the first two rounds of the playoffs (8-1 record), and there have been key contributions from every line, and some stellar work between the pipes from Marc Andre Fleury. There has also been some amazing blog support, especially from the Chicago contingency, who have hit local bars for almost every game, and have cheered a team on that, until a few weeks ago, they knew very little about, and playing a sport they had hardly ever watched before. But still, they have been down to their local, forced the bar to find this strange “Versus” channel, and have followed the Pens run to the conference finals, while along the way, creating Penguins fight songs, understanding the “jinx of Namby-speech*”, and screaming for a team that I hope they are starting to feel a fondness for.
So thanks to A’Hottie for leading the Chicago brigade, and Namby, Daisy, Artful, and many others for their support of a team that they had very few attachments to a few weeks back. Thanks also to Enabler and Commodore for showing such support for a team other than their own beloved Red Wings. What a great group of friends to have, that would do such a thing - looking forward to joining in the bar support next weekend when we’re in Chicago, and the conference finals begin.
And of course, thanks to my very own HASWOE, who has been by my side watching each game, screaming vociferously at every goal, and throwing the dogs in the air on a couple of occasions. And feel bad for IGSOH, who has supported whenever she can, but has been consumed with studying and dating, so couldn’t share in the joy of all the games!
Bring on the Flyers!
* ‘Jinx of Namby-speech’ - refers to Namby being responsible for the Pens Game 4 loss for opening his mouth. To his great credit, he took full responsibility for his own jinx, and removed himself to the corner of the bar to feel much remorse.
Crosby’s Cougars Unite!
Namby’s speech was one part awesome three parts horrific.
And then he was shunned & silent. Including during the “it is a goal!” penalty debacle when he wanted to speak but was sent looks of “Don’t even open your mouth”.
Hahahahaa. Well, I’m looking forward to joining in the fun at the bar this weekend. Friday night, Game 1, So. Excited.