On the old TV show, Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-in, there was an award called The Fickle Finger of Fate. In Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final, that award could go to the Pens, to Marian Hossa and to that little puck that wouldn’t go over the line at the end of the game. That was to be the fate of this Penguin team.
Congratulations to the Red Wings, worthy Stanley Cup Champions. They played some terrific games, have wonderful players, and played a great system. Nicklas Lidstrom did nothing to change the high opinion I have of him. He is now the first European captain to win the Cup. No matter what, he exudes class and excellence. Henrik Zetterberg was quite deserving of the Conn-Smythe Trophy too.
What can we take from this loss? How about all the invaluable experience these players now have for next year and many others? How about a fan base that is still growing? How about some new banners to hang in the rafters of Mellon Arena in its last year of service? As owner Mario Lemieux said after the game, “I wish I was in their shoes, with their whole lives ahead of them.” It’s a bitter loss, but the Pens will be back.
We fans can look back at this season and remember all the best times. Seeing Ty Conklin come in when Fleury was injured and keeping the team in every game without missing a beat. Watching the amazing Winter Classic, that had the usual down-to-the-wire theme, as Crosby won it in a shoot-out. Admiring Geno as he took over when Crosby went out with the high ankle sprain. And to cap it all off, the wonder that was Game Five! Thanks, Pens, we loved the ride!
Next season will be here before we know it, but our team won’t look the same. Who knows which players will leave and which new ones will take their places?
As far as the fans go, maybe some POOFS (Play Off Only Fans) will become full-time fans. Now that they have seen what fun our sport is, how could they not? We fall two donuts short of our goal, but I think to celebrate this great season, we should have a big, gooey hot fudge sundae or banana split – whenever we feel up to it – it may take a few days to be able to enjoy it.
Thanks for reading all these “Penguin Reports” throughout the playoff season. And Lisa, thanks for posting all the Pittsburgh Penguin info and photos!
Now the question is how do we hockey fans pass the time until next season?
Upcoming Schedule:
June 5 Start diet and exercise program – no more donuts!
June 12 NHL Awards Show
June 20-21 NHL Draft
July 1 Free Agency Starts
July 4 Fireworks
July 25 Shampoo carpets out of boredom
August 8 Clean out closets (see above)
August 23 Shampoo cat
Early Sept. Training Camps begin
Oct. 4 – 5 Shampoo hair in preparation for Pens’ Opening Games in Europe!
And so the 2007-08 season comes to an end. Let’s hope the summer is full of fun and goes by quickly while our team heals their bumps and bruises and wraps their minds around this tough loss.
Will the Pens be back in the playoffs next year? As Rowan and Martin always said, “You bet your sweet bippy!”
Recent Columns from Jan Snyder
Sacrifice
Back to Detroit We Go
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
In Memory of Luc Bourdon
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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