MOWED DOWN IN MOTOWN – AGAIN?? Let me make this clear. When I ended my last column saying I’d like a donut – I meant I wanted to EAT a donut, not see another one on the scoreboard! 3-0 Detroit.
But that’s the reality – two games, no goals for the Pens. Part of that was Osgood played very well and part was good play by the rest of the Detroit team. The Pens looked better tonight; they’re coming, just not quite there yet. And the rough stuff towards the end of the game means the “hate” is coming too. I think Osgood may hear a little name-chanting at Mellon Arena.
The Pens did shut down the big guys – Zetterberg and Datsyuk didn’t score. The goals came from Stuart, Holmstrom and Filppula. Problem is the Wings shut down the Pens big guys too – Crosby and Malkin didn’t score either.
But now the team heads for the warm reception and love that will be showered on them by the Pittsburgh fans. Hopefully that will energize them, the bounces will go their way, and maybe the refs will see things just a little differently (hint, hint!) For awhile there tonight, I thought I was having a flash back to a couple of years ago and the New Jersey Devils were trapping, er, playing.
Don Cherry appeared on Fox Sports Pittsburgh before the game. Oddly enough, he was wearing just a regular grey suit, not an outlandish floral one, and he made it clear that the Pens were still not in big trouble if they lost tonight. He said, “They win the two home games, then the other team has to win their two at home.” Who are we to argue with the great Don Cherry?? If he says it, it must be true. So let’s hold on to all the good things that happened in Game Two heading into Wednesday night at the Igloo. Wear your rose-colored glasses and think happy thoughts. Things can only go up from here!
RANDOM THOUGHTS
I think Versus should sell just a teeny bit of advertising to somebody who markets to women. The constant barrage of promos for cage fighting, bull riding, boxing and other “manly” pursuits on their network are sandwiched in between lots of products aimed at the male audience. Do they not know that 41 % of hockey fans in the stands are women, with plenty more tuning in at home?
I think Doc Emerick is a great hockey announcer. A listener would never know which team he is rooting for – he is just as genuinely delighted for either team to score. I hear him a lot during the season as he does the broadcasts of the aforementioned Devils. He is more of a “homer” on those telecasts, but he still seems so enthusiastic for the players and the game, not just his team.
I think Hal Gill has made a huge impact on the Pens’ defense. The team was so in need of a big guy and he sure fills the role.
I think it was amazing these past two games to actually be able to hear the large contingent of Pittsburgh fans chanting, “Let’s Go, Pens” at various times during the game. The Detroit faithful quickly tried to mount their own chant to drown them out, as they should.
I think I would like to EAT a donut on Thursday morning! I certainly don’t want to see any more on the Pens side of the ledger.
Recent Columns from Jan Snyder
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
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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