Much in the manner of Seinfeld’s Soup Nazi, the Penguins said to us, “No donut for you!”
Instead our team took the donut – on the scoreboard.
The game was still highly entertaining, even in a loss for the Pens. As predicted by Scott Gomez after the last game, the bounces started to even out and lean more to the Rangers side of the ledger. For those of us Pens fans who were watching, it was one of those, “Oh, #@&#! (Insert four letter word of your choice) kind of games. So close to scoring and yet so far.
Probably the biggest conundrum for me was what Malkin did on the penalty shot. Maybe the planets aren’t aligned right this week – Paula Abdul on American Idol can see into the future – maybe Geno thought he could slow down enough to stop time and go into another dimension to beat Lundquist! I’m sure he had an idea on what he wanted to do, but I guess it just didn’t work out. King Henrik was in good form tonight and made some exceptional saves, as did his counterpart in net, Marc-Andre Fleury.
Did the Blueshirts gain some inspiration from their fallen comrade, Sean Avery? (Wish you well, Mr. Avery) Or was it the speech by Coach Renney reminding his players that the end could be near for the careers of Jagr and Shanahan?
As for Jaromir, he is playing with high intensity and purpose in this series. Knowing how tough he is and remembering when he played his heart out for the Pens in playoff games one season with a badly injured groin muscle, there was no doubt in my mind that he would rebound from Orpik’s hit – and he did. So fans who will be at the game, think twice about the constant booing of Jagr. First he doesn’t deserve it and secondly, he feeds off it. He said after the last game that he has a “funny feeling” about this series, that it’s not over. So far, he’s right. He is playing with renewed energy and wants to go out on a big high – like holding the Stanley Cup over his head. He scored two of the Ranger’s goals and assisted on the third.
The Rangers live to see another day as the series shifts back to the Igloo on Sunday afternoon. According to Mike Emerick on the Versus telecast, there was a “penguin” with a broom stationed on Green Tree Hill in Pittsburgh early this morning. He was holding a sign that read, “Honk if you think the Pens will sweep!” The honks were deafening but we didn’t sweep. To you lucky fans who will be there on Sunday – do your thing! Make noise, be loud, -- but remember you will be playing with fire if you boo Jagr!
DETROIT’S WHEEL IS ROLLING!
The Colorado Avalanche must feel like not just a truck, but a semi rolled over them! In four games against the Wings and their wheel logo, the Avs didn’t stand a chance. Tonight’s score was the worst yet (8-2) as the talent of Detroit shone. Zetterberg, Datsyuk and especially Johan Franzen, with a hat trick, have been scoring almost at will. Doesn’t seem to matter who is in goal – Theodore, Budaj, the Incredible Hulk – they will get their goals.
Detroit is the only team that had the 3-0 lead in a series and was able to wrap it up in four games. The winner of the Sharks/Stars war gets the dubious honor of trying to put the brakes on the big red and white wheel.
Osgood has been remarkably good in goal since replacing the Dominator. And adding Peter Forsberg to Colorado’s line-up didn’t seem to be enough – not against the Wings and not with all their injuries. In true captain’s form, Joe Sakic played every one of his shifts tonight like the game was tied. He worked hard, earned two assists and set a good example for the others on how to play. Here’s hoping he comes back next year to do it all again.
Better luck next season, Avs!
Hockey in May – you gotta love it!!
Recent Columns from Jan Snyder
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
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
|
