Well, here we are again. The playoffs are about to begin during this most wonderful time of the year for hockey fans. Just a few short weeks ago we Penguin fans had to be wondering if we would be in on the joy of the season. But a coaching change and some additions to the team made any doubts disappear.
Thanks in part to the New York Rangers, who unceremoniously defeated the Philadelphia Flyers this weekend, the Pens will begin the trek to the Cup on the beloved home ice of the Mellon Arena with their adoring white-out crowds cheering them on against the dreaded cross-state rivals. Thank you, Flyers, for coming to Pittsburgh to start the series (and for not showing up in Sunday’s game).
Last playoff season, I suggested celebrating each Penguin victory with a donut. Not a very well-thought out plan considering I’m still trying to work off 13 donuts! This year, let’s go healthier and aerobic.
In honor of our new coach, “Disco” Dan Bylsma, we’ll celebrate every game, win or lose, with a song that describes some aspect of the game. Coach seems to have acquired his nickname because, in his own words, “I was known to polish a dance floor or two.” We can all join in with him, sing and do a victory dance or wallow in our sorrows after a loss.
The title of this column expresses how we are feeling prior to the drop of the puck on Wednesday night at the Igloo – so excited! The Flyers will be a tough opponent but the Pens are coming in on a high note, brimming with confidence and ready to start the climb to the top of the heap. Geno secured his scoring title, Sid was just a few points behind. Fleury is sharp, relaxed and ready. Talbot, Dupuis and Cooke are going to produce points while the defensive core will not only shut down the opposition, but do some scoring in the process. All the while, Coach Dan and his staff will be there offering staunch support. The two teams have very similar stats on the season, but home ice gives the Pens a big boost.
Come on, Richards! Bring that hair, Hartnell! Do your best, Biron! Beware, Briere! Daniel Carcillo, meet Eric Goddard!
Okay, fans, the players are ready, so let’s get excited for that opening game!
Recent Lounge Columns
Happy PLayoffs Happy Easter 2009 Playoff particulars
Sports Media Footprint The Vancouver Media takes heat
Dancing With the NHL stranger things have happened
Sweet As Candy A look at playoff contenders, the Florida Panthers
Dan the Man and Sid The Kid A Hockey rhymne...like Dr. Suess!
Club Scarlet Website Part Two on the Caps caterin' to the ladies
New Website for Women The Caps cater to their female fans Part one
Sea Creatures The Penguins swim upstream
Small Town Slumdog Millionaire Canadiens The Oscars meet HDIC
Penguin Devotion Pt. Three The Ultimate Penguins Wedding
Penguin Devotion Pt. Two The Proposal
Penguin Devotion Pt. One Jan Snyder examines hockey weddings
Lisa Ovens: Super Skills/ Super Bowl Sunday
Lisa Ovens: Lisa's Fog Rant
Lisa Ovens: Lisa's Snow Rant
Jan Snyder: The Outliers
Lisa Ovens: See You Around Trevor!
Lisa Ovens: The Orange Ball Project
Lisa Ovens: Olympic Lottery Fun
Lisa Ovens: Holiday Shopping Guide
Hockey and Paddington Bear Jan Snyder: Hockey and Paddington Bear
Lisa Ovens: The Kyle Wellwood Show
Jan Snyder: Thoughts on Avery
Jan Snyder: Can't we All Just Get Along?
Lisa Ovens: Coaches in Costume
Jan Snyder: Dan Potash Interview Part Two
Jan Snyder: Dan Potash interview Part One
Lisa Ovens: The One
Lisa Ovens: Season Opener Column
Jan Snyder: Roamin' Through the Globen
Jan Snyder: Almost Time
Jen: Penguins Town Hall Meeting
Lisa Ovens: On Location
Jan Snyder: No Mercy
Lisa Ovens: Hordi
Lisa Ovens: The Hockey PLanet Spins 2008
Jan Snyder: Scott Morrison Interview Part one and Two
2007/08 Jan Sndyer Lounge Columns
Simply Red
But For a Bounce
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
|
