Monday, June 2, 2008

...Maybe you're willing to come a little further

As usual, we think the Pensblog got it right about where Penguins fans stand right now. Some are frustrated and have had enough. Some are resigned to an inevitable defeat. Some still have some hope.

At moments we think it's normal, and acceptable to feel any range of these emotions right now. No one said it would be easy.

Even though the media is telling you Detroit's coronation as Cup champions is a foregone conclusion, they still have to go out and win one more game. In the words of a noted scholar and American hero John Rambo: "Nothing is over....Nothing!"

Detroit was in this exact same situation last series with Dallas and The Stars took Game 5. This puppy isn't cooked just yet. Of course, it's going to be a huge challenge, the building will be buzzing with Lord Stanley in the building and the Red Wings will be doing everything in the powers not to have to go back to Pittsburgh for a Game 6.

If the Penguins can come out strong and play their game, they should have a chance; much like they had several chances to score in Game 4. Chances aren't worth dick unless you convert, so that's just as crucial.

This could be the end, and if it is, what a ride it's been. But that's still to be decided. If the Pens decide it's not over just yet, work their tails off and get some luck along the way, we're not through here. If not though, the hockey season will be over.

Just remember: hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things...

2 comments:

FAUX RUMORS said...

1) We had Dallas dead and buried as well after Game 4, but they came back so anything is possible.
2) However, we would be shocked to see the Wings allow the pens any similar breathing room. If anything that Dallas game will be the Detroit rallying cry/message board material
3) As we wrote on Mirtle's blog this morning: We hope the Detroit style of play is NOT emulated by other teams as it is colossally boring! The best game, from a non-fan of either team was Game 3!

Hooks Orpik said...

Faux, I think every year there's a push (mainly by the media) to try to emulate what the Cup champion does....But look at Detroit, they didn't drop all the Euros and try to get a big and tough team like Anaheim.

I think, to an extent, element's of the Detroit model will be copied; especially the specialization of roles in the front office. Along with the GM Ken Holland and the great scouts they've got guys like Jim Nill, Steve Yzerman and Scotty Bowman with important roles.

But I don't think you can copy Detroit's on-ice product that much. Not many teams could take a guy like Mikael Samuelsson or Dan Cleary and make them into the effective cogs in the machine that those guys are. Just a few years ago Samuelsson wasn't even thought of by much by an awful Penguin team.

It might not always be pretty, but it's hard at this point to argue against it's efficiency.