Game #35 Panthers W5-2

Keep on rolling

We had a set back last week when we faced 2 of our division rivals but we started off this week just fine and continue to roll with another big win heading into our first match up against our hated rivals (and Winter Classic opponent) Washington Capitals.
I knew my friend Drew Carter was coming up for holidays and I asked him a while back if he wanted to go with me to this game. Of course he did but he needed to work out his trip schedule as this would be a day or so earlier than what he originally anticipated coming up. Luckily he was able to swing this and he left the day before so he had plenty of time to get up here and get back into sorts (after the 12 hour drive). He was right on time picking me up and as usual we loaded up on foods and drinks and headed down to the lot.

NHL.com recap

• Ben Lovejoy scored the first goal of his NHL career (31 games) and added his first fight for good measure before leaving the game after taking a shot to the face.
• Matt Cooke scored in consecutive games for the first time since March 27-28, 2010.
• Brent Johnson earned the victory and was credited with an assist before leaving after the second period with a groin injury.
• Beej also let up a goal on the first shot as we seem to be doing a lot this year.
• Crosby kept his scoring streak alive (22 games) with a rare blow-it-by-him slapshot down the left wing that beat Tomas Vokoun.
• Vokoun was pulled in the 1st period after Cookie made it 3-0
  

Drew was pumped to get his face in an All-Time Team picture. He loved the new arena as well. I was glad he was fit enough to book it up all those steps. I think he even bought me a beer or two when we were in there. I was super pumped he was able to make it out with me to see this game.

uwvark27's 2010-11 record: 6-2

Game #21 Hurricanes W5-4

Staying on top!

I asked Jason to come with me to this game. We haven't hung out in a while but like my other buddies I know he is a hardcore Pens fan and I knew he would love to see a game with me and check out the new arena.
I had to go back to the Sheetz in Murrysville to pick him and up after work since he did not drive. I was okay with that since they saved me from going the whole way top Greensburg. We loaded up on some food and drinks and shot down to the lot. It was Light-Up Night tonight in Pittsburgh and there was a little extra traffic. After we parked and bullshitted a bit we finished off our drinks we went over to Pizza Milano to meet up with some other buddies. We chilled there for a while and had another beer until it was time to walk over for the game. I got a huge souvenir cup too!


NHL.com recap

• Fleury let up another first shot goal in the first minute of play.
• TB's Steven Stamkos had a huge night the day before (8-7 win over Flyers) and pulled away from Crosby in the scoring races. Crosby stormed right back with a goal and 3 assists to continue to keep it close.
  
• Malkin had 3 assists putting him over 400 points in his career.
  
• This is the fastest Crosby has gotten to 14 goals.
  
• Fleury let up another last shot goal in the last minute of play which sent the game to overtime.
  
• Fleury did not let up a shootout goal.
• Tanger and Crosby scored shootout goals FTW!!
  

I made sure we did the picture thing. I was scared for a bit because it never got sent to my email until the next day. Usually I get it right away and when I didn't I thought there was a problem and I wasn't going to get it. When it finally showed up in my email the next day I was extremely happy. Now I realize how much I love these pics.


uwvark27's 2010-11 record: 3-2

World Cup 2010

This is just a quick recap because like most Americans I didn't pay too much attention to this.

I know that the US made it out of qualifying but lost to Ghana which shouldn't have happened. I switched teams at that point and started rooting for Argentina but they ended up getting pounded by Germany 4-0. The next round had Germany losing to Spain which set up the final - Spain v Netherlands.

Spain ended up winning 1-0 in a bunch of extra time. Congrats to them. It was their first World Cup Championship ever.

The real winner was me because my gf brought me up a vuvuzela from Buenos Aires. :D

2010 NHL Playoff Tracker - Round 4

2010 STANLEY CUP FINALS!!

#7 Philadelphia Flyers v #2 Chicago Blackhawks
Game 1 Flyers 5, Blackhawks 6
Game 2 Flyers 1, Blackhawks 2
Game 3 Blackhawks 3, Flyers 4 OT
Game 4 Blackhawks 3, Flyers 5
Game 5 Flyers 4, Blackhawks 7
Game 6 Blackhawks 4, Flyers 3 OT
#2 Chicago Blackhawks WIN 4-2

2010/06/11
It's over! The end of the world has been averted. The CRYERS have lost!! All hail the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks!!

2010/05/27
I cannot believe this is who is playing for the Stanley Cup this year. Ok the Blackhawks I have no problem with but the Flyers? What in the hell has gone on with the Eastern Conference? After the first round it looks like the Pens were good to go. Both of the teams we couldn't beat in the regular season (Devils, Caps) were out. Everyone sort of expected the Flyers to be a good match up with Devils. They were the one team the Devils couldn't beat all year but who would have predicted the Caps going down like that. They were up 3-1 and Montreal just caught fire and came back. I know I was cheering for them at that point. That was one of the greatest upsets to ever happen in sports. Little did we know that was just the start of the craziness in the Eastern Conference.

When the 2nd round started we all seemed to be confident that OMG the Pens got this. Easy road back to the Finals. Take out the upstart Habs and whichever team limps out of the other series and we're in. When depleted Boston went up 3 games to none of the Flyers that one seemed like it was a no-brainer, we'd play them, but the Flyers fought back. Just like the Habs in the first round they found their game and won one game at a game, eroding Boston's confidence and posting only the 3rd series win when down 3-0 in NHL history. I didn't get to see every game in that series but the difference from Game 1 to Game 7 was like nothing I've ever seen.

Well good for them but it didn't matter. The Pens took out the Flyers in the 2 previous years we went to the Cup Finals. It's no thing to do it again but first take care of these Habs and that was proving problematic. Just like the Caps before them the Pens dominated play for large stretches of time and pounded them with shots. We should have won every game 5-1 but it wasn't happening like that. They were just taking our punishment just like they did with the Caps and holding strong. Then one little turnover or slip up and they would charge back and put a shot past Fleury. I don't put all the blame on Fleury. He had to sit there for long stretches of time and not see any play then all of a sudden a guy would be barreling all alone on him and that's not exactly fair but still, you got to make those key saves. No doubt the Habs were in Fleury's mind and had his number for this series. We were still able to eke out some wins and Fleury did play exceptional in a few games (had 1 shutout, should of had 2) but the series still went win-loss up until Game 7 when it would have been our turn to win. However this was not to be. It was 4-0 at one point and we lost sending the Habs on to the next round and our dreams of repeating as Champions crashing down.

The Habs took out the (arguably) two best teams in the conference. Was this their year of destiny? Alas it was not to be. The Flyers much as they easily handled the Devils trapping style took care of Montreal in 5 games and punched their ticket to the Finals.

No matter what happens. I strongly dislike the Flyers and their fans. They are our hated rivals and they probably want us to win as much as I want them to: NOT AT ALL!! I would have been okay with the Habs winning. To lose to the eventual winner is one thing but the stinkin' Flyers? They didn't even make the playoffs until the last day of the regular season. They had to win in a shootout versus the Rangers to get in. I'll accept that they have played their best games at the best times but I will not accept that they will win this year.

The problem is if the Blackhawks win then Marian Hossa will finally get his Cup. This will be the 3rd year in a row he made it to the Finals. Amazing! Three years in a row on three different teams even. First player to ever do that. Boy would it suck to lose all three times. Now I know some people in Pittsburgh have a huge problem with him. He made some regrettable comments when he left Pittsburgh to go to Detroit and yeah so what? He may be a douchebag but he's suffered enough. Losing in the Finals is bad enough but two years in a row is worse. It's not like he is the reason the Blackhawks are doing so well anyway. He was mainly a passenger on all his Finals trips except for when he was a Penguin. Crosby made him better and he's not contributed that much at all this year either but him winning doesn't matter to me at all. Good for him.

Much as I can't imagine how my sporting life as a Steelers fan would have gone on if the Patroits would have completed that undefeated season I don't know how I'd cope having to call the Cryers the Stanley Cup Champs!! Not going to happen. Chicago in 6!

2010 NHL Playoff Tracker - Round 3

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#7 Philadelphia Flyers v #8 Montreal Canadiens
Game 1 Canadiens 0, Flyers 6
Game 2 Canadiens 0, Flyers 3
Game 3 Flyers 1, Canadiens 5
Game 4 Flyers 3, Canadiens 0
Game 5 Canadiens 2, Flyers 4
#7 Philadelphia Flyers WIN 4-1

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 San Jose Sharks v #2 Chicago Blackhawks
Game 1 Blackhawks 2, Sharks 1
Game 2 Blackhawks 4, Sharks 2
Game 3 Sharks 2, Blackhawks 3 OT
Game 4 Sharks 2, Blackhawks 4
#2 Chicago Blackhawks WIN 4-0

Marc's Penguins Playoff Beard Progress

2010

Playoff Beard Week 3
Playoff Beard Week 2
Playoff Beard Week 1

Well I guess I don't have to keep doing this since we lost. It didn't seem to work this year. :(

2009

The playoff beard worked last year here is the video of me shaving on the successful 2009 Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins playoff run beard off.

Pens vs Habs Game 7 POST

Well I feel like saying 'I can't believe it!!' but for some reason I can. Getting beat in Game 6 must have prepared me for this. Truthfully I don't even feel as bad now as I did after Game 6 even though the season is over. No Stanley Cup for us this year. All the top seeds fell and we had a clear, easy shot to the finals but we couldn't get it done. We can't even make fun of the Caps fans that much now because we lost too. It's crazy! We all need to root for them to win the Cup now so neither of us look that bad.

From what I saw the Canadiens just wanted it more. They had nothing to lose so they just went for it. We could not win any battles in their end. It was extremely disheartening to watch. We could pound away at them over and over and with their collapsing five guys around the net strategy we could not get to any rebounds. Eventually the puck would squirt loose and they race away down to our end and put a wild shot on net and score. I love Fleury as much as the next guy and I don't want to pick on any particular player or call anyone out but the Canadiens just had Fleury's number this round. No one can deny that. They were just putting the most wild shots on net and somehow picking corners on Fleury. In any other game against any other team Fleury would be stopping those shots. I don't understand that either. Whatever it was I can only think what if we would have pulled him when it was only 2-0? At 4-0 it was just a little too much to come back from. I think everyone could just feel the security when Beej went in. Now we could concentrate on offense and not have to worry about some random flopper shot getting in. I hate saying that but it was true. What were you going to do? I have faith though that Fleury will work hard during the summer and be even better next year.

Very disappointed is the only way I can describe this year's playoffs. We had a great season but we wanted the Cup. We were supposed to win. :( At least it's only ~140 days till next season starts. I'm going to have a lot more time on my hands until then to get stuff done.

Pens vs Habs Game 7 PRE

Well on 05/12 there will be a game 7. I can't believe it. I have been in a mega sour mood since the loss last night but I am hoping to snap out of it soon. I don't know how the Habs are doing this to us. I didn't know how they did it to the Caps either but at least then I thought it was funny. I don't like it going on to us though. Fleury looked like he let in another couple of softies but for the most part we played a good game. It's just mind blowing to me. We've played excellent all series. It shouldn't even be close. We are dominating them for 5/6th of every game but it seems like one teeny tiny mistake and they get an amazing rush of it and score. Their goalie can't hold up like that to us for much longer. We will crack him and be victorious. All I can hope for is the Win one, Lose one game keeps playing because it should be our turn to win one next and that's all it will take. We will not go down like this!!

2010 NHL Playoff Tracker - Round 2

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins v #8 Montreal Canadiens
Game 1 Canadiens 3, Penguins 6
Game 2 Canadiens 3, Penguins 1
Game 3 Penguins 2, Canadiens 0
Game 4 Penguins 2, Canadiens 3
Game 5 Canadiens 1, Penguins 2
Game 6 Penguins 3, Canadiens 4
Game 7 Canadiens 5, Penguins 2
#8 Montreal Canadiens WIN 4-3

#6 Boston Bruins v #7 Philadelphia Flyers
Game 1 Flyers 4, Bruins 5
Game 2 Flyers 2, Bruins 3
Game 3 Bruins 4, Flyers 1
Game 4 Bruins 4, Flyers 5
Game 5 Flyers 4, Bruins 0
Game 6 Bruins 1, Flyers 2
Game 7 Flyers 4, Bruins 3
#7 Philadelphia Flyers WIN 4-3

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 San Jose Sharks v #5 Detroit Red Wings
Game 1 Red Wings 3, Sharks 4
Game 2 Red Wings 3, Sharks 4
Game 3 Sharks 4, Red Wings 3 OT
Game 4 Sharks 1, Red Wings 7
Game 5 Red Wings 1, Sharks 2
#1 San Jose Sharks WIN 4-1

#2 Chicago Blackhawks v #3 Vancouver Canucks
Game 1 Canucks 5, Blackhawks 1
Game 2 Canucks 2, Blackhawks 4
Game 3 Blackhawks 5, Canucks 2
Game 4 Blackhawks 7, Canucks 4
Game 5 Canucks 4, Blackhawks 1
Game 6 Blackhawks 5, Canucks 1
#2 Chicago Blackhawks WIN 4-2

Last Regular Season Game @ the Igloo

Marc's Adventures of the last regular season game ever at the Igloo.

For some reason while I work I noticed that I forgot to bring my camera. Did I think that my iPhone camera was going to be sufficient enough? Not sure where my head was at when I left this house this morning. Now usually I don't ever go the whole way back to my neighborhood on the day of a Pens game because it's a waste of gas and time but the more I thought about it the more I knew that I was definitely going to need it. I planned that if I shot out of here a bit early I could make it back before Matt even left the area. It would actually be easier this way because we wouldn't have either of our cars at a mid-point destination. So I called Matt and let him know what was up. I made it home got my camera that I knew I had recently charged. I grabbed my booze and made a quick drink while I waited for him to show and shortly we were on our way. First stop was Sheetz to get some drinks and grub.

I saw a funny thing as we walked in the Sheetz. Some lady in a huge SUV decided to park her self right on the lined off space where the handi cap ramp was. This always get my goat for some reason. Why do these SUV driving a-holes think it's ok? Because no one has the guts to call them on it? I stood right in front of it though and pulled out my camera. I made sure to speak loudly as I tapped Matt on the shoulder as I started taking pictures and said 'Hey good thing my wheel chair bound grandma isn't here'. As the lady got out and walked towards the door, that made sure she knew she was busted. I heard her mutter something like 'I didn't even notice' and to her credit she did get into her vehicle and move to a properly designated spot. Consider my civic duty done for the day. ;) We got our supplies and headed down 22 to the arena.

We parked in our normal parking area and got out to start tailgating. It was a little rainy but it wasn't too bad. We stuffed our faces with our Sheetz and got into a Pens game kind of mode. It's almost game time. Time to walk down.

We knew we were getting these commemorative tickets but I didn't realize how awesome they were going to be. They ran a video later between periods that showed the company that made them and how they did it. It was all very impressive. I was glad to get one. I saw berfore the game how much tickets were going for but I knew I was never going to sell these. Included was a coupon to go back to the company and get our actual section, row and seat engraved on. I might do that someday.

Since this was the last game they had a whole ceremony planned out. Mario invited 50 former Penguins back for this event. They laid out some carpet on the ice and called them all out together. There were some good memories stirred up. I recorded some video of it.

As for the game, that was awesome too. I have never been to a Pens game where we have played the NY Islanders and lost yet. First Pd we score 30 secs in and just rolled from there. It seems when I get in a groove I just give off good energy and the crowd around me knows it. In the 3rd period they played an arena favorite, Coton Eyed Joe, and even though I'm not a dancer I got up and started jamming. A few seconds later there I was on the Jumbrotron in front of every one getting down. Everyone around me went nuts as they all saw it and I got plenty of high fives and pats on the back. The guy next to us commented that he hopes we stay seated next to each other when we move to the new arena because he loves sitting next to us. I think the camera guys have learned where I'm at too because I have discovered if I just make an idiot out of myself, they film me. This was not the first time I was on the screen but it was the best. The absolute perfect memory for this arenas send off.

After we destroyed the Islanders 7-3 we stayed for the famous last game of every year post game ceremony, the Shirt 's Off Their Backs. All the Pens come out still wearing their jerseys and in numerical they take a photo with the winner, remove their jersey and sign it, and then give it to you. So far I've been to 3 last games in a row and not won yet but it's still exciting.

I ended up going 8-4-1 this year in games I attended. I'll post my lifetime numbers here when I have them readily available.

I'm sad to see this arena go. It's the only one I've ever really known but it is kind of crappy and falling apart. It's a bummer to think about but after a season in the new arena I won't even remember it that much. I'm glad I took a lot of pictures over the years. I know some people are trying to save it for some reason but we need to move on. The new arena will be kick ass and I can't wait for it but thanks Civic Arena (I never switched what I called it) for hosting our Pens all these years!!

2010 NHL Playoff Tracker - Round 1

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Washington Capitals v# 8 Montreal Canadiens
Game 1 Canadiens 3, Capitals 2 OT
Game 2 Canadiens 5, Capitals 6
Game 3 Capitals 5, Canadiens 1
Game 4 Capitals 6, Canadiens 3
Game 5 Canadiens 2, Capitals 1
Game 6 Capitals 1, Canadiens 4
Game 7 Canadiens 2, Capitals 1
#8 Montreal Canadiens WIN 4-3

#2 NJ Devils v #7 Philadelphia Flyers
Game 1 Flyers 2, Devils 1
Game 2 Flyers 3, Devils 5
Game 3 Devils 2, Flyers 3
Game 4 Devils 1, Flyers 4
Game 5 Flyers 3, Devils 0
#7 Philadelphia Flyers WIN 4-1

#3 Buffalo Sabres v #6 Boston Bruins
Game 1 Bruins 1, Sabres 2
Game 2 Bruins 5, Sabres 3
Game 3 Sabres 1, Bruins 2
Game 4 Sabres 2, Bruins 3
Game 5 Bruins 1, Sabres 4
Game 4 Sabres 3, Bruins 4
#6 Boston Bruins WIN 4-2

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins v #5 Ottawa Senators
Game 1 Senators 5, Penguins 4
Game 2 Senators 1, Penguins 2
Game 3 Penguins 4, Senators 2
Game 4 Penguins 7, Senators 4
Game 5 Senators 4, Penguins 3 3OT
Game 6 Penguins 4, Senators 3 OT
#4 Pittsburgh Penguins WIN 4-2


WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 San Jose Sharks v# 8 Colorado Avalanche
Game 1 Avalanche 2, Sharks 1
Game 2 Avalanche 5, Sharks 6 OT
Game 3 Sharks 0, Avalanche 1 OT
Game 4 Sharks 2, Avalanche 1 OT
Game 5 Avalanche 0, Sharks 5
Game 6 Sharks 5, Avalanche 2
#1 San Jose Sharks WIN 4-2

#2 Chicago Blackhawks v #7 Nashville Predators
Game 1 Predators 4, Blackhawks 1
Game 2 Predators 0, Blackhawks 2
Game 3 Blackhawks 1, Predators 4
Game 4 Blackhawks 3, Predators 0
Game 5 Predators 4, Blackhawks 5
Game 6 Blackhawks 5, Predators 3
#2 Chicago Blackhawks WIN 4-2

#3 Vancouver Canucks v #6 LA Kings
Game 1 Kings 2, Canucks 3 OT
Game 2 Kings 3, Canucks 2 OT
Game 3 Canucks 3, Kings 5
Game 4 Canucks 6, Kings 4
Game 5 Kings 2, Canucks 7
Game 6 Canucks 4, Kings 2
#3 Vancouver Canucks WIN 4-2

#4 Phoenix Coyotes v #5 Detroit Red Wings
Game 1 Red Wings 2, Coyotes 3
Game 2 Red Wings 7, Coyotes 4
Game 3 Coyotes 4, Red Wings 2
Game 4 Coyotes 0, Red Wings 3
Game 5 Red Wings 4, Coyotes 1
Game 6 Coyotes 5, Red Wings 2
Game 7 Red Wings 6, Coyotes 1
#5 Detroit Red Wings WIN 4-3

Capitals Lose To Montreal in Game 7

Can anyone believe this? This is one of the biggest upsets in sports playoffs in history. No #1 seed had ever lost to a #8 seed after being up 3-1.

Washington

scored 101 more goals

had 33 more points

15 more wins

They were almost unbeatable at home in the regular season.

They were favorites to take on Crosby and the Penguins and take their crown as the new Stanley Cup Champions.

None of that mattered. None of that happened.

Game 1 Canadiens 3, Capitals 2 OT

Game 2 Canadiens 5, Capitals 6

Game 3 Capitals 5, Canadiens 1
Game 4 Capitals 6, Canadiens 3

Game 5 Canadiens 2, Capitals 1

Game 6 Capitals 1, Canadiens 4

Game 7 Canadiens 2, Capitals 1

ESPN's Series Page
Scott Burnside - This wasn't a loss; this was a collapse
Ovechkin LOLs
Montreal fans jubilant after Habs knock out Capitals

Some things they're saying in Washington

Tarik El-Bashir - Top-seeded Washington Capitals knocked out of Stanley Cup playoffs by eighth-seeded Montreal Canadiens
Tracee Hamilton - Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals come up short
Barry Svrluga - Montreal's stunning upset of Washington ends Capitals' season much sooner than anyone expected

Dan Steinberg - Caps lose Game 7, D.C. fans suffer again