J and I went to the Penguins season opener, one of only six games we will be attending this year. The Penguins like to add some ceremony to their season opener, which means video of the greatest plays from the previous season, smoke machines and formal introductions of the owners, executives, coaching staff and players.
This year the ceremonies took a little bit longer than usual, with an extended video narrated by Dennis Miller, the display of a really shiny trophy at center ice and the raising of some sort of banner. And fireworks.
I wanted to write a long post, rhapsodizing about what it means to be the fan of a championship sports team, especially a hockey team. About how accessible the Stanley Cup is to fans and how much effort teams put into making the fans feel like part of the fun.
But I decided to skip all that. Instead, I shall say - it was electric.
Showing posts with label Penguins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Penguins. Show all posts
Saturday, October 03, 2009
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
OK, I Lied
I can't bear to watch tonight's game. I tried. I failed.
Either way, raise your sticks one last time guys. You exceeded everyone's expectations.
Either way, raise your sticks one last time guys. You exceeded everyone's expectations.
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
Fleury, Hallowed be thy Name
If a team ever won a game based on the sheer will of a single player, then the Penguins won last night's triple overtime based on the will of Marc-André Fleury.
There is nothing I can say that has not all ready been expressed by a multitude of sports writers, bloggers and casual fans. I was not planning on watching Game 5. I was going to read quietly and go to bed.
Instead I stayed up until after 1:00 AM, with friends, witnessing a game I only dreamed about seeing and could barely stand to watch. I could not stand to watch a shot by Hall Gill go astray and break Ryan Malone's nose. I could not stand the look in the eyes of the normally stoic Sergei Gonchar, sidelined to the bench by a back injury.
But I watched it. All of it. All 110 minutes of it. And I'll do it again tomorrow night.
There is nothing I can say that has not all ready been expressed by a multitude of sports writers, bloggers and casual fans. I was not planning on watching Game 5. I was going to read quietly and go to bed.
Instead I stayed up until after 1:00 AM, with friends, witnessing a game I only dreamed about seeing and could barely stand to watch. I could not stand to watch a shot by Hall Gill go astray and break Ryan Malone's nose. I could not stand the look in the eyes of the normally stoic Sergei Gonchar, sidelined to the bench by a back injury.
But I watched it. All of it. All 110 minutes of it. And I'll do it again tomorrow night.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
My Finals Experience
Was marred by Mellon Arena's decision to arbitrarily enforce their “no cameras with lens greater than 3 inches” policy. I was not permitted to enter the arena with the camera, so J returned it to the car and sought out an official who clarified that enforcement was up to the discretion of security and that any camera that appeared “too professional” was not permitted in the arena.
This is the same camera I have been bringing into the arena for two years without issue. I am frustrated and disappointed that the lens of my camera, which meets NHL guidelines for amateur photography equipment at events*, was deemed a potential obstruction while fans carrying in full-sized cardboard + aluminum foil or blowup replicas of the Stanley Cup, large poster board signs and giant sized stuffed Penguins are given a pass. I am frustrated that the people who insist on standing, leaving or returning to their seats while the puck is in play are deemed not enough of an obstruction to warrant a confrontation with an usher, but my camera, which actually remains securely zipped in it's carrying case for 90% of the game, is an annoyance.
And to deem my camera as “too professional” would make the actual professional photographer who stood on the landing below us during the entire game, with her super telephoto zoom lens, laugh her ass off.
Then the Penguins had to go and make it worse by allowing the Red Wings to score a weak (it bounced OFF Fleury) go-ahead goal, thus giving the Detroit the motivation it needed to shut down the Penguins offense completely. The Penguins can learn a lot by studying Detroit's defensive plays. I predict that Detroit will wrap up the series at home Monday night and will be hoisting the Stanley Cup.
I'm OK with Detroit winning. They are a better, more experienced team. And Detroit fans are welcome back at Mellon Arena anytime. They did not boo our players, returned good natured taunting with the same and, most surprisingly, left the arena quietly at the end of the game. Although it may have been shock that kept them from openly celebrating.
*I know this because I looked up the guidelines and measured the fully extended lens before the Winter Classic.
This is the same camera I have been bringing into the arena for two years without issue. I am frustrated and disappointed that the lens of my camera, which meets NHL guidelines for amateur photography equipment at events*, was deemed a potential obstruction while fans carrying in full-sized cardboard + aluminum foil or blowup replicas of the Stanley Cup, large poster board signs and giant sized stuffed Penguins are given a pass. I am frustrated that the people who insist on standing, leaving or returning to their seats while the puck is in play are deemed not enough of an obstruction to warrant a confrontation with an usher, but my camera, which actually remains securely zipped in it's carrying case for 90% of the game, is an annoyance.
And to deem my camera as “too professional” would make the actual professional photographer who stood on the landing below us during the entire game, with her super telephoto zoom lens, laugh her ass off.
Then the Penguins had to go and make it worse by allowing the Red Wings to score a weak (it bounced OFF Fleury) go-ahead goal, thus giving the Detroit the motivation it needed to shut down the Penguins offense completely. The Penguins can learn a lot by studying Detroit's defensive plays. I predict that Detroit will wrap up the series at home Monday night and will be hoisting the Stanley Cup.
I'm OK with Detroit winning. They are a better, more experienced team. And Detroit fans are welcome back at Mellon Arena anytime. They did not boo our players, returned good natured taunting with the same and, most surprisingly, left the arena quietly at the end of the game. Although it may have been shock that kept them from openly celebrating.
*I know this because I looked up the guidelines and measured the fully extended lens before the Winter Classic.
Friday, May 30, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Quick Hits
- I'm tired. Really tired. And a little bit sick. A little too much celebrating this weekend.
- In case you don't have NBC or Versus... the Penguins are going to the Cup! I'm going to a Stanley Cup final game!
- We attended a wedding in Williamsburg, VA this past weekend. Bride and groom were married at the Jamestown Church and the reception was held at the Shield's Tavern in Historic Williamsburg.
- It appears that the Penguins will be playing the Red Wings. Detroit is up 4 - 0 early in the second period.
- New bedroom furniture (and mattress) arriving sometime tomorrow.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
This Was Supposed to be a Post About Girls in White Dresses...
Then hockey got in the way.
The Post Gazette sports writers and fans who have been following the Penguins have been providing some truly priceless exchanges between Penguins and Rangers players.
Exhibit Number 1:
"I just told him I wanted to fight," Laraque said, shrugging. "I wanted to change the momentum."
Orr's response?
"He just said, 'C'mon, Georges, it's 3-0. I can't,' " Laraque said.
Exhibit Number 2:
“According to EN reader Nick Porto, Pierre McGuire, the NBC analyst stationed between the benches, said Sean Avery make a remark to Crosby near the benches during a television timeout. Hal Gill responded, "You know what? You just weren't hugged enough as a child. That's why you have issues."
----------------------------------------
I'm also realizing, for the sake of my sanity, that I am going to have to stop reading the New York Times Slapshot blog and sports articles, at least in the short term.
There is the sheer sexism in spelling Crosby's first name as "Cindy". The accusations that Crosby and Therrien are whiners. The (invalid) complaints about Crosby diving. All of these statements are familiar. All of them stem from fans who must resort to impugning a player's character because they have nothing legitimate to add to the conversation.
But sometimes, I wonder. Am I watching the same game? Do his detractors actually watch him play? Do they notice that the one thing Crosby does above all others is keep going? He never, ever stops moving when on the ice. He lowers his center of gravity when he curves around a net, protecting the puck. He constantly hones moves such as this in practice.
Which makes these latest accusations, coming from Straka (and Jagr) especially painful as I have great respect for the talent and work ethic of two men who contributed an enormous amount during their time with the Penguins.
My attire when attending Penguins games is an game-worn, autographed Martin Straka jersey. Straka is my favorite player, no matter what team he is a part of. But if this is how is going to chose to play the game - to act out from emotion instead of calling on his talent and skill to score goals and win games- then allow me to be the first to suggest that it is time for him to hang up his skates and for me to frame his jersey and place up on the wall. In a matter of seconds he managed to throw away the ten years worth of good will he built up as a member of the Penguins organization. The fans booed him when he stepped onto the ice today.
But whose fault is it, that I am disillusioned by a player I so admire? Mine, actually. I put Straka on the pedestal. I need to take him off it now.
And now, just for the sake of showing my intended post...
Without the blue satin sashes. With white patent leather shoes, white socks, white gloves and crowned with white flowers and veils.
Today was the first holy communion and confirmation of J's oldest niece. This is the second of three first communions I will be required to attended, as J's youngest niece will go through the ritual in another two years. And two years from now I will be disturbed, once again, by the girls in white veils.
I hate this custom. It burdens a group of eight year old girls with social and sexual connotations that they are too young to understand. Most of the parents have no idea about the symbolism behind the veil. They argue tradition without fully understanding why they are arguing in tradition's favor.
I was pleasantly surprised when J's brother, a priest, agreed with my objections, for essentially the same reasons. He also added an angle I had not thought of. Simple economics. Some families cannot afford to purchase such a dress (or suit) for a single occasion. Buying a nice outfit the child can wear to church or other occasions is less of a waste and prevents parents from turning a religious celebration into a competition.
The Post Gazette sports writers and fans who have been following the Penguins have been providing some truly priceless exchanges between Penguins and Rangers players.
Exhibit Number 1:
"I just told him I wanted to fight," Laraque said, shrugging. "I wanted to change the momentum."
Orr's response?
"He just said, 'C'mon, Georges, it's 3-0. I can't,' " Laraque said.
Exhibit Number 2:
“According to EN reader Nick Porto, Pierre McGuire, the NBC analyst stationed between the benches, said Sean Avery make a remark to Crosby near the benches during a television timeout. Hal Gill responded, "You know what? You just weren't hugged enough as a child. That's why you have issues."
----------------------------------------
I'm also realizing, for the sake of my sanity, that I am going to have to stop reading the New York Times Slapshot blog and sports articles, at least in the short term.
There is the sheer sexism in spelling Crosby's first name as "Cindy". The accusations that Crosby and Therrien are whiners. The (invalid) complaints about Crosby diving. All of these statements are familiar. All of them stem from fans who must resort to impugning a player's character because they have nothing legitimate to add to the conversation.
But sometimes, I wonder. Am I watching the same game? Do his detractors actually watch him play? Do they notice that the one thing Crosby does above all others is keep going? He never, ever stops moving when on the ice. He lowers his center of gravity when he curves around a net, protecting the puck. He constantly hones moves such as this in practice.
Which makes these latest accusations, coming from Straka (and Jagr) especially painful as I have great respect for the talent and work ethic of two men who contributed an enormous amount during their time with the Penguins.
My attire when attending Penguins games is an game-worn, autographed Martin Straka jersey. Straka is my favorite player, no matter what team he is a part of. But if this is how is going to chose to play the game - to act out from emotion instead of calling on his talent and skill to score goals and win games- then allow me to be the first to suggest that it is time for him to hang up his skates and for me to frame his jersey and place up on the wall. In a matter of seconds he managed to throw away the ten years worth of good will he built up as a member of the Penguins organization. The fans booed him when he stepped onto the ice today.
But whose fault is it, that I am disillusioned by a player I so admire? Mine, actually. I put Straka on the pedestal. I need to take him off it now.
And now, just for the sake of showing my intended post...
Without the blue satin sashes. With white patent leather shoes, white socks, white gloves and crowned with white flowers and veils.
Today was the first holy communion and confirmation of J's oldest niece. This is the second of three first communions I will be required to attended, as J's youngest niece will go through the ritual in another two years. And two years from now I will be disturbed, once again, by the girls in white veils.
I hate this custom. It burdens a group of eight year old girls with social and sexual connotations that they are too young to understand. Most of the parents have no idea about the symbolism behind the veil. They argue tradition without fully understanding why they are arguing in tradition's favor.
I was pleasantly surprised when J's brother, a priest, agreed with my objections, for essentially the same reasons. He also added an angle I had not thought of. Simple economics. Some families cannot afford to purchase such a dress (or suit) for a single occasion. Buying a nice outfit the child can wear to church or other occasions is less of a waste and prevents parents from turning a religious celebration into a competition.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
So Sweet
The Penguins recently put out a "fanciful" team picture as a desktop wallpaper. It was on the Pittsburgh Penguins website for a very brief period of time before someone decided to take it down. Which is a pity, because it is a great team photograph.
Even Sergei Gonchar has a smile.
h/t The Sidney Crosby Show for posting the photographs.
Even Sergei Gonchar has a smile.
h/t The Sidney Crosby Show for posting the photographs.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
I Am Lazy
A. What I planned on doing over my three day weekend:
Get blood drawn for a final round of blood tests.
Clean out closet.
Make pile of clothes for tailoring
Make pile of clothes for charity.
Iron.
Clear out my study, dust shelves and wash floor.
Clean bathroom.
Clean out spare room.
Bag clothes and other items (that have been sitting in spare room for weeks) for charity.
Laundry.
B. What I accomplished over my three day weekend.
Got blood drawn from a final round of blood tests.
Laundry.
C. What I did instead of the majority of list A:
Spent most of Friday after blood draw sleeping (the nurse took 5 vials of blood).
Took J to Seviche for dinner on Friday night.
Watched Ocean's 11 on Friday night.
Attempted to locate and purchase a enameled dutch oven on Saturday afternoon.
Watched Ocean's 12 on Saturday night.
Breakfast at Eat N' Park in Sunday morning.
Attended Penguins game. Took many photographs of all time favorite player, Martin Straka, during warm ups. Yelled at fans who refused to sit down while puck was in play.
FYI: I don't know why the photographs are blurry. I think I need to get the lens checked.
Some scoreboard text messages from the last two games:
"Chuck Norris wears Malkin pj pants".
"Gary Roberts counted to infinity twice".
"Captain America wears Gary Roberts Underoos".
"the forecast finally says fleury!!"
Get blood drawn for a final round of blood tests.
Clean out closet.
Make pile of clothes for tailoring
Make pile of clothes for charity.
Iron.
Clear out my study, dust shelves and wash floor.
Clean bathroom.
Clean out spare room.
Bag clothes and other items (that have been sitting in spare room for weeks) for charity.
Laundry.
B. What I accomplished over my three day weekend.
Got blood drawn from a final round of blood tests.
Laundry.
C. What I did instead of the majority of list A:
Spent most of Friday after blood draw sleeping (the nurse took 5 vials of blood).
Took J to Seviche for dinner on Friday night.
Watched Ocean's 11 on Friday night.
Attempted to locate and purchase a enameled dutch oven on Saturday afternoon.
Watched Ocean's 12 on Saturday night.
Breakfast at Eat N' Park in Sunday morning.
Attended Penguins game. Took many photographs of all time favorite player, Martin Straka, during warm ups. Yelled at fans who refused to sit down while puck was in play.
FYI: I don't know why the photographs are blurry. I think I need to get the lens checked.
Some scoreboard text messages from the last two games:
"Chuck Norris wears Malkin pj pants".
"Gary Roberts counted to infinity twice".
"Captain America wears Gary Roberts Underoos".
"the forecast finally says fleury!!"
Sunday, March 23, 2008
A Good Easter to be A Penguins Fan
As St. Francis Central Hospital finally comes down:
As Evgeni Malkin tops 100 points in the season.
And the Penguins move into first place in the Atlantic Division by beating the New Jersey Devils 7-1.
Happy Easter.
As Evgeni Malkin tops 100 points in the season.
And the Penguins move into first place in the Atlantic Division by beating the New Jersey Devils 7-1.
Happy Easter.
Friday, March 14, 2008
In Pittsburgh, Even the Buildings are Stubborn
After repeated failures to take down St. Francis Central Hospital via controlled collapse, contractors have thrown up their hands and will be imploding the building the morning of March 22.
Filing under "Penguins" as the demolition of the building will enable construction on the new arena to move ahead.
Filing under "Penguins" as the demolition of the building will enable construction on the new arena to move ahead.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Musings
One : Hockey on Versus sucks. West scored on East within the first 30 seconds of the game's start because Rick DiPietro, who graciously agreed to allow Versus to wire him with a microphone, was distracted by questions and forgot that he was supposed to be tending goal.
Two: Am I the only person who thinks the Whopper Freakout commercials reveal more about how violently self-entitled some of the “victims” are as opposed to the popularity of the sandwich?
Three: The Pittsburgh Penguins will be opening the 2008/2009 season against the Ottawa Senators in Stockholm, Sweden. J and I are still debating on whether to go to Munich for Oktoberfest, which conveniently ends on October 5th, one of the two days the Penguins are playing in Stockholm. I'm trying to convince J that a couple of days in Munich and a Penguins/Ottawa game would be an excellent vacation.
Four: What is it about male nude sculptures, that every single blessed last one of them in the Carnegie Museum of Art has a fig leaf covering their genitals? There were two exceptions, but both pieces had lost their penis at some point. I asked J, as representative of men everywhere, if seeing a full set (so to speak) would make him feel inferior.
J rolled his eyes.
Two: Am I the only person who thinks the Whopper Freakout commercials reveal more about how violently self-entitled some of the “victims” are as opposed to the popularity of the sandwich?
Three: The Pittsburgh Penguins will be opening the 2008/2009 season against the Ottawa Senators in Stockholm, Sweden. J and I are still debating on whether to go to Munich for Oktoberfest, which conveniently ends on October 5th, one of the two days the Penguins are playing in Stockholm. I'm trying to convince J that a couple of days in Munich and a Penguins/Ottawa game would be an excellent vacation.
Four: What is it about male nude sculptures, that every single blessed last one of them in the Carnegie Museum of Art has a fig leaf covering their genitals? There were two exceptions, but both pieces had lost their penis at some point. I asked J, as representative of men everywhere, if seeing a full set (so to speak) would make him feel inferior.
J rolled his eyes.
Monday, August 27, 2007
What are You Doing New Year's Day?
I will be in Buffalo, New York watching the Penguins/Sabres game.
At Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Outside.
In Buffalo.
On New Year's Day.
Which means instead of our annual New Year's Eve dinner, a group of us will be piling into a car to drive to Buffalo. One of our friends already booked two rooms at a nearby hotel.
At Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Outside.
In Buffalo.
On New Year's Day.
Which means instead of our annual New Year's Eve dinner, a group of us will be piling into a car to drive to Buffalo. One of our friends already booked two rooms at a nearby hotel.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Hockey News - With Lots of Wikipedia Links
The rest of my Paris trip will be updated this weekend.
Former Penguin's player Tomas Surovy returns to the United States and signs with the Phoenix Coyotes.
Jordan Staal gets arrested while attending older brother Eric's bachelor party. Please read it, as it involved no less than three branches of law enforcement, threats of deportation and two of the prettiest mug shots ever. The comments are also priceless.
Yes, he did break the law. And like hundreds of other underage kids (18 years old, remember) he got caught. Drinking. Not rape, murder, drugs, doping, fixing NBA games or participating in dog fighting. Drinking while underage.
Mike Lange signs for another year of Penguins radio broadcasts. Phil Bourque also returns. Let us hope that over the summer Bourque learned how to add while intoxicated.
The 2007/2008 Penguins giveaway schedule includes four bobbleheads (Crosby, Malkin, Staal and Recchi), a Commemorative Captain's C and other miscellaneous items, including a Penguins Mr. Potato Head.
I want the Penguins Mr. Potato Head. Alas, it is only for fans 14 and younger so I am soliciting suggestions on how to scam one out of the organization.
Former Penguin's player Tomas Surovy returns to the United States and signs with the Phoenix Coyotes.
Jordan Staal gets arrested while attending older brother Eric's bachelor party. Please read it, as it involved no less than three branches of law enforcement, threats of deportation and two of the prettiest mug shots ever. The comments are also priceless.
Yes, he did break the law. And like hundreds of other underage kids (18 years old, remember) he got caught. Drinking. Not rape, murder, drugs, doping, fixing NBA games or participating in dog fighting. Drinking while underage.
Mike Lange signs for another year of Penguins radio broadcasts. Phil Bourque also returns. Let us hope that over the summer Bourque learned how to add while intoxicated.
The 2007/2008 Penguins giveaway schedule includes four bobbleheads (Crosby, Malkin, Staal and Recchi), a Commemorative Captain's C and other miscellaneous items, including a Penguins Mr. Potato Head.
I want the Penguins Mr. Potato Head. Alas, it is only for fans 14 and younger so I am soliciting suggestions on how to scam one out of the organization.
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