GOLD!!!!

I have been fortunate enough to see the U.S.A. Men's Olympic Hockey Team win the Gold Medal twice.  The 1980 win was exciting, the U.S. defeated the former Soviet Union, and then went on to win against Sweden to take the medal.  A bunch of college kids snagged Gold on the biggest world stage.

Today's win was well earned. Now NHL level athletes, the guys in the red, white, and blue fought off a very talented Canadian team. Connor Hellebuyck's goaltending was insane! The OT goal by Jack Hughes sealed the deal for the U.S.  I'm sure Johnny Gaudreau is smiling up on that big ice rink in the sky.

Congrats to Coach Sullivan and the entire staff.  Great job by all the players to get the win.  You guys earned it!

Big shout out to the ladies team for taking Gold in their 2-1 over Canada.  Way to go!!!!

Congrats to all the U.S. athletes that earned medals.  Your years of hard work paid off.  For those who didn't get any medals, you are among an elite few that can say you were/are an Olympian.  Hold your head high!  You did yourself, your family, and your country proud!

Finally, Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, you put on one heck of an Olympic Games. It was very enjoyable.  I say well done!!!!

When Lightning Strikes

I watched the Stadium Series Hockey Game last night between the Boston Bruins and the Tampa Bay Lightning.  It was held in Tampa which was a balmy 38 degrees.  It was a perfect night for outdoor hockey.  The game was terrific and did not disappoint.

Boston dominated the 1st two periods going up 5-1.  Towards the end of the 2nd period there were several skirmishes between the teams which led to a fight between the goalies late in the period (a rarity in the NHL). From that point on the Lightning roared to life.  They tied the game in the third period and then went on to win it with a Jake Guentzel goal in a shootout.

Kudos to both teams and their staffs for a really entertaining game and to everyone involved in putting on an incredible show for hockey fans.  Great job people!!! Loved it!!! 

Kool for Kats

Congratulations to the Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers.  The "Big Cats" defeated the Edmonton Oilers last night 5-1. The Panthers took the series 4 games to 2.  The Oilers put up a good fight in some of the games but looked tired in the rest.  From the puck drop last night, the Panthers came out to play high caliber hockey for which the Oilers had no answer.  Sergei Bobrovsky was amazing in the net throughout the series.  Top to bottom, the Florida Panthers were awesome and deserve their time with Lord Stanley's cup and to have their names added to it.

Florida Panthers Win 2nd Consecutive Stanley Cup

Well Oiled Machine

After a dismal 3-0 1st period and the pulling of their starting goaltender, the Edmonton Oilers started to play hockey,  They scored 3 unanswered goals in the 2nd period to tie the game.  The Oilers went up by 1 in the third period and held off the Florida Panthers until 18 seconds on the clock.  With the game tied at 4, it went into overtime.  Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl bounced a puck off a Panther Defender which found its way past Sergei Bobrovsky for the win.

The game had its ups and downs but was great to watch from start to finish.  Edmonton played last night like they were meant to be there.  Awesome effort from both teams.  The series is now tied at 2 each.  Game 5 will be in Edmonton on Saturday.  I'm looking forward to it!

Respect Your (Dark) Eldars

I purchased a set of Games Workshop Dark Eldar Kabalite Warriors back in January on eBay.  There were 9 of them for 19 bucks.  Not a bad deal.  The nice part was that they were assembled and 2 were partially painted.  I ended up repainting those but kept the bluish plumes on their helmets.

Flat black undercoat.  Purple for the helmets, gloves, boots, and shoulder armor.  A 2nd coat of purple metallic paint was then applied.  Some parts of the helmets, were painted silver along with the blades and guns. The eye areas were given a clear blue .  The silver areas were then given a black wash.  Everything else was given highlights.  The plumes were given an extra bluish white highlight in some areas.

I'm psyched at how they turned out.  Check 'em out.  I hope ya like 'em!

Off topic:  I watched Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals last night. WOW!  The Edmonton Oilers embarrassed themselves royally.  The Florida Panthers gave them a whopping like I've never seen and laughed in their faces as they did.  I really don't care who wins.  I'm not a fan of either team.  I'm a hockey fan and would love if the Oilers can provide a least a half decent effort to make the series interesting.

It Was Great While It Lasted

I just wanted to take a minute and say farewell and good luck to long time Pittsburgh Penguins Coach Mike Sullivan.  Sullivan coached the Pens for a decade posting a 409-255-89 record and 2 Stanley Cup Championships.  He is the winningest coach in Penguins history.  Lots of great hockey under Sullivan's tulidge. 

The Pens have not made the playoffs for the past 3 seasons leading to an agreement between the organization and Coach Sullivan to part ways.  He leaves some big skates to fill.  I'm sure he'll hit the ice with a presence in New York.  Nothing but best wishes from this Penguins fan.  Thanks for everything you did here in the Burgh, Coach.

On Top of Their Game

Congratulations to Alex Ovechkin for his milestone achievement of surpassing Wayne Gretzky's goal scoring record.  As a Pittsburgh Penguin fan, I have both loved and hated Ovechkin over the years.  Love him as a great player, hated him for the fact that it was often one of his signature goals that beat my beloved Pens (who are not making the playoffs again).  Keep it rollin', Ovi!!!

On the hard wood, the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four has been outstanding.  Florida has been amazing.  Auburn just didn't have enough fuel in the tank to beat them.  Duke fought Houston down to the wire in an absolutely fantastic game.  The championship game tonight ought to be one tough match.  Looking forward to it.

The Great White North

Last night's championship game between the U.S. and Canada in the 4 Nations Face-Off Tournament was great!  It went back and forth all night ending in a tie in regulation.  The Canadians won 3-2 in overtime with Connor McDavid getting one past Connor Hellebuyck.  NHL regular season play resumes tomorrow.  After the tournament, it might all seem anticlimactic. 

4 Nations Face Off

If you haven't been watching this you've really been missing out on something special.  The best players in the NHL are playing for their native countries; Sweden, Finland, Canada, and the U.S.A.  The Americans have won their 1st two games and will be in the championship game.  The other nations have all lost a game each.  Jake Guentzel has been fabulous for the U.S.  Next games are on Monday and the championship will be on Thursday.  If you love hockey, tune in!

All Hell's Breaking Loose

 WOW!

Sports in da Burgh are falling apart.  Steelers, Penguins, Pitt Panthers, (of course the Pirates have stunk for some time - I think we just accept it now.)  The Steelers crapped the bed at the end of the season losing 4 straight at the end of the season and then get embarrassed by the Ravens in the playoffs.  The buzz is Tomlin is safe and won't get canned.  The team seems like a mess with disgruntled players and accusations that vets went soft at the end.  The Rooney's need to right that ship in the off season.  Steeler fans are known to be intolerant and won't put up with much.

Equally as bad are the Penguins.  They seem to be having trouble on and off the ice.  It seems that nearly everyone is unhappy from Coach Sullivan to the players (Jarry on his way to the Baby Pens) to the fans.  The front office needs to decide what is the path forward.  Rebuild or chug along with the same-old-same- old.  What's going to sell tickets?  It's time to decide.

Coach Narduzzi and the Pitt Panther football team were Jekyll and Hyde this past season.  The first half they were pretty darn good and the second half (including the bowl game) were just ugly.  What to do here is anyone's guess.

As fans, were stuck with some train wrecks and some mediocrity.  Dark days in the Steel City for sure.

Steel City Sports

It's kind of a mixed bag as far as sports are concerned here in Pittsburgh.  To the surprise of many, the Steelers are having a super season.  They are currently 7 and 2 and on top of the AFC North Division.  Their schedule ahead is a rough one.  Hopefully they can ride it out and get into the playoffs.  Best of luck to the guys in black and gold.

The Pitt Panther football team has had a good go of it.  They have stumbled recently but still can right the ship for the remainder of the season.  They certainly have been fun to watch.

Panther basketball is off to a 3-0 start.  Hoping to see good things from them this year.  They seem to have the horses to get it done.  Go Pitt!

The Penguins are a whole different story.  This is a team in dire need of rebuilding.  I've been to PPG Paints Arena for a couple of games so far this season.  They looked great in each of them.  If they could keep it consistent, they might stand a chance.  They are currently 6 and 9 and near the bottom of the Metropolitan Division.  They took a 7-1 beating yesterday by the Dallas Stars.  YIKES!!!!

Well sports fans, that it for now.  Be safe out there and take care of each other.  Until next time...

Cats Always Land on Their Feet...Skates

Congratulations to the Florida Panthers for winning their first Stanley Cup.  They beat the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in Game 7.  It was a hard fought series.  Both teams played amazing hockey.  Very enjoyable for hockey fans to watch.

 

Seeking Lord Stanley

I don't know about you, but the NHL playoffs have been amazing so far. I've watched a ton of the games and each one has been nothing but outstanding hockey.  It's crazy to see that in most cases, the teams are so evenly matched.  I, for one, am loving it.  Kudos to the NHL for putting such a spectacular product out there for the fans to enjoy.  Much thanks and praise has to go to the owners, coaches, players, etc. who are making it all happen.  Great job to one and all.

Getting "5 Holed"

Not a happy camper right now.  I've been a Pittsburgh Penguin's fan since the early 1970's.  My friends and I would go to games and there was next to nobody in the old Civic Arena (loved the Igloo!)  So what's got me ticked off?  Lots of things.

Since the Pens were bought by the Fenway Sports Group there have been many changes.  I know all things must change.  It doesn't mean I have to like it.

Ticket prices are crazy.  I used to go to 3 or 4 games per season.  I'm down to 1 and can barely afford that.  As of January 11th, the station that televises their games, SportsNet Pittsburgh, is moving to a premium status charging more money per month.  My cable charge is already as much as a college tuition bill. 

 The team has been up and down for awhile now.  Sometimes they have been damn hard to watch.  It just seems like the Pens organization doesn't care about the fans - just the money.  I realize professional sports teams are businesses and businesses are there to make a profit.  It just seems like this new group is all about the cash.

It's been a great ride.  Larouche, Lemieux, Jager, Coffey, Barrasso, Malkin, Crosby, Fleury, and all the rest.  So much great hockey in the 'Burgh.  I've loved going to and watching games with my dad, my friends, my wife, my sons (I'd give them their bottles and rock them to sleep when they were babies while watching games on TV)!  Great times!  But now, maybe it's time to move on.  I don't feel appreciated as a fan anymore.  I feel I'm just an ATM for the organization. 

On Thin Ice

If you have paid attention to my blog for any amount of time, you know I'm a diehard Pittsburgh Penguins fan. Much like the other pro teams in the area, the Boys of Winter are taking their fair share of lumps this year. It has been hard to watch at times.

Making matters worse is listening to the games.  The TV broadcast team got overhauled over the summer and I can't say I'm pleased.  At the desk now is Jay Caufield (who's been around for a while).  He's joined by Mike Rupp (and other former Pens), along with Dan Potash (who got bumped upstairs.)  Sorry, but Dan was more fun down on the ice with the players and coaches.  He seemed more at home there.

Replacing him is Hailey Hunter.  She is the one bright spot in this new line up.  She knows her hockey and does a great job with the interviews as well.  Calling the game are Colby Armstrong and Josh Getzoff.  Sorry guys, but you're just not doing it for me.  After years of  Bob Errey and Steve Mears and the amazing chemistry they had, the new crew is like listening to saltine crackers...bland.

Maybe it's just me.  Maybe it will take some time to get used to.  But for right now, with the team doing just so-so, it's rough.

Put A Fork In 'Em

Tonight is the last game of the season for the Pittsburgh Penguins.  The playoff streak (16 years) is over.  No post-season hockey for the boys in the Black and Gold.  Put a fork in 'em, they're done.

I'll be watching the game this evening as I always do.  I'll be cheering on my beloved Pens against the Columbus Blue Jackets.  I'm no fair-weather fan, win or lose, they're my team.

It was a frustrating season for Penguin fans to say the least.  I'm sure it was for the players and Coach Sullivan as well.  It is the end of an era to be sure. I'm sure the Holy Trinity will be back next year (Malkin, Crosby, and LeTang), but I expect to see a lot of new faces.

The goalie situation needs to be resolved.  Outside of Guentzel, Rakell, Zucker, and Archibald, not much from the rest of the offensive squad (even Rust struggled).  P.O Joseph and Dumoulin were decent for the most part.  The rest of the defense was just okay.  Needless to say, injuries haunted the club all season and the trades weren't great.  Rumors already are circulating about what heads will roll and who will stay and who will go.

But for this Penguin fan, I'm going to sit back and enjoy the game tonight.  It will be the last one until next Fall.  I got spoiled over the years watching Penguin post-season hockey.  Like many hockey fans I'll just have to pick a different team and root for them in the playoffs.  Decisions, decisions,...

Kid No More

Sidney Crosby played his 1,000 game last night in a Pittsburgh Penguin uniform.  He was the number 1 draft pick for the team back in 2005.  It has been a true privilege to watch this amazing hockey player for the past 16 years.  True to form, the Penguin's captain led the team to two straight wins over the New York Islanders during their recent series.

Last night he was honored for his achievements at PPG Paints Arena.  Family, friends and teammates paid tribute to one of hockey's all time greats.  Former teammates and hockey rivals chimed in via video their praise of number 87.  The only disappointment was that the fans could not be there to honor their hero in person.  Such is today's world unfortunately.  

Thank you, Sidney, for all that you've done for the Pens, the league, and hockey overall.  You will always be a legend in the sport, not just for the goals and trophies, but for your humbleness, leadership, example, hustle, and love of the game. I look forward to watching you and the Penguins for many more seasons to come!

Crosby with Malkin and Letang

A Case of the Blues

Congratulations to the St. Louis Blues.  The newest Stanley Cup Champions defeated the Boston Bruins in 7 games.  All of the games in the series were great.  To watch these two clubs play against one another the way they did was phenomenal for hockey fans everywhere.  Jordan Binnington's goaltending in game 7 was insane!  Loved it!

Hockey  is over for now.  Time to get off the couch and actually do stuff.  (I can't wait for hockey to start!)

Yo-Yo

The 2018-19 season for the Penguins has been like watching a yo-yo.  One game the team is up and the next it's down.  It's been tough to watch.  Injuries have played a part no doubt.  Malkin, Schultz, Aston-Reese, Maata, and even Murray have all been out at one point or another.  Players have come and gone.  Other players have been hot and cold when it comes to goal scoring.

Tonight the Pens take on the Flyers in a Stadium Series game in Philadelphia.  I'm hoping that this game will start the Pens on the upswing that they will need to make a strong run into the playoffs.  Tonight, the stars need to shine!  It's go time for the Penguins!

As Promised

Here is a picture of my completed Cygnar Army.  I am pretty pleased with it.  I hope you like it as well.  The group includes several jacks and warcasters and a squire.  I really enjoyed painting them!

My somewhat busted up Penguins are in the playoffs.  They have come a long way this year.  I hope they can make a long run into the NHL post-season.  The third time is the charm...against the Rangers that is!

I've been watching Blindspot.  The show is absolutely amazing.  Check it out on Monday nights @ 10:00 on NBC.  LOVE IT!