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.

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...

The Land of the Ice and Snow

I went on an Alaskan Cruise aboard the Norwegian Cruise Ship Encore.  The ship is beautiful and very well kept.  The crew could not have been kinder or more helpful. Kudos to all.  The food was decent.  The specialty restaurants were very good.  The entertainment was enjoyable.  All-in-all a good experience.

Alaska was not what I envisioned.  No snow - just on top of the mountains. Ice, yes, in Glacier Bay which was pretty cool...cold???  Got to see some whales while in Juno.  Skagway was fun (a little tourist trap).  Glad I went.  Cross off one more from the bucket list.

Victoria, Canada is a great place.  Enjoyed the tour.  Would have liked to have spent more time there.  Got to spend a couple of days in Seattle. The Space Needle was crazy!  Stayed at the Edgewater hotel (lots of famous bands have stayed there going all the way back to the Beatles.)  Wonderful place!  It was nice to get away for a bit.  I'm glad to be home. 

Speaking of ice, I went to the Penguins-Sabers game last night.  What a phenomenal experience!!!!  Geno scored his 500th goal.  Sid scored his 1600th point and then gets the game winner in OT. I have to say I loved the game.  It will be one that will stay in my memory for a long time!

In case you've wondered why no hobby stuff as of late, I just moved and am still in the process of unpacking here at the new place.  It was time to downsize and get everything on one level.  I got a bonus, my new neighbors are super great.  It's a fresh start and I'm happy about it.

Until next time....be safe out there!

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,...

Not Happening

 Sorry all.  Yours truly is temporarily sidelined.  Orktoberfest fell to the wayside due to multiple family issues and me reinjuring my shoulder.  So my angry green-skinned friends will have to wait a bit to get finished.  Sad...very sad.

Speaking of sad, the Steelers and Penguins are not looking so good.  Can't even get a little satisfaction there.  It's just not happening.

What is happening is my favorite holiday is rapidly approaching.  I can already smell the pumpkin pie and taste the turkey.  Oh yeah!

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

Win Over Washington

Last night the Penguins looked like the NHL champions, not the Washington Capitals.  Captain Sidney Crosby's 2 goals helped to propel the team to a 5-3 win.  The top line was awesome with goals by McCann and Guentzel as well.  Geno Malkin got 2 assists to reach 1,000 career points.  Matt Murray had another great night between the pipes stopping 38 shots.  The bright spot for the Caps was Alex Ovechkin reaching the 1,200 career point mark.  Congratulations to both of these amazing Russian hockey players for their achievements.  The victory was huge for the Pens as they look to make a major push toward the playoffs.  Go Pens!

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!

Back Home

River Walk
VisitTheUSA.com

May has been a pretty great month.  I was recently in San Antonio, Texas.  It is the 300th year anniversary of the founding of the city.  I was born there in 1961 when my father was stationed at Fort Sam Houston.  It took me a while to head back home (over 55 years).  My wife surprised me with a long weekend trip there as an early birthday gift.  I have to say, I fell in love with the place.

The city is beautiful.  The weather was perfect. The people are warm and friendly.  There is much to do and see.  We went to the Alamo.  We walked, shopped, and dined along the fabulous River Walk.  I truly enjoyed every minute.  I'd go again in a heartbeat.

Closer to home, my Pittsburgh Penguins are out of the Stanley Cup hunt.  I'm pulling for the Vegas Golden Knights (lots of former Pens)!  It would a legendary story if they were to win it all in their inaugural season.  Good luck to the guys in gold!

Not much on the hobby front.  I did paint a few Reaper figures.  I completed two Drow warriors and a Skeletal Knight.  Too much to do.  Maybe I'll get another one done over the holiday break. 

As always,  thanks for reading.  "Y'all come back now, ya hear?"

Good Stuff

The Pens defeated the Flyers and are headed to the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.  Fans in Philadelphia showed no class. They actually threw beer at the Pens (wasting beer...total morons!!!!)  I'm from the 'Burgh and a Dallas Cowboys fan to boot, I still rooted for your "Birds" in the Super Bowl.  Come on now, have a little dignity.

Speaking of beer, over the weekend I tried a beer that I've been hearing about for some time.  I have to say that I wasn't disappointed in the least.  It's called Bumble Berry Honey Blueberry Ale.  This stuff is damn good!!!!

Back on Track

Yes sir, the boys in black and gold have looked great the past two games.  Goals seem to becoming from a variety of players on different lines plus from defense-men.  Murray and Jarry are doing a decent job in net.  Hopefully the Pens are turning the corner.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed. 

LET'S GO PENS!!!!

Not Quite There

I just not going to make it.  I'm going to come up a bit short I'm afraid.  I am currently finishing up one of the twins but that will still leave me five to go (counting the emperor).  While I had hoped to complete the Primarch Project by the end of the year, it's just not going to happen.

Unfortunately, I've been super busy.  I also have had some health issues that have set me back some.  So it looks like a few of the lads and their dad will have to wait a bit.  Reunion 2018 is going to happen!

Pittsburgh Pens are struggling.  Hopefully, Coach Sullivan can get the guys back on track.

A new Panda Express opened up near where I live.  I went there last week.  Loved it!  A ton of really good food for the money.  Excellent service!  Plan to go back soon.

I am Iron Man

It took a while, but I finally got my metal-handed Medusan finished.  This model is from Kabuki Studios.  In my opinion, it is one of their better sculpts.  Size-wise, it is on par with several of their other figures, like their Smith Knight and Steam Knight. 

Basically, I stuck to the color scheme that was on the photograph that comes with the kit.  I really liked the look, so I went with it.  I'm pleased with how this great little Gorgon Knight turned out.  See for yourself.

While not exactly Iron Men, some players on the Steel City sports teams aren't looking so hot.  Outside of the Steelers, things are not going well for the Pitt Panthers and the Penguins.  The road has been pretty rocky as of late.  The Pens have some time to right the ship.  I think the Panthers will have to wait for next year.  Oh well, I guess that you can't have everything.

Adios, Amigos!

It's always sad to see players from the sports teams that you love get traded.  To you the fan, these players are a big part of the reason why you enjoy the team and the sport itself.  The Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins are no exception.  A bunch of the guys that Pens fans have cheered their hearts out for are gone.  So long guys and thank you for all of your hard work, hustle, leadership, no-quit mentality, and for doing the black and gold proud.

Exiting the Pens:  Marc-Andre Fleury, Kris Kunitz, Matt Cullen, Trevor Daley, Nick Bonino, and Oskar Sundqvist.  It appears that recently acquired D-men, Ron Hainsey and Mark Streit won't be back either.  You guys will be missed.  There would be no Stanley Cup in the 'Burgh without all of you.  To the fans here in Pittsburgh, you will always be Penguins!  We will miss you.  Best of luck with your new teams!!!

So next season, Pens fans will see some new faces and have to learn some new names,  That's how it will be.  We will welcome the new guys and welcome back the vets.  Coach Sullivan and company will have the boys in black and gold ready to play.  The puck will drop and a new season will begin.  I can't wait!  Let's Go Pens!

Hard to Believe

If I hadn't seen it with my own two eyes last night, I might not have believed it.  Rumors have circulated in Pittsburgh for some time about whether or not Marc-Andre Fleury would remain a Pen next season.  Seeing him in a Las Vegas Golden Knights jersey brought home the reality that he would not.

Like many Pens fans here in the Burgh, I've had my ups and downs with "Flower".  In the end, there is no denying that without him as the netminder, the Penguins wouldn't have won their last 3 Stanley Cups.

Fleury is a total class act.  He is going to be missed in Pittsburgh both on and off of the ice.  I wish him nothing but success (unless they're playing the Pens) with his new team in Vegas.
Bonne chance, mon amie!

Suffering Catfish

Suffering Catfish....I'm sure that is the expression in Nashville this morning after the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated their Predators 2-0 last night.  Pens were awesome!  Congrats all the way down the line from Mario to the Zamboni Driver.  Back to back Stanley Cups!!!  Can anyone say three-peat??!!

I finished the Kabuki Knights of Legend Steam Knight yesterday.  The base that came with it was lame so I replaced it with one from Scibor.  This is one of my more favorite models from Kabuki.  The sculpt is cool and the pose is active. One more to go and I'll be half way through the project.

I'd Be Lion To Ya

I take great pride in this little guy.  This angelic figure is from Scibor Miniatures.  It is from their Lion Warriors set.  The figure is nicely sculpted and comes with a great scenic base.  For the most part it was an easy build (except for trimming off all of the flash).  I think that the painting turned out decently well.  This is the eighth figure I've completed so far.  Number nine is in the works.  I've included a pic.  I hope that you like it.

The Pittsburgh Penguins are back in the Stanley Cup Championship.  Best of luck guys!!!!

Last night I ate at the Taipei-Tokyo Restaurant in Monroeville, PA.  I've eaten there many times over the years and at their other locations around the area.  The food is always fantastic,  the service excellent, and the price reasonable.  I had the General Tso's Chicken - superb!!!  I washed it down with a Tsingtao.  A great meal that I got to enjoy with family and friends!  If you love Chinese food, then you need to eat at Taipei-Tokyo.