cmk418 | Another hockey post - season keeps on going (Reply)

Some observations on tonight's game (or the overtimes, which were the parts I saw)-

A quick note - I was switching between the game and another program during the 3rd period, kept on the other program when it was 3-2 Detroit, fully expecting to see Bettman's little pea head on the screen when I turned back. Instead, I was greeted with a circling Zamboni and the words "Intermission Report". The wha? So I settle in for OT.

This is the sort of thing that separates the men from the boys and separates hockey from every other sport. Two and a half overtimes, ending right arouind 1AM in the team's respective cities (and no fan of theirs would be sleeping when this was going on). Falling down, getting up, and keeping moving is how the game is played at this point. The intensity level was through the roof.

I watch games like this like I'm watching a horror movie. Every time they'd get down by the Pittsburgh net, I'd be peeking out between my fingers and making lots of high pitched "Eek" noises. There is no other sound because I cannot abide any of the national television announcers, and they make me even more nervous.

I was about to put my fist through something during the first OT when the Pens had their first PP. There's a little strategy called throwing the puck toward the net, not pass, pass, pass, pass, pass, OOPS. Very frustrating.

And the Cleary penalty? I'm with everybody who said that shouldn't be called - that movement was momentum-based, not a deliberate attempt to take out the goaltender (either that or Cleary is a gifted actor).

Game Six Key to the Game for Pittsburgh - TRY SHOOTING! 7+7+4+2+8+4 is something that most teams can achieve in 3 periods of play at least once a week. 32 shots in 5 1/2 periods is just disgusting.

By the way, it was unnerving enough watching two teams that I have limited interest in, I'd probably have hurt something if it'd been the Hawks in there.

Detroit should have won. This is the only time you'll probably hear me say it, but it's true.

However, to quote from David Mamet's screenplay of "The Untouchables" and the one thing the playoffs always teach you - Never stop. Never stop fighting til the fight is done.

Possibly also, never stop watching until regulation is really, really over.

3rd period - 19:35 - Here endeth the lesson.