I am a 20-year-old Pittsburgh Penguins fan from the DC Metropolitan area.
Despite my love of hockey, my choice of sport was always soccer growing up. I played competitively for 13 years but upon entering college, needed a break from the sport. The steady decline of interest in soccer in the States along with the loss of the WUSA helped with reigniting my love of hockey I had as a kid. My dad being from Western PA, my choice of team was obvious. I watch every Pens game unless classes get in the way and I will give you my own post game analysis. As an amateur, I have no previous writing experience besides my blogging on NHL.com. Though I may be a hardcore Pens fan, I like to think that I can watch a game with an unbiased eye and give fair comments regarding either team. I will not hold back on criticism, especially toward the Pens. However, as a student and a creative writing minor, I do not have the luxury of writing a post-game analysis after every game since my studies must come first, unfortunately.
This is an exciting time for hockey with the rising, young talents and I hope my enthusiasm for the game shows.
DO IT, PENS!
Though I do think either one of the three are qualified, like you mentioned, I also agree that Iggy should do the job. In fact, Nieds...
Daniel Sallows replied…
I agree Laura, Sid will get his chance next time around I'm sure, he plays with...
The answer is YES YES YES! I think it's clear that the majority of goals scored by the Pens are around the hash marks or closer....
Sergey Zikov replied…
Your first point is exactly right. All our goals score right in front of the cage....
It's a different game at the World Cup. And they didn't exactly have the finest showing in 2006, as they only managed one goal in three matches.
Look, I don't mind Ovechkin, or Semin. I'll cheer for them during the WCs and the Olympics. But the organization I just think is extraordinarily full of itself. I can name a bunch of teams that could have won the Southeast Division last year. Their competition consists of Carolina, Kovalchuk, nobody and nobody. Oh well.
I don't know where you even found that site, but it's pretty good. I honestly didn't get to see games 5-7 of that series live because I was in St. Petersburg for 10 days. They did show the games on TV100 (because of the two Russian superstars) but it was on tape delay so I just got to see it the next night. But the ending to Game 5 was so beautiful, I'm sure you could hear a teardrop hit the floor in that building.
Check this out, it's the different kind of hat tricks, including Ovechkin's. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/275052-throw-in-the-hats-the-10-different-nhl-hat-tricks
38 days ago
I don't get Altidore. One minute, he can look world-class, the next you can't find him on the field because he disappeared. And he is barely good enough to play for Hull City.
Lucky would also be an appropriate word to describe their defense. It should have been a draw in all honesty, but were fortunate he missed the penalty shot. While they did handle Spain's offense and Brazil for a half, I'm not convinced at all that they can do it on a consistent basis.
But oh well, I'm happy. Russia got paired with Slovenia in the playoff, so I like our chances of advancing to the WC.
As for Capitals fans, how about the other night with the Ovechkin hat trick? He scores twice in regulation and then in the shootout, and somehow that's worthy of a hat shower? Please Ted, we already know your fan base has no knowledge of hockey but don't make it any more obvious! But I guarantee they weren't happy because of the Crosby jersey.
Here's a story about Caps fans in the Burgh though. I was going to Game 3 of the ECS, taking the trolley. So we see some Caps fans at Station Square and they're running to get on...but the driver closes the door before they get on and leaves. Then, over at the arena about 10 minutes later, I see them walking up to the gates. They get stopped by Pittsburgh police for no other reason than that they're Caps fans. Ha!
38 days ago
I just don't see it. He loves to play in a horrendous 4-5-1 against better teams and just curl up in a defensive shell. That's what he did against Spain. And I know from experience, that isn't the way to consistently get results, they were very lucky that Spain had a bad day of finishing. I know the US team doesn't have anywhere near the caliber of strikers as some other teams do and can't really play a Barcelona 4-3-3, but they need to open it up a little.
But we will see for sure, I'm interested to see where they get seeded and who they get put with. That'll determine if they advance or not.
Can you do me a favor though, next time you go to the Phone Booth? Count how many fans are wearing Ovechkin jerseys. You'll probably lose track around 10,000, but that's ok.
I've had Penguin season tickets though since we moved here in 1999, my dad made it a point because he's been a big hockey fan for the longest time. And at the time, we had Kovalev, Morosov, Titov and Kasper. The Igloo has been good to us, but the new arena will be superb.
39 days ago
Yes, you're right about that. But I still try to watch the women when I can. The Sbornaya have a couple talented young players, so maybe soon they can win the World Cup?
As for the men, I'll cheer for the USA as long as they aren't playing Rossiya. The US is my adopted nation, so they will always be second best. They definitely have the players to do well, but I'm still not sold on Bradley being the right coach for the job.
Sure there is some black and gold at the Bells & Whistles Center, but wouldn't it be better if the whole place was black and gold? Ha.
39 days ago
Hi There,
Take a look at my latest article on Roberto Luongo's captaincy whenever you get a spare moment, I'd really appreciate it and please feel free to drop a comment.
Thanks,
Patrick
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/273951-the-jig-is-up-why-roberto-luongo-should-give-up-the-c
40 days ago
Dobriy vecher, Laura!
Welcome to the Penguins community. I'm sorry I wasn't able to comment on any of your articles before, I was away for the weekend in Moscow.
But for someone who says that they don't have much writing experience, you've done a very nice job so far. Along with game recaps, opinion articles are also nice. Anyone who has a genuine interest in the Penguins and hockey is a great addition to the group.
I know the US is not very good at football (soccer), but you can still enjoy it! It is also a love of mine, as my dad always took me to Zenit St. Petersburg matches when I was young.
But keep up the great work and it's absolutely fine that the studies must come first, the same goes for me. Also, sorry you are stuck in DC, come back to the Burgh where you belong!
Sergey Zikov
Сергей Евгеньевич Зыков
42 days ago
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JW Nix said...
DeleteI think you may dig this from KD. It deserves AOTD :
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/289279-i-think-i-love-hockey
13 days ago