Oops, This Was Sent, But Not Put Up!!!

Hey hockey fans, I am the Gouche, and am very proud that my mother (Momma Gouche) is writing blogs here for our company. I am sorry her latest post is late, but I forgot to get it up before last night's game. It is a great read, and I hope you enjoy it! She is not only a passionate hockey fan, she has traveled the world and followed my career and has learned the business of hockey.

Blogs are meant to be a personal story of an experience, and I love her wit and candid opinion. Though I do not always agree with her, I love her knowledge, perspective, and insight. Let’s not forget, she has been watching hockey for over 50 years and has witnessed some of the greatest players of all time: Richards, Harvey, Keon, Beliveau, Orr, Messier, Gretzky, Lemieux, Crosby, and Ovechkin.

I am a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins, and still hope they can get back in the series with a win on Tuesday night. As I have stated before, Evengi Malkin is my pick for MVP, but I cannot condone the antics that went on Sunday night in the game between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Detroit Red Wings. Max Talbot’s stick poke to Chris Osgood is unforgivable, and Malkin’s attack on Henrik Zetterberg did not need to go to arbitration.

If I understand some of the rhetoric, it seems the NHL officials said the series needs Malkin in the game. Would a lesser performer be given the same consideration? Are more games are needed in the series, so the fans can see Sidney Crosby skate? I actually read these comments. What a pile of hog-wash! Perhaps it comes down to the almighty dollar and gate receipts. In my opinion, the officiating was deplorable for an event that is probably the most prodigious in the hockey world.

Great: the last two games had fewer penalties than perhaps all other games in the whole series, but that doesn’t cut any ice with me. The penalties that were deserved, should have been meted out. That might have curtailed the frustration that obviously festered into a brawl. I would like to see the Penguins win THE STANLEY CUP, but let’s make it fair play. As I have said before: I try to be a good loser. But then, I am not the one who benefits from the outcome. I would appreciate other opinions, pro or con.