D-Spat
Last night as the Penguins headed into the third period down 3-0, I had written them off.
I told myself, they’re just too flat to come back from this one. They can’t keep doing this.
So on and so on. Blah, blah … blah. I was down.
Then something truly amazing happened and something hopefully inspirational for the Pens.
The best player in the world, who was already having a tremendous game took it up another notch as he continues to do. As only a special player can.
Evgeni Malkin is flat out the best hockey player in the world right now. Nobody is playing at the level he is. He’s a game-changer.
Time and time again, he’s put this team on his back.
He did last season with Sid was hurt and he did again last night from the opening faceoff.
He played amazing, he played the complete game.
He was inspirational, flying all over the ice.
Checking, hitting, passing and shooting. He did it all.
Malkin shouldered the load.
He’s done it before.
Last night was different.
Coach Terrien recently (and finally) made him a permanent alternate captain, a honor he deserved.
Afterall, it’s a role he’s fit for.
Last night before the third period, Malkin addressed the team. Something he doesn’t often do.
But, last night he talked the talked and then walked the walk.
Just minutes into the third period, he scored a goal.
He’s dominate and passionate play in the third helped the Pens send the game to overtime.
Malkin, fittingly finished it off with just 16 seconds left in overtime.
He finished with two goals and an assist.
He did all the little things.
He looked like somebody I’ve seen before in the Penguins lineup. He looked like owner Mario
Lemieux, who had times put the team on his shoulders during slumps.
This could the turning point for the reeling Pens.
They’re not out of it yet, but close.
Malkin is to thank.
It was one of the most amazing one-man performances I’ve ever seen.
It looked familiar and all to recent.
It looked like another Pittsburgh great.
It looked like another, donned in Black and Gold, who put his team on his back, put the whole city of Pittsburgh on his shoulders and carried the load.
Just when you thought they were done, it looked like scene all too familiar for the Pittsburgh fans.
It looked like Ben Roethlisberger.
I mean he was sitting next to Lemuiex all night
thank goodness we are a part of a city of sports that doesn't often disappoint... I was watching Sports Center this morning and wondered for a second why Pittsburgh doesn't have a basketball team- then I remembered that hockey season is 8 months long, 9 if you're lucky, we just don't have time for it. And honestly, who plays indoors if it's not on the ice?
ReplyDeletegreat blog- Malkin is unstoppable.