The Penguins versus the Predators: The Stanley Cup Final 2017 - by Anne Shier

(inspired by Tim Wharnsby, CBC Sports)

On May 29^th, the Pittsburgh Penguins played their first game of the Stanley Cup Final series of 2017 against the Nashville Predators.  The Penguins who are the defending champions are up against the playoff team that placed last during the regular season – sixteenth.  It’s a miracle that the Predators have made it this far.  Now, the true test begins.  How far will this series go?  What are the odds that the Penguins will prevail?  How will these two teams interact?  No one knows what to expect.  I guess that’s what makes it exciting.  After all, the Stanley Cup Final is a kind of season unto itself.  It’s impossible to predict what will happen because anything can and does happen.

Game 1 took place in Pittsburgh.  Early in Period 1, the Penguins scored three quick goals.  It seemed like a foregone conclusion about the outcome.  Then, the Penguins did not get even a shot on goal for the next thirty-seven minutes – more than a period and a half!  In Period 3, Nashville came back and scored three goals!  The game seemed destined for overtime when Nashville pulled their No. 1 goalie, Pekka Rinne, to get the extra attacker and Pittsburgh suddenly came back with two additional empty-net goals!  However, most sportscasters seemed to agree that the Pittsburgh Penguins did not do much of anything in Game 1.  It was a fluke that the Penguins even won it 5-3.  It was obvious that they would have to be much more offensive in Game 2.  Pittsburgh now leads the series 1-0.

Game 2, on May 31^st, was also in Pittsburgh.  During Game 2, the Penguins came back with a vengeance this time, scoring four goals versus the Predators’ single goal.  What a dramatic reversal!  This time, the Penguins were much more offensive, as they knew they needed to be, with many more shots on goal than in Game 1.  The Penguins attacked much harder than the Predators.  The final score:  4-1 for Pittsburgh.  No point in letting the Predators think they could come back in this series.  Now, Pittsburgh has increased their series lead to 2-0.

After Game 2:  [as quoted by Tim Wharnsby, CBC Sports]:  “…But, more attention was paid [by the Predators] to Subban’s guarantee because of his outspoken, confident personality and because he’s one of the most polarizing figures in the game.  Good for Subban to ‘step up and profess the faith he has in his club’, that the team would come through at home.  Why not?  The Predators fans are among the best in the hockey business.  They exhibited this to a worldwide television audience on Saturday with their chants, standing up for almost the entire game to support their club.” 

Game 3, on June 3^rd, took place in Nashville.  During Game 3, Nashville came back with a vengeance this time, scoring five goals versus Pittsburgh’s single goal.  If the Penguins thought that conquering Nashville in this series was going to be a cake walk, how wrong they were!  P.K. Subban, one of the Predators leading defencemen, “made good on [his] bold guarantee that the upstart Predators would bounce back to win Game 3 in the Stanley Cup Final”.   Subban said this right after Game 2 was over.  And, the Predators did just that. In addition, by Game 3, Predators goalie, Pekka Rinne, had regained his stride.  Again, neither Sidney Crosby nor Evgeni Malkin of the Penguins got a single shot on goal!  The Predators were determined not to let the series get out of hand with a 3-0 series standing against them.  Their terrific home-ice advantage was definitely working to help them win against the Penguins.  Now, the series stands at 2-1 for the Penguins.

Game 4, on June 5^th, was also in Nashville.  Both the Predators and the Penguins went on the attack.  By the end of Period 1, the score was tied at 1-1.  This time, Sidney Crosby scored a goal for Pittsburgh, his first Stanley Cup Final goal since 2009.  However, by the end of Period 2, Nashville had scored two more goals, making the score 3-1 for Nashville.  By the end of the game, the score stood at 4-1 for the Predators due to a late empty-net goal against the Penguins.  Now, the series is tied at 2-2.  The next three games will alternate:  Pittsburgh – Nashville – Pittsburgh (if the series goes all seven games).

Game 5, on June 8^th (my birthday), took place in Pittsburgh.  The scoring got started early with Pittsburgh scoring twice in Period 1.  I was expecting Pittsburgh to come out strong tonight since the series is now tied 2-2 and Pittsburgh is determined to win this series and ultimately, the Stanley Cup.  It would be a great accomplishment for the Penguins to win the Cup twice in a row because that feat has not been accomplished by any team for at least twenty-seven years.  Although tonight’s game will not be the series winner for either team, it will definitely put heavy pressure on the loser.  Game 6 could be the game that wins the series for the Penguins, but, if not this one, Game 7 will do it, for sure.  However, never say die.  The Predators are not going to go down easily and the Penguins will have to fight fiercely for every goal.  So will the Predators.

Well, what do you know?  Sidney Crosby got into a scuffle with P.K. Subban, and just got turfed out of the game, hopefully only for the rest of Period 1.  Since when does Crosby ever get thrown out of a game?  Anyway, right after that, Evgeni Malkin scored the third goal of Period 1 for Pittsburgh, so I guess Crosby doesn’t have to worry so much since the score is now 3-0 for Pittsburgh.  I can’t wait to see what happens in Period 2.

As it happened, Sidney Crosby was back in Period 2.  I’m still not sure why he left the game late in Period 1 though.  Apparently, he’d thrown an empty water bottle out onto the ice surface late in Period 1.  I think he was pissed off at the Predators for being so aggressive even though they were losing 3-0.  Then, Pittsburgh scored early in Period 2, making the score 4-0 for the Penguins.  While it is not impossible for Nashville to come back from a three-goal deficit, after that, it becomes extremely difficult. 

Nashville has their work cut out for them tonight.  Then, Phil Kessel scored in Period 2, making the score 5-0 for the Penguins.  Now, unless Pittsburgh screws up royally, Nashville will probably lose this game.  And, we’re only halfway through the game.  Anything can still happen to change what we think the outcome will be.   Finally, Pittsburgh scored for the third time in Period 2, making the score 6-0 for the Penguins. 

I wonder what the Predators are going to do about their goalie, Pekka Rinne, who is not having a very good night.  We’ll see what happens in Period 3.  The thing about Rinne, he is doing his part and, mostly, doing it well.  It would not be fair for Nashville to blame only him for the score of this game.  Rinne has kept Nashville in the series so far!  In fact, it’s doubtful that Nashville would ever have made it into the Stanley Cup Final without him.  It’s quite the accomplishment that Nashville made it for the very first time to the Stanley Cup Final this year.  So, it will be interesting to see what happens in Period 3 tonight and then in Game 6 in Nashville.

As it happened, the Predators coach, Peter Laviolette, took Pekka Rinne out for the rest of Game 5 to help him relax, while Juuse Saros, the backup goalie, took over for Period 3.  I think this was a good move.  I hope Rinne can relax over the next two days until Game 6.  According to sportscasters, he may be able to relax physically more easily than mentally.  Rinne must prepare himself for Game 6 mentally, which may not be a very easy thing to do, but is necessary if the Predators are to have any chance at all in the remaining games.  In fact, every single team member of the Predators will have to prepare himself, especially mentally, for Game 6.  This is the game in which the Penguins could win the Stanley Cup, so they will come out fighting with everything they have.

In Period 3, there was no further scoring, so the final score was 6-0.  Pittsburgh is happy.  Matt Murray, the Penguins goalie, got a shutout tonight, his second of the playoffs and his third of his young career.  He is only twenty-three.  But, the Predators will probably try to put this game behind them as soon as possible and make themselves as ready as possible for Game 6 on June 11^th.  So, Pittsburgh is going to have to do the same and get themselves ready for Game 6.  This is a pivotal game because the Penguins could win the Stanley Cup after Game 6 is over.  Meanwhile, the series stands at 3-2 for Pittsburgh until Game 6 is played.

Game 6, on June 11^th, took place in Nashville.  This will be the last game of the post-season if Pittsburgh wins tonight.  If the Predators win, there will be a Game 7 on June 14^th.  For Nashville, this game is a “must win” game; they face elimination if they lose.  One of the Predators’ top defencemen, Ryan Ellis, was injured and not initially on the list to play tonight, but then changed his mind and is playing.   The Predators No. 1 goalie, Pekka Rinne, is back in goal tonight.  Hopefully, he’s been able to prepare himself mentally for this game.  Nashville has the home-ice advantage and this is a huge factor in the Predators’ favour.  There are tens of thousands watching this game tonight.  Many of them are standing-room-only just outside Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.

There was no scoring at all in Period 1 although Sidney Crosby came close near the end.  Then, in Period 2, there was more frantic shooting when the Predators actually scored, but the goal was disallowed.  I think it had something to do with the Penguins goalie, Matt Murray, not being able to get back in place in the crease before the shot was taken.  Too bad for the Predators.  So, the score is still 0-0 going into the second half of Period 2.  Both teams are strong defensively and offensively.  Both goalies are “on” tonight, so it’s hard to get anything past either one of them.  If this trend continues into Period 3, it looks like overtime will be required.  Imagine winning the Stanley Cup in overtime! 

In Period 3, the trend continues.  The score stands at 0-0 for most of the period.  Pittsburgh would love to win tonight since the Stanley Cup is the prize to be won!  However, Nashville is not making it easy for Pittsburgh and the Predators have to win tonight in order to go to Game 7.  But, at about 1:35 of Period 3, just as everyone is wondering what’s going to happen, Pittsburgh scores!  At first, Nashville’s coach challenged it, but was unsuccessful.  Then, Nashville pulled their goalie to get the extra attacker, but Pittsburgh scored shorthanded on the empty net!  Thus, the final score ends up being 2-0 for Pittsburgh!

The Penguins have won the Stanley Cup in six games, as predicted, and I’m real happy for them and for Sidney Crosby, their captain.  No doubt, Sidney will win many more personal awards as well, but the one he really wants is his tonight!  To begin with, the first personal award Sidney wins is the “Stanley Cup playoffs MVP” award, which he graciously accepts.

Then, as he is presented with the Stanley Cup for the Penguins, he joyfully yells out loud, holds the Cup overhead, and kisses it.  Afterward, he passes it on to the other Penguins who do the same.  They are all ecstatically happy and they should be.  They have all worked very hard and suffered continually with injuries and lost sleep and now, they are finally the winners of the top prize in pro sports:  the Stanley Cup.

As for the Predators, they gave the Penguins a real run for their money.  They were excellent defensively and almost as good offensively.  They fought hard and held back the Penguins as well as they could.  And, since it was their very first Stanley Cup Final, that alone is a really special achievement.  Hopefully, there will be more future Stanley Cup Finals for this up-and-coming hockey team.

copyright 2017 - Anne Shier

The Stanley Cup Finals 2017 - by Anne Shier

(inspired by Tim Wharnsby, CBC Sports)

When the Stanley Cup playoffs start in the spring each year, they’re very exciting to watch.  Admittedly, though I hadn’t watched the playoffs for several years, this year, I found myself watching them with great anticipation.  It all started with the Toronto Maple Leafs qualifying in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.  Although I guessed they probably wouldn’t make it past Round 1, nevertheless, I was rooting for them, hoping that, at the very least, they would not be totally humiliated by their opponent, the dreaded Washington Capitals.

The Washington Capitals had achieved first place during the regular season in the Eastern Conference.  If there was a team to avoid, this team would be it.  But, true to form, the Toronto Maple Leafs gave Round 1 their best effort knowing that the odds did not favour them advancing to the next round.  To the hockey world’s amazement, including my own of course, the Toronto Maple Leafs gave the Washington Capitals a real run for their money.  They managed to take the series to six games instead of just the minimum of four, and five of those games were decided in overtime.  I don’t think that the Capitals believed that the Leafs were capable of such battle and were, thus, taken by surprise.  However, eventually, the Capitals did prevail and advanced to Round 2 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, the defending champions.  But, the odds were against Washington advancing to the next round.

Now that I was hooked into watching the playoffs, I found myself watching all the playoff games, especially in Round 2, and being particularly interested in those that involved the two Canadian-based teams left:  the Ottawa Senators and the Edmonton Oilers.  When I realized that the Pittsburgh Penguins were the defending champions and were the most likely to win the Cup again, I also got involved with watching them in Round 2 against the Washington Capitals.  When I look back at the results of that particular series now, I can see the scores for each game were close, within one or two goals, except for Game 2 where the score was Pittsburgh 6, Washington 2, and Game 6 where the score was Washington 5, Pittsburgh 2.  In this seven game series, only Game 2 was decided in overtime.  These two teams were very closely matched in talent and perseverance.  But, the Pittsburgh Penguins finally prevailed and advanced to Round 3 against the Ottawa Senators.

I also found myself watching the Edmonton Oilers playing the Anaheim Ducks in Round 2.  Both teams, part of the Western Conference, were considered strong.  In this series, Games 3 and 6 were “blowout” games with a goal differential of three in Game 3, and six in Game 6.  Games 4 and 5 were decided in overtime:  Game 4 in the first overtime period, and Game 5 in double overtime.  It was a nail-biter of a series that went the full seven games.  These two teams were also closely matched in talent and perseverance.  However, the Anaheim Ducks finally prevailed and advanced to Round 3 against the Nashville Predators.

At the same time, I was watching the Ottawa Senators in their Round 2 series against the New York Rangers in the Eastern Conference.  In this series, Games 3 and 4 had a three goal differential, and Games 2 and 5 ended in overtime:  Game 2 in double overtime and Game 5 in the first overtime period.  This series went six games with Ottawa winning the series four games to two.  Ottawa would now advance to Round 3 versus the Pittsburgh Penguins.  This round would be a real challenge for Ottawa.

Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, in Round 2, the St. Louis Blues and the Nashville Predators were battling it out.  This series went six games.  There was no great goal differential in any game and none of these games went into overtime.  In the end, however, the Nashville Predators prevailed and advanced to Round 3 against the Anaheim Ducks.  It was obvious during Round 2 that the St. Louis Blues were not going to go down without a fight.

Now, in Round 3, there were four teams left, two series.  The winners of the Eastern and Western Conferences would advance to the Stanley Cup final.   These two series were going to be very interesting, indeed.  In the Eastern Conference, the Ottawa Senators would face the Pittsburgh Penguins, and, in the Western Conference, the Nashville Predators would face the Anaheim Ducks.  No team was expected to go down without a fight.

For Ottawa, their major asset is a defenseman named Erik Karlsson, the captain of the Ottawa Senators and their best player.  Erik is an excellent penalty killer for Ottawa and probably the best defenseman in the world.  And, they have a very strong goalie, Craig Anderson, whose record is 2.44 GAA during the playoffs and 2.28 GAA during the regular season.  When Anderson is “on” and in his best form, the Ottawa Senators are a team to be reckoned with.  Anderson’s backup goalie, Mike Condon, has a record of 3.92 GAA during the playoffs and 2.50 GAA during the regular season.  The Senators would be facing the defending champion Pittsburgh Penguins.  Still, Ottawa cannot be discounted from Round 3 and a possible Cup final.  Ottawa is a very determined and talented team.

For Pittsburgh, their major assets are Sidney Crosby, the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins and the best hockey player in the world according to his reputation, and Evgeni Malkin whose goal scoring abilities closely match those of Sydney, particularly in the playoffs since Sidney couldn’t play in every playoff game due to concussion issues.  Pittsburgh also has another strong goal scorer:  Phil Kessel whose total playoff goals exceed those of all the other players in the other Round 3 teams except for Ryan Getzlaf of the Anaheim Ducks whose goals total only one more than Phil’s. 

Pittsburgh also has two strong goalies:  Matt Murray and Marc-Andre Fleury.  Both have good records.  Matt Murray has a 2.41 GAA in the regular season, but was on the disabled list for part of the playoffs due to an injury.  And, Marc-Andre Fleury has a 2.56 GAA during the playoffs up to and including Round 3, during which Matt Murray took over again.  Given the fact that they have very strong offensive lines and strong goalies, Pittsburgh cannot be discounted from Round 3 and ultimately the Cup final.  Pittsburgh is not only a determined team, but very talented, especially in the offensive area.

For Anaheim, their major asset is a center named Ryan Getzlaf, the captain of the Anaheim Ducks and their best player.  And, they have a very strong goalie, John Gibson, whose record is 2.59 GAA during the playoffs and 2.22 GAA during the regular season.  When Gibson is “on” and in his best form, the Anaheim Ducks are a team to be reckoned with. Gibson’s backup goalie, Jonathan Bernier, has a record of 3.29 GAA during the playoffs and 2.50 GAA during the regular season.  The Ducks would be facing the awesome Nashville Predators and were a team not to be discounted in Round 3.

And, for Nashville, their major asset is their goalie:  Pekka Rinne whose record is a remarkable 1.70 GAA during the playoffs and 2.42 GAA during the regular season.  Pekka Rinne has achieved several shutouts against the other playoff teams and is a force to be reckoned with as a goalie.  However, the Nashville Predators’ defensive and offensive lines are also fearsome.  The top seven players in the playoffs are:  Filip Forsberg, Ryan Johanson, Ryan Ellis, Viktor Arvidsson, Roman Josi, Colton Sissons (who notched a hat-trick in Game 6), and P.K. Subban.  Other players that have also contributed significantly are:  Mattias Ekholm, Pontus Aberg, Austin Watson, and Cody McLeod.  During the regular season, Mike Fisher, the captain of the Nashville Predators, and James Neal were two big factors in Nashville’s success.  Still, the Nashville Predators placed last of the sixteen teams that qualified for the playoffs at the end of the regular season.  I’m sure no one in the hockey world ever expected them to make it this far in the playoffs.

Still, Nashville has proven they are indeed a team to be reckoned with.  Amazingly enough, as of last Monday, the Nashville Predators finally vanquished the Anaheim Ducks in seven games and will advance to the Stanley Cup final.  Who would’ve ever thought they could do that?

The thing is – Nashville has something, or a combination of things, that the other playoff teams don’t necessarily have.  This team plays like a team should – the players all contribute to play-making, defense, goal-scoring, puck possession, and anything else that needs to be done during a game.  If a team member is hurt and cannot play, the other team members automatically fill in for him.  I guess you could say that Nashville’s depth comes from the fact that the players that usually fulfill the defensive role have frequently, without being asked, become more offensive players and engage in scoring goals for the team.  The evidence is there:  several defensive players have scored goals in these playoffs making the Nashville Predators competitive in a way that they have never been before.  This fact has made the team stronger and much more successful than previously expected.

Now, we only have to wait till this coming Thursday to find out who prevails in the Eastern Conference:  the Ottawa Senators or the Pittsburgh Penguins.  The odds were in the favour of the Penguins advancing, but the Senators have since proven that they have what it takes to stick it out and fight to the bitter end.  The Senators have the required ability to put a past bad game behind them and look forward to the next game. 

As it happens, the Pittsburgh Penguins finally managed to dispatch the Ottawa Senators in seven games, with Game 7 finishing in double overtime.  I’m sure that the Penguins didn’t anticipate that the battle with the Senators would be so long and fierce.  So, now the Pittsburgh Penguins will face the Nashville Predators in the Cup final, beginning on May 29^th.  It should be a very interesting battle indeed. 

The Predators had swept first the Chicago Blackhawks (in four straight) in Round 1, and then ousted the St. Louis Blues and Anaheim Ducks in the second and third rounds, respectively.  And, they did it in six-game series each, thanks to their stingy defensive unit of Roman Josi, Ryan Ellis, Mattias Ekholm and P.K. Subban.

This may be the best top-four defensive unit since the Ducks won the Stanley Cup a decade ago with Scott Niedermayer, Chris Pronger, Francois Beauchemin, and Sean O’Donnell.

But, the Predators also will endure their toughest test yet against the Pittsburgh Penguins with their one-two punch down the middle of Crosby and Malkin.  Which team will prevail and ultimately win the top prize in ice hockey:  the Stanley Cup, which is considered the top prize in pro sports?  That is a prize truly worth fighting for. 

When the final buzzer went to end Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, the Pittsburgh Penguins had won the series 4-3 and the Stanley Cup for the second consecutive season.  The Nashville Predators were left looking stunned and extremely disappointed though they had fought hard and long and, like the Ottawa Senators, did not capitulate easily.  The Predators are to be praised for their perseverance and determination.  Hopefully, they would learn from their very first Stanley Cup Final series what it takes to win the Cup and take that knowledge with them into the future.\

In the excited aftermath of Game 7, while the Penguins were getting ready to receive the Cup, both teams shook hands and/or hugged each other and the congratulations were exchanged.  Reporters interviewed as many players as they could while the team was still on the ice.  Meanwhile, the rest of the Penguins club:  coaches, trainers, managers, owners, medical staff, etc. were also milling around on the ice, excited and exchanging congratulations among themselves and the players.

The players, without missing a beat, gave each other the credit for the success of the series and the post-season, stating that they relied upon each other each and every night to fulfill the tasks that needed to be done to get the job done:  to win the Cup.  They did not give the credit to any one player, but to the ability of the team to collaborate together in order to win.  Every one of the players knew that they could never have accomplished this feat without having the full support of each other and the wonderful, positive environment in which they operate.  It’s a truly remarkable team and they deserve to win the top prize.  The Pittsburgh Penguins are very strong both defensively and offensively, and that, paired with having Matt Murray as their fantastically talented goalie, makes them a virtually unbeatable team in men’s pro ice hockey.  This will be their legacy in the future.

copyright 2017 - Anne Shier

Sidney (a fictional short story) - by Anne Shier

Today, I woke up late, twelvish I think.  I don’t remember much about how I got home, or when or how I got to bed.  All I know is that the bed clothes are soaked with my sweat.  Is it hot out?  I don’t know or care.

When I finally get up the energy to move, I look at my right hand.  It’s twitching.  Why?  What did I do last night?  I might be having a big memory lapse – something like that.  What I remember right now is that I wasn’t alone.   I was in a bar drinking with a very attractive young man.  Anything else?  I don’t know.

We are about the same age, I think.  He told me he’s twenty-nine and I told him I’m almost thirty.  He is tall and muscular with a medium frame and he has neck-length black hair and a trim mustache and beard.  He’s also an athlete since he told me he plays hockey. For which team?  I don’t remember.  I do remember his name though - it’s Sidney.  That’s a nice name, somewhat unusual for a guy.  I’ve never met a ‘Sidney’ before.  He is really cute, which is good.  I hope he thinks I’m cute too.  However, that depends on the guy and what his tastes in women are.  I’m the blonde-hair-and-blue-eyed variety, and I’m kind of short with a mature figure.  Lots of guys have liked me in the past.

Did I flirt with him?  Probably.  Did I kiss him while we were on the dance floor?  Maybe.  I just don’t know.  If he was a nice guy and thought I was nice too, he might call me and ask me out sometime.  Did I give him my phone number though?  Did he ask me for it?  I don’t know that either.

I think our conversation might have gone something like this: 

“Hi, what’s your name?" he asks.

“Carlie.”, I answer, smiling.

“Carlie what?," he asks.

“Jensen.  What’s your name?” I ask him.

“Sidney…Sid for short.  So, what do you do?”

“I’m a high school computer studies teacher.  What about you?”

“I’m an NHL hockey player.  I play for the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team.”

“Oh wow, a pro hockey player!  That must be very exciting for you.”

“Well, it is during the Stanley Cup playoffs.  Then, we get a lot of attention from our fans and the media.  And, I get to talk to reporters on camera once in a while.  Besides, we play on the world stage during the playoffs.  Who wouldn’t want to do that during their hockey career?”

“Yeah, I’ve been on TV a couple of times as I recall, and I’ve performed in front of many audiences:  singing karaoke songs, dancing, and doing gymnastics.  But, you know, I really like hockey.  I’ve liked it since I was a kid.  However, I haven’t watched any NHL hockey on TV for quite a while.”

“Well, it is definitely worth watching, I’m sure, especially if you’re a fan of one of the teams playing.  So, which team or teams are you a fan of?” he asks.

“Usually, the Toronto Maple Leafs, but I also support two other Canadian-based teams:  the Ottawa Senators and the Edmonton Oilers. These three teams were the only ones who made the playoffs at all this year.” I reply.

“Well, we are beating the Ottawa Senators in Round 2 and will go on to play the Anaheim Ducks in Round 3.  Unless we screw up, that is, it looks like we’ll beat the Senators.” he replies.

“I know that Pittsburgh is a good team and could beat probably ninety-five percent of the other NHL teams.  I hope that you succeed in the Cup final, if you make it that far.” I reply.

“Thanks, and I hope you enjoy your teaching career.” he replies.

“I do.  In fact, I used to be a Physical & Health Education teacher and loved it.  That was not a ‘job’ for me.  It was something I looked forward to each and every day.  Sometimes I think I should have trained to be a gymnastics coach instead of a PHE teacher.  I would’ve loved to coach gymnastics.  I’ll bet that’s the way you feel about pro hockey.”

“Yes, I do.  So, would you like to go out with me sometime?  I think you’re very easy to talk to and we could share stories about our individual careers and see how much we have in common.” he says, aiming his killer smile at me.

“I would love to go out with you, Sidney.  I think we might have something in common too and I would like to explore that some more.” I reply.  “Actually, Sid, there’s one thing I have to ask you about first though.  Do you have any particular obligations that could impact our dating each other?  A wife, child, girlfriend, someone like that? I hate to make an issue of this, but I’ve been stung a few times by guys who weren’t honest with me about their relationships before we went out.”

“If what you want is honesty, you’ve got it.  I had a girlfriend, but I have no wife or child in my life.  So, if you still want to go out with me, I want to go out with you too.  In fact, I’m looking forward to getting to know you.” he says.

In my opinion, Sidney is absolutely perfect – “a male thing of beauty”.  He's wearing a black, satin, long-sleeved shirt, black dress pants and black leather shoes.  Everything he is wearing complements his dark hair and attractive facial features.

For my part, I'm wearing a pair of nice-fitting blue jeans, a light-blue sleeveless silk blouse, a pair of silver hoop earrings, and black high-heeled shoes.  I look about as good as I’ve ever looked when I’m out for the evening.  I feel very confident in this outfit while talking to Sidney.

That evening, I remember vaguely that I was watching a Stanley Cup playoff game on one of the bar’s TVs.  Between which two teams?  I don’t remember the teams’ names; just that it was Game 6 of that series.  And, a loss to one of those teams would mean elimination from the playoffs in Round 2.  Do I really care about this particular series?  No.

After a while, I realize that it’s all just a dream.  Not the drinking part because I’m sure I was drinking in a bar with an attractive man, but the part about meeting Sidney and planning to go out on a date with him.  Why though?  Don’t I deserve to go out with an NHL hockey player who’s world famous?  Maybe.  Still, I’d love to go out with him.  I must have been drinking a lot or I’d remember more about our conversation.

When I was a kid, I just loved “Hockey Night in Canada” every Saturday night, either on TV or the radio.  The Internet wasn’t popular then – there was no such thing.  The term “streaming” was unheard of.  It probably meant fishing in a stream somewhere.  Those were the times when I watched a lot of NHL hockey on TV.  But then, for several years, I hardly watched any.  I always loved sports though.  That was probably because of hockey.  I still love the game though even if I don’t watch it very often.

In the last few years, my love for hockey – the TV variety, that is – has revived, however.  But, I grew to also love watching live hockey in a local arena.  My son played as a defenceman for eight years and my grandson has played as a forward for the last few years.  It’s been a lot of fun watching them both playing even if I sometimes had to get up very early to watch their games.  I didn’t mind because it was a labour of love.  It’s what you do when you’re a parent or grandparent.

When I watch the Stanley Cup playoffs now, I want to get to know some of the top players, especially of my favourite teams.  This year, I developed a curious fascination for Sidney Crosby, captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins.  He is reputedly the best player in the world.  His player statistics back this up.  Only his teammate, Evgeni Malkin, comes even close in the points department. 

My fascination with Sidney is more like a fantasy I’d indulge in when I let my overactive imagination run wild.  I imagine, specifically, that, as a young adult woman, I could date this very talented, very attractive young pro hockey player.  In my fantasy, I am in my mid-twenties to mid-thirties; otherwise, the fantasy doesn’t work.  And, he is just as attracted to me as I am to him – that is a given.  Such flights of fancy are mostly of the off-the-wall type, but it’s nevertheless fun to embark on them once in a while.

What kind of date would Sidney and I go on?  He has lots of friends, both male and female, so we’d go to a party at his friend, Marc-Andre’s place.  Marc-Andre Fleury is the Pittsburgh Penguins’ backup goalie.  But, in these playoffs, he is the primary for now because Matt Murray, the Penguins’ No, 1 goalie, is on the disabled list due to an injury.  I've since discovered that Sidney and Marc-Andre are good friends as well as teammates.  It’s a mutual admiration society with those two.  Marc-Andre has proven he's very capable during these playoffs and, as the Penguins captain, Sidney appreciates that very much.

He and Sidney are the main reasons the Pittsburgh Penguins are still in the running for the Stanley Cup in Round 2 against the Ottawa Senators.  Tonight is the night we find out whether the Penguins are alive or dead in Game 6 against the Senators.  Later on, I found out that the Penguins are dead for now.  Only the outcome of Game 7 will determine who is dead forever in this series.  Ottawa refuses to capitulate easily.

While we are talking at Marc-Andre’s place, some more of his hockey buddies come in, probably to find out who I am.  Buddies like Jake Guentzel and Evgeni “Geno” Malkin and some of the others like Conor Sheary and Phil Kessel.  I’m glad to meet all of them.  They’re really nice to me.  I hope they like me.  After all, I’m a people person – someone who’s hard to resist.  They seem to like me, anyway.  I wish I could remember all of their names, but I have a memory like a sieve these days.

My main memory of our date is about Sidney:  his dark-haired good looks, sexy kissable mouth, trim dark mustache and beard.  And, wow!  Does he smell good!  Slightly musky and spicy, his smell reminds me of fresh-baked cinnamon apple pie, right out of the oven.  Good enough to eat.

I don’t know whether I’m just dreaming of our date or if it’s real.  After all, Sidney has a lot to do to prepare, both mentally and physically, for Game 7 against Ottawa, coming up shortly.  All I do know is that I really want him to kiss me, softly yet passionately, while we’re slow-dancing on the dance floor.  And, that searing kiss will have to last me a lifetime because I’m not at all sure what will follow.

Yes, I’ve been told that I’m attractive to the opposite sex with my short, dark-blonde hair, clear blue-green eyes and full figure.  (I have my mother to thank for that!)  I am all woman – white, Canadian-born, like he is, twenty-nine years old, with a clear, clean complexion, and, best of all, I look sexy in my makeup.  If Sidney likes what he sees, and I think he does, he could very well ask me out again.  And, I will jump at the chance to get to know him and his body!  Does that make me obsessed?  I hope not; I’m not a groupie.  I hate terms like that and I don’t want to be anything like that.  I am just me.  Take me or leave me just as I am.

I am honest and forthright.  My main problem is that I sometimes drink too much, get drunk, and suffer the occasional alcoholic blackout.  But, for the right guy in my life, I’ll gladly give up booze for good and attend AA meetings for the rest of my life.  Just try getting away from me, Sidney.  You won’t get far if I have anything to say about it.  You are one cute and sexy guy; you seem to be nice; and, your hockey talent is legendary.  How can I go wrong choosing you for myself?  Now that is a dream worth having.

copyright 2017 - Anne Shier

Sidney Crosby: Hockey Player Extraordinaire - by Anne Shier

(inspired by Jonas Siegel, Canadian Press)

Sidney Crosby, captain of the Pittsburgh Penguin, is, without a doubt, the best hockey player in the world.  In just the last two seasons, he has won several NHL awards:  the Stanley Cup (2009 and 2016), the Conn Smythe trophy (2009 and 2016), the World Cup of Hockey, the World Cup of Hockey MVP, the Rocket Richard trophy, and back-to-back finishes as a Hart trophy finalist.  These achievements have made him a prominent figure in the world of men’s ice hockey, but he’s not finished just yet.   After all, Sidney is only twenty-nine years old and a mere twelve years into his career.

On Thursday May 25, 2017, Game 7 of the Eastern Conference took place between the Pittsburgh Penguins, defending champions, and the Ottawa Senators who are here for the first time in ten years to get into a possible Stanley Cup final.  Anybody in the hockey world would think that Game 7’s outcome is a forgone conclusion:  the Pittsburgh Penguins will win the right to advance to the Stanley Cup final by ousting the Ottawa Senators.  However, the Senators have proven, time and again, that they are capable of rebounding after a disastrous game and winning the next one.  The Senators don’t capitulate, they fight back with a game plan and hearty resolve.  The best example of that rebounding happened in Game 6 after the Senators took a 0-7 beating from the Penguins in Game 5.  The Senators came back to win Game 6 with a score of 2-1 over the Penguins.

Sidney knows these things.  He was in exactly the same situation a year ago:  when the Penguins faced the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference final where they went on to win 2-1.  And, two weeks ago, the Penguins eliminated the Washington Capitals in Game 7 with a 2-1 victory.   He knows that it takes extensive experience in playoff hockey for a team to know what is possible.  That is, anything and everything is possible at this time of year.  The game ain’t over until it’s over, and the series ain’t over until it’s over.  That is a fact. 

Getting to the final for the fourth time in less than ten years (he’s 2-1 so far following appearances in 2008, 2009, and 2016) would be a remarkable feat on its own for the Cole Harbour, N.S. native and a rarity in today’s parity-infested NHL.  It would be especially impressive given the Penguins’ injury woes, which sidelined No. 1 defender, Kris Letang, No. 1 goaltender, Matt Murray (until Round 3), as well as a host of other key regulars, including top point-producing defenceman, Justin Schultz.  Not to mention Sidney’s own ongoing concussion issues.

No team has reached the Cup final in consecutive years since the Penguins (also led by Crosby) and the [Detroit] Red Wings in 2008 and 2009, but even more alluring for Crosby’s Penguins is the chance to become the first repeat Cup winner in the salary cap era.

Even the Chicago Blackhawks, the marquee dynasty of the current era with three Cup triumphs, haven’t won it twice in a row or even reached the final in consecutive years.

A Detroit squad loaded with Hall of Famers was the last out to accomplish the feat, sweeping foes in both 1997 and 1998.

Crosby would have at least the opportunity to add that bullet to his resume if his Pens were to prevail in this Game 7 and then somehow get by the Nashville Predators in the Cup final.  He could also join Steve Yzerman and his one-time mentor, Mario Lemieux, as the only players to captain consecutive Cup winners since 1990.  It’s been twenty-seven years since it last happened.

If there was a right year for an NHL team to finally repeat yet again, it might be this one, what with a weakened Eastern Conference and no dominant team out west.

Victory in Game 7 also means Crosby gets to keep adding to his playoff numbers that already stack up favourably with the all-time greats.  Crosby is tied for 25^th in NHL history with 156 career playoff points and he sits only four points from matching a Gordie Howe-led trio of four for 20^th spot.  He’s tied for ninth all-time with 1.11 points per game, sitting first among active players.

Crosby (19 points) trails only teammate Evgeni Malkin (24 points) in playoff scoring this spring.

Malkin, with 153 career playoff points and 1.08 points per game, sits only a touch behind Crosby statistically in the post-season, but almost without exception it’s Crosby who’s drawn (and continues to draw) the opposition’s fiercest opponents, including Senators’ Erik Karlsson presently, and P.K. Subban and Mattias Ekholm if the Pens prevail in this Game 7 and face the Predators in the Cup final.  So, standing just beyond Game 7 potentially is another Cup and even another Conn Smythe trophy.

Crosby is 4-2 in his career in Game 7s with two goals and two assists, though he has only a single assist in the last five such games.  That probably means little for this Game 7 against the Sens, even less so given how forceful he’s grown over the course of the series.

Crosby has piled up three goals, five points and 16 shots in the last four games and though he went pointless in last Tuesday’s 2-1 Game 6 loss, he still fired six shots at Craig Anderson, won 61 percent of his 28 draws and finished the night with a 68 percent puck possession mark.

As Mike Hoffman of the Ottawa Senators said (on Twitter) about Game 7 versus the Pittsburgh Penguins, “Anything can happen. We’re going to go out there and play with everything we’ve got.”  And, I’m sure that Sidney Crosby said the same thing to his team just before Game 7 got started.

“He cares so much about this Penguins team and trying to help his team win”, head coach (of the Pittsburgh Penguins) Mike Sullivan said earlier in the series against Ottawa.  “I just think that’s part of who he is, and that’s what we love about him, is that he’s such a great team guy and he understands the importance of his game to helping this team win.”

If I, myself, were asked to voice the hockey-loving public’s collective opinion about Sidney, I’d say the same thing:  “You’re absolutely right, Coach Sullivan.  Sidney is the best hockey player in the world and we love him just as much as you do.”

copyright 2017 - Anne Shier