Keep the HOPE alive.

I had full intentions of blogging about every Penguins/Flyers game. I wanted to share the roller coaster ride of the Stanley Cup playoffs with you. I wanted to keep you updated, despite your non-interest, on the progress of the widely-favored Penguins on their quest for the Cup.

Then, my worst nightmares came true. Every single one of them.

Game 1: After shooting out to a 3-0 lead in the first period, the wheels just fell off the train. The Pens' defense disappeared and sloppy puck management led to turnovers and odd-man breakaways. The Flyers and their unbelievable resilience fought back to tie the game in the 3rd period and eventually win it in overtime.

I was so upset that the Pens couldn't hold onto a 3-goal lead that I refused to blog about it.

Game 2: Confidence was shot. Despite another 2-goal lead in the first period, the Pens absolutely fell apart. More horrible decisions with the puck, no defense, and an atrocious penalty kill and powerplay gave the Flyers the 8-5 win. Their eight goals included two hat tricks and goals from former Penguins Max Talbot and Jaromir Jagr. Worst case scenario.

I was baffled. Although I'd been well-aware of defensive problems during the last couple weeks of the regular season, I was shocked. The Pens had such an incredible regular season. How could everything fall apart just in time for the playoffs?

Game 3: Chernobyl-like meltdown. No lead was safe. No confidence in the defense, the penalty kill, the defensive play of the forwards, the powerplay, or the goaltending. This was the first game in Philadelphia. All hell broke loose. The Penguins lost their collective mind, resulting in humiliating fights and cheap shots that even I won't blindly defend.

My team, the one who prides itself on being fair, talented, and classy, stooped to the level of the Flyers. All the fighting and mistakes resulted in an 8-4 loss, three suspensions (James Neal (1 game), Craig Adams (1 game), and Arron Asham (4 games)), and an injured defenseman (Paul Martin).



If it hadn't already, the series seemed over. With my infinite tears and bruised hands, I hunkered down for the 4-game sweep.

Then, tonight happened. With their backs against the wall, my Penguins showed up with a do-or-die attitude and put together their first impressive 60-minute effort of the post-season. They restored some of the dignity they'd lost in the previous three games. With a hat trick from Jordan Staal, two goals from Geno, and vastly improved goaltending, the Pens rolled over the Flyers with an impressive 10-3 victory.

Just when I finished my last will and testament, just when I sauntered out back to be put out of my misery, just when I had abandoned all hope and wished for a quick, painless loss, they made me watch.

So, what do I do? Only 3 teams have ever come back from being down 0-3 in a best of seven series. History is not in the Penguins' favor. I can't handle the heartbreak of getting my hopes up, only to have them dashed on Friday. But, if there's one team in the league that could do it, it's the Penguins.

Pens could still win this in seven. So, put on your rally caps. Hold hands. Say a prayer. Do whatever it is you do because I'm not ready for baseball season yet.

...and for those of you who think baseball players have the "best butts," I suggest you check out the backside of one Mr. Crosby, the captain of the Penguins...



...and the master and commander of my fantasies.