The Game of the Year

Image courtesy of csnne.org

“Oh no, here we go again.”

That’s what must have gone through the mind of nearly every Penguins fan last night when David Krejci (or Jesus Christ himself, depending on who you ask) scored to give Boston a 1-0 lead less than two minutes into the first period. Boston had gotten on the score sheet early in each of the first two games of the series, which they went on to win a combined 9-1.

For the first few minutes of last night’s game, I began to think about Pittsbugh first round tilt against the Flyers last year. Pittsburgh did not, and does not, back down from the physicality of the playoffs. Instead, as if they’re trying to shed some unearned reputation as soft, they become the aggressor and completely lose the style of play that has made them so successful.

 Last year against the Flyers was more disgrace than hockey. The fights and constant questionable hits weren’t the issue; the fact that they took precedent over the actual game was. We were subject to a series of 9-3 and 7-4 games. The Penguins fell to a lesser Flyers team in six games.

Thoughts of that series were evoked during this year’s first-round matchup against the Islanders. Pittsburgh gave up far too many breakaways, rushes and clean looks at the net to the upstart Islanders. After game four, with the series tied 2-2, coach Dan Bylsma subbed out struggling net minder Marc-Andre Fleury for veteran journeyman Tomas Vokoun. The Pens won games five and six and then easily dispatched of the Senators in five games. In games four and five, the Penguins tallied 13 goals changing the narrative to focusing more on their potent offense rather than their defensive shortcomings.

This series was supposed to be epic. It was supposed a duel between the most dangerous offense the league had seen in 20 years and tough, physical defensive team with all-World stoppers on offense (Bergeron), defense (Chara) and in net (Rask). We were supposed to find out what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.

So, one couldn’t help but feel slightly disappointed watching Krejci celebrate his goal early in game three. The Penguins had totally folded once again. Just like in 2011 against Tampa and last year against Philadelphia.

Soon would come more Boston goals followed by some questionable hits and then the obligatory brawl. People would lament Crosby’s role in it as though he wasn’t just one of many frustrated Penguins. Where was the resilient Pens team from 2008 and 2009? The one that wouldn’t let historically good Detroit teams off the hook without a fight. The one that defied the odds and erased a 3-2 deficit, capping off the comeback with win at Joe Louis Arena. Where were those guys?

But to surprise and pleasure of nearly every hockey fan outside of Massachusetts, the Penguins didn’t follow the path they had so many times in the past few years.

They didn’t falter, they didn’t panic, they didn’t give up on the game. Unlike so many fickle fans, the Penguins realized they were only down one goal and continued to fight. They controlled the flow of the game, challenged Rask, fore-checked and at the end of the first, they were out-shooting and out-playing a Boston team that had dominated the first two games.

This pressure in the offensive zone continued for the Pens into the second period. It wasn’t long before Chris Kunitz finally beat Rask and put the Penguins on the board.

The rest of the game was a blur of seeing-eye passes, physical finishes, incredible scoring chances and even more impressive saves. Somewhere around the end of the second period the announcers, fans and the Twitterverse realized just how incredible this game was.

The Penguins continued to play this way throughout the third period; the blended passion, skill and intelligence into a brand of hockey seen only once every few years. The desperation they showed was appropriate for a team fighting for its playoff life. They didn’t back down from any shots that needed to be blocked and they treated each rebound as if it were their last opportunity to score.

Boston played with a similar abandon. They were physical as always, their penalty kill was indescribably good and they too seemed to fighting as though it was game seven (it wasn’t close for them). In fact, they were so convinced they needed to win, forward Gregory Campbell stayed out for 30 seconds on a penalty kill after breaking his leg.

Against all reason and logic, this type of intense play continued for both team into overtime. Both teams took multiple penalties and both penalty kill units were too tough to beat (or maybe Boston’s powerplay just makes Pitt’s penalty kill look like that).

By 12:15 a.m., it was clear this was no ordinary double overtime game. Sports writers from all backgrounds that cover all different sports were urging Twitter followers to tune into the game to see the finish. Bill Simmons wondered aloud (on Twitter) whether this may be the best sporting event of 2013.

It seemed for a brief moment that hockey was the most important sport in the World. All eyes were on this game, the NBA still a day away from the finals, the MLB and NFL barely existed last night.

Then a Patrice Bergeron deflection ended that moment. The re-direct from a Brad Marchand pass was too quick and skillful for Vokoun to have a chance at.

Moment: over. The three major sports re-claimed their spot at the top of everyone’s minds and the Penguins headed back to whatever hotel they’re lodging in down 3-0 in the series; all but done.

Just like that we’re back to reality of a likely short and not-as-competitive-as-expected conference final.

Bergeron’s deflection destroyed the hope of a long conference final series but did nothing to lessen the entertainment value of this game.

Long after these players have retired and people have stopped incessantly criticizing Crosby and the Penguins, this game will live on in the memory of every fan who was lucky enough to have witnessed it. 

Stay hungry, my friends