Thank You Penguins!

Matt Bodenschatz | Pittsburgh Penguins

Jun 4, 11:10 PM | Hype this story!

What a season it has been!

After starting out poorly, then losing several of their top players to significant injuries, I think it’s safe to say most of the people who followed this team didn’t expect a run for the Cup.

Sadly, that run was cut short tonight despite a valiant effort.

It was a tough one to watch, especially as Marian Hossa got a piece of the puck and put it through the crease just inches from the goal line as the clock ticked to zero.

But, as sad as the finale was, I truly believe the season was a major success, and one I will never forget.

This team has battled through a lot and has given its fans plenty to cheer about.

As the teams shook hands, chants of “Fleury, Fleury” could be heard. Then, as the Penguins left the ice, a “Let’s Go Pens” chant erupted — both signs that the 17,000-plus in attendance were proud of their team.

And so am I.

So, with all that said, I would like to thank this team for a great season filled with countless hours of entertainment.

We’ll see you next year, for what I hope will be an even better season!

Comments

  1. Eric

    Jun 4, 11:43 PM

    Was happy with the effort, but would’ve liked to see them apply their late minute heroics for entire game. :)

    But congrats to the Wings. They outplayed the Pens, and the better team won the cup. I must admit, I’m happy to see Mike Babcock win the cup. I don’t think I could respect an opposing coach more.

    All in all, watching the 100 and some games, I’m not disappointed one bit. Would’ve loved the cup, but they are a team that should be able to build on this for the coming years.

    Thanks to the Penguins, from everyone to the little guys to the ones at the top. They deserved to be there, and their hard work should be recognized.

    Also, thanks to everyone here at the Faceoff-Factor. As a frequent visitor, you guys do an outstanding job. And there’s a reason you’re my first source for everything hockey.

    Aside from my heart sinking at that last Hossa shot, I’ll take this season over most. Only thing that would’ve been better was a win. Great work all around.

  2. TIM

    Jun 4, 11:46 PM

    I am going to write this a lot over the next couple of days here, but I want to thank Matt, Mike, Jonathan, Ashley, Dabich, HEAD COACH MT, for all the great coverage and comments this year. Thank you very much FF Team and supporters. Pens are going to be a great team for the next few years. Let’s Go Pens!

  3. TIM

    Jun 4, 11:57 PM

    I also want to say that I think the NHL has a really bright future. The level of talent in and coming into this league is staggering. This series was exciting, as was the whole playoffs, and I hope the NHL capitalizes on the interest these 2 teams generated. This web site helps spread the popularity of my favorite Pro Sport. I hope that all of us as Hockey fans continue to stay positive and supportive as this sport grows into a new era.

  4. Dabich

    Jun 5, 06:00 AM

    Matt ~ well said! I’m so proud of this team. They showed a lot of grit and heart even if they did lose. Next season will be fun and exciting to watch. I’m going to go crazy till October comes around LOL.

    Tim ~ Why, thank you very much for the compliment! I love this site, everyone does a good job writing and I enjoy the comments as well.
    Keep up the good work guys, I’ll be looking for draft articles soon!

  5. Pens1967

    Jun 5, 06:09 AM

    I’ve been following all the Pittsburgh sports teams since the 60’s. Never have I seen this area have a love affair with a team, and visa versa, like this. Not even the Steelers of their glory years, the 1960 and ’71 Bucs or the Pens championship teams.

    It was a great run. Thanks, Pens.

  6. Matt Bodenschatz

    Jun 5, 09:16 AM

    Thanks everyone for the compliments. We at FF try our best to bring quality, thought-provoking pieces, even if they aren’t 100 percent agreeable all the time. We recently signed a three-year contract for the Faceoff-Factor.com and FacoffFactor.com web addresses, so it’s safe to say we’ll be around for a while, and hopefully we’ll only get better with time.

    As for the Pens, Dabich, it’ll be difficult to adjust to not having hockey to watch, but realize that we have some big projetc pieces we’ll be working on this summer here at FF, and you can bet Michael Farkas will be in his glory come July 1 and the beginning of free agency.

    Again, thanks to everyone for their support throughout the year, and please stick around in the offseason. Discussion is what makes FF tick!

  7. Dabich

    Jun 5, 10:19 AM

    Matt ~ while I agree there is almost always room for improvement with almost everything…I have to say FF is damn good now. Strive for perfection, it’s always a goal, but know this: you guys do a fine job. I look forward to being a regular here at FF and I’m thrilled that you guys signed a three year contract. Congrats!

    I look forward to reading all summer…keep the good stuff coming =D

  8. Doc Nagel

    Jun 5, 12:35 PM

    Thanks for Faceoff Factor. There are two or three Penguins blogs that provide more insight with no budget than the mainstream media do.

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