In Energizer bunny-suits; the caption:

"We take a take a shit kickin and keep on stickin'!"

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I was a little stunned myself-- "what just happened here?"


This AM I think I know.

Did any of you see the TV ad at the beginning of the season where Crosby gets up and steps out of a photo taken at his most discouraged, at the end of last year's final? He sez, "I don't ever want to feel that way again." That is PART of how and why they won. They all remember-- those who were there, and those who came later but have been there before.


Another part of it is Geno's parents being here this year. The Russian soul can be a dark soul. Depression can be a bad bear. 'Nuff said? When he lights up and his legs get that odd spidery-configuration, he IS going to score several goals. Try to hurt him when you hit, and that is what you will get. Especially now that the folks are there to see it. Last night I saw his dad weeping with joy. No big, bad-ass hockey player is gonna spell out why he wants his mommy and daddy there, but there it is. Geno has momma's face and enthusiasm... and poppa's soul.

Another part is that our coaching change is going better than their coaching change. The 'Canes have forgotten one of LaViolettes' biggest messages to them as a team, and they need to get it back-- I am not going to tell them! LV's angle was, "win every period." Period. Win the first one, and then wipe it out. Win the 2nd. Then win the 3rd. If you do that, you win the game, without overtime. Saves gas, discourages opponents. I think they also miss his defensive-end coaching and his ability to change strategy mid-game. Bylsma came in at the time the Pens were ready to graduate Therrien's bachelor's program and start their doctorates. Maurice has some team development yet to do. His guys are older pro's. They're a little harder to "motivate."

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But I still don't effin' believe it. 'Canes will take next two with home ice line-changes. Then we have to win the two home games or one at their place to get it in 6. I think the 'Canes will smarten up quicker than that. Iffen we do pull it off, it's what I said before-- depth plus coaching.

~S~