Referencing one of my previous posts (see "outcoach"), there are still some things in development that will make the Pens vulnerable to a team that can do what the Oilers did in their recent glory year, which was that they were equipped to change strategies dramatically according to the team they were playing and the bag of tricks that team was trying to use in each game. IMO that is what delivers the Cup-- the talent, backed by the team execution that can meet these challenges. Most teams build themselves to be, for example, a puck-posession team or a speed team, etc etc etc. Very few of them can multitask effectively beyond two or three systems. The Pens have the TALENT to do that... but not necessarily the seasoning to do it reliably, effectively, and consistently against teams with more background. (Of course I hope to be wrong.) When youthful enthusiasm is met by mature, cold-bloodedly executed skill, momentum can be entirely eclipsed without regard for talent. As Catters we know this ourselves in music, of course-- talent without hard work plus skilled guidance/management seldom goes far.


My longer post of last night didn't take-- I had wanted to share some of the foregoing as well as say that we're just thrilled that our local TV coverage will continue and that the guys who really know this team inside and out will be on the mic. The dogs are commentator-trained to hear and celebrate our team's goals when announced. :~) (The Versus coverage will be good enough for the Western games.)

Our ECHL team also is starting their playoffs (Friday), and we have some tix. Thank God the VCR that died has been miraculously resurrected.

GO PENS!

(GO JACKALS!)

~S~