Red Wings win 3-2 to capture Stanley Cup

The Pens put up a good fight tonight to try to force a game 7 and a chance at the Stanley Cup, but fell short.  By about an inch. The Red Wings definitely deserve credit as they played great hockey and over these six games really were the better team. Their team dynamic and defense were great, even if we didn't always agree with some of the things they did (obstruction maybe?). Even so, a few breaks went their way (goal 3 tonight, arrrrgh!), and not enough went the way of the Pens.  Hit crossbars, shots just wide on open nets, shots that beat Osgood but somehow didn't go in, 5 on 3's that didn't pan out, fluke goals that sneak over the Pens goal line, etc, etc. In the end, that's how sports go and there are no seconds chances.  The best part of all of this is the fact that this team never gave up, sacrificed everything they had, and left it all out on the ice. We don't know who will be with the Pens next season for sure as there are bound to be some changes, but we know they have a great core that isn't going anywhere.  Next season should be exciting and the Pens should be hungrier than ever for a championship after getting THIS close to it this year.  It's hard to believe it's over and we're already going to be counting down the days till training camp come September. If we could say anything to the team it would be to keep your heads up, you did a great job and should be proud you came that close.  We know it doesn't make everything okay, but you should know that you have a group of young guys that will be good for years to come.  The rest of the Eastern conference needs to look out for the Pens and their phenomenal talent.  To Geno, thanks for your big heart (Hart to us) and never giving up when times were rough.  To Sidney, thanks for being such a great leader and such a force on the ice.  And to Marc-Andre Fleury, keep your head up kid, your time will come, probably sooner rather than later and to us you deserved the Conn Smythe. Next season can't come soon enough.  Thank you for such a great season.

Our thoughts on tonight's game

-The Pens gave it all they had and left it all out on the ice, they made us proud.

-Almost two games in a row tying it up in the final seconds!  Crazy.

-The fans were great and to still be chanting LET'S GO PENS! after the game was over and chanting for Fleury when the Conn Smythe was brought out was amazing.

-Malkin has a lot of heart and really wanted this. Glad he got a goal tonight and it was a good one.

-Sidney Crosby also has a lot of heart and great leadership.  Him talking after the game was hard to watch.  It was the first time we've really seen much emotion from him when talking to the media.  It looked hard for him to fight back the tears.  Most know that Sidney Crosby does not like losing.  At all.

-We never really bought into the whole experience thing.  Maybe we're naive, but we still don't.

-We also never really bought into that Chris Osgood was, well, that good.  The Pens didn't capitalize when they got chances and the defense in front of him was amazing and deserve the majority of the credit in our humble opinion.

-AN INCH!  A COUPLE SECONDS!  AHHHHHHHH!

-Negatives:  Didn't win the cup.  Positives:  Lots to build on and look forward to, good young core, couple of the best players in the NHL, Sidney shaving that...fuzz off his face.

Here's to hoping the offseason is a good one with lots of big deals and keeping many good players. We can't wait till it's hockey season again.  In the meantime, it's only a month and a half or so until the Steelers report for training camp.  A lot to look forward to and we'll try to keep up to date. We may take a few breaks now, but will be here when news breaks.  Thanks to anyone who's reading.  Let's Go Pens!

Remember to check out the Post-Gazette for commentary and Empty Netters blog. The Pensblog should have a great wrap-up as usual. (Links to the right)  Also here is a nicely written blog post by Sean Leahy over at his blog, Going Five Hole.  (Geno's five hole goal tonight was awesome btw!)


(Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)