I’m not a hockey fan but, while channel-surfing, I decided to watch the last ten minutes of the third period. Even though I had no rooting interest in either team, the last two minutes were pretty exciting. In any case, I have couple questions.
(1) Why were most of the fans visible on TV wearing white shirts? There was some kind of logo on them. What was it?
(2) I could not hear any of the commentary over the action and crowd noise. Is this a common problem with NBC’s NHL coverage or were they just having techinical difficulties with the sound?
The logo was probably a Pittsburgh Penguins logo. The game was played here in Pittsburgh, and the Penguins have been encouraging all their fans to wear white to the game and calling it a “white out.” They’re even supposed to be giving white t-shirts to fans who show up without one. There’s also got a big screen screen set up outside Mellon Arena where the game was played so that fans who couldn’t get in to see the game could watch it outside. Tonight’s forecast called for thunderstorms, so those really were some diehard fans.
As for the new location, that was the last game which will be played in Mellon Arena. They’re tearing it down to build a new hockey facility, and they’ve already started work around the arena. At least the Pens gave the place a good send off.
Harborwolf, if a team had to beat us, I’m glad for you, the rest of the Wings fans, and the gentleman that it was the Redwings. :Raises a glass: Same time next year?
I don’t know why NBC had the brightness cranked way up-could hardly see the lines underneath the ice…
Well my prediction that the Pens would only score if they had a man advantage proved correct. Even strength the Wings consistently shut them down as the Pens stubbornly kept trying to carry it in. The only times they got anything going was when they dumped and chased.
I don’t know if you can call them a dynasty or not, but it’s been a pretty impressive string of championships. Wonder if Chelios and Hasek will retire.
As a Flames fan, I’d just like you to know that the Sea of Red thinks you Pittsburgarians are just so kyoote when you’re stealing another team’s gig. Next year why don’t you throw octopi onto the ice, that would be neat and original!
Winnepeg beat the Penguins (re: wearing white), with “Last Fight, Wear White” in their final playoff round against the Wings in 1996 (and earlier against the Flames in the 80s as a “white out”. Sound familiar, Pens fans? ).
I’m just the reporter, not the inventor. Actually, I had no idea where the idea came from.
As for octopi, since I can back what Tristan said about the best fishmonger in town not selling them to anyone from Michigan for the past couple of weeks, I don’t think that’ll happen any time soon. On the other hand, if any Redwings fans want to try it next year, talk to the gentleman. He has a Pennsylvania drivers license, so he can get them for you.
Great series Penguins. You’ve got a lot to look forward to.
).