Phase One: Complete

The Pittsburgh Penguins completed phase one in their quest to repeat as Cup champions with an overtime thriller against the Senators. Their victory, however, was far from perfect and showed the hockey world why the defending Stanley Cup Champions will be a force to be reckoned with again this year. After going down three-nothing, the Penguins rallied to force overtime just two nights after fighting through three overtime periods. This time, however, overtime produced a different result and propelled the Penguins into round two where they await the winners of the other two Eastern Conference series.

As they await the winners of those series, the Penguins have a short rest; a rest they will certainly need after back-to-back overtime games. The Stanley Cup playoffs are an immensely physically demanding process, making rest and re-cooperation essential for success. Much like the job interviewing process, a process in which the winner is not necessarily the best candidate but the one who does not disqualify himself, the winner of the Stanley Cup playoffs is not necessarily the best team. Regular season success does nothing to guarantee playoff success as the President trophy winning San Jose Sharks proved last year. Playoff success is determined by surviving each grueling series and persevering until the end.

Outlasting opponents was a specialty of the Penguins last season on their run to the Stanley Cup. This year, they will have to show that same mettle if they wish to repeat, a feat they have a significance chance of achieving. Team captain, Sidney Crosby, is playing like a man possessed, leading the playoffs with 14 points. Role players are playing big roles in the penalty kill and in the goal department. These things only add to the Penguins chances of repeating.

Before I give them too much credit, though, the Penguins game six victory was far from pretty. Playoff sensation and point-leader Sidney Crosby was mediocre and second line center Evgeni Malkin played equally as bad. Yet somehow, the Penguins fought back with resilience from three nothing down to force overtime. Third line players like Matt Cooke, who scored two goals, and Pascal Dupuis, who had the overtime winner along with an assist, were the story of the night. On a night when the Penguins superstars looked like regular old joes, the third line shone through.

Heading into their next round matchup, regardless of their opponent, the Penguins should be confident that they will not be disqualified. Their mettle has been tested and it held strong. Their greatest strengths have been equalized and they still stole victory from the arms of defeat. They have been told that their time is over, and they said, "No, our time is now." Bring on the next opponent because the Penguins are ready.

Shameless Beer Plug: Thursday nights at the Blue Ribbon Tavern in Grove City, PA is a popular night with beer enthusiasts. The special on Thursday nights is $2.50 imports and microbrews, which provides a relatively inexpensive way to taste a variety of different, quality beers. This past Thursday while watching the Penguins lose in the third overtime, I had the opportunity to sample a few beers. My first sampling included Flying Dog's Raging Bitch, which is a Belgium IPA. It was a slightly fruity beer (hints of grapefruit) with a very hoppy taste. Surprisingly, these tastes blended quite nicely for a refreshing, spring beer that I would highly recommend. At 8.3% ABV, however, having more than a few is certainly a questionable decision. Another beer that satisfied my palate was from a local Pittsburgh microbrewery called Church Brew Works. The beer, Pious Monk Dunkel, is similar to a German-style Dunkel, although slightly lighter. Nothing can beat a few quality beers and a Pittsburgh Penguins victory, so enjoy an ice cold beer as you cheer on the Penguins.