Hockey, in general, is a game of intensity. It’s fast and it’s rough with a lot of contact between players with maybe a hip check or a punch thrown in, but have you ever noticed how that intensity increases during the playoffs? The action on the ice seems faster, emotions are running high and the level of play seems to skyrocket. The closer you get to the end, the better the games get. And let’s not forget about the fans. They cheer louder and root harder to the point that it seems the arenas are vibrating.
For our region, post-season hockey is even more exciting again this year because our very own Pittsburgh Penguins are the defending Stanley Cup champions. Tonight in Round 2, Game 1, the Penguins will take on the Washington Capitals, which will be an action-packed and intriguing contest between the two top teams in the league. Did you know that prior to 1991 the Penguins and Capitals had never met in the Stanley Cup playoffs? Since then, the two sides have met nine times in the postseason with the 10th being tonight according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Following tonight’s contest, the Pens versus the Capitals schedule is as follows:
- Game 2 at Washington: 8 p.m., Saturday
- Game 3 at Pittsburgh: 7:30 p.m., Monday, May 1,
- Game 4 at Pittsburgh: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 3,
- Game 5 at Washington (if necessary): time TBD, Saturday, May 6
- Game 6 at Pittsburgh (if necessary): time TBD, Monday, May 8
- Game 7 at Washington (if necessary): time TBD, Wednesday, May 10
Even if you’re not an avid hockey fan, check out one of the upcoming playoff contests. I bet you’ll be hooked, and at the very least, you’ll have a great time cheering on the Penguins!
;)
