We are proud of our hometown Pittsburgh Penguins for making it all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals this year. They overcame a lot of adversity in these playoffs so far, especially this past series against the Tampa Bay Lightning when they found themselves down 3-2 after five games. Our staff has followed the team’s playoff run with dedication. So for this week’s wrap, we thought it would be appropriate to take you through some reactions after the Penguins’ big win the other night.
Just how loud was the crowd during the final minutes of the Pens’ Game 7 win? Let’s just say almost as loud as a fighter jet taking off from an aircraft carrier. The city couldn’t wait to see their team return to the Stanley Cup Finals and for good reason. The fans were antsy at the beginning of the season, when the team was near the bottom of the league in scoring. This season was a re-emergence of sorts and will culminate in their first Finals appearance since 2009.
How did the Pens transform into Stanley Cup finalists? The change started in mid-December when the organization fired their previous coach Mike Johnston and hired AHL coach Mike Sullivan. Sullivan’s short tenure has seen the emergence of players like Nick Bonino, rookies like Bryan Rust and a style of play characterized by speed.
The San Jose Sharks now stand between the Penguins and the Stanley Cup trophy. The teams split their meetings this season, but have not played each other in calendar year 2016, when the Penguins caught fire. Both teams have speed – even Sid the Kid admitted this after the Pens won in Game 7. Since both teams like to play the same way, it could shape up to be quite the series. This will be the Sharks’ first-ever appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals.
If you will be cheering on the Penguins in the Stanley Cup Finals, let us know in the comments below!
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Sam Bojarski is an associate at WordWrite Communications. He can be reached at sam.bojarski@wordwritepr.com.
