We all spend so much time complaining about whats wrong with the game and the rules and some of the buffoonery that sometimes we forget to talk about the stuff we love about the game.
Bravo to the Pittsburgh Penguins. As of today ranked 4th in the East and just 2 points out of top spot in the Eastern Conference. How in the world are they doing it?
No Crosby. No Malkin. No Orpik. There are very few teams who could keep their head above water missing their 2 best offensive players and their best shut down defenceman. Pittsburgh is missing 2 of the best players on the planet and still find ways to win.
Great goaltending is a large part of it, but a total buy in from the players to the ideals of what Penguins hockey is and the way everyone is supposed to play. Whether the stars are there or not, the system is the system and the style and attitude of the team remains constant. It creates an environment where no piece is greater than the sum even though the pieces missing are huge.
Dan Bylsma is the odds on favorite to win coach of the year and he is my top pick for instilling this attitude and adapting to some huge personnel losses.
Bravo to the Penguins.
See you at the rink.
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