But let’s take a look at some of the stories that are making this playoff run so very interesting.

The series with Buffalo was close all the way. Maybe facing the "Dominator" should have been more daunting for the Pens, but it wasn’t. They seemed to have him rattled by game six and it carried over into game seven. The Pittsburgh team hung together and got closer as they used everything and everyone to win those last games.

Consider some of these "side" stories - first of all, Mario’s amazing comeback and all he’s brought to the team in the way of leadership. Last year we watched him watching from the owner’s box wishing he were on the ice, but never dreaming he would be again. This is a Cinderella story for the ages and no one wants to have it end, especially Mario. Not just for hockey history but to keep the franchise monetarily healthy in the future.

Next look at Johan Hedberg. Just a couple of months ago, he was lost in the wilds of Manitoba playing for the Moose of the IHL. Now he’s helped to take his team to the Conference Finals and in the process beaten one of the great goalies in history. He certainly wants to keep contributing to the team and take them as far as he can with continued outstanding play in goal. The Moose Man is a huge fan favorite.

Of course we could be seeing the end of Jagr’s career as a Penguin. He has said that if he must leave the city of Pittsburgh he wants to go as a champion, not as a loser. So his desire to win heightens with every game and every series. Maybe he won’t leave the Penguins but no one knows that including Jagr so he’ll fight to the bitter end for one more chance at the Cup. After all, he’s won two, he knows how to do it.

Kevin Stevens has become completely revitalized back in Pittsburgh. After terrible personal problems, he’s righted himself and while he may not be scoring or playing like he did for the team in the early ‘90’s, he’s contributing outstanding leadership and tough defense. He too is living a dream that he doesn’t want to end.




Then there is Kasparaitis, the hero of the Buffalo series. Too see this tough player on the ice after the game, so happy that he was close to tears, shows his commitment to the team. Having weathered the trade winds of a couple of months ago, he’s rededicated himself to playing for a Cup with a team he is sure is capable of bringing it home to Pittsburgh.

The second line is a story in itself. Kovalev, Lang, and Straka all had career years and have now picked up their play. There is no reason to think these three won’t do anything it takes to win. Straka, the Pen’s version of the Energizer Bunny, won two overtimes games for the team, helped considerably by his two line mates. Kovalev has his name on the Cup with the Rangers, but would love to see it again with this team. Lang has played so well defensively as well as offensively that his contributions need to be noted.

Andrew Ference and Milan Kraft are players for the future who are contributing now. Ference’s abilities as an offensive defenseman are helping the team to score when the big guns are too well covered. Kraft helped to lead the Baby Penguins in their Cup run until he was called up to help the big team the same way.

Everyone on the team has a story - a burning reason to want to win. In this Devils series, Oliwa has an already built-in reason to want to beat New Jersey. He left them last year on unfriendly terms and this would be a perfect way to get back at them. He may not play much, but his physical presence could make a difference.

So the beat goes on - the Pen’s season goes on - our excitement as fans goes on at least a little longer.

Let’s Go, Pens!