2009 Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins

"Great moments are born from great opportunity.
And that's what you have here tonight, boys.
That's what you've earned here, tonight.
One game.
If we played 'em ten times, they might win nine.
But not this game. Not tonight.
Tonight, we skate with 'em.
Tonight, we stay with 'em, and we shut them down because we can!
Tonight, we are the greatest hockey team in the world.
You were born to be hockey players -- every one of ya.
And you were meant to be here tonight.
This is your time.
Their time -- is done. It's over.
Screw 'em!
This is your time!!
Now go out there and take it!"

Herb Brooks

1 Samuel 17:49 (New King James Version)

49 Then David put his hand in his bag and took out a stone; and he slung it and struck the Philistine in his forehead, so that the stone sank into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth.


They said it couldn't be done. They said we couldn't win in Detroit. They said Fluery would collapse again. Herb Brooks said it best "This is your time. Their time -- is done. It's over."

This team was out of the playoff race when Dan Byslma took over. They were done 3 - 0 in a playoff game against the Flyers - and won. They were down 2 games to none against Washington and won. Then they were down against the Red Wings 2 games to 0, down 3 games to 2, and then something we as Penguins fans new would happen. This team never quit. To me Game 6 was their defining moment. I have been to over 800 NHL games in my life and by far that was the best one I have ever witnessed. It was a "team effort", Names like Talbot, Scuderi, and Fedatenko, Stall and Kennedy. Wow !

My dad took me to my first game at the then called 'Civic Arena' in 1973 and I was hooked. We had the pleasure of going to the playoffs in 1975. Through the years I would get to games and I went to one on November 21, 2007 - the day after Dad was called home to be with the Lord. I thought of him often during that game and said it would be nice to win the cup again. And I had the dream of a lifetime this year by not only going to all but two playoff games but taking Will to game 6. I told him the attendance that game was 17,123 + one in heaven. And I know he was smiling tonight !

A hearty congratulations to the 2009 Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins !