Penguins Capture Raucous Game 3, Forge 2-1 Series Lead
I was watching last night’s Game 3 between the Penguins and Islanders at the Fireside Inn, enjoying a grilled cheese sandwich and imbibing in a brewski (or two-ski). It was between periods and I was basking in the fact that our boys held a seemingly secure 3-1 lead.
We’d gotten goals from Kris Letang, Jeff Carter and Jason Zucker. “Zucks” tally in particular was a thing of beauty, born of teamwork, hustle and some fancy moves by the previously snake-bitten winger. Tristan Jarry looked sharp and confident between the pipes.
Suddenly a stark reality set in, bubbling up from my hockey subconscious and oozing into my brain like some primordial warning beacon.
With the series tied 1-1, the Pens blew a 3-1 Game 3 lead against Montreal last fall.
I shuddered…then quickly tried to reassure myself. No way that could happen again. This is a different bunch. Much more depth and character.
The third period started. I began counting down the time while keeping an anxious eye on the clock in the upper-left portion of the TV screen.