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You are here: Home / Sports / Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins

Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins

by John Cole|  June 12, 200910:38 pm| 117 Comments

This post is in: Sports

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The only team to win an away game wins the series. Excellent series, props to the Wings, who I think were still the better team and just played like crap tonight.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA HOSSA. Also.

Who should be MVP? Fleurry? Malkin it is.

*** Update ***

Steelers, Penguins, Obama, and Lily in one year. I’m making an appointment for a physical on Monday. I’m also playing the powerball tomorrow.

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117Comments

  1. 1.

    Michael Gass

    June 12, 2009 at 10:40 pm

    Congrats Pens and John. My wife (also a Pens and Steelers fan… from Pittsburgh) is also screaming.

  2. 2.

    sluggahjells

    June 12, 2009 at 10:40 pm

    I wrote this on my Twitter page:
    Can the state of Michigan, and especially the city of Detroit, catch a break?

  3. 3.

    Roza

    June 12, 2009 at 10:40 pm

    woooooooooot

  4. 4.

    mgordon

    June 12, 2009 at 10:41 pm

    We still televise hockey?

  5. 5.

    Ol'Froth

    June 12, 2009 at 10:41 pm

    Got home from the Pirates game just in time to see the final 3 minutes! Wooo!

  6. 6.

    sluggahjells

    June 12, 2009 at 10:41 pm

    Hossa really feels dumb right now, by the way

  7. 7.

    robertdsc

    June 12, 2009 at 10:42 pm

    Congratuations Sidney and the team.

  8. 8.

    West of the Cascades

    June 12, 2009 at 10:43 pm

    Congrats!!! As a long-time, long-suffering Buffalo Sabres fan, I salute you + your Pens. Spectacular finish, too – 2 shots in last 6 secs.

  9. 9.

    Bondo

    June 12, 2009 at 10:46 pm

    Congrats John. I was pulling for the Pens mostly because they weren’t the Red Wings.

    But now can I just say, time for Pittsburgh to join Boston in taking a break from sports championships.

  10. 10.

    geg6

    June 12, 2009 at 10:48 pm

    Spectacular series all around. Wings were great. But not as great tonight as my beloved Pens. Oh, and Hossa is a giant tool. LOL! Damn my city is having one hell of a year.

  11. 11.

    demkat620

    June 12, 2009 at 10:48 pm

    “Trade me right fucking, now!’
    “now hang up”

    I don’t know hockey but I do know Slapshot.

  12. 12.

    Zuzu's Petals

    June 12, 2009 at 10:49 pm

    I hope you didn’t frighten the doggie!

  13. 13.

    ploeg

    June 12, 2009 at 10:49 pm

    I’m also playing the powerball tomorrow.

    You used up all your luck now. Sorry.

  14. 14.

    Michael Gass

    June 12, 2009 at 10:50 pm

    Ok… I know us guys hope that we marry a woman who like watching sports, BUT… do we have to get one who CRIES when her team wins it all?????

  15. 15.

    chris

    June 12, 2009 at 10:52 pm

    John, was it you who picked the Pens in seven, or was it Dr. Bérubé? A helluva pick, whoever made it.

  16. 16.

    mcd

    June 12, 2009 at 10:53 pm

    Please publish those P-ball numbers before the drawing!

  17. 17.

    Marc

    June 12, 2009 at 10:54 pm

    Congrats, John.

    I’ve always wondered — is it any less exciting to win a championship on an away game? The team is going nuts, but 90% of the crowd is crushed by the Wings loss, and half of them are filing out already.

    I know, a championship is a championship, but these situations always feel like they’ve gotten robbed of something. I guess that’s what the hometown parade is for….

  18. 18.

    John Cole

    June 12, 2009 at 10:55 pm

    @chris: Berube. I didn’t make a pick. If I had (and this would get me shot in Pittsburgh), I would have gone with the Wings in six. I don’t follow the Pens as obsessively as I follow the Steelers- I only caught about thirty games before the playoffs, but I honetsly thought the Wings were better.

  19. 19.

    John Cole

    June 12, 2009 at 10:55 pm

    @Marc: They are all away games in the Super Bowl, and every one is sweet.

  20. 20.

    JenJen

    June 12, 2009 at 10:59 pm

    It was a most thrilling series. Nice to have the Stanley Cup on network TV again, with so many people watching, but damn these teams really delivered a thriller.

    Congrats Pens! I was rooting for the Wings of course, but it is a sweet consolation prize to know our host is having such a fantastic year!

  21. 21.

    p.a.

    June 12, 2009 at 10:59 pm

    …and the Pirates, just to keep you humble. Anyone remember the Pittsburgh Condors? That’s all I remember, the name. Did Artis Gilmore play for them?

  22. 22.

    Krista

    June 12, 2009 at 11:00 pm

    Dayum, that was a hell of a game. If it’s going to go to Game 7, it’s always nice for it to have some of those great nail-biting moments. There were a few moments when I was flinging my legs about and peeking through my fingers. Needless to say, it’s probably good that I don’t get too emotionally involved in one team or another — I wouldn’t be able to take the strain.

  23. 23.

    Nazgul35

    June 12, 2009 at 11:01 pm

    Don’t forget the Phillies…state of Champions?

  24. 24.

    Stuart

    June 12, 2009 at 11:02 pm

    Congrats to the Pens, and I also thought Detroit was too deep. I know there are a lot of happy fans just north of here in Thunder Bay because Staal is from there. A great Cup finals.

  25. 25.

    demkat620

    June 12, 2009 at 11:03 pm

    And the Phils are champs of baseball, We’re in PA too you know.

  26. 26.

    wingsfan

    June 12, 2009 at 11:04 pm

    The Pens played better Hockey tonight; they won it and earned it. Congrats!

  27. 27.

    asiangrrlMN

    June 12, 2009 at 11:04 pm

    @Krista: That sounds pretty emotionally-involved to me!

    John, congrats on a great year. I agree with Bondo, though. It’s time to let other teams win (like my beloved Vikings. Stop laughing!)

  28. 28.

    Marc

    June 12, 2009 at 11:05 pm

    @John Cole:

    They are all away games in the Super Bowl, and every one is sweet.

    Nah, that’s different — the Super Bowl is a neutral site, and your fans and the other team’s fans are there in (roughly) equal numbers, and the rest of the crowd is there for a good game and likely to cheer for the winner.

    Detroit was a sea of red, and most of the crowd rooting for the other guys.

  29. 29.

    Death By Mosquito Truck

    June 12, 2009 at 11:11 pm

    @Marc:

    I’ve always wondered—is it any less exciting to win a championship on an away game?

    I was at the 97-98 AFC Championship game in Three Rivers when we lost to the Broncos and it was pretty fucking awful so I have a lot of sympathy for those Wings fans. Me and a coupla buddies had pulled a drunken all-nighter two nights before the AFC championship and just jumped in the car the next morning with five thousand dollars in cash to go see the game in Pittsburgh. One dude didn’t even have a change of clothes because we didn’t wanna drive 30 minutes outta the way on an eight hour trip.

    We stayed at a buddy’s folks’ house in Beaver, drank all day Saturday and then on Sunday got up early, went downtown and parked, then on our walk in to the stadium, priced tickets with scalpers. We wound up paying $750 for two and one.

    I missed the entire third quarter while waiting in line to piss. It never crossed our minds that the Steelers would lose. We just assumed because we went through all that time, trouble and money to see ’em, they’d win. I fucking hate the Broncos.

  30. 30.

    kdrtoona

    June 12, 2009 at 11:12 pm

    ahhh it feels good… don’t it…
    wooooooooo! what a season, what a series, what a game…

    Luck of the Lily…

    and all of the Pens best players are under 25, just insane….

  31. 31.

    John Cole

    June 12, 2009 at 11:15 pm

    I was at the 97-98 AFC Championship game in Three Rivers when we lost to the Broncos and it was pretty fucking awful so I have a lot of sympathy for those Wings fans

    I was at that game. I stayed for the awarding of hte trophy I was so depressed I could not leave. I spent the last ten minutes of the game in an increasingly disgruntled blast furnace yelling so loud I lost my voice for two days.

  32. 32.

    sluggahjells

    June 12, 2009 at 11:16 pm

    John, the perfect photo for you:
    http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f149/jerell4jesus/penguins-wincopy.jpg

  33. 33.

    geg6

    June 12, 2009 at 11:18 pm

    Krista, you have no idea how many heart palpitations a die-hard fan like me has during a game like that. It’s been a hell of a gratifying year for yinzers. But I swear, the older I get, the more these things wear me out. But in a good way. I’m incredibly grateful that I live in a city where we get to enjoy championship play so often. And the fact that baseball was never really my favorite makes the incompetent ownership, management, and play of the Pirates easy to ignore.

  34. 34.

    burnspbesq

    June 12, 2009 at 11:18 pm

    @MMM:

    Congrats!

  35. 35.

    Death By Mosquito Truck

    June 12, 2009 at 11:18 pm

    @John Cole:

    I was at that game. I stayed for the awarding of hte trophy I was so depressed I could not leave. I spent the last ten minutes of the game in an increasingly disgruntled blast furnace yelling so loud I lost my voice for two days.

    Yeah, we stayed for the ceremony too, because we were stunned and because, ya know, it was Don Fucking Shula presiding. That was pretty cool.

  36. 36.

    different church-lady

    June 12, 2009 at 11:20 pm

    Next up: World Series Champion Pittsburgh Pirates!

    Heh… I crack myself up…

  37. 37.

    kommrade reproductive vigor

    June 12, 2009 at 11:20 pm

    I’m also playing the powerball tomorrow.

    Tunch & Lily will make you spend all your winnings on gourmet pet food.

  38. 38.

    burnspbesq

    June 12, 2009 at 11:21 pm

    The two saves by Fleury at the end will be talked about for as long as hockey is played in Pittsburgh. The first one was big. The second one was really extraordinary.

    Congrats to the Pens and their fans.

  39. 39.

    Punchy

    June 12, 2009 at 11:23 pm

    I won some money! Yeah Pen(i)s! Stick that into your arrogant pipes, Franzen and Hossa, and smoke it.

    Bet the Cup tastes like Ylingling (sp?) tonite.

  40. 40.

    AhabTRuler

    June 12, 2009 at 11:26 pm

    @Punchy: Yuengling (w00t! Wilkes-Barre). Ling Ling was a panda.

  41. 41.

    Punchy

    June 12, 2009 at 11:33 pm

    Wow….I just won a ton more on these late baseball games. Gunna go buy the engagement ring tomorrow, so I guess I can look at it as huge discount on the damn rock.

    By the way…..platinum or white gold?

  42. 42.

    J. Michael Neal

    June 12, 2009 at 11:38 pm

    Excellent series, props to the Wings, who I think were still the better team and just played like crap tonight.

    I disagree with this. Eighteen Red Wings played better than the Penguins. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh’s best player tonight was Brad Stuart. He was unbelievably brutal. It wasn’t just the horrible misplays that led to both Pittsburgh goals. He was awful all night long, and hung Nik Kronwall out to dry more times than I could count.

    It’s atypical, because Stuart is usually very solid on the second D pairing, but he was awful. Congratulations to the Penguins. They did play well, and going down the whole lineup without anyone egregiously fucking up is an accomplishment.

    Still, the way the Penguins came out for the third period, I thought the Wings were going to win in regulation. Any idea that they played a tremendous game went out the window over the next ten minutes. They were tentative and scared. Dumping the puck back out to center ice was the only idea they could come up with.

  43. 43.

    burnspbesq

    June 12, 2009 at 11:43 pm

    @Punchy:

    Dude … wrong question.

    Get the right stone, and no one will notice the setting.

    My personal view is that if your budget allows you to get a big, mediocre stone or a smaller, higher quality stone, go small. Less is more. My wife’s stone is less than a half carat, but it’s a flawless emerald-cut E, in a really simple setting. Blows people away.

    But since you asked … platinum.

  44. 44.

    A Ghost To Most

    June 12, 2009 at 11:44 pm

    It kills me to say this, but:

    Congratulations … to John and the ,,,,,,,,,,,P…P…Penguins

  45. 45.

    geg6

    June 12, 2009 at 11:45 pm

    Death By Mosquito Truck: Beaver? You’ve been to Beaver? I live just across the Beaver River in New Brighton. Beaver is a very pretty little town, isn’t it? Did you know that the film “Gung Ho” was fimed there and they built the gazebo in the center of town for the movie? Oh, and I was in Baltimore when the Pirates won the Series. That was very sweet even though we were at home. Damn, that was one hell of a party. The one we were having when we decided to drive down to go to the game on the spur of the moment, that is. It was the ’70s and that’s all I’ll say about that.

  46. 46.

    [email protected]

    June 12, 2009 at 11:47 pm

    Congrats to the Pens. They deserved the win.

    I hate to say it, but it didn’t look like the Wings wanted to win bad enough for the first 30 minutes of the last 2 games.

  47. 47.

    geg6

    June 12, 2009 at 11:49 pm

    Ooops. Meant to say winning the Series was sweet even though we weren’t at home. Duh.

  48. 48.

    YellowJournalism

    June 12, 2009 at 11:49 pm

    My husband was outside and said that you could hear cheering all around our condo complex. That’s how he knew the Pens won. Oilers fans hate Detroit. I can guarantee you that there are people around here right now celebrating as if it was their hometown team that won!

  49. 49.

    Andy K

    June 12, 2009 at 11:53 pm

    @J. Michael Neal:

    I think you nailed it. I love Stuart, but he just wasn’t there tonight.

    Pens definitely went into a defensive posture in the third, but Fleury, Scuderi and Gill seemed up to it. When Kronwall hit the crossbar, I hung it up. Those guys weren’t giving the Wings another chance like that.

  50. 50.

    asiangrrlMN

    June 12, 2009 at 11:53 pm

    @Punchy: Platinum. Then again, I hate gold, so I’m not the best one to ask about that. Congrats!

  51. 51.

    Punchy

    June 12, 2009 at 11:54 pm

    @burnspbesq: thanks for the advice! I seriously know nothing about this stuff. Scared to death these hustlers will pick up on my ignorance and sell me a plastic fake look-alike on spray-painted pop-tab. So small and perfect > big and imperfect, eh?

    /writes “ok to be small” on hand

  52. 52.

    John Cole

    June 12, 2009 at 11:54 pm

    Alright, just got done with a late evening bedtime walk and am off to bed, but I will say this. I feel bad for the Red Wings fans who view the Red Wings the way I view the Steelers. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Pens and watch them, but the intensity is nowhere near the same as my affair with the Steelers.

    So for all the Wings fans who are hurting tonight, I feel for you, and I’m being honest. I’ve been there. Three more fucking yards. Fucking Chargers. Larry fucking Brown.

    Also, Sid Bream.

  53. 53.

    John Cole

    June 12, 2009 at 11:55 pm

    @Andy K: Who shot that pipe blast? Z? He’ll see that the rest of his life.

  54. 54.

    Andy K

    June 12, 2009 at 11:56 pm

    Congrats, Cole, and to the Pens and all of their fans out there. Time for me to forget about it.

  55. 55.

    Andy K

    June 12, 2009 at 11:57 pm

    @John Cole:

    Who shot that pipe blast? Z?

    Kronwall.

  56. 56.

    Andy K

    June 13, 2009 at 12:02 am

    @Andy K:

    Oh, wait, right at the end? Zetterberg, I think. Maybe Lidstrom.

  57. 57.

    John Cole

    June 13, 2009 at 12:05 am

    BTW- Where is Laura W.? I have not seen her all day. Is she out of town?

  58. 58.

    asiangrrlMN

    June 13, 2009 at 12:06 am

    @Punchy: I’m gonna get hate from my fellow females, but I think small, exquisitely-formed, and platinum is the way to go. That’s just me.

  59. 59.

    Krista

    June 13, 2009 at 12:06 am

    Gunna go buy the engagement ring tomorrow, so I guess I can look at it as huge discount on the damn rock. By the way…..platinum or white gold?

    It depends on the woman — you’d know her better than we do, I hope. I would have been perfectly happy with either/or. But there is a certain something to platinum, especially if you get a nice, simple classic setting. Emerald or princess cut are very popular — the latter has a bit more sparkle.

  60. 60.

    Andy K

    June 13, 2009 at 12:07 am

    @Andy K:

    Or are you talking about Game 6? That was Z. I’m so confused now.

  61. 61.

    BDeevDad

    June 13, 2009 at 12:09 am

    Playoff Basketball – an exciting last 5 minutes
    Playoff Hockey – an exciting game

    Congrats Pens fans. Great game, thought they almost blew it.

  62. 62.

    Indylib

    June 13, 2009 at 12:10 am

    @Death By Mosquito Truck: We just assumed because we went through all that time, trouble and money to see ‘em, they’d win. I fucking hate the Broncos.
    @John Cole: I was at that game. I stayed for the awarding of hte trophy I was so depressed I could not leave.

    I wish I could sympathize with you guys, but I was standing in the food court of Navy Fleet Activities, Yokosuka, at about 8:00 AM jumping up and down in joy that my Donkeys were headed back to the Superbowl, with an actual frikkin’ chance to win it. I am still slightly put out by the fact that my damned team won their 2 Superbowls while I was out of the country where the rejoicing was done basically by just myself and my daughter (the carrier fleet was out out to sea both times, so the base was pretty empty), but I’ve managed to live with my disappointment.

    Congrats to the Pens btw

  63. 63.

    Krista

    June 13, 2009 at 12:12 am

    I’m gonna get hate from my fellow females, but I think small, exquisitely-formed, and platinum is the way to go.

    It’s definitely a no-fail option. Something like this is really pretty. Some women don’t like the round cut because they think it makes their fingers look short.

  64. 64.

    Punchy

    June 13, 2009 at 12:13 am

    @Krista: Kris! Yeah, all she told me was “not gold, no matter what”. So I figured white gold was silver-colored, and may work. Plus told that platinum is wicked-expensive. Gunna prolly hafta drag the sister along as a wingman, as they have similar tastes.

    Not sure how to drop the question. heard that women are pretty emotional about it (even though it is most certainly NOT going to be a surprise to her), so I’m thinking maybe not a public place. Threatened/half-joked about doing at the local MLB stadium, like the other insensitive clowns. Now she refuses to attend baseball games. Any ideas, throw ’em at me, por favor.

  65. 65.

    cgp

    June 13, 2009 at 12:14 am

    I’d be exhausted if I were on either of these teams. Going back to back on the Stanley cup is a long endeavor.

  66. 66.

    bad dad

    June 13, 2009 at 12:14 am

    Enjoy it for the year, we’ll be back for it next June. Perhaps next year Pittsburgh has the better team and the Wings sneak off with it.

    It could become a nice healthy rivalry. Pittsburgh was pretty classy in game 5 by not going thug after it was out of control. Congratulations again. Great series.

  67. 67.

    SiubhanDuinne

    June 13, 2009 at 12:18 am

    @ Punchy / 41

    Please please PLEASE, Punchy, get whatever setting you want, but please buy a bloodless diamond. Ask for a stone from Canada. There’s no difference in quality or value, but nobody suffers during the mining process. Congratulations to you both!

    Oh . . . and of course, congrats to the Pens and all Pen fans.

  68. 68.

    Bondo

    June 13, 2009 at 12:19 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Amen, as a dislocated Minnesotan, the Vikings would be my #1 sports championship request (though I’ll take the Twins in a pinch, at least I’ve gotten to see them win it in my lifetime). Stupid 1998.

  69. 69.

    BettyPageisaBlonde

    June 13, 2009 at 12:19 am

    Congrats!

    If only my Magic could pull such a thing off… but I fear it is not to be.

  70. 70.

    Andy K

    June 13, 2009 at 12:19 am

    In other sporting news, the Detroit Tigers beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-1 at PNC Park. Tigers’ rookie pitcher Rick Porcello went 2 for 3 at the plate with 2 RBI, and pitched 7 innings of 6 hit ball, upping his record to 7-4.

    Take that, Honus Wagner!

  71. 71.

    asiangrrlMN

    June 13, 2009 at 12:20 am

    @Punchy: Gold sucks! White gold is cheaper than platinum and looks similar. I would punch you in the nose if you did it at a stadium.

    Again, I’m fucking weird, but I would prefer a roll over in bed and a, “Wanna get hitched?”

    Full disclosure: I don’t have any desire to get married, so take what I say with a grain of salt. The picture from Krista is nice–a classic. Definitely take your sister.

  72. 72.

    asiangrrlMN

    June 13, 2009 at 12:22 am

    @Bondo: I was at the seventh game of the first WS championship. The sad thing is, I wasn’t a rabid fan at the time. However, it was still thrilling.

    Sigh. I don’t hold out hope for the Vikes, though.

  73. 73.

    Rommie

    June 13, 2009 at 12:26 am

    0-16 Lions, the Pistons trading Billups and tanking the season, and now the Red Wings pull a Toonces with the championship in sight. Anyone else want to kick Detroit in the jimmy? It seems to be on sale.

    On the other hand, I was *thisclose* to having my left rear wheel fail on the highway Thursday, and rolling down the interstate the hard way. That takes the sting out of the sports team Epic Fail – I had a damn fine week, all said and done!

  74. 74.

    Moonbatting Average

    June 13, 2009 at 12:27 am

    Congrats to the Pens (BOOOO Red Wings!!). However, like some other commenters, I must express my relief that Pittsburgh doesn’t have an NBA team (or for that matter, an MLB team). Getting a little Pennsylvania-fatigue over here.

  75. 75.

    Andy K

    June 13, 2009 at 12:28 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Oh, sure, dredge up painful memories when I’m trying to deal with tonight’s loss.

    In ’87, the Tigs owned the Twins in the regular season. The Tigs had an amazing race with the Jays for the Eastern Division title, sewing it up on the last day of the season. Then the Twins crushed the Tigs in the playoffs.

  76. 76.

    Indylib

    June 13, 2009 at 12:30 am

    @Punchy:

    Yeah, all she told me was “not gold, no matter what

    No gold or just no yellow gold? I hate yellow gold, but am perfectly happy with white gold.
    Does she expect or want a diamond? I wanted and got sapphires, of course I had to tattoo my dislike for diamonds on the inside of my now husbands eyelids before he could remember it.

    Check out independently owned jewelry stores, you can find a wider variety of settings and usually their overhead is lower, so you can get a quality stone for less.

  77. 77.

    techno

    June 13, 2009 at 12:33 am

    Congratulations to the Pens. Been a fan since the days of Badger “its a great day for a hockey game” Bob Johnson. Love the fact that they got this bright young coach in the late season who was so damn good.

    Even so, I really wanted the Wings to win it. Their game is so beautiful and classy that every time they win playing that way, it is good for the game. And as a Swedish-American, I thoroughly enjoy a team that brought the Stanley Cup to Sweden last summer–twice using it as a baptismal font.

    The season was about 15 games too long for the defending champs. Datsyuk and Lidstrom were barely skating these last few games. So youth WAS served.

  78. 78.

    Comrade Luke

    June 13, 2009 at 12:34 am

    Don’t forget the Phillies.

    I know, I know: the ‘burgh hates everything Philadelphia. For the rest of the world it’s all Pennsylvania though :)

    If you guys can somehow manage to get rid of Specter you will have accomplished a generation’s worth of work.

  79. 79.

    asiangrrlMN

    June 13, 2009 at 12:37 am

    @Andy K: Have you SEEN the rest of our teams? Come on! You have to let us hang on to our two Twins’ wins.

  80. 80.

    Morbo

    June 13, 2009 at 12:37 am

    @BDeevDad: The last 5 minutes of basketball games are agonizing. They need to reform the idiotic amount of timeouts teams get so that the last 5 minutes of a basketball game don’t last 45 minutes. But I imagine there would be lost ad revenue if they actually implemented that.

    ‘Grats, Pens. Weird series, games 1 and 2 were practically the same, 3 and 4 were practically the same, 5 was alone in its blowoutness, 6 and 7 were practically the same. Malkin’s a bad call for MVP though; Fleury vs. Osgood was the difference in the series IMHO.

  81. 81.

    Punchy

    June 13, 2009 at 12:47 am

    @Indylib: no yellow gold. Which I agree with….the silver color is more in vogue. She def wants the diamond, although she’s so low maintaince as to (probably) not really care about size and cost, etc. Still, I need something nice, if for no other reason than to shut up the nosey (and skeptical) sis-in-law.

  82. 82.

    MikeJ

    June 13, 2009 at 12:48 am

    They need to reform the idiotic amount of timeouts teams get so that the last 5 minutes of a basketball game don’t last 45 minutes.

    Or just start with the game tied and five minutes left.

  83. 83.

    Andy K

    June 13, 2009 at 12:50 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    Hey, I’ve always given it up for the Twins. I’ve got fond memories of Rod Carew stealing home at Tiger Stadium in the late ’70’s…I mean, it sucked, and I had the worst box seat in the history of baseball (left-center field, upper deck, divided from the bleachers by a chain link fence), but at least I got to see someone steal home. Unlike the other AL Central foes, though, I don’t mind losing to the Twinkies. I bear no ill will towards your hockey or basketball teams, either.

    Now, as a Packers fan, I abso-fuggin’-lutely hate the Vikes. Have as long as I can remember.

  84. 84.

    asiangrrlMN

    June 13, 2009 at 12:50 am

    @Punchy: Then definitely go with something like Krista posted. It’s classic; it’s beautiful; it will shut up the sis-in-law.

  85. 85.

    asiangrrlMN

    June 13, 2009 at 12:52 am

    @Andy K: Yeah, I like your Tigers, too. I like the Packers, too. However, I will still root for the Vikes to kick the Packers’ asses.

  86. 86.

    Andy K

    June 13, 2009 at 12:59 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    I suspect that when the Pack visits the Twin Cities, Packers fans are as welcome as Vikes fans are in Green Bay. And Vikes fans seem to be welcome in Green Bay, afaik. My sister always gets the Vikes games- I get the Bears games- and she informs me that there aren’t any fights at the tailgates.

    But I hate the team so much that I’ll be really, really pissed if they’re ever moved, as is rumored every few years.

  87. 87.

    Indylib

    June 13, 2009 at 1:07 am

    @Punchy:
    I’d suggest a smaller high quality stone over a larger lower quality one. What is her style, contemporary, traditional, romantic? You can always have a setting designed if she’s into something specific like Celtic. Don’t forget antique stores if you think she’d like the old fashioned look that will stand out.

  88. 88.

    Zuzu's Petals

    June 13, 2009 at 1:11 am

    @Punchy:

    If you don’t go with platinum, be sure that the prongs at least are platinum.

    You may also be surprised at what you can afford if you buy your diamond online. You can also buy the setting or have a jeweler set it in a ring you both have chosen.

    Blue Nile is a reputable online source, and I believe all their diamonds are certified as complying with the Kimberly Process; they also carry Canadian diamonds.

  89. 89.

    asiangrrlMN

    June 13, 2009 at 1:15 am

    @Andy K: I am resigned to losing the Vikings in 2011. That’s when their lease with the Metrodome is up, and I’ll be damned if we fork over public money for another stadium.

  90. 90.

    Pooh

    June 13, 2009 at 1:15 am

    Real good series top to bottom, but it felt like the Red Wings best scorers just didn’t score enough – like Zetterberg was so concentrated on negating Crosby that he didn’t generate enough offense of his own…

  91. 91.

    Andy K

    June 13, 2009 at 1:57 am

    @Pooh:

    Usually the Wings can count on someone else to pick iot up though: Holmstrom, Franzen, Hudler, Cleary, Draper, Maltby, Rafalski. Hossa, of course, who got points in this series, but no goals. No one was really stellar offensively for the Wings.

  92. 92.

    Andy K

    June 13, 2009 at 2:00 am

    @asiangrrlMN:

    And you know they’ll end up in the same place that your original NBA team went, too. What is it about purple and gold fleeing for L.A.?

  93. 93.

    D-Chance.

    June 13, 2009 at 2:32 am

    I don’t want to say Cole is out in the sticks of West Virginia; but, upon seeing the Pens win, he went out celebrating in the street.

  94. 94.

    burnspbesq

    June 13, 2009 at 3:14 am

    @Andy K:

    I know I am a heretic on this point, but they can just stay where they are as far as I’m concerned. We’ve done perfectly well out here without an NFL team for the last 15 years. We have USC, we have rapidly improving UCLA, and we have the best high school football in America (yup, I said that – Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania may have more tradition, but we have more good athletes and more good coaches than anywhere, INCLUDING FLORIDA).

  95. 95.

    Andy K

    June 13, 2009 at 5:13 am

    @burnspbesq:

    Nothing heretical about it. Now matter how much the NFL would like a franchise in L.A., it just hasn’t worked there. But, eventually, someone will think they’ve found the secret for success in the market, and they, too, will realize, about halfway through their lease, that it won’t work.

    And as good as your athletes are, it still seems like you don’t turn out a lot of great wide receivers or tight ends. Maybe not placekickers, either. Otherwise you turn out top quality at every position I can think of.

  96. 96.

    Comrade Mary, Would-Be Minion Of Bad Horse

    June 13, 2009 at 6:56 am

    I’m the daughter of a jeweller, but I think most precious stones and metals, especially yellow gold and diamonds, are boring as hell. I remember walking through an exhibit of jewelry several years ago and feeling like the kid in the Emperor’s New Clothes: there’s nothing really here.

    Maybe it’s years of seeing costume jewelry, but the typical engagement ring of yellow gold and a white diamond, looks cheap, fake, showy and obvious to me. OTOH, I love green amber and most semi-precious stones, silver and copper. I saw a blue topaz ring recently and have been craving it. I know that it’s a fake blue from irradiation, as most topaz is a yellowish colour, but the smoky quality of the blue slays me.

  97. 97.

    Blue Neponset

    June 13, 2009 at 7:20 am

    Congratulations Pens fans!!

    As a hockey fan, a little part of me died inside when Sidney Crosby raised the Cup but I hope that my impotent tears of rage will make your victory a little bit sweeter. Enjoy!!

  98. 98.

    John Cole

    June 13, 2009 at 8:08 am

    I don’t even wear a watch.

    That is what I think of jewelry. I understand not everyone thinks that way.

  99. 99.

    Betsy

    June 13, 2009 at 8:22 am

    @Punchy:

    Not sure how to drop the question. heard that women are pretty emotional about it

    What matters here is not what “women” are like, but what SHE is like. If there are any places that have special meaning to you as a couple, or things she loves to do, that is a good way to go; if she’s the kind who prefers low-key and intimate, just ask her when the moment feels right rather than making a big production out of it.

  100. 100.

    R-Jud

    June 13, 2009 at 8:23 am

    @ Punchy:

    Like someone else suggested, don’t forget the antique stores. My 104-year-old ring looks very similar to this one (although the stone on mine is .3 carats). Even though the stone is very small, everyone goes nuts over it.

    It is possible to get engaged in public without putting her on the spot. We got engaged on the observation deck of the Hancock Building and nobody in the throng of tourists around us seemed to notice. It was lovely; it was our secret. Good luck with yours, anyway.

  101. 101.

    Nicole

    June 13, 2009 at 8:30 am

    Punchy- I second the earlier comment about looking at antique and vintage rings. The work on the ring itself is often very intricate and she can sure no one will have a ring just like hers. (Not to mention it’s environmentally sounder, as no new resources are needed to make it.) Here’s one of my favorite sites- I’m particular to the Art Deco stuff, but everyone has their favorite era:

    Antique Jewelry for Sale

    For those who do like jewelry it’s fun to browse just to look and to read the rather purple prose describing everything.

    Keep in mind, engagement rings are a poor investment, with resale value considerably lower than what you’ll pay, so I would spend less time thinking about what the ring/stone might be worth and more on how it looks. After all, she’s not going to resell it. :)

    Good luck and let us know how it goes!

    And yay for PA’s sports teams. If the next Triple Crown winner comes from Presque Isle Downs I’ll know FSM really does have a thing for the Keystone State.

    All right off to work. Bleah.

  102. 102.

    geg6

    June 13, 2009 at 8:32 am

    I must stand up for two things here. First, there cannot possibly be better high school football in LA than there is here in Western Pa. I don’t believe a town that doesn’t value their NFL teams could possibly create the kind of atmosphere that surrounds our Friday nights here. I challenge anyone who says that to come here and experience it and then we’ll talk. Second, I wouldn’t own white gold or platinum for ANY jewelry. Fugly, fugly, fugly. But then, I don’t like diamonds and I’m old and I never wanted to be engaged, let alone married, so I guess my opinion isn’t helpful. Sapphires are where it’s at.

  103. 103.

    Michael D.

    June 13, 2009 at 9:19 am

    Well, TECHNICALLY, Obama was last year.

    On the upside, you still have “one” left. Play the Powerball. And remember your friends and commenters.

  104. 104.

    Krista

    June 13, 2009 at 9:28 am

    Not sure how to drop the question. heard that women are pretty emotional about it (even though it is most certainly NOT going to be a surprise to her), so I’m thinking maybe not a public place. Threatened/half-joked about doing at the local MLB stadium, like the other insensitive clowns. Now she refuses to attend baseball games. Any ideas, throw ‘em at me, por favor.

    Whatever you do, make it meaningful. Look back at your relationship — where was your first date? Do you remember where you were when you first told her you loved her? Any other special landmarks/memories/songs/other things that are specifically “you”? Incorporate those in. Alternatively, use what she really likes — is there any particular movie that she finds really romantic? See if there are any elements that you can pull in from that. It doesn’t have to be a big, public thing, nor does it have to be expensive or showy. But, it’s a lot more meaningful if you really customize it to HER, instead of doing something generic.

    My husband proposed to me on our land. We hadn’t yet started building the house, but we’d been planning and working and were really excited about building our “forever” home on the river. I’m not one for showy public stuff, and so he proposed under the maple tree in what is now our front yard, because he wanted all of our best memories to be here. It’s so nice to be able to look out our front window and see the very spot where we had that moment.

    And if all else fails, and you both love to travel (and you can afford it) , bring her to Paris and propose at sunset on the Pont Alexandre. That’s some seriously romantic shit right there.

  105. 105.

    Punchy

    June 13, 2009 at 10:13 am

    Thank you ALL for the great advice! My only comment ATM is…..isnt “antique” jewelry a pseudonym for “used”? aren’t women taught to despise used engagement rings? Or am I misunderstanding this?

  106. 106.

    AhabTRuler

    June 13, 2009 at 10:15 am

    Punchy, listen to these women. They speak wise truth.

  107. 107.

    burnspbesq

    June 13, 2009 at 10:26 am

    @Andy K:

    Steve Smith, Woodland Hills Taft
    DeSean Jackson, Long Beach Poly
    Tony Gonzalez, Huntington Beach

    I’m sure there are others I am forgetting.

    You may be right about quantity at those positions, but we do have some quality.

  108. 108.

    Death By Mosquito Truck

    June 13, 2009 at 10:35 am

    Not sure how to drop the question. heard that women are pretty emotional about it (even though it is most certainly NOT going to be a surprise to her), so I’m thinking maybe not a public place. Threatened/half-joked about doing at the local MLB stadium, like the other insensitive clowns. Now she refuses to attend baseball games. Any ideas, throw ‘em at me, por favor.

    Punchy, I proposed in a very private setting, during sexual coitus. It might not be for everyone but it worked well for us. An added benefit, I don’t ever have to sit through her retelling of “our story” at reunions and other get-togethers.

  109. 109.

    gex

    June 13, 2009 at 11:01 am

    @asiangrrlMN: Where are you on the Favre issue?

    I, myself, cannot believe that anyone would consider putting this team in the hands of a 40 year old quarterback coming off of shoulder surgery, who, prior to shoulder problems, was best know for season ending interceptions.

    But then again, I can’t believe anyone would consider putting this team in the hands of Tarvaris or Sage either. Childress is like W. He will lead you to the place where there are literally no good options.

  110. 110.

    Krista

    June 13, 2009 at 11:02 am

    Thank you ALL for the great advice! My only comment ATM is…..isnt “antique” jewelry a pseudonym for “used”? aren’t women taught to despise used engagement rings? Or am I misunderstanding this?

    It all depends on the style — I’m a particular fan of Art Deco jewelry, so a nice ring from that era would thrill me. Or, if it’s a very classic, timeless piece that isn’t evocative of any decade, then it would likely be safe. There is something to be said for antique pieces, as they tend to be a bit more unique than the generic stuff you find in the stores.

    And if it’s a piece with a really romantic, lovely story attached to it, then that’s definitely a bonus. You don’t want to give a ring from a broken engagement — some women consider that to be really bad luck.

    Another nice way to go is to get thee to an independent smith who works with platinum. You can find some beautiful, unique pieces there that are still very classic, but just have a touch of artisan detail about them. One that I think is lovely comes from a gallery in Halifax.

    If you want, email me and let me know where you live and what your soon-to-be-fiancee is like, and I’d be happy to do a bit of legwork for you and make some recommendations.

  111. 111.

    Glenn Fayard

    June 13, 2009 at 11:35 am

    Late, but this isn’t too tough a loss for a Red Wings fan – I mean, we won last year, for Christ’s sake. As a Saints/Cubs/Rockets fan, the Red Wings are about the only things that keep me sane. The only way this series would have hurt would be is if it were the season after Konstantinov’s accident. I mean, the modern Wings (from Bowman on) have been consistently great.

    I fully expect the Red Wings and Penguins to trade Stanley Cups for the next few seasons, at least maybe until Lidstrom retires.

  112. 112.

    Ecks

    June 13, 2009 at 12:50 pm

    Punchy

    1) There’s a difference between “antique” and “eBay.” It may only be a few decades, but us humans a funny squiggly creatures and don’t make much sense. The trick is to see this as a feature and roll with it :)

    2) We got engaged on new years eve taking a walk by a creek. Didn’t have it all planned out in any great detail, but we got to a year in review talk, then transitioned to, hey, would like to spend next year with you too, and next year. The funny part is that when I asked the question I think it came out as “do you want to get married,” which I think she took to mean “some time, in general.” She said yes, but was extra surprised when I got the ring out :)

    3) Not sure why everyone is hating on the yellow gold. I don’t have strong feelings on it, but a jeweler once told me that women under 30 tend to want white gold, and women over 30 tend to want yellow gold. Didn’t help me much at the time, as we were 30 :)

  113. 113.

    AhabTRuler

    June 13, 2009 at 1:10 pm

    Por exemplar:

    This is an antique stone (don’t look at me that way, I ain’t got no money, I just inherited it), but the setting is relatively modern (c. 1970). Now, since my parents went through the big “D,” (and I don’t mean Ken Harvey) the SO felt the need to “cleanse” the ring before wearing it, but other than that, antique stones and/or settings can be very nice.

  114. 114.

    Nicole

    June 13, 2009 at 1:38 pm

    Punchy- it depends on the woman, I guess, though there is a difference between a re-gifted engagement ring and one that you purchased specially for her that happens to be old enough to been worn by a women who might have been a flapper. :) I like vintage rings because I’m a sucker for craftsmanship and like work on the setting itself. Other women prefer a very simple setting with no flourish.

    For me, too, it comes down to a vintage ring never going out of style. Diamond rings go through trends, just like anything else one wears and as I have no interest in “trading up” years down the line, I’d just as soon have something that will always look unique, as it went through the out-of-style-but-not-yet-retro phase decades before I was born. But again, women are different- think about what you think she’d like and I’m sure you’ll make the perfect choice. Especially because it’s from you to her, which is the most important thing. :)

    (My wedding band is also vintage and still carries the engraving of the previous owner- RAW to RSW, August 5, 1926. I love that about it.)

    As for the proposal- everyone is offering really good ideas. All I have to add is, decide whether you want it to be a surprise or are okay if she figures it out. If you want it to be a real surprise, don’t do anything too far away from something you might normally do. We are mammals, after all, and like most mammals, are suspicious of changes in the routine.

  115. 115.

    Zuzu's Petals

    June 13, 2009 at 6:19 pm

    @Punchy:

    You might also consider helping her pick out the ring she really likes after the proposal. There’s no rule that says you have to propose with a ring, and you’d be relieved of having to guess her taste. (Plus, not every woman likes to be surprised that way.)

    When my son proposed, he gave his fiancee a lovely bracelet that belonged to his great-grandmother. They picked out a ring she liked when they got home from their trip.

    It was the romantic setting and the sentiment that made the moment.

  116. 116.

    ksecus

    June 13, 2009 at 6:52 pm

    Fear the Penguin.
    Im near Pittsburgh and this area has been crazy over our Pens. We won the super bowl too. Good year for us…

  117. 117.

    Graeme

    June 15, 2009 at 11:30 am

    Congrats to Cole and all the Pens fans here.

    I would have said so sooner, but I was away camping all weekend. As much as I like watching hockey, I’m always sick of watching TV @ the end of the playoffs.

    Wings got outplayed, and, in my opinion, outcoached. I think Babcock was trying to be too cute, and the Wings just weren’t playing their game.

    That said, Malkin is an absolute stud. He was awesome on every inch of both teams’ ice. A well-deserved Conn Smythe.

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