Is This It?

Are these the only penguins we are going to be seeing in Pittsburgh from now on? At the fucking zoo? Granted they are pretty damn cute, but I'll take Sid and the kids any day. OK, I'll admit it, I'm kind of worried. When the Pens said they'd come to an impasse in the negotiations on Monday, I was pretty fucking shocked. In fact I was so shocked I spit coffee all over my keyboard, mouse and screen. But really do I think the Pens are leaving, no (although I haven't been able to sleep at all since I heard the news and have been popping Ambien like M & M's).

The NHL, a niche league, which I'm relatively sure everyone can agree on (when hockey has a lower rating than womens softball I would call it a niche sport). A league on the second year after a debilitating lockout. How could they allow this to go this far? Pittsburgh is the US city with the 2nd biggest hockey fan base (next to Buffalo according to recent TV ratings). How could this league allow our team, which is supported to the tune of 96% attendance, leave for a place like KC when hockey is already struggling in other such nontraditional hockey markets (Nashville and Florida).

Having it be OUR TEAM is the biggest deal to me. This group of players is destined to win Stanley's Cup in the very short future. Our team has possibly the greatest player in the sport's (or any other sport for that matter) history playing for it as we speak. And don't think the NHL can weasel it's way back in a couple year from now with some shitty expansion team. Thanks, but no fucking thanks. That would be like someone coming into your home ripping the xbox360 from the TV and coming back in two year with a Nintendo. Not fucking cool. I won't go to a game the NHL and the "new" Penguins can go straight to Hell.

It seems the sides negotiating this fiasco have let their egos get the best of them. This deal just needs to get done. I'm sick of thinking about this. I'm sorry, I was going to outline the entire situation and bitch and give my opinion, but I'm really at my wits end here. It makes me feel ill thinking about our Pens leaving the city I love so much. I can't study, I can't focus on anything else right now. I'm pretty sure they won't leave, but I'm worrying myself sick none the less.

Thursday all parties plus Gary Betman the NHL Commissioner are meeting in Philly (ironic) to decide our team's fate. D-Day so to speak. I haven't prayed in a long time but it might be around that time. If you have time please call these number to give local poloticos and the NHL a view of what this feels like and what the fans are going through. PLEASE BE POLITE. Blowing up on someone's secretary will get you no where. The NHL office is especially nice. Threaten the politicians with your votes and support.

Dan Onorato - 412 350 6500
Ed Rendell - 717-787-2500
Ravenstahl - 412 255 2626

IF IN THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH PLEASE CALL THE MAYORS HOTLINE: 311 -- this is only for people in the city.

NHL Offices: (212) 789-2000

THANK YOU PLEASE MAKE THE CALLS!