Never forget today was the day we learned that a poorly run franchise for many years (financially by owners who had no clue what the f*** they were doing, read on it) who tanked once to get a generational talent, and otherwise lucked into their stars (Jagr, Crosby, Malkin) with no real data/proof to suggest otherwise, is some sort of Evil Empire ala the NY Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, etc. I laugh as it wasn't even until the cap era Pittsburgh could compete on a financial level with the majority of the league. Do people not remember how BAD Pittsburgh got in the late 90's and early 2000's? More piss poor management up top, even during the early 90's run. They couldn't land anyone.
Let's also not forget that Pittsburgh, is, by most accounts, one of the birthplaces of organized and pro hockey in the United States. There is more hockey history in Pittsburgh, dating back well over 120 years, that the disdain they receive for simply tanking once (as if they're the only team who's ever pulled that stunt, yawn) is beyond me. The only logical reason I can see for Pitt being so hated by fans of teams that aren't even rivals, is out of jealousy/spite.
People act like they wouldn't bend someone over to have had Crosby on their favorite team the past decade and a half. I don't care who you are, you're flat out lying if you say otherwise. As explained and easily identified, if you think without emotion, Crosby landing in Pittsburgh had absolutely nothing to do with tanking. Hockey didn't even have a season the year prior to 87 being drafted and unlike draft's today, EVERY team in the league had a shot at Sid. So, honestly, STFU with that drivel. It's a non starter and you know it. If you want to entertain that the league simply put Pittsburgh in the #1 envelope to save them from going to Kansas City, fine. That's your prerogative.
Malkin was a consolation prize. Sure, a HOF consolation prize, but again, there is absolutely no data to suggest Pittsburgh tanked. They were an awful, awful hockey team who lucked into a top 2 pick on ping pong. This isn't baseball or pre lottery hockey where you can actually tank and assure yourself the #1. This is basic math.
And since Malkin/Sid got going they haven't missed the playoffs. Ever. 3 Cups. 4 Finals appearances. That's a nice ride, in any era. Their window is simply closing rapidly, if not completed closed as far as winning a title goes. Have there been some flops (this year, last year, a few times in previous years)? Yep. No doubt. Happens. Dynasties don't last or endure like they used to. And honestly, as cool as it would be to see your team win 5 in a row, it won't happen again. Ever. Parity is a good thing.
Of course I was envious of Chicago when they won their 2nd and 3rd Cups. But I never really disliked them. They're a midwest team. No real tie to Pittsburgh in any way. Yeah, it stunk hearing Toews this, Toews that, while the Pens suffered under Disco Dan Bylsma during the prime years of Sid/Malkin. Injuries obviously ruined a few years in there but such is life.
The only 2 teams I openly root against in this league are Philly and Washington. Rivals, nothing more.
Now, if you want to talk about a city that has bungled years of having strong rosters, while not being able to close the deal a bunch of times in the finals, we can open the floor for discussions on Philly.
I am all in.
