A few thoughts on the game/series and some of the recent posts in this thread:
Even though it's been kind of ugly, I'm still glad we got to see playoff hockey. It's been too long and a physical, intense series like this is a good reminder of how fun the playoffs can be. In my mind it's better than playing out the string and missing the playoffs. I also think that, even if it's just 4 games, it will be beneficial to the players.
I know if they missed they could get a higher pick, but no draft pick is a guarantee and the Petes have a history (though it seems to be getting better) of having top picks not want to come here or asking out after a season or two. It sounds like there are some good players available around the 6th pick, so I expect the Petes will end up with a good player.
Seeing the Bulldogs celebrations and such is a bit irritating, but I think we need to remember these are teenagers. It's an intense series and the type that brings teams together. With all the hitting and stuff it's got the testosterone flowing. Teenagers will be teenagers. Just the way it is and I'm not going to get upset about players celebrating a goal against a team they clearly dislike.
I'm afraid tonight could be a bit ugly, score wise. Simpson must be getting tired and the way the Bulldogs started to roll (with the Petes helping them by taking so many penalties) later on last night, I can see them putting up a few really early. I sure hope not, though.
I'm 99.99999% sure tonight will be the last home game (win or lose) but I think it's been a fun team to watch. I like the physical style and once they can learn to tone it down a bit and be more in control, it will be a team others hate to play against. Heck, you can already see how much other teams hate playing against the Petes (Guryev, especially) already. So even if it's 4 and out, it whets the appetite for next season and it's a team that I think we're right to be excited about for next year. Maybe they won't be Hamilton level good, but they should certainly be (at the very least) contending for a top 4 spot in the conference.
