As I read about the Pirates naming Clint Hurdle their new manager, I couldn't help but feel soory for the next man to tank his career managerial winning percentage by posting a sub .500 percentage over the next 3 years and then returning to the unemployment line. As long as the current ownership group is in place, nothing will change with this Pittsburgh Baseball Club. At least we have the Steelers, Penguins and Panthers, right?
That brings me to the past 6 days in the life of a Pittsburgh Sports fan...
Thursday night saw Dave Wannstadt take his Big East-leading Panthers into East Hartforf, Conneticut ready to closeout their first conference championship since 1994. The Huskies, however, had different plans.
The Panthers had every chance to win this game, even led it in the 4th quarter. But all heck broke loose as the inexperience of this team led to yet another prime time, national tv loss in the Wanny era. While there were bright spots for Pitt in this contest, I have to admit I'm more than a little nervous about this defense. Jordan Todman is a quality running back. He is not as good as his 200-plus yard effort made him look last Thursday. This team has to win these gamed, the sooner the better.
Then came the utterly rotten egg the Steelers laid at the feet of their home fans against the Patriots Sunday night. Now, I have to admit I had low expectations heading into this game. The Stillers had one week to replace the left side of their offensive line, and it's hard not to imagine Bill Belichek drooling as he gameplanned for that reality. But I did not forsee the offense completely soiling the sheets as they did. Mike Wallace posted impressive numbers, but what happened to Antwan Randle-El? He must've had 4 or 5 drops, all at key times. Big Ben didn't have much time to throw, what with the endless onslaught of pass rushers coming from his blindside. But his receivers (TE Heath Miller also had a few key balls slip through his mitts) had to do a better job of helping out their QB. Hats off to Tom Brady. He contiues to put up impressive stats, even with the collection of nobodies lining up to receive his passes.
And then there's the Penguins, who took the ice and dominated the Rangers Monday night. The Pens outshot the Rangers almost 2-1 but couldn't grab the lead in this one until there was roughly 1:30 to play. After getting scored on to seemingly lose a game in which he clearly dominated, Henrik Lundqvist snapped, slamming his stick over the crossbar and flinging its remains across the ice. This drew a penalty to put the Rangers shorthanded and seemingly ended the game. Apparently, the Pens forgot their was still time left and they had more players on the ice. The Rangers bottled up the Pens' in their own end, stole the puck and tied the game up with a beautiful shorthanded goal. Then they won if with around 1:30 left in OT.
What a frustrating game, weekend, week. I guess the title for my summary of watching these 3 contests should be titled "There goes 10 hours of my life I'm never getting back."
Yet, I'll be back next weekend.
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