Our Penguins last raised Lord Stanley's Cup during the 2008-09 season. Our Steelers collected another Lombardi Trophy on February 1, 2009 for the 2008 season. Our Pirates have suffered the longest drought, last winning a World Series in 1979.
For years, it looked like the Pens had the inside track on another championship. Considering they had arguably the best player in the NHL, C Sidney Crosby, and a core that consisted of C Evgeni Malkin, D Kris Letang and G Marc-Andre Fleury, the Pens were sure to add to their Cup total. The Pens have continued to play in the postseason, only to flame out when the calendar hit spring. Their springtime malaise even cost Ray Shero and Dan Bylsma their jobs after another early playoff exit last year. They continue to be a hot and cold team. Either they're red hot, one of the best teams in the league or they're as cold as the ice on which the game is played. It also appears there is a problem developing young talent, especially forwards as Shero left the cupboard bare when he was relieved of his GM duties. This season, new GM Jim Rutherford continued to mortgage the future by trading draft picks to supplement the current team. If these Pens don't go far this postseason, look for management to blow the whole thing up and start from scratch which will put the Pens even further behind in the championship sweepstakes.
The Pirates were the furthest from championship glory for two decades but have managed to make it to the postseason the past two years by way of the wildcard. Many pundits anticipate the Pirates taking a leap forward this year and challenge for the NL Central title. They have one of the best players in baseball, CF Andrew McCutchen, leading the way. They also feature many up-and-coming stars. The future looks bright for the Bucs as they have one of the highest rated farm systems in MLB. However, it remains to be seen whether or not usually tight-fisted owner Bob Nutting will open up the wallet even further to help push the team into elite status.
The Steelers looked to be going nowhere in 2012 and 2013, when they finished a mediocre 8-8 and missed the postseason. Their defense was a mixture of past-their-prime veterans and not-yet-there youngsters. This past season the fire OC Todd Haley contingent was quieted as QB Ben Roethlisberger, WR Antonio Brown and RB Le'Veon Bell racked up record-setting numbers to lead the team to an 11-5 record and an AFC North title. However, the Steelers ran into a roadblock in the first round of the playoffs, losing to the Baltimorons. The offense has a ton of upside but the defense still has a long way to go. The salary cap-strapped Steelers need to work some magic in both the draft and free agency to upgrade the D. Until they do and the Steelers become a complete team on both sides of the ball again, they won't make it to Stairway to Seven.
So there you have it. Mrs. Black-N-Gold couldn't really pronounce any of her favorite Black-N-Gold teams as the next champion. There is still work to be done by all three factions. But you know, Mrs. Black-N-Gold will ever-faithfully cheer her teams on and remain optimistic about the future. Let's Go Pens!!! Let's Go Bucs!!!!! Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment