TAKEAWAYS

     Today is Takeaways Day. Mrs. Black-N-Gold will discuss topics that are burning up the airwaves, newspapers and internet regarding our favorite Black-N-Gold Teams, the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates. Let's kick it off.....

STEELERS

Unless you've been on a remote island for the past week, you're well aware that our Steelers travel to Cincy to battle the Bengals in an AFC Wild Card game tomorrow night. This will be the 3rd meeting of the season for the division rivals. The 2 teams met in Cincy less than 4 weeks ago, the Steelers battering the Bengals in a 33-20 victory The game was marred by multiple penalties on both sides. The extracurricular activity didn't just happen during the game. Even before the coin toss, the Steelers tangled with the tigers. No matter what the Steelers do this week, they've got to mind their Ps and Qs. This is no time or place for costly penalties. One ill-thrown flag could make or break the game and send the Steelers home and to the golf course. The Steelers need to keep their heads in the game and out of their a$$. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!

PENGUINS

When our Pens lost Wednesday night to the Blackhawks 3-1, it was the 6th time this season the Pens dropped the 2nd of back-to-back games. As a matter of fact, the Pens are an unimpressive 2-6-1 on the back end of back-to-backs. The Pens really need to get on the stick. The schedule gives them 7 more back-to-backs this season. It's too late in the year to give points away. Every point counts. They're on the outside looking in at the playoff picture and need to lose their lethargic touch when it comes to back-to-backs. Let's Go Pens!!!

PIRATES

Our Pirates picked up a few more less-than-stellar pitchers again this week. GM Neal Huntington seems to be collecting low-budget pitchers the way some people collect baseball cards. If these pitchers were on display at the nearest hobby shop, they'd be in the bargain bin. It appears NH is going to scoop up as many inexpensive pitchers as he can get, see what magic pitching coach Ray Searage can work, throw them against the wall and see who sticks. Oh yeah, and keep your fingers crossed, too. No matter how great Uncle Ray has been with reclamation projects in the past, it looks like he really has his work cut out for him. Good luck, Ray. You'll need it. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!