SLAP SHOTS

Mrs. Black-N-Gold is feeling a little down today. Team USA's men's hockey team were defeated in the semifinals yesterday 1-0. They will faceoff today against Team Finland for the bronze while Team Canada goes against Team Sweden tomorrow for the gold. They were shutout. A shutout? How could the team that led the tournament, averaging 5 goals per game, be shutout in the semis? My friends, it appears we were just Bylsma'ed. We've seen the same phenomenon occur countless times for our beloved Pittsburgh Penguins. Last season, the Pens led the NHL in scoring only to manage a meager two goals in their Eastern Conference playoff  loss to the Boston Bruins. It seems that Coach Disco can run up the score on the register during the regular season but comes up empty when it's time to cash in come playoff time. Dan had built up some good will amongst the black-n-gold faithful with the play of his Penguins this season, especially considering the laundry list of injuries they've endured. However, if they falter again in the postseason, what will the fan reaction be? Yes, he led the Pens to the Stanley Cup in 2009. But I have news for you, my friends, professional sports is a "What have you done for me lately"-league. I can't help but wonder if there is a sense of uneasiness with Penguin Nation today following Team USA's loss. We can only hope that Coach Disco has learned from his mistakes, and applies it to the Pens. We don't need another case of Bylsma being Bylsma. Can't wait for real hockey to return. Let's Go Pens!!!