Cup Crazy

Stanley Cup Playoffs - Round 1

Claire is fired up for hockey.

The Penguins have adopted something that several other teams around the NHL have done for the playoffs. They set up a 12' x 20' LED screen outside the Mellon Arena so fans that were unable to get the $120 tickets (which were snapped up in three minutes) could enjoy the NHL playoff experience.

Fans get to tailgate and cheer for the "Boys of Winter".

.

The Mellon Arena (the "Igloo") is located almost directly in the center of Pittsburgh. It is the silver circle right in the middle of the picture.

The screen was set up in the grassy area in front of the arena. Since we arrived into town during the beginning of the second period, the streets were empty and we drove around the arena one time looking for an open parking spot. We were able to snag one on the main road right where the white car is in the lower right coner of the above picture.

Inside the National Anthem precedes Game 2, while outside the fans get whipped into a frenzy.

Claire travels with her lucky Penguin and soaks up the atmosphere. Joey was upset that we are not sitting next to the group of girls next to the hedges.

The Penguins score the deciding goal and the fans erupt - both inside and out.

.

Claire is convinced the Pens will win the Cup.

Claire gets a little nervous as Ottawa makes the game close with a three-goal comeback. But have no fear, the Pens score an empty-netter at the end of the game to take a 2-0 series lead.

.

The next day, I promised the kids I would take them to the Original Hot Dog Shop in Oakland (at Pitt University). Joey was unsure if he would like their cheese fries.

After helping to polish off a "small" order with cheese, he proclaimed them to be the best thing he has ever eaten.