Someone Saved My Life Tonight

Someone Saved My Life Tonight – Elton John

originally posted April 18, 2009

Game Two Pens/Flyers

by Jan Snyder

And the hits just keep on comin’! What a game between the Pens and Flyers tonight. Although this is a slow song, we’re all exhausted after almost a full fourth period, so let’s do a calm dance, because none of us was calm during the game.

The first period was just hit after hit after hit as each side tried to establish position. At the end of that period, the score was 1-0 Flyers on a goal by “Hairy” Hartnell. After a non-call for throwing his stick, which should have given the Pens a penalty shot, and Geno hit the post, I was starting to wonder if fate was conspiring against the Pens tonight.

But then in the second, Guerin opened the scoring for the Pens on a great rush with Sid and Geno, tying the score at 1-1. Much more of the same ensued, hitting and jockeying for position all through the second.

In the third, the Flyers went up 2-1 on a goal by Powe. Then, Someone Saved My Life Tonight, because we fans were about to have a collective heart attack seeing a yawning open net in front of Jeff Carter – but then, somehow, some way, the tip of Fleury’s skate blocked the way! Amazing. Following that was an exciting power play goal scored by Geno from Letang and Gonchar.

As the third period came to an end, we wondered if we were in for another long overtime game with the Flyers.

The action was brisk, but no one could score during overtime. With just four and a half minutes left, Gill was called for a penalty. As the Pens toiled, trying to kill it off, first one, then another Flyer forgot all the talk about discipline. They marched off to the box, giving the Pens a 5 on 3 advantage with just two and a half minutes left. Guerin then closed the scoring for the Pens with a power play goal to end an exciting, physical game. The two Flyers sat in the box feeling shame.

As the rally towels waved and the crowd roared its approval, the team mobbed Guerin while Mr. and Mrs. Malkin celebrated along with the rest of the fans.

The Flyers played a better game tonight but the Pens stayed with them and never gave up.

Before the season ended and the while the team was still hoping for a long playoff run, a fan at Mellon Arena applauded Bill Guerin’s arrival with a sign that read, “Pens will make the playoffs – I Guerin-tee it.” I think that may have been a prophetic sign!

Off to the so-called City of Brotherly Love to see what awaits the Pens in Game Three on Sunday. They will arrive with momentum on their side, playing their game and hoping to go up 3-0 in the series.

Let’s Go, Pens!