So, I took the Wings in 5 . . .

and I've never been so happy to be wrong! As I watched the game last night, breathless and negotiating that razor's edge between frenzied enthusiasm and waking the kids (or annoying my quiet-by-nature husband), it occurred to me that I really, really wanted the Pens to win. It could be that I was just not ready for the series—and the season—to end. It could be, too, that I am truly just a 'Burgh-sports gal through‘n through. But I think what affected me the most was the way these guys—on both sides—have been playing in the last couple of games: despite a few early hiccups and nonsense, this has become an outstanding, exciting series.

And speaking of outstanding, who could fail to be impressed by Fleury? For my money, he’s the Game 5 MVP. It’s one thing to face 58 shots on goal, most of them rapid-fire, but to face 58 shots courtesy of the Detroit Red Wings? That’s a whole new realm of impressive.

Triple OT, Gonchar’s comeback, Malone’s puck-to-the-face-turned-triumphant-albeit-bloody-return, Fleury’s aforementioned brilliance, Crosby’s quiet leadership—how could I not get behind these guys last night? I still think the Wings are the better team all around and deserve, ultimately, to win the Cup, but I have no problem with the Pens making it a challenge rather than a gimme. Screwy OT penalties that seemed almost contrived—especially the pair of interference calls made in the 1st and 2nd OTs—notwithstanding, last night’s game, to borrow the old cliché, was the stuff of legends. That's what I want out of the playoffs.

I can’t wait for Game 6 . . . but I’m still hopin’ for a trip back to Joe Louis for the big, shiny denouement.