Few thought there would be a Game 5 in this year's Stanley Cup final, let alone a Game 6. Considering how the Detroit Red Wings jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, there was talk of a sweep. Some had even taken to calling 'Guins captain Sidney Crosby "El Squid" instead of "El Sid."
There was renewed hope when the Pens won Game 3. Despair returned when they lost Game 4. But then perhaps the greatest game in the history of Pittsburgh sports unfolded Monday night and early Tuesday in Detroit.
In one of the longer final-round playoff games in National Hockey League history, the Penguins beat the Red Wings 4-3 in the third overtime to narrow the series to 3-2 and force Game 6 tonight at Mellon Arena.
With 36 seconds left in regulation, it appeared the Penguins' remarkable season was about to end with a 3-2 loss. But with 35 seconds left, Pittsburgh tied the game. Then, at 9:57 in the third overtime, Petr Sykora delivered on one of those promises that usually come back to haunt players: He said he'd score and he did and gave the Pens a new lease.
So, it's Game 6 tonight. The Pittsburgh Penguins will attempt to defy the odds and become hockey gods and all before yet another national TV audience. Heck, we'll even bet Tiger Woods tunes in.
