Fans Invade Columbus; Crosby Links

What a sight to behold Saturday in Columbus – Pens’ fans outnumbered Jackets’ fans at Nationwide Arena. I was there. I saw it with my own eyes. The “Let’s Go, Pens” chants, the mocking of Columbus’ netminder Steve Mason, the deafening cheers for every goal, the frickin’ wave…unreal atmosphere at an away game. So unreal, in fact, that Columbus is apparently thinking of ways to make sure it doesn’t happen again. You would think the organization would just be happy with a sellout at this point, but I guess not.

Kudos to all the Pens’ fans who made the journey. I was out before the game, and I was out after the game, and there was black-and-gold (and powder blue) everywhere. The game itself wasn’t as exciting as last year’s, but it was still a hell of a night.

Crosby Links

• He has 33 points in his last 16 games. He currently leads the league in points (48) and goals (24). And he’s clearly the best player in the world. I know, I’m slightly biased. But I’m not the only one that thinks so.
• Crosby was interviewed for a Vanity Fair article meant to promote the upcoming Winter Classic and the “rivalry” with Ovechkin. Nothing much to read here, unfortunately.
• On a much lighter note, Yahoo’s Puck Daddy found this gem from 2005: a ghastly holiday-card creation from Upper Deck featuring Crosby. Click here for a good laugh.
• What do you think of the new Winter Classic ad? I, for one, wasn’t impressed. I think the NHL can, and will, do better.