Pittsburgh Penguins are First not Last

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in First Place in the Metropolitan Division.  It has been a long road up to this point, for the Penguins.  There have been many hills, valleys and bumps along the way.

In November, when the Penguins were in Last Place, I wrote. ‘If You’re Not First You’re Last”.  Well guess who’s First, Penguin Nation.

As this season has progressed, I have come to realize, there are many similarities between Life and Hockey.  This is how they got from Last to First.

1-The Law of Cause and Effect

Life: What you sow, is what you will reap.

Hockey: How you practice is how you play, and the Penguins practice at game speed.

2-The Law of Creation

Life:  What we focus on, is what we create.

Hockey: Keep the Focus on Winning the 2022 Stanley Cup Boys and it will happen.

3-The Law of Humility

Life: Accept what is, let go what was, and make changes towards what will be.

Hockey: Forget how the Penguins started the season.  The Penguins are in a battle to Win their Division, make the Playoffs, and Win the Cup. With the NHL Trade Deadline approaching, as well as Free Agency, changes are coming.

4-The Law of Growth

Life: Our own growth, can happen over any circumstance.

Hockey: Given the challenges early in the season, the Penguins learned to adapt and overcome.  This will serve them well come the Playoffs.

5- The Law of Responsibility

Life:   Our lives are of our doing, nothing else.

Hockey: The Penguins Players will determine how far they actually go this year.

6-The Law of Connection

Life: Everything in this universe is connected, both large and small.

Hockey: Everything in Hockey is connected, both large and small.  The little chip outs, subtle pick plays, tape-to tape passes etc.. all add up to the big plays, and the Penguins are making them.

7-The Law of Focus

Life: One cannot direct attention beyond a single task.

Hockey: Focus on each play and win each shift.  The final score will take care of itself.

8-The Law of Hospitality and Giving

Life: Demonstrating selflessness, shows our true intentions.

Hockey: Demonstrating selflessness, shows up in Team Defense, blocking shots, and taking a hit to make a play.  This is the Penguin Way.

9-The Law of Change

Life: History repeats itself, unless changed.

Hockey: Back-to-Back Penguin Cups, 1990-91, 1991-92, 2008-09, 2015-16, 2016-17.  The team chemistry is there.  The team commitment is there.  The team skills are there. It’s time for history to repeat itself again.

10-The Law of Here and Now

Life: The present moment is all we have.

Hockey: If You’re Not First You’re Last.  The Penguins, at Present, are in First Place in the Metropolitan Division.  A far cry from Last place in October 2021.  Congrats Pens, Well Done.

11-The Law of Patience and Reward

Life: A patient mindset, will reap the highest reward.

Hockey: The Penguins stayed calm when injuries hit the club.  They stayed focused as a group, when Covid ravaged the team.  The Pens stayed patient amongst a revolving line-up.  They will reap the highest reward, the 2022 Stanley Cup.

12-The Law of Significance and Inspiration

Life: The best reward is one that makes an impact.

Hockey: The Penguins have played some great hockey this season.  From Mid-November until now, they have been Must-See-TV.  They play fast, hard hitting, can score, can defend and Goaltender Jarry has been lights out good, during this time as well.  This is how Hockey Should Be Played.

Pittsburgh Penguins as of Feb 14.2022

30-11-8 = 68 Points

1st in the Metropolitan Division (Up from 7th Place in Oct)

2nd -Tied in the Eastern conference (Up from 13th Place in Oct)

3rd Tied in the NHL overall (Up from 22nd overall in Oct)

Pittsburgh Penguins are holding the #1 Playoff Spot, in the Metropolitan Division (Eastern Conference).

Yinzer Rules

1-We are Family – support and stay the course

2-It’s All About Defense- commit to it and we will excel

My View from the Cheap Seats

In the “real world”, Penguins out in the wild, are known to have thick skin, be self disciplined, show determination and have the will to live with and overcome many of life’s challenges that are thrust upon them. This Penguins Hockey Team, with what they have experienced since October, have shown that same determination and resilience going forward.

Always remember, In life, sometimes you are the Puck and other times, you are the Stick.

Quote of the Day

“Here’s the deal, I’m the Best there is. Plain and Simple.”

Ricky Bobby – Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby-Movie