When the leaves turn color and begin to fall, the NHL season is upon us. If you are like me, fall brings excitement and hope, regardless of the team you cheer for. As you know, this site is cheering for the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, the fact that you are a hockey fan and support any team is simply awesome. I love it.
With that said, I was thinking about the Penguins upcoming schedule and wondering When, Where, and How, I was going to watch the Penguins games this season. Then I wondered how you were going to catch the games and what would that look like. So, I thought about all the things that go into “Watching a Penguins Game”, with me.
(Replace Penguins with Your Favorite Team Here)
Let’s set the scene. There are 82 regular season NHL games per team, plus Playoffs. You probably will not be able to watch all the games in a given season, however there are a few “real special” games each year. (NYR, Phila, TB, Colorado…The Playoffs, to name a few)
Here is the Pittsburgh Penguins Schedule for the Month of October 2022.
1. Oct 13 vs Arizona
2. Oct 15 vs TB
3. Oct 17 @ Montreal
4. Oct 20 vs LA
5. Oct 22 @ Columbus
6. Oct 24 @ Edmonton
7. Oct 25 @ Calgary
8. Oct 28 @ Vancouver
9. Oct 29 @ Seattle
When you look at the Penguins schedule for the Month of October, I can see a couple of “Must See” games that jump right out to me.
The Home Opener is always fun to watch. I love to see the Player Introductions. Game one gives me a feeling of getting back to something that I love to play or watch and a New Hope for good things to come in this New Season.
Tampa Bay has been a measuring stick for the Penguins and the rest of the league for the last five seasons, and they still are. It’s always good to know how you compare to a recent Stanley Cup Champion and a Final Four Team.
Edmonton is an up-and-coming team, looking to level up into the Cup Contender conversation this year.
I understand that it is only October, and one should not put to much weight into what these games really mean. I get it. However, these games must be played, and I am a firm believer that you grab as many points as you can, as soon as you can. I am also a big believer in watching your favorite team early on, it shows you what the roster looks like at full power, assuming no injuries.
Here is How to Watch a Penguins Game
First thing is, the night before, I put on my Pittsburgh Penguins PJs, (not really…but lol), so when I wake up the next mourning, I’m ready to go for Penguins Game Day, immediately when I roll out of bed.
Next up, I’m grabbing a coffee and pouring it into my Penguins Coffee mug. Starting off Game Day with a nice “cup a joe”, and seeing that Penguins Logo, just makes me smile, and is a great start to the day.
Now depending on your work, you may have to wear a uniform or suit and tie. I understand. However, if not, I’m rockin’ the Penguins Jersey and Penguins Baseball Hat on Penguins Game Day.
Wait, is it a Home Game or an Away Game or do I want to look Retro or New Era? The Hockey Jersey delema starts early, on Game Day, doesn’t it?
If it’s cold out, I’m wearing a Penguins T-shirt under the Jersey. I could be wearing a Pens Sweatshirt or Jacket, winter toque and mitts.
I get it, you might not have all this Penguin schwag or gear listed here. No worries, wear what you have, smile, and enjoy the Penguins Game Day experience.
At this point, some of you will go to your local sports bar to catch the game. Others, will pop over to a friend’s place. Some of you are heading to the actual game, to catch it live. All are awesome options for sure.
Below, is for those watching the Penguins Game in your home.
I assume you know the date, time, and channel of the Penguins Game. If you have a PVR, I suggest that you PVR the Game, just in case you get interrupted. Crazy things happen all the time, people drop in, call at the wrong time, or the kids, the kids, don’t get me started…lol. Sometimes you want to see “that play”, again.
Ok, I assume you already have your favorite beverages in the fridge. It’s getting close to Game Time. So, it’s time to put those “Buds” on ice. Grab your cooler, fill it with your bevies of choice and pack it with ice. I love Ice Cold Bevies.
I am a huge “Brats n Buns” guy, so let’s get dem dar dogs on the BBQ. If you love Burgers, Ribs, Chicken, Pizza, Vegan, whatever floats your boat, go for it. Get it ready, the Game is about to start.
I know there are many people who have Sports Caves that are tricked-out with Team Memorabilia. That is awesome and a super Game Day Environment for sure. Enjoy the Game.
Not everyone has the option to view the game like that. Some of us just have a couch and TV.
If this is the case, to add a little atmosphere, and depending on the Penguins schwag you have, place that Penguins Hockey Puck (or Mini Stick or Penguins Pennant) just under the TV, or near it. This way you can see it, during commercials or during a stop in play.
If you have another Penguins Jersey or Flag, can you hang it up around the TV? If you have any other knick-knack with a Penguins logo, a Pens blanket, bottle opener, or whatever, place it in an around the room. They are all nice touches, and it just adds to the room and the enjoyment of the game.
Next up, place your munchies in your Penguins Chip Bowl, and place your Penguins Beer Glass (Bevie Glass) on your Penguins Coasters.
You are now ready for Penguins Game Day.
Food, Beverages, Munchies, Penguins Gear, Environment, Attitude. Game On.
Oh yeah, don’t forget to check out the Pens Labyrinth site and look at Pen’s Picks. Have your phone charged up and load the Penguins Game Preview. There is nothing like watching the game and having Team vs Team comparable stats at your finger tips.
Now, some of you enjoy watching the game with family, friends, or your partner, because you enjoy the social aspect of the event. Eat, Drink and Chat. I love it.
Others, simply want to watch the game alone, really focus on the game tactics, and what the announcers discuss or highlight. They like to think about the strategy being used and of course second guessing the coach on tactics and lineups, are standard operating procedure. I love it.
The reality is, there is no right or wrong way to Watch a Penguins Game.
At its core, You Do You. Enjoy.
My View from the Cheap Seats
Section: TV Row: PVR Seat: The Couch
Hey, the Penguins Game is about to start. There will be good plays and bad plays, and throughout the season, there will be good games, and bad games. So, just sit back and enjoy it.
No matter what the outcome is…Smile, you had a great Penguins Game Day.
Quote of the Day:
“Let’s Go Pens“
Every Penguins Fan