Mike Rupp is awesome, but we already knew that.
"Honestly, there was a bit of a chip on our shoulders back when our big guys got hurt," Rupp said. "The hockey media across North America questioned us. When you read or hear that we're 'hanging on' until those guys come back, you take that personally. I mean, we're obviously a better team with Sidney and Evgeni in the lineup. But we're also a good team without those guys."
He thumped his thumb on his chest.
"I deserve to be here. I deserve to be in the NHL. So does every guy on this team. We've done our work. This was our opportunity to show that we're still the Pittsburgh Penguins. I didn't want to wait for help. I wanted to get it done."
I'm particularly fond of that quote because I have spent months saying, "The Penguins are a team. Of course, they are Sidney Crosby's team but they are not one guy." I mean, it feels terrible being tired of hearing about Sidney Crosby. Sacrilege. Tell me when he will play. Until then, let's focus on who is playing. Let's root for the guys that got us here. Don't get me wrong, I will be ECSTATIC when he comes back just like the next person. But just... ugh.
And I'm sure I haven't mentioned it here yet but Zbynek Michalek is ~ let me see how I can put this into words without dishonoring my love and devotion to Rob Scuderi ~ Zbynek Michalek makes me feel really warm inside. I feel safe when he is on the ice. And when he scores? uh. Let's just say I get tingly.
Kris Letang is the BEST thing. I just wanted to put that reminder here for anybody who might be reading this who at one point or another has maybe forgotten that little fact. Not me. I haven't forgotten.
And now for some pic spam because my bloggy has been neglected.
Is Alexei Kovalev the sexiest man alive? He's certainly in the running.
I'm sure the caption of this picture was something like "Look guys, it's Sidney. Sidney skating on the ice!!!!" But the caption in my head said, "AWWWW MATT COOKE! Look guys, Sidney is smiling at Matt Cooke!" Because I love and miss Matt effing Cooke so very, very much. And I don't at all think he is evil and/or the devil himself (or herself, depending who you talk to).
I just... I can't even. Is Mark Letestu the most adorable thing or what? Z and Marky hugging and smiling and being all things beautiful. It's too much. *exploding ovaries*
Oh remember how I said that one time about Alexei Kovalev being sexy? Yeah, I somehow have just forgotten all about it. Because this man here makes all of my insides explode. With all due respect to my husband and every other sexier than all get out man in the universe; Craig Adams is easily the sexiest. Hands down. No contest. Even with a fauxhawk.
there are no other things that do the things to me that he can do. Maybe we all have somebody that does that kind of thing to us, for us. I don't know. Just. GAH.
Playoffs start tonight. Get yourself all tidied up and ready to party.
