For functionally the first time, a Slovak won the Stanley Cup (counting only ethnic Slovaks who still live in Slovakia and who played in the Cup-clinching game) when the pride of Topoľčany, Miroslav Šatan, contributed some fourth-line minutes — and even an uncharacteristic shot block or two — to help the Pittsburgh Penguins defeat the Detroit Red Wings in a memorable seventh game of the Stanley Cup Finals.
The NHL was a clear winner in this one, and in the entire postseason, since the league’s marquis young stars shined brighter than ever, the quality of play was superb, and the ultimate result was vindicating for a league that many see as having staked its fortunes on Nova Scotian wunderkind Sidney Crosby as a league savior.
But aside from what must be unimaginable jubilation — no, really, I’m a Kings fan, so I can’t imagine — Pens fans are surely basking in the bitter defeat former Penguin-cum-mercenary Red Wing Marián Hossa is tasting for the second consecutive year.
Sme is obviously emphasizing the Slovak angle (and would be even if this weren’t kinda sorta technically the first time a Slovak has really won the Cup), but this screen capture from the current front page also nicely encapsulates the sweet vengeance ‘Burgh fans are certainly relishing.
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- Penguins take flight after thrilling Game Seven
As the headline puts it, “A Stanley Cup for Pittsburgh and Šatan. Hossa is again without a trophy.”
Well done, Pittsburgh.
