GTOG Instant Reaction: Pens troll the capital; win 6-3

By Artistry

Pens fans in the DC area have a tradition. When the Penguins win at Verizon Center, they gather on the steps across from the arena and cheer, chant, and generally troll the entire city until everyone left in the building files out and goes home. According to GTOG's on-the-scene correspondents, today was on another level.

Super Sunday.

A week ago, we were talking about firing the coach and deporting half the Canadians on the roster. And underlying a general feeling of dread was the notion that we might never see Sidney Crosby elevate his game to something resembling his pre-concussion level. This is a good reminder for all of us: the Penguins - and especially Crosby - still deserve the benefit of the doubt.

Suddenly, Crosby looks like the best in the world again. It started when it looked like he was shot out of a cannon in Saturday's dominating win over New Jersey.  And Sunday, at a point in the game when everyone in Washington knew he was looking to get the puck to Chris Kunitz for the hat trick and the Caps were falling all over themselves to prevent it, he did it anyway. He might as well have turned to the owner's box and flipped Ted Leonsis the bird.

We've been particularly tough on Hands lately. For those new to the blog, that's an affectionate reference to Kunitz and his soft, supple mitts. Originally dubbed "Hands of Stone" when he initially seemed to lack the finish to be Sid's primary winger, we shortened it to "Hands" when we began to appreciate his underrated offensive game along with everything else he brings to the table. For now, it looks like Hands is back. And, in the blink of an eye, so are the Penguins.

LGP. GTOG.