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15 Things No One Told You About Being A Pittsburgh Penguins Fan

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15 Things No One Told You About Being A Pens Fan

There’s no doubt the Pittsburgh Penguins have become one of the NHL’s most popular teams given their superstar players and elite status within the league. But there are some things new fans may not be acquainted with that the old guard can help them prepare for as true Pens fans. Here are 15 things that no one ever told you about being a fan of the team from the ‘Burgh.

There’s no doubt the Pittsburgh Penguins have become one of the NHL’s most popular teams given their superstar players and elite status within the league. But there are some things new fans may not be acquainted with that the old guard can help them prepare for as true Pens fans. Here are 15 things that no one ever told you about being a fan of the team from the ‘Burgh.

15. It’s Filth-adelphia, Not Phil

15. It’s Filth-adelphia, Not Phil

The animosity between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia runs deep. Regardless of records, these two teams just want to see some blood on the ice when they meet. Heck, a few teeth are always welcome as well.

14. Marian Hossa Is Still Equal To Benedict Arnold

14. Marian Hossa Is Still Equal To Benedict Arnold

Back when the Pens traded for Marian Hossa and a little-known winger by the name of Pascal Dupuis from the Atlanta Thrashers (now Winnipeg Jets) in 2008, they made it all the way to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Detroit Red Wings only to fall short. Hossa decided to join the Wings instead of re-signing with the Pens, and sure enough his new team fell to his old one the following year. Ah, what a satisfying victory.

13. Sidney Crosby Gets Booed – A Lot

13. Sidney Crosby Gets Booed – A Lot

Sure, everyone in Pittsburgh adores Sid, but elsewhere around the NHL, the envy is palpable in opposing arenas as fans shower the Penguins captain with boos. Don’t let this deter you from cheering loudly when he lights the lamp, though. This will only further stoke the fires of jealousy within fans from other cities.

12. Hockeytahn > Hockeytown

12. Hockeytahn > Hockeytown

The moniker may be borrowed from Detroit, but Pittsburgh natives certainly embrace the idea of being another North American hockey Mecca. Several Pittsburgh-born players have found homes in the minor leagues as well as the NHL itself with the boom created by the back-to-back Cups from 1990-91 and 1991-92. Maybe one day this hub in Western Pennsylvania will be known for producing NHL superstars in addition to Hall of Fame quarterbacks.

11. Consol Energy Center and Civic/Mellon Arena Were Neighbors

11. Consol Energy Center and Civic/Mellon Arena Were Neighbors

Despite building a new home that was officially put into use to begin the 2010-11 season, the Pens didn’t have to rent a U-Haul for the move. Consol is literally just across the street from where the old Civic Arena stood. And just as an aside -- yes it was called the Mellon Arena toward the end of its life, but it will always be the Civic Arena to longtime fans.

10. NHL Royalty Status Didn’t Come Easily

10. NHL Royalty Status Didn’t Come Easily

First established in 1967 as a Western Conference team, the Penguins were far from the elites in the NHL upon their inception. They made the playoffs just twice before moving to the East in 1974-75, and failed miserably before back-to-back Cups in the early 1990s. Then there were early playoff exits and doldrums up until the Crosby, Malkin, Fleury core that currently exists. Hey, Rome wasn’t built in a day.

9. Trade Deadline Deals Are A Yearly Staple

9. Trade Deadline Deals Are A Yearly Staple

The deal for Marian Hossa mentioned earlier isn’t the only wheeling-and-dealing the Penguins have done in the past. Current general manager Jim Rutherford has already netted a huge fish prior to this year’s deadline in David Perron, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Pens hook another before Mar. 2 at 3 p.m. ET.

8. Those Blue Jerseys Aren’t A New Fad – They’re the Originals

8. Those Blue Jerseys Aren’t A New Fad – They’re the Originals

Back when the Pens had to practically live on the West Coast due to their misguided conference affiliation, those blue jerseys they sport every so often these days were their everyday threads. It’s a wonder why they ever ditched them in the first place, though the true black and gold jerseys from the early 90s were special as well.

7. An Injury Curse May Just Be Reality

7. An Injury Curse May Just Be Reality

Sidney Crosby’s concussion issues are now a thing of the past – knock on wood – but injuries continue to dominate headlines in Pittsburgh. Pascal Dupuis returned from a torn ACL he suffered last year only to now be sidelined since November with a blood clot in his lung. Oh, and the prized young defenseman of the team, 20-year-old Olli Maata, is out after having shoulder surgery in addition to his fight with cancer. Talk about bad luck – sheesh.

6. Toughness Is What Wins Cups

6. Toughness Is What Wins Cups

This may be a pervasive sentiment throughout the NHL, but the Penguins prove it more than any other organization. From the days of Ulf Samuelsson in the early 90s to Rob Scuderi and Hal Gill on the latest Cup-winning team, every championship lineup needs a little sandpaper. With Scuderi back in the ‘Burgh now and Robert Bortuzzo coming into his own, it may be time for a reprise this postseason.

5. Some Fans Are Seriously Devoted

5. Some Fans Are Seriously Devoted

One couple with a serious love for the Penguins named their first son Malkin Crosby Long, and vowed to name their second son Beau Bennett Long. That's some serious devotion to your favorite team.

4. Marc-Andre Fleury Will Make You Weep

4. Marc-Andre Fleury Will Make You Weep

Sometimes the weeping will be a good thing – i.e. his remarkable save to finish off the 2009 Stanley Cup victory – while other times it will be due to his inexplicable decisions – i.e. *every* single time he leaves the crease to play the puck. Ugh, what a roller-coaster the Flower can be.

3. Lemieux > Gretzky

3. Lemieux > Gretzky

Sure, Wayne Gretzky is the record magnate in NHL lore, but Mario Lemieux was about much more than numbers. His fight with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and subsequent return to the ice upped his stature in Penguins history. Now that he’s part owner and sits up in the box at every home game, it’s clear true Penguins fans value Le Magnifique over The Great One any day.

2. Mike Lange Is A God

2. Mike Lange Is A God

No matter who is announcing a Pens game on television, Mike Lange is always the voice true fans will hear in their minds. Some (myself included) will even turn down the volume on the TV and turn on the radio just to hear that iconic voice say, “Get in the fast-lane, Grandma. The bingo game’s ready to roll.”

1. Consider Yourself Lucky

1. Consider Yourself Lucky

Despite the ups and downs mentioned in previous slides, for the most part, this organization has received the undying love from the fanbase throughout the course of its existence. Pittsburgh is a city where sports are very high up on the totem pole, and the Penguins are no exception with their championship history. There are plenty of NHL teams around the league that would kill for the winning ways enjoyed by the Pens, so fans should feel lucky.

Anthony Blake is a Senior Writer/Copy Editor for Rant Sports. You Can Follow Him on Twitter, on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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