It only took one more night to decide which team the Penguins would be playing in the Finals. The Detroit Red Wings won their series against the Blackhawks, 4 games to 1, advancing them on their quest for the Holy Grail.

That was not the outcome Jordan, nor the rest of the team, had wanted. It took a little effort, but eventually Jordan regaled me with the tale of the previous year's playoffs, most notably how the Pens had lost the Finals on their own ice to the Wings. They'd taken a couple of early shutout losses, scrambled back to a game 3 win at Mellon before another loss. Things seemed to turn back in the Penguins favour after a hard fought triple overtime win in enemy territory, but that monumental effort left them drained and the Wings fought out a one-point win to seal their place in history.

Because Detroit finished the regular season with 112 points to Pittsburgh's 99 they were awarded home ice honours for the first two games. I wasn't sure what to expect, seeing as this was the conclusion to eight months of hard fought battles, and the opportunity for eternal glory was on the horizon. I obviously knew that things would be tense, but aside from that it was a complete unknown of highs and lows.

Fanaticism was at an all time high, rivalling the intensity I'd witnessed in Philadelphia. There seemed to be Penguins fans everywhere you looked, and it reminded me a lot of home during local rugby rivalries or International Test Matches. There wasn't quite the same 'decorate every window display in local colours' presentation, but it was expressed proudly nonetheless.

x

Because this was the Finals, the team had to head up to Detroit early for Media Day. Staying at home was hard, not just because Jordan had turned me into one of the women I despised - those that felt like the world was about to end because their man wasn't with them. Well, I wasn't quite that far gone, but there was a definite void without the constant annoyance and affection I was becoming accustomed to.

Without a win on the board by the time they got back to the 'Burgh, Jordan was understandably frustrated. There were snarky comments about déjà vu, but I cut those off quickly.

"Why did you fight so hard to make it this far, if all you're going to do is give up now? Big deal, you're down two games. That's exactly the reason these series are seven games!"

Thankfully the next game was a win. That settled everyone's moods a little and reinvigorated the support of the city. If they could win the next game they'd be free of lingering doubts about repeating the year before.

x

Waking up the Thursday of game 4, something felt different. It bugged me all day, trying to figure out just what that feeling was. Nothing had changed in our routine, there was still no progress between Jordan and his family much to my annoyance.

"Baby, where do you think I got my stubbornness from? Nothing is going to change their minds 'til they meet you and see how happy you make me. And if they still don't see why I love you so much, then it's their loss. You are my family, you're all I need."

Thankfully it wasn't the entire family against us. Marc had called Jordan to find out the story for himself and offered his congratulations, while Jared merely had nothing negative to say.

The Staal parents were due to arrive at the possibility of a Cup winning game, but if that failed to arise we'd be heading up to Jordan's childhood home of Thunder Bay for the summer when the end of season formalities were concluded.

x

Sitting down with the girls to watch warm up's it finally clicked as to what that feeling was. "Jordan's going to score today," the words left my mouth unconsciously. "No idea how I know that, but a hundred bucks says he will."

The first period ended with the scores tied at 1. Jordan came close to scoring on an early power play, the rebound going from Kris to Geno before finding the back of the net, but the Wings had tallied their own goal with the period coming to a close.

The second period was where all the action happened. The Wings took the lead in the first minute, then were granted back to back power plays. Geno was in trouble first for a hooking call, then with one second left on the advantage Brooks got caught tripping.

The penalty kill units were holding their own nicely, but suddenly Geno was down the ice on a shorthanded attempt. He didn't make the net, but that provided enough space and momentum for another steal, this time led by Jordan. I was holding my breath as he crossed the blue line, one defenseman to his left hoping to catch his stick and stop the shot. But that effort was in vain, a nice deke left Osgood open and the goal siren was going off. All I could do was scream and cheer, the smile I wore hurt my cheeks but that didn't matter.

Only a couple minutes later Sid added a tally, TK following suit soon after to make it 4-2. The rest of the game was intense, but neither team added to their total, proving that this was a new year and anything could happen.

"Thank you Jor," I smiled in the car on the way home.

Confused at my statement, Jordan turned to me, eyebrows furrowed. "What for babe?"

I let out a small chuckle as I waved a handful of bills in his face, a few of the wives having taken me up on my bet. "I knew you were going to score tonight."

Notes

Only 5 chapters to go!