Is History Repeating Itself?

2-0???

A few days ago I was excited for the Stanley Cup Playoffs, especially as I heard even more interesting parallels being drawn between the Oilers team that beat the Islanders dynasty after losing the previous year and our young Pittsburgh Penguins. For example, en route to the Cup, the Oilers went seven games with their arch-rival Calgary Flames in the second round and swept a then-recent Stanley Cup finalist in the Conference finals. The Pens went seven games with their arch-rival Washington Capitals and swept the recent Cup finalists (actually, winners), Hurricanes in the Conference finals.

But alas, the Pens are now down 2-0, much like last year. It would be easy to complain about the officiating - what's the point of calling all the interference all year long only to allow those plays in the final? It would also be easy to point to Henrik Zetterburgh twice covering the puck in the crease. The first one most certainly should have been a penalty shot. The second one was a bit more iffy, but I'm not even sure that puck didn't cross the line. In one camera angle, I am sure I saw the puck over the line, but they only showed that angle once.

One could also complain about the ridiculous end boards that scored the Wings' first two goals in Game 1. That shouldn't happen.

Then again, at times the Pens seem to be showing the Wings far too much respect, allowing them to walk into the defensive zone and set up plays rather than standing them up at the blue line. They were also trying to be too cute in the offensive zone and by the time they decided to just start firing pucks on Chris Osgood, no one was driving to the net. Osgood is the luckiest goalie in the world and I think if the Pens get more shots, more traffic and punish Osgood on every save, they will produce more rebounds and get him off his game.

The Pens style relies on their ability to create time and space and the stifling, interference-laden style of the Red Wings is smothering them. But if the refs don't call it, then good for the Wings for utilizing a system that is neutralizing the Pens.

We'll see what happens in Game 3 in Pittsburgh. I think if they can withstand what will surely be a hot initial outburst by the Wings, the Pens might have a better opportunity to play their style.

Onto some of your questions:

- Regarding title changes, I will go through some of them in the next blog.

- I first met Wayne Stanton at a TRCW show at the Palladium. It was the early days of TRCW at that venue and I was working as security at the front door. Our policy, as it is at many bars, was to I.D. everyone, regardless of age, and scan their ID through our video machine. Wayne entered with Louie and I had no idea who either one of them was.

Wayne was angry when I asked him to produce ID, refused to show me any and on his way out of the building, swore and yelled at me. He ended up at the front Desk of the hotel demanding to speak to the manager whom he claimed knew him (he didn't, though Wayne had appeared as a comic during one New Years Eve several years earlier). Front desk called for security and Wayne yelled at me that I didn't know who he was or who he knew and I'd be reading all about this in the Winnipeg Free Press. It was only later that I was told who he was, making the entire situation that much more amusing. Wayne ended up going on the Internet and telling some fantastic tale about challenging me to a fight and backing me down or something idiotic like that. The more things change...

- Vinko is working and just doing the personal family thing right now. I do speak to him from time to time and he has expressed an interest in returning at some point in the future.

- In regards to the Mike Davidson and Johnny Devine incident, they both told me the story but it was pretty different depending on your perspective. I wasn't there and don't know what occurred.

- As far as Mentallo leaving PCW, all I am at liberty to state is what I have previously stated - that the conditions on both our parts to continuing the relationship changed and a compromise could not be reached. The decision to part pays was mutual and amicable and I certainly wish Mentallo all the best and hope we get the opportunity to work together again in the future. He's a wonderful talent with the ability to be a successful international superstar and I still consider him to be a personal friend whom I converse with from time to time.

I will try to update this blog on a more regular basis. To my surprise, there are consistently a decent amount of hits to the blog on a daily basis, so if there are actually people out there who want to read what I have to write, then I will endeavour to write more often.

Keep checking out PCW's official website: www.PremierChampionshipWrestling.com for regular updates on the Premier Cup. ATM versus El Generico in the opening round promises to be a hell of a match. ATM is young, athletic, talented and extremely motivated to impress the fans. "Showtime" Robby Royce is confirmed for the Premier Cup, though his opponent has yet to be announced. Kenny Omega is also confirmed, his opponent not yet announced also. In all likelihood, we will have all the brackets revealed late this week or early next week in addition to another non-tournament match and some other stories for the show.

I have been surprised by the interest coming from a few non-PCW performers in regards to returning to the promotion. Even when the heat seems personal and nuclear, I always have a tough time telling guys "no" as I truly want the local industry to be one big happy family, all committed to the same goal. On the other hand, the guys who have been committed and loyal to PCW deserve more respect than to be competing for spots with some guys who seemingly didn't want to be here a few months ago. I think we'll take a wait and see approach and maybe something positive can happen on the political front a bit later in the summer.

Go Pens Go!