Cheese steak vs Primanti Brothers sandwich, South Street vs Southside, "Yo cuz" vs "Yinz guys" and Yuengling vs Iron City, Philly takin' on Pittsburgh only seems natural. Tonight the competition starts up again in Pennsylvania's book end cities as the Penguins and Flyers begin the first round of the NHL Stanley Cup playoffs.
Comparisons are often drawn between the two cities but a real sports rivalry is still fairly new. The games between the Flyers and Penguins, especially in the playoffs, are truly the only time Philly and Pittsburgh even acknowledge each other. Those unfamiliar with PA may believe there is a bond or a sense of brotherly competition between the two cities. In reality it's more akin to cousins who barely speak and occasionally smack each other around. Being from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia was always an afterthought as far as sports. After living in Philly for 12 years I know that people from here could care less about what's going on 5 hours to the west. The 305 miles between the two cities might as well be 3005. Sure there is interest when the Steelers and Eagles match up, but it's so infrequent that it's more novelty than rivalry. Baseball is laughable. The Phillies are World Series Champs while the Pirates are piss poor pathetic. As for basketball it's a non factor in Pittsburgh. Hockey is what makes you take notice and dislike the other end of the state.
The competitive hatred between the two teams and their fans is obvious. The boos that rain down on Sidney Crosby from Flyers fans and the number of fists thrown on the ice is proof. Last year's Eastern Conference Final saw the Pens place a serious smackdown on the orange and black as they ousted them in 5 games. Even though it was a year ago it sets up a bit of a revenge factor as this year's playoffs open. The series is expected to be hard fought and it wouldn't surprise me if it went a full seven games.
My Pittsburgher blood will of course have me rooting for the Penguins. I am sure when I am sitting there, wearing my classic Penguins powder blue hat and #87 sweater, in whatever bar I am in at the time, I'll get a earful. I wouldn't want it any other way. So bring it on friends I can take it. Besides in the end I expect to be celebrating several Penguins victories as they advance to the next round of the playoffs.
Game 1: April 15 at Pittsburgh
Game 2: April 17 at Pittsburgh
Game 3: April 19 at Philadelphia
Game 4: April 21 at Philadelphia
Game 5: April 23 at Pittsburgh (if necessary)
Game 6: April 25 at Philadelphia (if necessary)
Game 7: April 27 at Pittsburgh (if necessary)
Games start at 7 p.m.
LETS GO PENS!!!
Feelin' the Love
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