The Great Keystone State Hockey Showdown: Flyers vs. Penguins - Who Gets Your Cheese Steaks Loyal?
Ah, Pennsylvania. Land of liberty bells, scrapple, and a hockey rivalry hotter than a Steelers tailgate in July. Yes, Pennsylvania is blessed with not just one, but two NHL teams: the legendary Philadelphia Flyers and the championship-hoarding Pittsburgh Penguins. But for a hockey fan living in this state, choosing a team is a decision that can divide families, spark bar brawls (mostly playful... mostly), and lead to years of good-natured (or not-so-good-natured) ribbing.
What Nhl Team Does Pennsylvania Cheer For |
The Gritty vs. The Sid Show: Team Personalities
The Philadelphia Flyers: Embody the spirit of the blue-collar city they hail from. They're the Broad Street Bullies of yesteryear, a team that plays with an "in-your-face" swagger. Their mascot, Gritty, is...well, unique. Think of him as the love child of an orange Muppet and a sleep-deprived accountant. Love him or hate him, Gritty gets the job done, firing up the Philly faithful with his unhinged antics.
The Pittsburgh Penguins: Known for their finesse and star power. They've got the smooth moves of Sidney Crosby and the dazzling puck-handling skills of Evgeni Malkin. Their fans are a passionate bunch, turning PPG Paints Arena into a sea of black and gold on game nights.
Tip: Don’t rush — enjoy the read.
Picking Your Side: A Guide for the Perplexed
So, how do you choose between these two powerhouses? Here's a (slightly sarcastic) breakdown:
- Flyers Fan: You enjoy a good scrap, appreciate a team with a rich history, and can tolerate a mascot that looks like it escaped from a horror movie.
- Penguins Fan: You crave winning, admire silky-smooth skating, and have a thing for championship banners.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Just remember, once you pick a side, you're in it for the long haul. There's no switching teams allowed (unless you move out of state, in which case, all bets are off).
Tip: Read carefully — skimming skips meaning.
Bonus Tip: If you can't decide, feign neutrality and cheer for both teams. This will likely lead to social isolation and a lifetime supply of lukewarm pizza at gatherings, but hey, at least you won't ruffle any feathers!
FAQ: Mastering the Keystone Hockey Scene
How to survive a Flyers-Penguins game at a bar?
QuickTip: Scan the start and end of paragraphs.
- Wear neutral colors (like beige... or maybe khaki?).
- Prepare for witty (or not-so-witty) banter.
- DO NOT start the wave. It's a rookie mistake.
How to talk hockey with a Flyers fan?
- Mention the glory days of the Broad Street Bullies.
- Express your condolences for their recent playoff struggles. (This might be a backhanded compliment, tread carefully!)
- DO NOT bring up Gritty unless you want an earful.
How to impress a Penguins fan?
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
- Discuss the brilliance of Sidney Crosby.
- Ask about their thoughts on the team's chances for the next Cup.
- DO NOT question Evgeni Malkin's hair. It's a sensitive topic.
How to avoid an argument about hockey with your significant other?
- Agree to disagree.
- Watch a different sport together.
- Move to a different state. (Just kidding... mostly.)
How to celebrate a win (no matter which team you cheer for)?
- Eat copious amounts of cheese steaks (it's a Pennsylvania thing).
- Raise a glass to a hard-fought game.
- DO NOT gloat excessively. There's always next season!
So there you have it, folks. A crash course in Pennsylvania hockey fandom. Remember, it's all about having fun, enjoying the sport, and maybe, just maybe, learning to appreciate a mascot that looks like it could star in its own horror film.