It's amazing, because Errey was spot on with his call of the game at this point in time. It just takes one, and you hear Steigerwald scream "There it is!" and as soon as you do, your body feels electrified. So much ridicule, so much unnecessary disgust and lack of faith in a man who was always on the cusp of doing something amazing. All of that and more erased with a single goal.
If you've watched any of the games that have gone into overtime since the trade deadline, James Neal was a factor in that game. He has an ability, when the game is on the line, to elevate his to a level that not many players will ever realize. Of the last 10 games the Penguins participated in to end the regular season, there was a stretch where 4 straight games went to overtime and shootouts. Scoring in 3 of those 4 shootouts? James Neal, winning 2 of them on his stick. The potential was always there, but he is on a top line without it's star centermen to take the spotlight. On most given lines Neal is the biggest target due to his size and hockey intelligence. This can hold a player back.
What happens after this moment for James Neal is up to him. Does he allow this to be only a temporary respite to the long arduous regular season he slumped in, or does he allow it to show himself that he can elevate his game to a level only Asham, Kennedy and then St.Louis of Tampa can realize right now? Time will tell, but it won't be long to wait. The Penguins will face off against the Lightning tomorrow in game 5 at home in Consol Energy Center. Sgt. Bob will be singing the anthem again to get the crowd going. I've got my new Brent Johnson shirt for the whiteout conditions we'll be experiencing.
Go Pens. Never relent, never surrender, continue to be a devouring pack of wolves.
