Philadelphia is the Penguins' most enduring and intense rival -- the Flyers were despised on this side of the Commonwealth before Washington even entered the league -- so rooting against that team comes easily for most Penguins fans.
Especially at times like this evening, when the Penguins will play Philadelphia at PPG Paints Arena.
But there are some occasions when rooting interests can get more complicated.
Who, for example, should a fan cheer for when the Flyers are playing one of the teams the Penguins are trying to overtake for first place in the East Division, as when Philadelphia played at Washington Tuesday? (Not that the Flyers were of any help to the Penguins, since the Capitals beat them, 6-1.)
Does the disdain for Philadelphia -- coupled with the fact that the Penguins probably won't secure a spot in the playoffs until they've mathematically eliminated the Flyers -- trump all, or can you put it on hold for a few hours because any Capitals loss benefits the Penguins? And, of course, the general distaste many Penguins fans have for Washington could factor into that.
Also, could there be situational considerations when deciding how you would like a particular game to turn out, beyond hoping that it ends in regulation so that whichever team loses doesn't get a point?
Say, for example, you feel nothing but undiluted hostility toward Boston, but realize that a Bruins victory over Washington in the regular-season finale for both teams May 11 would allow the Penguins to finish ahead of the Capitals. Is that reason enough to rush out to buy a Brad Marchand sweater and order clam chowder for dinner, and would your decision be influenced if a Bruins loss in that game would prevent them from getting into the playoffs?
Perhaps this is why people pick a team to root for; trying to decide who to root against can be a lot more complicated.
YOUR TURN: Who do you cheer for when one of the Penguins' arch-rivals is playing a team they are competing with for a spot in the standings?
