RICHMOND, Va. -- It's almost apropos that the Penguins suffered the most severe drubbing in their history at their own personal house of horrors, the Spectrum ... even more so that it occurred in the midst of their nadir as a franchise, the dismal 1983-84 season which saw them finish at the very bottom of the NHL standings.
As tough as it may have been to endure in the moment, no one could dispute that it was very much worth it, as that terrible finish ensured their ability to select Mario Lemieux in the 1984 draft, a move which in all likelihood is the only reason that the Pittsburgh Penguins hockey team still exists for us to root for. Sometimes the very worst moments are necessary for us to enjoy the very best.
Ain't sports weird?
ROB ULLMAN / DKPS
For prints and books, including my new comic book 1919: An Old-Timey Hockey Tales Story, visit my site and/or my display at the DK Pittsburgh Sports HQ/shop at 224 Fifth Avenue, Downtown!