The late Myron Cope was family in Pittsburgh, in western Pennsylvania, in the company of Steelers’ fans everywhere. How he came to exert such a powerful hold on people who did not know him personally is a mystery he carried to his grave.
Career goal No. 500 was a significant milestone, but for the Penguins’ captain, it was also just another day at the office in a 17-years-and-counting run of defining moments that range from subtle to historic.
It seems the Steelers are a long way from earning a trip to the league championship, but this season the Bengals have reminded everyone how quickly the game can change.
Mike Tomlin knows what he wants in looking for Ben Roethlisberger’s replacement. The question is what are he and the Steelers willing to do to get that guy?
The Steelers are 1-3-1 in their last five games but, amazingly, they’re still in the playoff conversation. They’ll probably get the help they need the rest of the way, too. But can they help themselves?
The Panthers’ rise from embarrassment to the ACC Championship was inspiring. It was also a lesson to those quick to jump off a bandwagon. Those inclined to do so risk missing a hell of a ride.
With the series tied at a game apiece, how the Pens fare the rest of the way will depend heavily on how their brand of physicality counters the Islanders’ heavy-hitting approach.
What looked like the end of an era was captured for posterity a bunch of times during and after the collapse against Cleveland. It might be a while before Mike Tomlin and the survivors find themselves smiling for the cameras again.
Cleveland won’t be what they could have been Sunday night due to circumstances beyond their control. The Steelers need to be all they can be, anyway, or else.
