The Stuff of Legend

There is a mythological theory that I like to apply to any text I read developed by Joseph Campbell. It is called the Journey Plot. When I read a piece of literature I analyze it by looking at the various aspects of the Journey Plot. They are as follows:
1. The call to action
2. The crossing of the threshold
3. In the belly of the beast
4. The acquisition
5. The triumphant return

As it turns out we can use this theory to dissect the path of the 2009 Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

1/2. The call to action/Crossing the Threshold.

The Call began all the way back on October 4th in Stockholm, Sweden. The Pens beat the Ottawa Senators 4-3 in OT on a GWG by Tyler Kennedy. It was TK’s second of two that game, but far the unlikeliest of heroes was Rob Scuderi who scored a goal less than four minutes into the third period to tie the game at 3. Geno Malkin accounted for the other Pens goal but it was the Supporting cast who powered the Pens to their first win of the season. A foreshadow of Game 7.

In the Belly of the Beast

In literature this is the point where all hope seems lost. Han Solo is Jabba’s Palace, Ra’s Ahl Gual is realzing toxins into Gotham, Odysseus is lost at sea, Vito Corleone has been shot, Satan has convinced Eve to eat the fruit, or in this case you’re the defending Eastern Conference Champions and you’re sitting in 10th place 5 pts out of a play off spot. Things look bleak.

The Acquisition

Odysseus realizes he has to treat women as equals, Batman learns to mind his surroundings, Luke understands his destiny, Ray Shero trades for Chris Kunitz, Bill Guerin, and snatches Craig Adams of Waivers.

The Triumphant Return
Having acquired the whatever was needed to get them out of the darkness, the hero returns home complete. Odysseus is reunited with Penelope, Gotham is safe (for now), the empire falls, Christ saves mankind (takes the sequel Paradise Regained, but one story right?), and the Pens, well they secure the 4th seed in the East and return the playoffs for the third straight year, only this time believing they can.

This process is cyclical. In the playoffs each round has its own plot, each game a different hero. In this years playoffs the darkest parts were the 3-goal hole in Philly, Gonch’s knee injury, down 0-2 to the Wings, and the blow out in game 5. The acquisition in the playoffs was the learning how to win clutch games. 2008 Wings 2-1 tight game 4, 5-on-3 for over 1:30, Pens don’t get a shot, Wings go on to win 2-1 up 3-1 in the Series, it’s over. Sure Sykora prolonged the inevitable, but it was done. 2009 Wings 2-1 in the series and the game, the hero is Staal. Shorthanded tally ties the game, puts the Wings of their heels, 2 more quick strikes follow; 2-2. down 3-2 entering game 6 the Pens fall back on that acquisition of Yes We Can to hold on and win. Game 7 was up for anybody to take, and Max Talbot seized the moment.

This is what legends are made of. Dan Bylsma is now a legend in the hockey world. He turned a 10th place team into a Champion in a 5 month span. He may have had some help from a lucky burrito, but he got the job done.

Congratulations Pens, you are all now figures of lore.