PITTSBURGH, Pa. -- First, let us not speak one word about momentum as we contemplate Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Momentum is a fable, a myth, a bedtime story for hockey writers and fans that has no basis in reality.
Don't believe me? Where was the momentum genie when the Pittsburgh Penguins steamrolled the Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 3 and then promptly dropped Games 4 and 5, setting up Tuesday's must-win situation in Tampa in Game 6?
Where was the momentum for the Lightning, who had scored 53 seconds into overtime in Game 5 to take a 3-2 series lead and then were dominated through the first two periods of Game 6 en route to a 5-2 loss that sets the stage for Game 7 in Pittsburgh on Thursday night?