Like most of the Penguins’ games this season, Game 5 of their first-round series against the Flyers on Friday started a few minutes after 7 p.m. It lasted right around two and a half hours, wrapping up before 10 p.m. After postgame interviews, showers and treatments, most of the players were out of PPG Paints Arena, on their way home before 11.
But actually going to sleep? That was probably still a few hours away.
The combination of physical soreness and adrenaline pumping through the veins can make getting a good night’s rest after playing an NHL hockey game a tricky proposition.