Ok, so, I was assigned to write a "letter to the editor"-type piece for one of my classes, any editor, any topic we chose.  I've been stewing about the Feb. 11 Pens/Isles game for a while, especially the NHL's response and Lemieux's statement, so I chose to address that in my letter.  However, the professor pointed out one big flaw in my argument: I'm a Pens fan, which automatically makes me biased no matter what angle I come at it from.  Even though I am much more than a Pens fan - an athlete, a fan of hockey in general, and also a Coyotes fan - the professor is right.  I need more to back up my argument than just being an athlete or hockey fan.

I decided to ask you all what YOUR responses were to the game itself (i.e. the players' actions, etc.), the punishment from the NHL, and Mario's statement because you aren't Pens fans.  Of course, some of you are fans of rival teams, but I'm still interested in hearing your opinions; I've seen the Pens get support from unlikely places, and I've also seen them condemned, but that's hockey and that's natural.  I'd be happy to post my opinions if you'd like, but I'd rather you ask first rather than having me force them on you.

I hope what I'm saying makes sense.  I was thinking about posting this on other blogs, but wanted to start here to see what kind of reaction I got.  I figured that we're a diverse enough group that I'll get several opinions that'll probably cover what I need.  Thanks a bunch for helping me out; I really appreciate it!