Laurel: To an ice-cold matchup. The Pittsburgh Penguins facing off against the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs is everything a sports fan could want.
It is the pure distilled essence of hockey — two teams that would gladly beat each other into the ice on a random Monday in October now get the chance to do it with everything on the line. The Pens would love to claim a sixth Stanley Cup — and a fourth for stars Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang. The Flyers, on the other hand, haven’t hoisted the trophy since 1975.
It is a Pennsylvania rivalry, yes, as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are in all things. But this kind of animosity, tethered to sportsmanship, is foundational to hockey. Someone’s probably going to lose a tooth or two, but they will also go down the line and acknowledge a good game when it’s all said and done.
The timing only makes it better. With all eyes on Pittsburgh for the NFL Draft, the city gets a second spotlight moment — one built on speed, skill and long memory.
It has been a rough few years for the black and gold. But moments like this, paired with a rare bright spot from the Pirates, are a reminder of why Pittsburgh is the City of Champions.
Lance: To no excuses. The condition of the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills has been an issue for years.
Cracked sidewalks, failing stairs and a deteriorating parking lot don’t happen overnight. They are the result of problems left unaddressed, again and again.
That is why Frazer officials issued dozens of citations tied to the derelict condition of the property. It is a step toward accountability for a site that has too often seemed to slip through the cracks.
But accountability may be a bridge too far in this case. It requires participation.
Legal representation for the companies that operate the mall did not show up for a scheduled hearing Thursday, delaying the process yet again. That sends a message, and it isn’t one of cooperation or contrition. It’s not even one of basic responsibility.
The hearing will now wait until May — assuming anyone shows up then.
