One would think that I would've learned by now. Greed, in any way, shape or form, seldom, if ever, pays off. Yet, once again, I failed to take heed of a pretty simple lesson within hockey hounding: given the choice, always go with the bigger name.
This latest incident, occurring in early April with the Pittsburgh Penguins in town, involved one of the team's big-name stars. No, it wasn't Sidney Crosby. He didn't make the trip, as his jaw was broken only days before. The player was Evgeni Malkin. And, unfortunately, it was a major whiff.
As Penguins players headed back to the team's hotel after a morning skate, Malkin was in a group of four walking down the sidewalk. As expected, he drew a crowd of hounds. As I made my way toward him, I recognized teammate Chris Kunitz. And, having a few cards for him, I switched gears, so to speak, and stopped him.
My assumption that I'd have plenty of time to snag these cards from Kunitz and offer up a puck to Malkin. Needless to say, I was surprised when I looked up to see Malkin, in a full-blown trot, moving past me. In hockey vernacular, I was caught flat-footed. I never had a chance.
Oh, well, there's always next season. Maybe, too, Crosby won't be hurt and will make the trip.
Up next: Pittsburgh's Jarome Iginla
I'm the opposite on this-- a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. If I can guarantee two out of Kunitz, or take a shot at Malkin and have a good chance at missing both, I'd take Kunitz 99 times out of 100.
ReplyDeleteMalkin had signed before on the trip and, much to my surprise, was signing when I peeled off for Kunitz. Getting that Cincinnati Mighty Ducks card signed was somewhat of a consolation. I've had that card for years.
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