Penguins

Though Disappointed By Loss, Pens Praise Fans

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ― After backing the Penguins all year long, it was a disappointing end to the season with last night's loss to the Red Wings; but fans say they're extremely proud of the players and are confident that their quest for the cup will continue next season.

Though saddened by the loss, fans showed their support for the Pens after the final buzzer by chanting "Let's Go Pens" a few last times.

Even some of the Pens players said their fans were very helpful to their success and that they considered them the extra man on the ice.

"It's the best place to play in the NHL that I've been at," Ryan Whitney told KDKA. "They make all the difference. Look at our home record this year, a lot of that has to do with them."

Of the heartbreaking Game 6 loss, Whitney added, "obviously it's tough to swallow, but those fans make it unbelievable for us every time we come to the rink here."

"They've been great all year," Pens Captain Sidney Crosby told reporters in the locker room after the game.  "We appreciate their support." 

"It doesn't make it any easier, for sure," Crosby added, "but they stuck with us through the whole season and a long time before that, so we appreciate everything they've done for us."

Fans say they are now looking ahead to the future.

"They're gonna be back next season," one fan told KDKA after the game.

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