Staal [A Jordan Staal Story] Eighteen

The rest of the season went well and of course they won and lost their fair share of games. Two days before the last game of the regular season Michelle’s parents decided to be nice and let her go to the afternoon game in Philly. Saturday morning everyone got to the Mellon and got on the bus. When they got to the hotel Sid & Michelle were in Miriya and Jordan’s room to hang out.
“How’s it feel to be on your first road trip?” Miriya asked.

“So far it’s good, I’m just mad this is the only one I get to go to.”

“Well this is my first one in two & a half months, but yea I’ve been to other ones.”

The next day they went out and beat the Flyers 3-1. After the game everyone showered, signed autographs, and got on the bus.

“So did you have fun Michelle?” Sid asked.

“Yeah, I’ll make sure I can go to more away games next season.”

“Good, then I won’t have to hangout with just lame hockey players,” Miriya said with a smile.

“Hey!” Jordan said.

“I’m kidding baby, you know I love hanging out with the team,” Miriya said then kissed Jordan on the cheek.

After the long bus ride they got to Mellon Arena at two am. Everyone tiredly got off the bus and Sid took Michelle home.

Since the Pens played well all season they made it to the playoffs for the second year in a row. This time being one place ahead of the year before, beating New Jersey in points and Ottawa didn’t make the playoffs.

It was game seven of the second round, the Pens had started by leading the series 2-0 but the Habs came back and won the next three games, the Pens won game six.

Even though game seven was on a Friday and in Montreal both Miriya and Michelle’s parents gave in and let them miss two days of school to be able to go to the exciting game seven of round two in the playoffs.

“We’re in Montreal for game seven of the playoffs,” Michelle said excitedly as the walked into the locker room on the day of the game.

“I know, the atmosphere is so much different than the last time I was here, it’s so intense,”

Miriya said. “You guys nervous?” She said Sid and Jordan.

“Yeah, I’m always nervous before a game,” Jordan said.

“Same, but more than usual, tonight’s a high risk game but we’re gonna go out and play out hardest to try and win,” Sid said.

“Wow you just sounded like you were doing an interview,” Miriya said with a smile.

“Sorry I’m just so used to it.”

Well they went out & played hard, really they played as hard as they could. The defense was strong, the offense was strong, & the goal-tending by Fleury was strong. But the Habs played just a little harder & beat the Pens 3-2.

After the final buzzer the mood in the locker room was just like any other loss but ten times worse. Every head was down, there wasn’t a smile in sight, & there was hardly any talking.
“Hey baby are you okay?” Miriya asked after sitting down next to him.

“Yea could be better if we were moving on.”

“I know, but you made it farther than last year, and next year you’ll make it farther. You didn’t do anything wrong, you all played great this year,” She said loud enough for the team to hear.

“Well said Miriya, couldn’t have put it any better myself,” Coach Therrien said.

Sunday morning back in Pittsburgh the Pens had their last practice of the season and cleared out their stalls in the locker room.

“It was a good season baby & next year will be better,” Miriya said as they stood in front of Jordan’s stall for the last time of the year.

“It was a good season & I’m glad you were here for it.”

“I am too,” She said with a smile & Jordan kissed her.

A few minutes later they went out to Jordan’s car where Sid and Michelle were waiting.
“You’re not gonna shoot me this time are you?” Michelle asked Sid.

“I won’t shoot you this time,” Sid said as they go tin the car and went to play paintball.
After being bruised they all went to Jordan’s house to get ice & to hang out. While Michelle and Miriya put ice on their battle wounds Sid and Jordan sucked up their pain & made dinner.
“I love a man that cooks,” Michelle said from the living room loud enough for Sid to hear her in the kitchen.

“Me too,” Miriya agreed.

Half an hour later they all sat down and ate dinner.

The next day it was back to the normal life for Miriya & Michelle, they both had to go back to school and Miriya had to go back to work.