Lack of imagination on his part, then - because I can.

I’m funny that way.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/03/09 at 03:08 PM ET

I think it’s great how he just flat out admits that he and everybody else in the press are really pulling for the Pen(i)s.  At least there’s no longer even the pretense of journalistic objectivity.

And after all, Thid could certainly use a Cup to lift his spirits more than, say, millions of average Janes and Joes in a state going through its worst economic downturn in recent memory.  Priorities, people.

Posted by mudshark from Divetown, Colorado on 06/03/09 at 03:23 PM ET

Of course everyone is rooting for the Pens...because they are a decided underdog. Why are Wings fans so anal to be offended by this....they should be rooting for some heathly competition at this point

Posted by kevin from boston on 06/03/09 at 03:30 PM ET

At least the media has given up trying to look impartial. Even they knew they were looking foolish in their half-hearted attempts to appear impartial.

Soon, it will be out and out cheering right on the air.

Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste. Marie on 06/03/09 at 03:41 PM ET

Of course everyone is rooting for the Pens...because they are a decided underdog. Why are Wings fans so anal to be offended by this....they should be rooting for some heathly competition at this point

It has nothing to do with Wings fans being anal (I refuse to be goaded into an anal/Crosby joke at this point). It has everything to do with the media and impartiality.

Professionals should not cheer any team other than in private. They are the people who are supposed to be the voice of neutrality and reason among all the hyperbole and irrationality among rabid and emotional fan bases.

When the Wings win, I will take great pleasure in knowing that Edzo, Stock, Maguire, Milbury, and Don Cherry will be writhing in pain. I don’t like feeling that way, but they’ve brought it all upon themselves.

Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste. Marie on 06/03/09 at 03:46 PM ET

Yeah, I have no problem with this.  It’s for the same reason that everyone was pulling for Tampa in last year’s World Series.  Or against the Yankees/Red Sox every time.  Or why most people root against the Patriots.  Or the Lakers.  Everyone hates a winner, and most people like to see someone new win it.  I know if I’m a neutral, I almost always pull for the underdog.  Or at least for an exciting series.  Sweeps and 5-game wins are rarely exciting unless you’re invested… and winning.

If nothing else, it gives me even greater pleasure when the Wings win and upset those who were pulling against them.  Why WOULD a neutral pull for the Wings at this point?

Posted by Incognetis from Exile in Alabama on 06/03/09 at 03:47 PM ET

I don’t think the media types are rooting for Pittsburgh to win...they ‘re rooting for a competitive series. There is a difference....no need to be anal about it as I said. If the Wings win in six or seven I’m sure Doc and Edzo will be ecstatic

Posted by kevin from boston on 06/03/09 at 04:07 PM ET

If the Wings win in six or seven I’m sure Doc and Edzo will be ecstatic

LOL

Posted by Red Winger from Sault Ste. Marie on 06/03/09 at 04:11 PM ET

I think the media is rooting for a competitive series as a group - because it will give them better storylines and keep them from being bored themselves.  Some individuals may have a pro-Penguins bias, but I don’t think it is as universal as wanting what they consider a more interesting plot for the finals.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 06/03/09 at 04:15 PM ET

I don’t think the media types are rooting for Pittsburgh to win...they ‘re rooting for a competitive series.

I’ll go one better and say they are not looking for a competitive series, they are rooting for a story.  They are writers.  They have to write stories, and its easier to write about the underdog.

Posted by Jonathan from DC on 06/03/09 at 06:03 PM ET

Of course everyone is rooting for the Pens...because they are a decided underdog.

Decided underdogs?  Decided by whom, exactly?  I find it hard to believe since so many people picked the “older, wiser, having learned from last year” Pens to beat the Wings.

Doesn’t that, by definition, NOT make them underdogs?

Posted by Garth on 06/03/09 at 06:34 PM ET

Who the hell even listens to the media? This is what happens on non game days… It’s okay everybody. Breathe.

Anyway, I’m sure Stephen Peat is rooting for the Wings.

Posted by JAMESinMI on 06/04/09 at 01:12 AM ET

I applaud Stock for being honest about who he’s rooting for—honestly, I really do. He’s not a journalist, he’s just a pundit, he’s got every right to root, and I appreciate him being up front with it, instead of doing what so many pundits do, saying one thing out of one side and another out the other.

I admit, if you’re an outside observer, a Pens win would be a more interesting story, in all likelihood.

Posted by Nathan from Jonny Ericsson's ice cream truck on 06/04/09 at 07:53 AM ET