Hockey can often hurt.
Physically, yes. But also the razor-thin margin of victory, the idea that one bounce either way can change the entire narrative of a season or series.
When you’re on the wrong side of that outcome, or didn’t get the bounce, and you’re hurting, it’s natural to play the what-if game, to wonder what could’ve been.
The Penguins’ six-game series loss to the Washington Capitals in the Eastern Conference semifinals offered plenty of those moments.
If you’re still reeling from the abrupt ending to the Penguins’ season, you may want to look away.