So close.

The Pittsburgh Penguins' quest for the Stanley Cup ended two games short, but the finish was by a much thinner margin, emblematic of the season that brought the young team so far.

A thank you to the players, coaches and management seems appropriate. It was fun watching this quality team compete.

The Penguins, down by 3-1 to the powerful Detroit Red Wings in the final series, had redefined battling back with their performance on Monday in Game Five. With three overtime periods, it was nearly as long as two games, and goalie Marc-Andre Fleury's spectacular display of focus, flexibility and stamina kept hopes alive.

It was looking as if the Pens might do the impossible again in Game Six, with towel wavers packed into Mellon Arena and another home crowd watching on the big screen outside. With one second on the clock, a jab by Marian Hossa skittered across Detroit goalie Chris Osgood's glove but landed on the wrong side of the goal line. Inches in the other direction and the Penguins would have stayed alive for an overtime period, and who knows what else?

So the team that came in 29th out of 30 just two years ago was left in that most unsatisfying spot, No. 2. And the Red Wings, who game after game displayed skill and speed and cunning, were the ones to lift the cup over their heads in triumph.

Most of the Penguins fans remained standing to watch the victors claim their prize. They cheered as the home team left the ice, and the Penguins raised their sticks in reply.

Many of these young players, and some of the veterans, will be back next year. We can't wait for the puck to drop.