There’s An Unexpected Love Affair Developing Between Shawn Michaels And The Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins are in the middle of an impressive Stanley Cup Playoffs run, currently leading the Tampa Bay Lightning two games to one in the Eastern Conference Final. Arguably the Penguins’ greatest strength at the moment is the contribution they’re getting from their third line, comprised of Carl Hagelin, Nick Bonino and Phil Kessel.

This Hagelin-Bonino-Kessel line has appropriately been dubbed the “HBK Line” and they’ve been impressive enough to catch the attention of the original HBK — Shawn Michaels, The Heartbreak Kid.

Michaels grew up in Texas, so he presumably doesn’t have Penguins — or any hockey team — fandom in his blood. But it seems that enough Pittsburgh tweeters have convinced him to join the Pens’ bandwagon, and the love affair between the two is developing quickly.

After the HBK Line had a fantastic performance in Wednesday night’s Game 3 — Hagelin and Kessel both potted goals in the Penguins’ 4-2 victory — the hashtag #GetHBKToGame5 started trending on Twitter. At this point, the Penguins had no other choice but to reach out to Michaels and offer him tickets to Game 5 in Pittsburgh.

Luckily for Michaels, it seems he’ll have company at the game, as former Steelers defensive end and awesome beard-haver Brett Keisel extended a hand to welcome him onboard.

This seemed to be the deal-breaker for Michaels, who quickly responded and then posted some news.

Well, @penguins fans, stay tuned!! Got an announcement for you tomorrow evening regarding ‘ol Game 5 in the “Burgh”!!!

All three members of the HBK Line were acquired within the past year and, given their success together, it only makes sense that they try to acquire the original HBK. I guess we’ll have to wait until Thursday night for the official announcement, but all signs point to Shawn Michaels being in attendance for Game 5 of Penguins-Lightning.

Tampa Bay better hope they take home a win in Game 4 because going into Pittsburgh and trying to avoid elimination with Shawn Michaels in attendance will be a tall task.

(Via Cageside Seats)