On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Penguins were swept out of the first round of the 2019 playoffs by Barry Trotz’s New York Islanders. The last time that the Penguins suffered a series loss in the first round was against the New York Rangers in the 2014-15 season. It was also the Islanders’ first series sweep since the 1983 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers.
UrinatingTree — wow, that is a name — is known for his satirical sports videos on YouTube, posted a wrap up of the Penguins postseason, trying to figure out just where it all went horribly, horribly wrong for his favorite team.
The conclusion? The Penguins’ boogeyman: Tom Wilson.
Video
UrinatingTree tracked the “turning point” back to the 2017 playoffs. Yes, the Penguins defeated the Capitals in the second round and won their second consecutive Stanley Cup championship, but — according to UrinatingTree — Tom Wilson had rattled them enough to make some moves for bigger, grittier players.
“The boogeyman had a face. His smile haunting us. Living rent free in our minds,” UrinatingTree’s voiceover said over a smiling image of Wilson. He then began recounting all of the numerous “grit” trades that the Penguins have made since 2017.
Ryan Reaves. Matt Hunwick. Derick Brassard. Jamie Oleksiak. Jack Johnson. Erik Gudbranson.
Many have come and gone. But only one concern remained.
“Wilson. Wilson. Wilson,” UrinatingTree chanted, echoing Jim Rutherford and the Penguins’ lingering obsession over him.
Of course, the Penguins weren’t the only NHL team to suffer a first round sweep. The regular season juggernaut Tampa Bay Lightning also exited early, and were not spared from UrinatingTree’s wrath.
“This is quite possibly the greatest failure in the history of sports.”
Headline photo: Elizabeth Kong
