PITTSBURGH -- The Penguins lost to the Detroit Red Wings Wednesday night, ending their dream of bringing home the Stanley Cup this year, but Pittsburgh fans are still excited and very proud of the young team.

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More than 17,000 fans packed the Mellon Arena to watch Game 6 of the series. And when it was all said and done, even though the Pens came out on the losing end, almost every fan gave them a standing ovation for the best hockey season Pittsburgh has seen in more than 15 years.

"I thought they gave them a run for their money," said Pens fan Fran Unites. "I thought we were the toughest team that Detroit played throughout all four rounds."

"It was just so wonderful to see them get so far," said fan Joey Stinson. "It's just so unfortunate. But they're still gung ho, and Pittsburgh still loves them no matter what."

"I want to cry. I can't stand it," said Pens fan Mary Jo Kelly. "There needed to be a win. I'm sad."

Even those new to the sport were swept up in the excitement.

"I never watched a whole lot of hockey but what I saw, you know, it turned me into a little fan," said Scott Sanders.

Store owners in and around Pittsburgh are the big winners, however, cashing in big time on fans that have been going crazy for Pens gear.

"This was the best year we ever had. The fans support was unbelievable," said Marsha Hellman of Mike Feinberg and Company, which sells plenty of Pens merchandise. "We had much more this season than we ever had."

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Fans Are Talking Online, Too

Here's what you're saying about the Pittsburgh-Detroit series on ThePittsburghChannel.com's message board:

MrsR76 says,

Way to go Pens! Your dedication, sportsmanship, skills, and character are awesome. Rest and relax for now; October will be here before you know it.

olespaul says,

Never have been so proud of Pittsburgh and the Penguins. So close but yet so far. The Detroit defense was awesome giving the Penguins a little more than they could handle. Pittsburgh didn't lose the series. Detroit won it! I don't think I ever pulled for a team (Penguins)so much (even including the Steelers). But great team and job well done!

pghfan4evr says,

The Penguins were a joy to watch this season and have nothing to be ashamed of. Game 5 will go down as one of my most remembered games. They are warriors on the ice and gentlemen off the ice.

diana724 says,

What a great year! You did great - nothing to hang your head about. The Penguins are awesome - they ROCK! To think just a few years ago they were at their lowest - with great players and great management they shot back. I couldn't be prouder than to be from Pittsburgh!

Red Force says,

I am so proud of the Detroit Red Wings, they held off the Pens and are taking home the Stanley Cup. I would like to say congratulations to the Pitts. Pens. for making this series a great one and almost giving me a heart attach and sending game 6 into OT again. Lets all show some class and give both teams credit for helping to make hockey a sport worth watching. Congratulations Wings and Pens.

malone says,

This team and these fans showed so much class last night. For most all of the fans to stay and cheer both teams on was amazing. I was lucky enough to be at the game and it was great. Tough loss but the better team won. Just remember this team could have very well been doing this thing from Kansas City and then how would we feel. Kudos to Mario and Co. Great season! We love you guys!

You can add your comments here.

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