Counting Down the Top 10 Pittsburgh Sports Moments of 2013

7.Brooks OrpikandSidney Crosbynet big playoff goals vs. Islanders

The Penguins faced all they could handle from an unlikely source in the first round of the playoffs. The Islanders’ run-and-gun style exposed the Pens’ weak points and made for a toss-up series for the first four games. Replacing the strugglingMarc-Andre FleuryforTomas Vokounin net seemed to stabilize the team, and they responded with a masterful Game 5 – including Sidney Crosby’s iconic goal.

Still, the Penguins were one bad bounce from a Game 7 until Brooks Orpik’s long slap shot rattled into the net in overtime. His first goal in more than a year gave Pittsburgh its first series win since 2010. Even though the Pens burned out in the East Final, their playoff run delivered some much-needed success for a team that had underachieved in springtime recently. (Matt Gajtka)

6. Pirates load up on postseason awards

Usually the season ends early for the Pirates and there’s not much worth paying attention to in October and beyond. But not only did the Pirates make the postseason, but they captured many of the National League’s season-ending awards.

Andrew McCutchenwas voted NL MVP,Francisco Lirianowas named Comeback Player of the Year andClint Hurdlewas voted NL Manager of the Year in addition to being named the Dapper Dan Sportsman of the Year. The Bucs truly became America’s team in 2013 and have the hardware to show for it. (M. Shetler)

5.Steven Adamsbecomes Pitt’s first lottery pick

New Zealand’s own Adams became a better player with every game, and Pitt fans enjoyed watching him dominate in the paint. Adams would go on to the NBA draft and be selected in the first round, No. 12 overall, by the Oklahoma City Thunder, showing future recruits that Pitt can turn out lottery picks. (Tunno)