Sportscaster Cohn Gives Pep Talk To Wheeling Chamber, Picks Pens To Win Cup In OT

Linda Cohn knows a thing or two about overcoming adversity.

The longtime ESPN SportsCenter anchor delivered the keynote address at the Wheeling Area Chamber of Commerce's annual dinner Thursday night.

Cohn famously broke the gender barrier in 1987 when she joined ABC radio to became the first female network sportscaster in the United States.

"I feel like I have an interesting story to tell," Cohn told NEWS9. "People tell me they're amazed that I've been able to be in this business for 20 years (after) breaking through the 'boys' club.'"

Cohn, a lifelong hockey fan and former high school goalie, is also closely following the Stanley Cup Finals as the Pittsburgh Penguins prepare to play on the road against the Detroit Red Wings in a decisive Game 7 Friday night.

While she's faithful to her hometown's New York Rangers, she feels the Penguins are writing their own story of overcoming adversity.

"Having the Penguins win the Stanley Cup, let's face it, would be great for everybody," said Cohn. "Especially those young stars: Sid Crosby, (Evgeni) Malkin, Marc-Andre Fleury, and with the coach (Dan Bylsma) coming in in the middle of the year and leading them to victory. That said, it's going to be tough to win in 'Hockeytown.'"

When pressed for a prediction on Game 7's outcome, Cohn called for the Penguins to defeat the Wings 3-2 in overtime.