[Hockey] It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
I love the months of April, May and June when we're talking about hockey. There's nothing like watching teams fight like hell to make the playoffs, and then seeing what they can do once they get there. I chose to root for the Washington Capitals over the Flyers in the first round this year because there's nothing like a good Cinderella story. Besides, I've been in DC since 1992 so I consider them "mine" just as much as the Flyers. They're an exciting team to watch, with a good bunch of young and talented players. I've never seen a more complete player than Alex Ovechkin. Who would have thought they'd make the playoffs considering they were in the basement at Thanksgiving?
After a heartbreaking game 7 OT loss, I then threw my support behind Philadelphia for the remainder of the postseason. When the golden children in Pittsburgh managed to win the Eastern Conference, I vowed to support whichever team emerged from the West, even if it was the hated Red Wings. It amuses my co-workers in Detroit, who are very well aware of my dislike of their team, that I'm pulling for the red and white. It's more that I hate the Pittsburgh Penguins with every fibre of my being. Next season, I'll return to the status quo, but right now, I've never wanted the Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup more in my life.
Tonight's game: Holy shit, that was some awesome hockey! Triple overtime, with two standout performances by Marc-Andre Fleury and Chris Osgood. Fleury is the reason Pittsburgh won tonight. A team can't allow more than fifty shots on goal and win without some stellar, Conn Smythe-worthy goaltending. If you discount the first period, Detroit was dominant. Their passing was sharp and on the tape, they beautifully clogged up the neutral zone, and the time spent in the offensive zone was well-spent and productive. Too bad the referees felt the need to do what they could to ensure Crosby and Malkin another game. Refs usually swallow the whistle in OT, and I didn't see one penalty by either team that was so flagrant as to force a call, with the exception of the last 4 minute minor on the Wings for a high stick that drew blood.
I can't wait for Game 6 on Wednesday. This has been a phenomenal series.
After a heartbreaking game 7 OT loss, I then threw my support behind Philadelphia for the remainder of the postseason. When the golden children in Pittsburgh managed to win the Eastern Conference, I vowed to support whichever team emerged from the West, even if it was the hated Red Wings. It amuses my co-workers in Detroit, who are very well aware of my dislike of their team, that I'm pulling for the red and white. It's more that I hate the Pittsburgh Penguins with every fibre of my being. Next season, I'll return to the status quo, but right now, I've never wanted the Red Wings to win the Stanley Cup more in my life.
Tonight's game: Holy shit, that was some awesome hockey! Triple overtime, with two standout performances by Marc-Andre Fleury and Chris Osgood. Fleury is the reason Pittsburgh won tonight. A team can't allow more than fifty shots on goal and win without some stellar, Conn Smythe-worthy goaltending. If you discount the first period, Detroit was dominant. Their passing was sharp and on the tape, they beautifully clogged up the neutral zone, and the time spent in the offensive zone was well-spent and productive. Too bad the referees felt the need to do what they could to ensure Crosby and Malkin another game. Refs usually swallow the whistle in OT, and I didn't see one penalty by either team that was so flagrant as to force a call, with the exception of the last 4 minute minor on the Wings for a high stick that drew blood.
I can't wait for Game 6 on Wednesday. This has been a phenomenal series.