Seasons End...

OK hockey fans, this one's for you. While I have refrained from writing about the Sens in the fear of jinxing their amazing playoff run, we now know how that ended up, so, sadly, with no need to worry any longer here are my thoughts on the finals. Once again "Canada's Team" lost to a sunny, football loving, non hockey city. I know Anaheim has more Canadian players, which left many calling them Canada's team, and those players were the reason they won the cup. Not that Ottawa didn't have good Canadian content, or that their lack of Canadians cost them the cup, but the last number of years the reason the teams in the south have won is because of Canadian players. The same as every other year. Think of Lecavalier, Ricahrds, St. Louis, Boyle and Sydor in Tampa and Brind'Amour, Stall, Ward & Ward, Rechi et. Al. in Carolina last year. Anaheim wasn't necessarily the better team, and that will be widely debated, but the Ducks did outplay Ottawa by a wide margin in the series and deserved to hoist the might mug. Ottawa got away from their game and didn't play nearly as well as Anaheim, which is due in part to the Ducks stellar play, but Ottawa made it easy on them, and that's what will haunt them for the next many years. Their breakout playoff run came to an unfortunate halt as those who stepped up and lead the way through the first three rounds pulled a Jimmy Hoffa and disappeared completely from the finals. They looked like a team of destiny, but shot themselves in the foot time and time again. In this sense it is unfortunate, and isn't meant to take away from Anaheim's victory but it would have been nice to see the real Sens show up in the series. That being said, I believe that the two best teams in hockey faced off for its top prize. These were the deepest, most skilled, most determined teams and the proved it in the playoffs. The talent level on both teams is outstanding, and their ability to play at both ends of the rink, and several styles of play is what got them here. If they can keep their core together both these franchises may find themselves back here next year, and wouldn't that be sweet. Even though Ottawa played sub par, the hockey was still good and the games entertaining, not that anyone in the states noticed. But enough Yankee bashing, its far to easy. So good for Anaheim, hope they don't have the parade in the parking lot when Micky and Minnie live so close by. And to the Sens I say I know its tough, and we were pulling for you, but you'll be back. To those who say move on or deal with it, you're not true fans and it takes time to get over a loss like this. "Keep your stick on the ice!" - Red Green