Monday, 09 June 2003
Cup Hat Trick
I know, it’s not three years in a row, but it is three in the last nine. The New Jersey Devils
stomped the Mighty Lucks of Anaheim 3-0 in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals tonight. Though he was
unable to play in the Finals, former Star Joe Nieuwendyk became only the 6th player in NHL history to win three Cups with three different teams.
I’m not shocked the Devils won, and I’m quite happy about it. I’m not shocked that this series
went to seven games, though I am disappointed. Whether or not the Mighty Lucks have what it takes to get here again will be seen in the coming seasons; don’t count your lucklings before they hatch, Anaheim. You were never really in this: the Lucks were shut out 3 of 7 games; 2 games were won in overtime. I will say that Game 6 was a phenomenal display of hockey, and the Lucks deservedly won that one.
So, Commissioner Bettman, you got seven games on ABC in prime time. Congratulations. Starting in October, let’s see you ensure there’s an NHL game on ESPN or ESPN2 *every single night* at least one game is being played in the league. Then we’ll see professional hockey, with the oldest sports trophy in North America, start getting the exposure it deserves.
(The Stanley Cup is
110 years old.)
posted on June 9, 2003 10:24 PM
...no to mention the coolest trophey in North America (if not all of sports)...
Honestly, I was pulling for the Ducks. As much as I like Pat Burns, the Devils just bore me. That, and I think it's sign of impending doom if New Jersey teams are able to claim both the NHL and NBA championships in the same year. It's not that I follow basketball all that much, but the very concept seems like a crime against neture.
:-)
Posted by: Eric at June 9, 2003 11:19 PM
Nothing is luck. the roster of the ducks was overhauled at midseason for the stretch run and it paid off. I mean give them credit- detroit, dallas, minnesota, and took the devils to seven. that is good hockey being played.
Hockey will never get ratings because 1. the sport is difficult to keep up with watching tv 2. the personalities are not worth keeping up with and 3. lets face it, even though it is getting a tv contract, the league and network cannot sell the game to the masses.
oh wait- the same 3 can apply to other sports. better luck watching youth hockey.
Posted by: Mark at June 12, 2003 2:15 AM