The NHL season has officially come to a close and what a season it was. For myself, it was one where I was
I saw great goals, great saves, great hits, great hockey and great hockey fans. There were highs and there were lows. I felt the Garden shake amid a deafening roar in the playoffs, I heard the players' chatter from the empty upper deck in Newark as the Devils took on the Stars.
In an odd bit of synchronicity, my second game this season began with song ...
... and my second-to-last game of the season ended with song.
Last summer Tiger Woods said that he doesn't "think anybody really watches hockey anymore" but he was most assuredly proven incorrect. Aside from the thousands of folks at every game I went to, plenty of people would come up to me (as I am often clad in something with a logo on it) and want to talk pucks - from the conductors on the LIRR to street vendors in Bern, Switzerland.
Some say that the game is a niche sport but it really transcends gender, age, race and physical borders. I was sitting on the Amtrak train at the US/Canada border coming back from Montreal and the all-too-serious-looking Homeland Security officer came through the car, asking everyone a battery of questions. Everyone was quite quiet - either nervous or annoyed - and there was an uneasy tension in the air. When he came to me, the officer asked the usual questions about where was I from, where am I going, what I was bringing into the country and what did I do in Canada. I answered the last question "I watched the Rangers beat up the Canadiens. And it was terrific." The entire car erupted with laughter, the officer smiled and went on his way.
That is what it is all about: the smiles, as corny a thing as that is to say. We take this kids game - played by men who, frankly, aren't us - all too seriously all too often. But for all the moments of sadness and frustration - seeing Wade Redden in a Ranger jersey, seeing Brooklyn Aces goaltender Eddie Neville lying prone on the ice fearing the worst, seeing Cindy raise the Cup - I have to take a step back and remember the smiles.
-Adam Graves' sly grin as a 'Potvin Sucks' chant filled the silence amid the emotional banner raising ceremony.
-Jason Spezza laughing at my "Please Sens, Take Redden Back" sign before a game against Ottawa.
-A Swiss man enjoying the spectacle that was me jumping up and down like an idiot as the Rangers came back to win the Victoria Cup.
-The smile on my buddy's four-year-old son's face as I handed him a Ranger game puck provided by a kindhearted MSG employee.
Finally, my own. Minutes before I left Pittsburgh after Game 3 of the Finals, the last game I went to, I stopped in the media workroom in the hotel to check my e-mail. As I walked out to go catch my ride to the airport, I caught a glimmer of light out of the corner of my eye. I stopped and looked over to see that in a mostly empty ballroom there was Stanley. There is just something about that trophy that draws a crowd and I stopped to take a picture. Walking out I was sad that the Rangers went another season without getting it but I had to smile to myself because the quest continues.
Through all of the games, all of the ups and downs, I can say that Badger Bob was right: it is a great day for hockey.
Every day.
"From Cup to Cup: My '08-09 Season Journey in Review"
The 2008-09 NHL season was a rollercoaster ride for fans and players alike. It was a year marked by excitement, anticipation, and unforgettable moments. In this article, we'll take a trip down memory lane and relive the '08-09 season, exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between, through the eyes of a dedicated hockey enthusiast.
Section 1: Preseason Expectations and Preparations
1.1. The Offseason Buzz
Recap the buzz and excitement surrounding the NHL during the offseason, including trades, signings, and draft picks.
1.2. Building the Fantasy Team
Share the process of building a fantasy hockey team, highlighting key players and sleeper picks.
Section 2: The Start of the Season
2.1. Early Surprises and Disappointments
Discuss the surprises and disappointments of the first few weeks of the season, both in terms of individual player performances and team standings.
2.2. The Rivalry Games
Recall the intensity and drama of rivalry games, featuring memorable matchups and unforgettable moments.
Section 3: Midseason Highlights
3.1. All-Star Weekend
Reflect on the excitement of the NHL All-Star Weekend, including the skills competition and the All-Star Game itself.
3.2. Standout Players
Spotlight individual players who had exceptional midseason performances, drawing attention with their skills and stats.
Section 4: Trade Deadline Drama
4.1. Blockbuster Trades
Discuss the impact of blockbuster trades made leading up to the trade deadline and their implications on playoff races.
4.2. Trade Deadline Deals
Analyze the smaller trades and acquisitions that may have flown under the radar but had significant effects on playoff-bound teams.
Section 5: The Playoff Push
5.1. The Battle for Playoff Spots
Describe the intense competition among teams fighting for playoff berths, highlighting the clutch performances that secured postseason spots.
5.2. Playoff Predictions
Share predictions for the Stanley Cup playoffs, discussing the favorites and dark horses.
Section 6: Playoff Drama and Triumph
6.1. Overtime Thrillers
Revisit the nail-biting overtime games and series that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
6.2. Stanley Cup Finals
Relive the drama and excitement of the Stanley Cup Finals, culminating in the crowning of the 2008-09 NHL champion.
FAQs
1. What were the standout moments or games of the '08-09 season?
Highlight memorable games, goals, or moments that defined the season.
2. Which players had breakout seasons or career-best performances during this season?
Recognize players who had exceptional seasons and stood out as stars.
3. How did the '08-09 season compare to other NHL seasons in terms of competitiveness and drama?
Provide insights into the unique aspects of the '08-09 season that set it apart from others in NHL history.
The '08-09 NHL season was a captivating journey filled with unforgettable moments, incredible plays, and the kind of drama that only hockey can provide. From the opening faceoff to the raising of the Stanley Cup, it was a season that kept fans on the edge of their seats and left lasting memories for years to come. As we reflect on this remarkable season, we are reminded of the passion and excitement that make hockey such a beloved sport. Whether you were cheering for your favorite team, managing a fantasy hockey roster, or simply soaking in the action, the '08-09 season left an indelible mark on the hearts of hockey enthusiasts everywhere.
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