Reflections on a Cool Ending

Vol. I, No. 84

The Hawks have come home to roost, after a 49-year absence. Chicago's group was the only Original Six team to have not won a Stanley Cup in five decades.  After the NY Rangers erased their 50-year drought in 1994, only the Blackhawks remained as perennial wannabees.

Patrick Kane, of Buffalo NY, has now made Chicago happy.  Reports indicate that the largest sports celebration in Second City history will occur tomorrow, with over 500,000 spectators expected to watch the parade through the downtown streets.  It should eclipse celebrations held for the Bears (held in the Chicago winter, so crowds are smaller). But it will also exceed celebrations for the White Sox and Bulls. 

Another factotum.  NBC's television ratings for the game were the highest in 36 years, with 8.3 million viewers.  All of this surely reflects hockey's universal appeal, and growing popularity.

Kane's overtime goal may have been one of the strangest in NHL history.  The puck disappeared, literally, and the delayed reaction by refs, teams, fans and sportscasters created a surreal "slow-motion" reality. If you have not seen it, go to NHL.com to view a replay.

This playoff season includes a number of wonderful "storybook" endings.  Here are a few:

The Hawks have ended their 49-year drought.

The Flyers came from nowhere in the East, went through New Jersey, Boston and Montreal, winning 12 out of 17 games to reach the Final.

The Montreal Canadiens came from less than nowhere in the East, beating Washington and Pittsburgh before finally being mowed down by Philadelphia.

Marian Hossa finally gets his ring, after two unsuccessful tries in the past two years. Some fault Hossa for moving around as a free agent. But he is a hard working player, and deserves the success.

John Madden has gotten his third ring.

There are so many other stories.  It was a great run to the Cup. The Chicago Hawks faced an unexpected opponent in the final series. Congratulations to both of these franchises.  In Chicago, Rocky Wirtz has finally realized the family's dreams. And Philadelphia, under Peter Laviollette, exceeded all expectations.

Hockey Rules.

PS The AHL Calder Cup playoffs continue, tied 2-2 between the Texas Stars and Hershey Bears. The next game is Friday in Hershey PA. Go Bears!