Monday, May 01, 2006

Stanley Cup Fever Symptoms


Two years ago I happened to catch the first round of the 2004 Stanley Cup Playoffs when the sixth seed Calgary Flames defeat Northwest Division Champion Vancouver. Lead by their phenomenal Captain Jarome Iginla the underdogs proceeded to defeat top seed Detroit and Pacific Division Champs San Jose becoming the first Canadian team to reach the Finals in ten years. It was a classic feel good sports story which just kept unfolding over time right until the moment the journey ended with a game seven loss to Tampa Bay. The karmic injustice of loosing to a Florida hockey team seems to curse the NHL and the league simply refused to play any games the following year.

Tonight the Flames are again on their glide towards the Cup, looking to take the series from a California hockey team. The Cinderella story this year may be skated by the eighth seed Edmonton Oilers who just found a way to score four third period goals to come from behind to oust top seed Detroit.