The Stanley Cup Finals have been as advertised - with great skill; lots of star power and truly competitive - the best the NHL has to offer.
The two teams that are still competing have set the bar quite high for us to jump over. They are both strong in goal and have strong and mobile D that scores and gets pucks on the net; lots of depth; great strength down the middle; and forwards that back check, crash the net, draw penalties and can score.
This has been a showcase for great hockey and it has been a joy to watch.
I am still standing by my prediction of the Penguins winning the Cup.
I also see that the Capitals are among the elite in the NHL now. We have to improve. We played the Penguins well during the season and during our playoff run with three games going to OT with them. We have played Detroit tough too the last two seasons with one win and one shootout loss. We have work to do but I am encouraged. We are all committed to improvement and to change to get us to the point where it is us that is still paying hockey in June. We have lots of tools at our command to improve; trades to make; draft choices to make; prospects to work into the lineup; some free agency to pursue; and some maturation of players already in our lineup. We have some trade deadline moves to make next year. We are close but we must keep moving forward and we will.
Hershey lost its series clinching game last night so the series now returns to Manitoba. The Bears are up 3-2. This too has been a back and forth series with both teams having won one road game.
Our young prospects are getting tested in very competitive games in the AHL playoffs and these Finals. They are being exposed to what it takes to win a championship; how hard it is; and what internal fortitude is needed and what will power needs to be shown to overcome adversity. These life lessons are real and are perfect for our young players and prospects. It only helps us at the NHL level, too.
Congrats on the great Bears win … the system is working. Now if we can get you (and us fans) the Cup from Lord Stanley. Cheers!
Congrats to the Hershey Bears, Calder Cup champs!!
Well, both Capitals farm teams won their respective championships this year. What’s left for the organization to accomplish? Hmm ………
I don’t see how anyone who claims to be a Caps fan can root for Pittsburgh under any circumstances.
…..& what Chris said. =)
I really enjoyed watching last night’s game on NBC too. I don’t get to watch a lot of hockey since I watch over-the-air free tv. However, it’s a bit like watching 24… not necessarily the best way to relax after work… I was on the edge of my seat almost the whole time.
I like your Penguins prediction; I’m rooting for them too. I wonder if there’s a secret desire for them to win since they beat the Caps. If they do, the Caps could theoretically be the 2nd best team, right?
It has been some good hockey… but I sure hope that you are wrong about the outcome!
Mr.Leonsis is there any chance with a little pull from you that we could get the Bears game(which is being televised in Hershey)shown here on Comcast. I know you don’t run Comcast,but seeing as there coverage of the Caps and showing Bears highlights,do you think there is a chance?
It’s been one of the most skilled finals in a long time. Two teams highly skilled and well it comes down to one game.
Should be interesting that’s fir sure.
Hershey Bears have some very impressive prospect, especially Carl Alzner who played his junior hockey here in Calgary.
On another note, I got my own radio show on XM satellite radion on channel 172 (french) once a week and I also have my own website where I will soon start some english radio shows and I would love to have you as a guest for an interview or even have a monthly or weekly chat.
You are a very interesting man who seems to be able to talk about everything wether it is technology, sports or even Science!
It could be fun I am sure of that!
Have a good one and enjoy game 7 on Friday, sooner rather than later your team will be involve in a final….
Cheers,
Dany
Very entertaining and yes, a very high bar for the Caps to ascend to. Kind of wish the cup had been handed out last night …
On to Thursday.
I was at last night’s Bear’s game. Bad bounces (Do they freeze the pucks in the AHL?) and incompetent officiating cost us a party of a lifetime. Now we’ll have to cyber-party.
Mink MUST be a Capital next season!!! (IMHO)
“We have some trade deadline moves to make next year.” Totally agree! One good move at the deadline makes a HUGE difference in the playoffs. (again,IMHO)