I've been pretty quiet about the Conference Finals, but that doesn't mean I ain't watching. Or falling asleep while watching the Rangers-Devils, about which: neither team means all that much to me. Well, "means nothing to me" would be more accurate. The Kings-Feral Dogs series is a horse of a different color, though. I've watched every single playoff game played by both squads and remain amazed at the success enjoyed by both teams, for different reasons. The Kings amaze for their stellar goal-tending (I think Quick will win the Conn Smythe), their high-powered offense, and their sheer DESIRE. Those Kings look hungry and they play like it, too.
Phoenix, OTOH, has been Peter-Principled into the Western Conference Final and have met their match. I fully expect the sweep will come to pass tomorrow afternoon in El-Eh. Nice try, guys, but you aren't in the same class as those Kings.
So... in other hockey stuff... we came across an interesting lil article in the NYT while reading the Usual Hockey Source. It's a paean to the Kings, of a sort, but begins with these words:
It goes on, of course, and I just had to bring the Wings bits to your attention, yanno? Now that the Beloved Wings are out of it... have been out of it since the first round... we takes what small amount o' praise we gets. And WE are every-freakin'-where.The Los Angeles Kings are on a bit of a roll in the Stanley Cup playoffs. But around New York, they cannot seem to rouse contempt for themselves or fans like me. And that is really what all fans want for their teams. You cannot turn around in any city in the United States without running into a Detroit Red Wings fan. They are all over the place, and the world is a little less peaceful for that reason, God bless them.
The Red Wings, who have an extensive alumni group of top players and have maintained their colors and team crest unchanged, have won 11 championships.The Kings, on the other hand, have adopted a number of identities since their inaugural season in 1967-68.
And WE are every-freakin'-where"
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately. :)
(Of course, as I'm a Yankee fan, it's like the pot calling the kettle black, eh, Buck? :) )
In re: pot/kettle. Exactly. ;-)
DeleteOh yes! I fully anticipate a sweep by The Kings. Quick is the man. Dustin Brown, Anze Kopitar have elevated their game and the two youngsters brought up from Manchester, King and Nolan, have added an extra spark to the team.
ReplyDeleteAll true.
DeleteI've noticed the same thing in basketball with my beloved Celtics. People like winners, Buck, that's all there is to it!
ReplyDeletePeople DO like winners. Or they hate 'em... there's no ambivalence.
DeleteI was prepared to add another team to the list of "we are every freakin' where" fans, but Suldog ruined it for me with the word "winners." That team would be my currently (and perpetually) last place Cubs.
ReplyDeleteI may have told ya this, but my ex-father-in-law was a BIG Cubs fan. Ever since he was a boy...
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