My heart is obviously broken over Anthony Bourdain. But for the moment or at least a day or two my hockey heart will be warmed by Alex Ovechkin and his teammates.
This championship team was not a Super Team. Not even remotely close. In fact, on paper, this team was not as good on paper as last season when they were ousted by Sid Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
But this Washington club will go down in history as a special team.
They trailed in all four series on their journey to the Cup. They won more games on the road than at home in these Stanley Cup Playoffs. And they clinched all four series on the road.
This was a team which jelled at just the right time and never gave an inch. Never gave up and found a way to win with great team skating, beautiful passing, relentless checking, and a deadly power play fueled by Ovechkin and his 18 goals in post season play.
After thirteen seasons of being one of the league’s best players–Alex Ovechkin has finally reached the summit of hockey. His name is now etched on the Stanley Cup.
My heart has been touched by the Washington Caps and their magical journey. This is why we play, coach, or watch sports.
What a lovely Stanley Cup Tournament.