Coolest game on ice?

Due to their appreciation for the recent two posts about hockey on this blog, the NHL has decided to do me the honour of starting the Stanley Cup Finals today. I know, I know, what an epic honour! I’m pretty impressed too. When they first called* to tell me, I nearly fell of my chair.

So, why am I bothering you with it? Well, it’s only likely to be the best matchup all year. Let me give you some background.

At the end of the 07/08 season, these two teams met in the finals. Pittsburgh was the younger team — their two biggest stars hadn’t been to the finals before. Detroit was the veteran squad. And you could tell. Detroit won in six games. Pittsburgh acquitted itself nicely, though… to go six games of a possible seven is impressive, especially when your two biggest stars are not only experiencing the pressure of the final for the first time, but also both injured or recovering from injuries.

The season ended. One of Pittsburgh’s other top players (a gentleman named Hossa), decided to jump ship and go to a team with a better chance of winning a cup. Where’d he go? Detroit. Blech. Pittsburgh’s brightest star did an advertisement in which he stated that he never wanted to experience losing the Stanley Cup finals again.

So, now, at the end of the 08/09 season, it comes down to these two teams again. Pittsburgh, more experienced, healthier, and featuring a great, big chip on their shoulders. Detroit, most experienced, a juggernaut really, looking to hoist the cup again.

This is going to be great hockey. While I would absolutely love for the Penguins to win four games in a row and sweep the Red Wings out of the final, I know it’s unlikely. This is going to be a battle. I hope the Pens come out on top. Either way, it’ll be the best hockey to watch all year.

*they didn’t actually call. I made it up. But it was really convenient timing.