Don't you just love this time of year? Quality hockey all around!!
I've been sans computer for a bit, but here is my weekend review filled with random odds and ends in an attempt to play catch up. So grab a beverage and settle in...it's going to be a long one!
First up - Flyers/Caps...You've read the game stories/blogs/comments, so I won't rehash it, but here are some observations...
Fans in Washington are finally catching on! They're rockin' the red and showing their pride. It's quite a different scene than the one I saw back in November when the arena was half full and the folks that were there weren't all that into the games. This team is exciting to watch and TV doesn't do the game or the team justice. It's great to see the folks in Washington supporting the Capitals. Here's a short video clip of the Caps fans during an in-game video that seems to have become a Caps tradition - Unleash the Fury. The audio is not all that great because it was just so freaking loud, but you can see the fans on thier feet and even hear them yell in unison as the video finishes.
Both teams are playing a good brand of hockey...for now, I'm sticking with my 6 game prediction. The series is demanding - both physically and mentally - the team that can withstand the pressure will come out on top.
I'd like to acknowledge the Flyers fans that sat near the top of Section 422 for Sunday's game. Flyer's fans get a bad rap across the country as being loud and passionate which can often get them into trouble, but this group of 20-30 people was top notch. They sat just next to me in the press box and cheered all game long for the orange and black and I heard not one foul or derrogatory word even while Caps fans around them would counter every "Let's Go Fly-ers!" chant with "Flyers Suck!". As the game came to a close, a Caps fan sitting in front of them started mouthing off telling them to shut up as they stood and cheered for thier team during the final minutes of the game. In a rather polite manner, one of the Flyers Faithful told the Caps fan that he didn't know what he was talking about after which the Caps fan reached up, grabbed the Flyers Fan's shirt and pulled him head first into the row below him. The two continued to wrestle and tumbled down a few more rows (yes, over people) as everyone around them seemd to stare in shock of what was going on. The absolute travesty is what follwed...One of the ushers that broke up the altercation actually patted the Caps fan on the back as he helped him back to his seat, while security members escorted a few of the Flyers fans from theirs. What is up with that?!?!?!
Here's a video that I captured early in the game after a Flyers goal - you will notice there is no taunting, just pride and support for their team.
In college, I often went to opposing arenas while the Flyers were on the road and I am all for cheering for your team loud and proud. There was even one game in Boston at which my boyfriend at the time was asking me to stop cheering because he didn't want someone to throw beer on me (The Flyers were kicking the Bruins' butt and I was therefore cheering a lot). There was even a fan two rows behind me who countered with a cheer for his team after every cheer of mine, which I rather enjoyed. So I asked the folks around me if they minded my cheers and one of them turned to me and said - As a Bruins fan, I don't like it, but you paid for your ticket just like I did and therefore have every right to cheer for whomever you want. It's not like you're being disrespectful - Darn straight buddy!!!! In Section 422, there was no taunting/trash talking/disrespect and it's the Caps fan who should have been escorted out.
End of rant...
But here's another one :)
The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame got screwed by the refs in Saturday's NCAA Championship game against Boston College when a goal was disallowed because it was 'kicked' in...clearly, I call BS!! (Note: I tried to find a clip of the play on youtube so you could see for yourself and make your own judgement, but it hasn't made it there yet. When it does, you can bet I will show it.) The ND player standing back door with a wide open net, gets the cross ice pass in his skates and knocks it between his skates before sending it into the crease - parallel to the goal line - towards the blade on his stick, but he never got a shot off because a BC player hooked his stick and the puck trickled across the goal line at a rather long angle. A) there was no "kicking" motion B) if he wanted to kick it into the goal he would have kicked a lot harder and with a lot more accuracy.
Now, I'm not saying the Irish would have won the game if this goal had counted, but it was definitely the turning point of the game and completely changed the momentum as it would have brought the Irish to within one. Instead, just 30 seconds later, BC scored to go up 4-1.
That said...Congrats to BC on the National Title...it was well deserved. For more thoughts on the NCAA Frozen Four and Championship Game, tune into The Hockey Chicks Monday night at 9pm EST...
Also...Congrats to Kevin Porter from the University of Michigan for earning this year's Hobey Baker Award, given to the best collegiate hockey player each year. Well deserved!!!
Now, for my philosophical ponderings... Warning: This is completely not hockey related, so if you're not interested, I suggest you skim ahead to why Mrs. Biron rocks :)
The other night I was chatting with a friend about his decision to actively live life and not just simply exist. So when I got back to my hotel after Flyers practice late Saturday afternoon, I decided to forgoe a much needed nap and actively live life by going for a stroll and taking in the sights of Washington. I didn't really have a plan other than to walk towards the National Mall (I'm a big fan of museums and the Smithsonian is one of my favorites...especially since it's free!). I figured if I could see the Capitol Building, I was heading in the right direction...let me tell you...I had a blast! I came across this Japanese-American Festival as it was Cherry Blossom season in DC. I touched the Washington Monument - did you know that it's not cement? It's marble and surprisingly smooth as it has been wethered by the elements. I dipped my feet in the fountain pools at the World War II monument - very cold and quite refreshing. I even made a friend and helped him fly a kite. The whole experience reminded me that I must take the time to enjoy the journey from Point A to Point B and not concern myself with only the destination. So many times we are consumed by our own lives that we forget there is so much more going on around us that we never even notice. Moral of the story...stop and smell the roses...at the very least, remember to sharpen the saw. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, read Stephen Covey's book The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People paying special attention to Habit #7.
As Eklund, informed us...Marty Biron and his wife, Anne Marie, will be welcoming a new baby (their third) Monday morning. It is a planned c-section and after Sunday's game a few reporters asked Marty if he was excited - Yes, but not about what time I have to get up - Early? - VERY early - How early? - We have to be there at 5am. When she scheduled it she called and told me that she got in as early as possible so I could still make it to practice!
As a fan of hockey, all I have to say is way to take one for the team!! As a female, he better be getting you a nice "push" gift!!
That's all for now...I hope everyone watched the San Jose/Calgary game - Ek was right, this is definitely one of the best matchups of Round 1!
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