11:02 pm: Congratulations to Tim Thomas and the Boston Bruins for "winning 16" to become the 2011 Stanley Cup Champions. History was mad. History was a shut-out.The End Is Near
Yes, it is here. The end of the 2010-2011 (on-ice) hockey season will come to a close tonight one way or the other. There will be a winner and a loser. There is no consolation prize in this contest. There is no second place.
Tomorrow, the second part of the season will officially begin: the awards on the 21st, the Draft on the 24th & 25th, free agency, etc. All the things that make hockey so incredibly entertaining to us.
But first, we shall witness the battle of the goalies in Vancouver. This year, the cup will be won or lost by an error. Who makes the first mistake that causes the goal against that wins? While this is a game of skill, it is also a game of will and luck.
History dictates that the home team has had the advantage in Vancouver. But the wins have been by one goal. That’s all that is needed to win, but that margin is so slim that anything can happen. This is not a clear cut contest – and that is what makes it so exciting.
I have a few requests for tonight from the Hockey Gods:
Fans of both teams please, stay safe and sane tonight as the cup is raised. If the visiting team wins, may the home town fans be classy enough to salute them as they celebrate a hard fought win. Should the home team win, may they show kindness and compassion to any visiting fans who will leave disappointed.
Let the Commissioner of the NHL speak as he presents the Cup. Let the intrusive media and their cameras and wires not get in the way of this special moment for the players. Let the handshake line that exemplifies the quality of the character of those who play this game remind us we should all be gracious when winning or losing.
Let us all celebrate the season that was as history is made.
New York Islanders Blogger • 
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