The Quest For The Cup Begins

Even though the Leafs are not in the Stanley Cup playoffs again this year (it's been three years now since we've had a playoff game here in Toronto) I am still pumped for the NHL playoffs.

Why?

Three reasons.

1) The level of hockey that is played in the "second NHL season" is far superior to the regular season. Players are literally putting their health on the line by blocking shots and playing all out every single game.

2) Playoff beards. It is obvious that chicks dig them. By the time next season begins again, you don't even recognize some of your favourite players through the playoffs.

3) Bob Cole/Harry Neale/Ron Mclean/Don Cherry on television more than once a week. These are the four people that I associate most with growing up watching Hockey Night in Canada.

Everything that Grapes says on Coaches Corner is true, so don't even try arguing that he is nuts.

And so what if Bob Cole has reached a level of senility that makes him calling NHL games frustrating. His voice is what I associate with important hockey games. I wouldn't have any other person giving me the play by play on those must-see games.


My prediction for this year:
Buffalo over Anaheim in 7 in the cup final.

Thoughts?