Golden Knights and Capitals Battle For the Cup


The best show in Vegas last night was the first game of the Stanley Final. The opening had all of the drama from a Lord of the Rings movie and by the time Michael Buffer had finished the line-up, I thought I'd sat through all three. I'm hoping that was a one time event.
 
However, Carnell Johnson would be a very welcome repeat. He did an outstanding job on the national anthem even if UFC fans are all in a huff because the Vegas fans shouted "Knights" for the word "night." It's UFC's tradition, to which I say "Get over it!"
 
Once hockey started, it didn't take long for the excitement to ratchet even higher. And until the third period, it was a back and forth kind of night. Third period was just crazy.
 
Here's what stood out to this hockey novice:
  1. Speed is good until it's not. Puck control appeared to be an issue for both teams during the first period especially. Maybe it was nerves, but I think it's extremely hard to maintain control when you're literally flying on the ice. Both teams were insanely fast.
  2. Protecting the net isn't just the goaltender's job. Yes, the goaltender's job is to protect the net, but when the opposition is relentlessly pounding the goaltender, the puck will get through eventually. Fleury and Holtby both did a good job, but the Knights weren't there for Fleury when he miscalculated and took a dive in the wrong direction. The Capitals capitalized on the opportunity and scored with not one Knight anywhere near the net except for Fleury. Even the commentators mentioned the lack of support.
  3. When officials go blind, penalties don't happen. Ryan Reaves should have gotten a penalty for cross-checking, but the officials didn't see it. They would also miss the Tom Wilson hit on John Marchessault. Why exactly were they there last night since watching the actual plays seemed beyond them? Capital fans think the missed call cost them the game, but I think that's a bit presumptuous because the Knights had already proven they could kill a penalty.
  4. Habitual dirty players should face major consequences. Tom Wilson can say all he wants that he was just skating too fast to avoid Marchessault, but no one is buying that story. He came from the side without any obstruction and could clearly see Marchessault had released the puck. But, Wilson purposely knocked the stuffing out of Marchessault. He's a dirty player and he should face major consequences for making harming others his game goal.
  5. It really bites when you score a goal for the opposition. The Capitals enjoyed a third period lead when Fleury kicked the puck into the net. I'm sure that's embarrassing, but mishaps happen and Fleury was better than good most of the night.
  6. The empty net maneuver is stupid. It's the equivalent to football's onside kick. It rarely garners the intended goal, but more often than not gives the defending team the opportunity to score a goal. Tomas Nosek proved my point Monday night.
  7. The teams seem evenly matched so the upcoming games are sure to be just as wild, fast, and exciting as Monday night's game.
I'm predicting it will take all seven games to produce a champion. What do you think? Who will walk away with the cup?

Comments