2007-2008 Stanley Cup Champion Detroit Red Wings
Congratulations to the Detroit Red Wings!
That being said... man was I hoping for a Game 7! And it almost happened. Gotta give credit to the Pittsburgh Penguins for making a series of this, and to both clubs for delivering a very memorable Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Detroit Red Wings defeated the Penguins 3-2 and closed out the season by winning the Stanley Cup in 6 games. Henrik Zetterberg who score the game winner also captured the Conn Smythe as the most valuable player during the playoffs. Zetterberg captured his first career Stanley Cup and collected 27 points during the playoffs, a franchise record for Detroit. Niklas Lidstrom became the first European captain to lead a team to the Stanley Cup. SOooo many stories. Osgood's comeback, which was almost the turning point for this club when Hasek fell apart in round one. Darren McCarty's inspirational comeback to professional hockey.
Congratulations!
The Pittsburgh Penguins transformation and maturation during this season has been remarkable. Their growth during this playoff series is nothing short of amazing. I think this group finally discovered what it takes to win a Stanley Cup, but unfortunately found the key to that just a little too late. Fear not. This club will be a dominant force for years to come, and I would be more surprised to not see them back in the Stanley Cup Finals next season. Marc-Andre Fleury has become the goaltender everyone thought he would be when he was drafted number 1. Crosby has certainly grown into the leader that everyone expected he would be. Malkin also woke up, and perhaps next year will realize how important an all-out effort is. Marian Hossa finally became a post-season performer! It would be great if they could retain him. I said before the series began that the Penguins would need to lose big before they win big. Well now that that is over with, it is time to get down to business boys. Congratulations on amazing season.
Now to the important business. Who will win the Chuck Norris Trophy? The options are endless, truly. You will find out soon enough who sported the finest playoff beard this year!
Your friend on ice,
Captain Bosh
Comments
Yes, congrats to the Red Wings and their fans from a disappointed but proud Pens fan. While I have no doubt that I will always be sick of how good the freaking Red Wings are year after year, I also know that I will continue to respect the way they run their organization year after year after year. Even if I don't like the style they play, you have to admire the talent, the scouting, and the management of that squad. A class organization from bottom to top.
Jeff, buddy....enjoy it. And don't take this crap for granted either! Four cups in 11 years??? That's ridiculous. And it also means there's bound to be some dark years down the road (please? For the love of God? Please? Karma? Hello??)
But enough about Detroit. Because I have a sneaking suspicion that this year will be remembered more about what it meant to Pittsburgh than what it meant to the Red Wings. Call it a hunch...
So when does next season start?
Posted by: Stache | June 5, 2008 12:10 AM
Excellent, excellent hockey.
One question: Is Zetterberg out of the running since he has already won the MVP? He can't have too many spotlights on him, can he?
Posted by: Tony | June 5, 2008 02:13 AM
Isn't a huge buzzkill to watch the Stanley Cup Winners parade the cup around the ice at a visitor's stadium? The crowd was painfully silent last night, not that I blame them, but it was borderline uncomfortable.
No one is out of the running Tony!
Posted by: Cap | June 5, 2008 08:33 AM
Bosh, its obvious who this years Chuck Norris Trophy should go to... Maxime Talbot. His beard was phenomenal!
Posted by: Kyle From Boston | June 5, 2008 01:23 PM
I could second that nomination. Whitney's was great as well. Dan Cleary kind of looked like a murderer, so he should also get some attention.
Tough choice, Bosh. Make it wisely. The power of the beard is in your hands.
Posted by: Stache | June 5, 2008 01:51 PM
Dude, no love for Draper? His beard is the only one this playoffs to have recorded a playoff goal!
Posted by: jeff | June 5, 2008 02:19 PM