Skating the Cup

The season is over.  Tonite the Los Angeles Kings hockey club won an improbable Stanley Cup championship for the first time in their 45-yr history.  Improbable because they came into the playoffs as an 8th seed, yet on their way to the finals they easily disposed of a #1 seed (Vancouver) in 5 games, a #2 seed (St Louis) in 4 games, and a #3 seed (Phoenix) in 5 games.  They won the cup with a 16-4 record including an amazing 10 of 11 games on the road.

It looked like it would be an easy run to the cup when the Kings won the first 3 games in a race of the best out of 7 against New Jersey, but the Devils were not done when they won Game 4 in LA and again in NJ in Game 5 to force a Game 6 back in LA today.  Game 7 became unnecessary when the Kings blew NJ out of the house with a 6-1 win today.

Skating the Cup is tradition in hockey, and a goal of anyone who plays the game seriously.  It's that rare opportunity to raise the most hallowed trophy in sport above your head and take it for a spin around the rink.  It's 35# of precious sterling silver engraved with the names of the greatest players to ever strap on a pair of ice skates and risk their body for the fastest sport played.

Congratulations to the LA Kings!  Congratulations also to Jonathan Quick, this year's Conn Smyth winner as most valuable player in the playoffs.  For all of you, enjoy the summer, and enjoy your upcoming day with the cup... another tradition unique to this professional sport.  You deserved it.