Okay, Boston took the cup, Vancouver was ablaze on the riots after disappointed fans vented their frustration on the streets. This just says something about the emotion tied to this fantastic game. Not that the rioting wouldn't have been completely and utterly stupid and the worst pr for the sport, though..
Boston just had a little something more. Thomas outplayed Luongo, especially on the mental side. Media did its best in shaking Luongo's balance. Sedins came up short while Boston's big guys just responded as expected. It took all seven games but in the end Boston put a big exclamation mark on the board next to the convincing 4-0 victory. Canada just has to wait some more for the next cup. Vancouver has had some great runs and has built a very solid team, maybe they're up for the challenge in the coming years.
It's a bit early for predictions on the next season, but let's give it a playful go. Lots of key players have changed teams, which makes the dynamics of the coming season very interesting. Who'll be able to rise to superstardom in their new teams and who will be just waste of money? What about the teams that have been able to build a solid foundation in the past years, improving year by year with more experience?
Just following the first thoughts here, I'd list Vancouver, Chicago, Boston, San Jose and Washington definitely in the mix of claiming the cup in the end. Pittsburgh's success lies on the shoulders of Sidney Crosby. If he's been able to recover from the nagging concussion and avoids further issues next season, th Penguins will be in there for the fight. Philly, LA, Tampa, Anaheim and Detroit are ready for a surpsise run, even all the way to the end. Philly was shaken up on the roster a lot, LA has grown up, Tampa might pull it off with "just one line", Anaheim has tons of talent up front and Detroit, as a graybearded gentleman, might just find some magic out of sheer experience.
Some new challengers may also rise for the fight. It'll be great to see how Winnipeg Jets come back to the NHL. Their supporters will definitely be the legendary "sixth man" out there, pushing the rather light team forward with undonctional love. NY Rangers have again put some money on the table and expect Brad Richards to be the man carrying them over to the playoffs and further. If it all clicks together, the consistent underachiever might live to its potential. Also Nashville, against all odds, might carry on being the thorn on the sides of the more flashy teams. Just playing their blue collar, no nonsense, defence first style and grinding away the needed victories.
It's hard to see the bottom of the pack of last seasons producing any massive improvements this season either. Edmonton Oilers are still too young, like Colorado Avalanche. Calgary Flames just keep on falling, Columbus hasn't got enough talent on any level, Florida stays confused and NY Islanders just can't get out of the shadow of the big brother on the Manhattan island.
Out of the unmentioned, the black horse is New Jersey Devils. Constantly on the top of the pack for the last decade, falling miserably on the bottom last season. How will they respond lies still a lot on the shoulders of Kovalchuk and Brodeur.
All in all, it's a great season to wait for. Let's analyze some more when the leaves turn yellow and red.
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