Game 6 was de ja vu all over again - just like how the triple OT game 5 ended. The Pens pulled Marc-Andre Fleury to allow the extra attacker. Less than a minute in regulation. The score was 3-2 Red Wings.
See where the de ja vu comes in?
I was heading out to the set to do my sportscast as the game ended, though I stopped quick to check out one of the monitors. The final :10 was rediculous. Pens get a shot in on Osgood. He couldn't glove it cleanly. Ozzie then sprawled in gthe crease while the Pens Marian Hossa cut in front and managed to poke the puck over Ozzie. The Puck slithered across the crease, three inches from going in. The horn sounded and the game ended.
The Red Wings were Stanley Cup champs for the 4th time in 11 years.
I had to go out to do my sportscast after watching that unbelievable ending. I discovered later that time had expired on the clock as the puck was sliding through the crease, meaning had the puck gone in it wouldn't have counted.
But still.
What a way to out to do a sportscast. Fox 17's Executive Producer, Chris Pantaleo had to run out to the studio to tell me that Henrik Zetterberg had won the Conn Smyth Trophy. By the time I was done with News at Ten, most of the celebration had ended. Fortunately I DVRd the game at home and was able to watch all the celebration.
How 'bout all the story lines that come with this championship. Chris Osgood taking over for Dominik Hasek in the first round and led this team to the title. How 'bout all the former Grand Rapids Griffins on this Wings' team. Guys like Darren Helm and Valtteri Filppula, who started the 2007-08 hockey season in Grand Rapids and finished it hoisting hockey's holy grail.
Personally, the best story is Darren McCarty. Folks, five months ago this guy wasn't even playing hockey. Because of his friendship with Kris Draper, McCarty was signed by the Flint Generals of the IHL back in January of this year. McCarty spent a month with Flint, bussing around the midwest to cities like Port Huron, Muskegon and Fort Wayne. February arrived and the Red Wings signed him and sent him to the Griffins, where McCarty was great. The Wings then called him up in late March and the rest is history.
McCarty experienced everything the game of hockey has to offer in five short months.
From bussing with wannabe 19 year olds in January to hoisting the Stanley Cup in June.
Not too shabby.
I wish that had wrapped it up Monday in game 5 because I was there and wanted to see it. I have seen a lot in my 18 years in the sports broadcasting business but I've never been present to see a Detroit team win any kind of championship.
The only consolation I can take is that it didn't go to a game 7. I would've had to go to the Joe to cover that and, knowing my track record, the Red Wings would've lost.
Wings proved how good they were by winning the Cup in game 6. Until the Wings won game 4 last Saturday the Pens hadn't lost a game at the Igloo since February 24th. It took this Wings team to end that streak and win the final two games of the season there to clinch the cup.
A great night, indeed.
I will show a bunch of highlights and postgame reaction tonight on Fox 17 News at Ten.
Make sure you check it out.
Brent