Although I wanted the Leafs to win, I'm not unhappy that they lost this game either. Okay, so the Kaberle give-away to O'Neill was horribly wrong, and the Mogilny pass to the 'Canes was not the best thing I've ever seen, but despite all that, they played well, so I can't help but be proud of the Leafs. I mean, it takes a lot of tenacity, determination and heart to keep after the puck they way they did, down by one two minutes before the end of regulation time. Sundin's goal was just beautiful.
And Cujo and Irbe, man, they just rocked!! When the three stars were listed, I just knew it would be Cujo, then Irbe up there, because they stole the show. Cujo, man, I can't believe the Leafs haven't resigned him. Throughout this series he has just proved himself again and again. He kept the Leafs in the game for as long as they were, and there's no shame in losing in OT. Think about it, the Leafs brought in $22 million for every playoff game, and Cujo carried the Leafs through game five to game six--meaning that he's already made more than twice the salary he's asking for. Without an all-star goalie, one goal a game does not make. If the Leafs don't keep Cujo, who else are they going to get? Awesome goalies like him aren't exactly thick on the ground. Besides, he's got a sizeable fan following, so it'd be stupid to toss that kind of name recognition away. Which Leaf player is on the Vector's commercial? Cujo! What other Leafs are on commercials? I sure haven't seen any others--although that's not saying a whole lot considering that practically the only TV I've watched this entire year has been hockey, first Olympic and now NHL.
Anyway, I've mentioned this before, but watching the end of the game just really hit this home to me: NHL players seem to be consummate sportsmen. Both teams played hard, and Mats penalty showed that, during the game, tension and tempers were running high, but at the end of it all, there was nothing but sincere congratulations and mutual appreciation. It was really uplifting for me to see the way the players shook hands, gave out pats on the back, and truly meant it! Coles' wish for Quinn's good health and recovery was quite touching as well. Maye I'm just a sap, or a soft touch, but it gives me such a warm feeling inside to see a game end so well, with both teams knowing that they played their best, and being so sincere in their "good game"-s. =D It's one of my favourite things about hockey. I saw it in the Olympics too, with members from Team Canada and Team USA taking pictures together at the end. Of course, that was because they were teammates in the NHL, but nonetheless, it was nice to see.
One funny thing that has stuck with me throughout the entire game, though, was that first offside call on the Leafs. I mean, Corson (or maybe Tucker?) was tripped, and then, not only was the penalty NOT called, but he, Corson, got called on the offside! That was just plain ridiculous. XP What on earth was wrong with those refs?
At any rate, just because the Leafs lost doesn't mean that my hockey craze is over. Nope, I'm going to be glued to the screen tomorrow night, hoping that the Avs will toast the Wings. ^_^ Like I said, after the Leafs, I'm behind the Avs all the way. I hope they win the series and go on to soundly trounce the 'Canes. Not that I have anything against the 'Canes--I think they really deserved the win tonight--but I still think that both the Avs and the Wings are a step above both the 'Canes and the Leafs. I would really be shocked if the 'Canes managed to win the Cup. I mean, honestly, watching the Western Conference makes it clear that the Avs and Wings are on a totally different level from the Leafs and 'Canes.
Hmm....Since the Leafs lost, maybe this'll mean that the prices for Leafs wear will drop? ^_~ Heehee...yeah, I know how bad that sounds, but I might as well be honest. I really do want to buy some Leafs clothing, and if the prices drop, well, I'm not going to complain, no matter the reason. =Þ Awesome game tonight, can't wait for tomorrow! Ja!
