MVN - Most Valuable Network

The battle rages on - Pens force game six

110 minutes

110 minutes of inhaling much more than exhaling

110 minutes of pure drama

110 minutes of competition at its best.

Watching from the couch left me drained. I can’t imagine what it took physically and mentally to play at the level the Wings and Pens sustained in game five. Yes, there were brief lulls, but for the most part the intensity was constant. This was not a game for the weak of heart or those with questionable digestive systems. Bloody cotton plugged the noses and was applied to eyes and mouths of some players. Exhaustion dominated the demeanor of all on the ice but they played on. They gave everything they had and more. It was a game not soon to be forgotten by those interested in the outcome.

The Stanley Cup is the most difficult prize in sports to obtain. The superhuman effort, unyielding perseverance and commitment required to feel the Cup in your hands is hard to fathom. The NHL preseason begins in September and the Cup is awarded in June to the fortunate few who can withstand the limit-testing marathon. Enduring the physicality and focus this game requires for a little less than 10 months pushes the boundaries of what a man can withstand. No matter which team prevails in this series I think all of us that have watched have gained a heightened respect for the dedication it takes to survive and advance in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

You know what happened last night. You don’t rely on a dime a dozen, hack like me for the score or the highlights. I watched the game just as you did. During the four-hour epic, I gasped 23 times, used 48 expletives and accidentally kicked my dog twice while jumping from my position on the couch. I gave him a cookie and he forgave me. At about 12:30 I yelled at the top of my lungs when Sykora scored. Truth be told I didn’t want it to end. The tension of impending sudden death is intoxicating.

I don’t have a dog in the fight.  I’m not a Wings fan nor a Pens fan. I am a Thrasher season ticket holder and irreparably devoted to the Atlanta club . I know, I know, it’s a tough way to go through life. Most of all I am a hockey fan who is gaining a new level of appreciation for the players of this great game during this fantastic series. I hope you are as well. Game six, Wednesday at 8 pm EDT, don’t miss it.

Your Loyal Servant,

Sean Grace

This entry was posted on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008 at 8:36 pm and is filed under One-Timers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.