At long last…the hockey season begins today. The Ducks and Kings will face off for the first of two games in London in about 8 hours or so….given a few minutes. Basically it is hockey Christmas. Though admittedly watching a hockey game at 9 in the morning seems odd….it is still the sport I love most.
Time to hit the rewind button just a bit……
Ducks begin their title defense against Kings today.
Last we left the NHL….the Anaheim Ducks had just defeated the Ottawa Senators 6-2 (in Game 5 of the SCF) to win their first ever Stanley Cup. Scott Niedermayer, last year’s captain and Conn Smythe winner is currently not with the team (he is suspended currently) and Chris Pronger (who many felt was one of the main reason the Ducks won a cup) is now the captain. Funny how 3 months can change so many things. One thing remains the same. Jean Sebastien Giguere is not expected to start today’s game…..recovering from sports hernia surgery. As a matter of fact…he may not start till October 10th. Labarbera (Kings) will now face Bryzgalov (Ducks) in the first game….and Aubin may face Hiller for Sunday’s game.
I do expect a rather physical, exciting game. These players will want to put on a great show for these diehard hockey fans in London. I do want to see how Kopitar and company react to the increased expectations the Kings will face. I also want to see how Pronger handles being the man, err captain again. So as I grab a bowl of cereal and a big cup of milk…I will see players lacing it up and it counts….brilliant!
That being said…maybe the NHL has some seriously bad timing…not many are going to watch. Yes, the first game is on local and CBC…but you know what it is still hockey to me. A diehard watches no matter what…whether online or on tv…and I will be glued to that tv later this morning enjoying the action and pace that makes the coolest game on Earth must see tv for me.
Less than 8 hours till the puck drops!! AMEN!!!
