If you spent some time watching the Stanley Cup Finals this past week, you witnessed what was possibly the most exciting minutes in sports. The action of the 6th and 7th games where every move made a difference and every hit could be a game changer was spectacular.
The Detroit Red Wings and Pittsburg Penguins participated in a set of games that I know I will be talking about for a while. In game 6, the last minute of the game had Detroit taking shot after shot after shot only to be followed by save after save after phenomenal save. I was awestruck. But game 7, the level went up even higher. I was on the edge of my seat as the Pittsburg goalie literally saved the game by diving across the net to block a shot taken with 2 seconds left in the game.
Granted hockey on TV can be a tough sell. It is hard to see the puck and with few time-outs hard to refill your cup or get another bag of chips. However for this series, kudos go out to NBC for a great broadcast. The announcers took time to explain situations during dead time but called the game with intensity and hockey sense... not dumbing down the broadcast made it more exciting and intensified the pace. NBC also provided plenty of camera angles and replays on important plays and goals (and saves).
Now I know this site is for creative thinking and thought provocation, so on that note... While Hockey may not be "Americas Game" or "Our Nation's Pasttime," maybe we could open our eyes and maybe, just maybe there might be a new sport and set of athletes to appreciate. Well, at least during the Stanley Cup Finals.
Comments? Questions? Feedback?