It's that time of year again hockey fans. That time when you wake up in the morning and count the hours until puck drop. That time where hockey jerseys are the hottest fashion trend. That time when you can barely breathe during Sudden Death overtime. That time where you get lost in the sea of rally towels. That time when you can go from rock bottom to pure elation. Of course, I'm talking about the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Longtime fans don't need an introduction to what the playoffs are, but for fans of teams that are making a long awaited return to the post-season such as the Columbus Blue Jackets, the playoffs are an experience unlike any other. I remember going to my first Ranger playoff game. They just snapped the streak of seven consecutive seasons without a berth. I could tell as soon as I stepped off of the train that the air carried some sort of electricity. It was a feeling of unparalleled excitement. Everybody could feel it. It bonded every fan on a deep level. As for the game? You have to be there to truly understand, but what I can say is the fans are more engaged and the intensity is incredible.
This year's teams and match ups have me thinking this will be one of the most exciting playoffs ever. This is the first year the four division playoff system will be in place since the 1992-1993 season when the Montreal Canadiens won the Cup. It was also the last time that a Canadian team won hockey's greatest prize. By pitting divisional opponents, many of which are longtime rivals, the sometimes unexciting first round series have a lot more kick. As I get ready to head to the airport for Easter break, I can barely sit still typing this post. This is what die hard hockey fans live for. The chance to capture the Holy Grail! Time to strap on the safety harness and hang on tight. The roller coaster of emotions begins tonight.
Longtime fans don't need an introduction to what the playoffs are, but for fans of teams that are making a long awaited return to the post-season such as the Columbus Blue Jackets, the playoffs are an experience unlike any other. I remember going to my first Ranger playoff game. They just snapped the streak of seven consecutive seasons without a berth. I could tell as soon as I stepped off of the train that the air carried some sort of electricity. It was a feeling of unparalleled excitement. Everybody could feel it. It bonded every fan on a deep level. As for the game? You have to be there to truly understand, but what I can say is the fans are more engaged and the intensity is incredible.
This year's teams and match ups have me thinking this will be one of the most exciting playoffs ever. This is the first year the four division playoff system will be in place since the 1992-1993 season when the Montreal Canadiens won the Cup. It was also the last time that a Canadian team won hockey's greatest prize. By pitting divisional opponents, many of which are longtime rivals, the sometimes unexciting first round series have a lot more kick. As I get ready to head to the airport for Easter break, I can barely sit still typing this post. This is what die hard hockey fans live for. The chance to capture the Holy Grail! Time to strap on the safety harness and hang on tight. The roller coaster of emotions begins tonight.