2006 Stanley Cup Finals: Game 5
I watched Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals last night, starting near the beginning of the third period. I missed most of the action, as they tied the game up 3 to 3, but got to see the final Goal That Counted in overtime. What a play!
As I watched the third period action, I could see why the Hurricanes were winning the series 3 games to 1, in spite of being plagued by injuries. Their plays were organized, their moves were tight, and they were skating like winners. In contrast, the Oilers were fighting for their lives. They played well, and for the most part avoided penalties, but even they were getting tired by the end of regulation time.
I heard about a fan in game 4 who had a sign reading "Hockey is still Canada's game." NHL hockey had it's birth in Canada, and in spite of the increasing technicality of the game, with video training and high-tech equipment, the Edmonton Oilers proved there is still a place for good old-fashioned Canadian grit and determination.
In the first few minutes of sudden-death overtime, the Oilers were inches away from ending the game, firing 4 excellent shots in less than 4 minutes, one of which rang off the post with a resounding clang. The Oilers knew they were only one goal away from losing the Stanley Cup, and they fought passionately. If the Hurricanes scored, the season was over. A few minutes later, things were looking grim as the Oilers took a penalty. Being a man up for 2 minutes could have been just the break the Hurricanes needed to put away the season. But as the Hurricanes were regrouping in their end and preparing to charge the Edmonton goal, Fernando Pisani of the Oilers stole the puck. Time seemed to slow down as he sped towards the net, one on one with the goaltender. Was this happening? Had he just stolen the puck while his team was short-handed?? Was it possible? Then, could he score against this amazing goalie, who had just shut down the rest of the team 4 shots in a row?
Yes! A feint to the center, and a quick shot to the upper right corner and it was all over. In spite of the Hurricanes' organized play, in spite of their hours of practice and the experience of over 80 games together, the decisive factor in the game was a wildcard; a brilliant short-handed steal, and a one-on-one rush! Because of this good old-fashioned hockey, the Oilers will live to see another game: Go Canada!!!!
As I watched the third period action, I could see why the Hurricanes were winning the series 3 games to 1, in spite of being plagued by injuries. Their plays were organized, their moves were tight, and they were skating like winners. In contrast, the Oilers were fighting for their lives. They played well, and for the most part avoided penalties, but even they were getting tired by the end of regulation time.
I heard about a fan in game 4 who had a sign reading "Hockey is still Canada's game." NHL hockey had it's birth in Canada, and in spite of the increasing technicality of the game, with video training and high-tech equipment, the Edmonton Oilers proved there is still a place for good old-fashioned Canadian grit and determination.
In the first few minutes of sudden-death overtime, the Oilers were inches away from ending the game, firing 4 excellent shots in less than 4 minutes, one of which rang off the post with a resounding clang. The Oilers knew they were only one goal away from losing the Stanley Cup, and they fought passionately. If the Hurricanes scored, the season was over. A few minutes later, things were looking grim as the Oilers took a penalty. Being a man up for 2 minutes could have been just the break the Hurricanes needed to put away the season. But as the Hurricanes were regrouping in their end and preparing to charge the Edmonton goal, Fernando Pisani of the Oilers stole the puck. Time seemed to slow down as he sped towards the net, one on one with the goaltender. Was this happening? Had he just stolen the puck while his team was short-handed?? Was it possible? Then, could he score against this amazing goalie, who had just shut down the rest of the team 4 shots in a row?
Yes! A feint to the center, and a quick shot to the upper right corner and it was all over. In spite of the Hurricanes' organized play, in spite of their hours of practice and the experience of over 80 games together, the decisive factor in the game was a wildcard; a brilliant short-handed steal, and a one-on-one rush! Because of this good old-fashioned hockey, the Oilers will live to see another game: Go Canada!!!!
posted by Jeffrey Stuart Martin on Thursday, June 15, 2006
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