Sports Talk: New Jersey Devils

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Pens V. Devils

Hey All,

It was the second meeting n two days for the Pens and Devils, and this game was vintage Penguins Devils. Both teams came out and were ready to play a physical game.

The Pens were playing with a little bit of a chip on their shoulders after a big loss to the Devils in the previous meeting, and it showed early in the game.

Both starting goaltenders got the night off, and getting some much needed rest in the short season. Both the Pens and Devils were playing tired and looked a little sluggish. But the Devils had more energy, enthusiasm, and drive in this game and it showed in their play. They were out skating the Pens, who were a little flat footed, and it really effected their game.

The Pens went down early 1-0 in the game, and never got back into the swing of things. That was the score after one period of play. In the second which, hasn't bode well for the Penguins this season being and scored 16-3 in second periods. Thomas Vokoun gave up two quick goals in the second to give the Devils a 3-0, lead going into the second intermission.

The the third of to quick start for the Penguins, getting a quick goal just 15 seconds into the third, from James Neal with assist from Chris Kunitz and Evgeni Malkin. It looked like the Pens would get some momentum and get back into this game, but it never went anywhere from that point on. The Devils went back to playing their game, which is physical and getting the puck down the ice and get as many shots as they could on Thomas Vokoun. They also like to get the puck behind the goal, battle, and just beat up on the opposing team.

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Kings Win First Stanley Cup

Hey All,

Last night the LA Kings won their first ever Stanley Cup. They did so by knocking off the New Jersey Devils, at home in 6 games. The Kings took a commanding 3-0 lead in the series, only to let the Devils try and mount a comeback after winning the next two games. Now the series would move back to LA where the Kings had another chance to win the Cup on their home ice, in front of family and friends. And every hockey player will tell you, there is no better filling then winning in front of family and friends.

For the next 10-plus years they spend countless hours in cars and buses, riding from town to town and to game to game, their parents and friends always there when they need them. So when that moment finally comes for the lucky few out there, those players are quick to revel in the joy with their families.

The emotion is incredible. Want proof? Trevor Lewis, who had two goals in the Kings' 6-1 win to clinch their first Stanley Cup in team history, with his guests on the ice after the game.

Just in case you are wondering, Lewis informed me exactly who the hugs were coming from. "It's my mom, my dad and my two buddies. It's unbelievable, they are such a huge part of this. It's awesome to share it with them." And pretty awesome to watch, too. What a moment. "He's the best son a mother could have!" his mom gushed.

Next for Lewis will come a day with the Cup down the line. It's the best title celebrating tradition in sports, so everybody wants to know what the plans for it are.

"Bring it back to Salt Lake City, I don't think it's ever been there before," Lewis said. That surely will be an emotional day too.

Now I may have been rooting for the Devils to pull out an amazing comeback in this series and bring it to a game 7, but I am happy for the Kings to win their first every Title. It's great when a team who shouldn't have even made the playoffs, can pull off something no one thought they could do. It's a real inspiration for kids out there who play the sports. The Kings showed the world that no matter what the case is, don't ever give up, give it your all, and leave everything on the playing surface and you can come out on top.

Until next time,
You keep doing what you do, and I'll keep you up to date with everything sports.