Since my job requires me to watch sports all day and because the Sabres didn't make it this year, I'm refusing to watch any hockey playoffs during my free time this spring.
HOWEVER, I'm telling all you readers that it's about time you gave hockey a chance if you haven't already.
I've got three reasons for you.
1. The Teams
Pittsburgh, Montreal, Washington, San Jose, Anaheim, Detroit. These are some of the most exciting teams to come along in a while and they all feature some of the most exciting players as well. Alexander Ovechkin strapped his team on his back and lead them into the playoffs on the last weekend of the regular season. There's a very good chance he can pull a Lebron and take the Capitals right to the finals. He's a total joy to watch.
2. Gameplay
During the dog days of the hockey season (January, February) the style of play can get pretty ugly. The players seem like they're just trying to grind out the season without getting injured. That all gets thrown out the window during the playoffs.
A lot of people compare the intensity and the balls-to-the-wall style to the March Madness Tournament. In fact, ESPN's Dan Shulman did an interview on our network and said that he believes March Madness and the NHL Playoffs are the most exciting sporting events all year and I obviously agree. (Keep in mind Dan Shulman is a Canadian and a Jew, so we have a lot in common)
3. Never-ending sudden-death overtime
Because of this reason, I've already broken my rule about not watching hockey during my free time this year. While writing this I saw online that Minnesota and Colorado were in overtime and I had to watch. Avalanche captain Joe Sackic scored to end it about halfway through the first OT, but the idea that a game could potentially go on forever if no one scores a goal is thrilling. Last year on the first night of the playoffs Dallas and Vancouver played into quadruple overtime. That's over TWO COMPLETE HOCKEY GAMES. I fell asleep at 1:30am with the TV on and woke up at around 3:45 just before the game winning goal was scored. It was a true battle of attrition. It makes every shot exciting. Anytime the puck goes anywhere near the goalie the crowd gets up on it's feet. I had the pleasure of being at a Sabres/Flyers playoff game two years ago that went into Double Overtime. It was the most memorable sporting event of my life. The buzz in the arena was unlike anything I've ever experienced.
So if you happen to see on the ESPN ticker that a game is in OT, I implore you to flip to it. I guarantee you'll be entertained.
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http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/rumors/post/TV-analyst-apologies-for-Crapitals-remark?urn=nhl,76895
TV analyst apologies for 'Crapitals' remark
Alexander Ovechkin
It was probably bad enough that NBC analyst Mike Milbury referred to the Washington Capitals during Sunday's telecast as the "Crapitals." But what he said about Alexander Ovechkin could unleash the beast that lurks within the Russian sniper tonight in Game 3 at the Wachovia Center.
Speaking about the Capitals' effort in the 2-0 Flyers victory, Milbury said of Ovechkin's play, "If it looks like a dog, barks like a dog, it is a dog."
According to fellow analyst Pierre McGuire, whose verbal sparring with Milbury has been nothing short of classic theater during recent games, Milbury apologized to Capitals owner Ted Leonsis for the "Crapitals" remark.
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