As much as I've been cringing at the memories of 1994 that surround the Rangers' return to the Stanley Cup Final, I was pretty moved by this post-Cup video. It is strange, however, to think that Mariah Carey was the soundtrack for Round 1 of rioting carnage, which would have been beginning just minutes after this video ran at the end of Game 7.
I lived on the eastern edge of downtown in 1994, in what is now called Crosstown, with a view of the new arena under construction just beyond the viaduct. During the third period of Game 7, with the score close at 3-2, I could see carloads of rowdy guys heading into the city—while the game was still in progress! That should have been my first clue that something was going to go down, but my friends and I blithely headed into the mayhem after the game anyhow.
But I digress. Enjoy the great shots of Pavel and the Canucks' other shining moments of the '94 run, all in glorious lo-def.
As for this year's final, I thought Game 1 unfolded on script. Big burst out of the gate from the rested Rangers. The Kings don't get interested until they're in a hole, then methodically undo the early damage. Doughty atones for his error, the Kings dominate the third period, then Jason Williams delivers in crunch time. Game. Set. Match.
Edler Might Not Be So Secure?
Interesting thoughts from Ben Kuzma this morning, trying to read both sides of the Alex Edler situation. Click here to check it out.
Kuzma seems to think that Linden is sincere in his desire to keep Edler, but also floats the possibility that he's trying to make sure his asset has maximum value out in the marketplace. Either idea is plausible—and we have seen Linden use some sleight of hand already in this gig. If you're one of the many that wants to see Edler traded, don't give up hope just yet....
Kesler's Still in Town
Another interesting nugget from the Kuzma piece:
Ryan Kesler skated in Vancouver this week and also met with Henrik Sedin. He was also expected to meet with Jim Benning before returning to his offseason home in Michigan.
I guess, like most of the Canucks these days, home for Kesler is now in Vancouver for the duration of the school year. I do hope that the team will be able to make some hay on the coaching side before the draft, although it's a good news/bad news situation that coach Willie Desjardins engineered a big comeback for his Texas Stars to catapult them past the Toronto Marlies and into the AHL Final. The playoff could go as late as June 23 if it goes to Game 7—just four days before the draft!
Darkhorse coaching candidate Jeff Blashill signed a new three-year deal with the Grand Rapids Griffins yesterday, so he'll be staying with the Detroit organization.
I'm going to keep ignoring the Marc Crawford speculation, so that leaves John Stevens of L.A. He got a moment of screen time in last night's playoff game when Hockey Night in Canada did its traditional player introductions. I love those—a lot of guys have the most unlikely childhood heroes. Todd Bertuzzi always comes up more than I expect, and I think Trevor Linden even got a name-check by one of the Kings.
The way the Kings played last night, Stevens could be available for an interview in just over a week.
The conundrum from his point of view: Would he rather be an assistant on a team that looks poised to be good for a very long time or the head coach of an organization where the last guy only survived one season?
Broadcasting Update:
In case you missed it, in addition to the news that Bob Cole will be part of the new Rogers broadcast team next year, they are also bringing in a few familiar faces who are below retirement age. The official announcement of the play-by-play group also includes Jim Hughson, Dave Randorf and Paul Romanuk.
Those names are solid.
Romanuk is a former TSN play-by-play guy who has been living in London for the last decade or so. He's done some work with the IIHF at recent World Championships. Randorf is one of the original Sports Page guys from back at CKVU and has been doing international and junior hockey for TSN in recent years. Hughson, of course, is the former voice of the Vancouver Canucks and the top play-by-play guy in the business at this point. They're all guys who can get the job done.
I guess we'll soon find out about the rest of the studio crew, panel hosts etc. Rooting for Elliotte Friedman. I also hope our Dan Murphy gets a chance at an expanded role if he wants one.