Favorite Cup Moments

I know it's still A WHOLE FREAKING year away... but I've got Stanley on the mind. There are some moments that have come during my particular time as a hockey fan that have shown me what hockey's all about. They are moments that humanize hockey, showing us just how real and mortal and bleeding and dedicated to greatness our hockey heroes can be. At the same time, these moments have immortalized these men, ensuring their legacy at least in my mind. These are some of my favorite Stanley Cup moments.

#4 - Carolina Hurricanes winning the Cup in 2006...

Talk about a battle. There were troops going down on both sides as the 'Canes and Oilers played more of a seven round fight to the death than a Stanley Cup Final. I think there was as much blood as there was sweat in this Final. There was Dwayne Roloson's injury followed by Jussi Markkanen's stellar play in relief. There was Erik Cole's surprising return from a career-threatening injury. And there was Doug Weight. I think this picture epitomizes the 'Canes Cup run, but particularly highlights Weight's sacrifice. The guy separated his shoulder early on in the series and had a black eye, but never missed a beat. He was out there, with the crap beat out of him. When they won the Cup and he was presented with it, he couldn't even get it all the way over his head because of his shoulder. But he didn't care. The ultimate sacrifice. The ultimate warrior. I loved this Stanley Cup Final.

I actually have to bolt, but we'll continue this little discussion later. Peace.