Way To Go, Brindy!

(Note: This post is about ice hockey. I’ll get back to politics shortly.)

Congratulations to the Carolina Hurricanes for defeating the Edmonton Oilers 3-1 last night in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Finals and winning the Cup. It was ice hockey at its best as far as I was concerned, an exciting mix of skill, strategy, and utter brutality.

In particular, I want to send out a hearty high five to ‘Canes captain and former Flyer Rod Brind’Amour (pictured). This is a well-deserved reward for the fact that his team was the best in the NHL this year from wire to wire, as well as his years of grit and hard work while wearing the orange-and-black of the Flyers.

I don’t know any Flyers fan who wasn’t greatly disappointed when Brind’Amour was traded from here a few years ago for Keith Primeau, who at that time was nothing more than some great big stiff with a lot of potential but a reputation of holding out for a new contract everywhere he went. However, Primeau has really turned his game around over the last couple of seasons, and fortunately, he is no longer suffering from the side effects of a concussion received last year.

(And by the way, any Flyers fans who may be reading this should note that last night in Raleigh, N.C. when the Edmonton Oilers were saluted by Gary Bettman after the game before Bettman gave the Cup to Brind’Amour, the fans cheered the opposition and nary a boo was heard. It was a refreshing change.)

I no longer have a bone to pick with Flyers GM Bob Clarke on the Brind’Amour trade, and I understand that Mark Recchi ended up leaving here to play for the ‘Canes because of salary cap reasons. However, it was galling to see Justin Williams having matured into a fine young player knowing that Clarke basically gave him up for nothing, since defenseman Danny Markov acquired in the Williams trade has now departed.

It was also a pleasure to listen to broadcaster Mike Emrick and analyst and former New York Rangers goalie John Davidson, with Davidson coming up with some interesting little details as he usually does. For example, he pointed out that the goalie coach of Edmonton, Pete Peeters (another former Flyer) has a son who also played goalie in junior hockey and backed up Cam Ward, the goalie for Carolina and MVP of the finals. Davidson also mentioned that Edmonton forward Rem Murray had a very difficult time getting insurance coverage because of a debilitating nerve injury in his back or neck (not sure exactly where), and of course he couldn’t play unless he was insured, but the premiums were so high that it actually cost him money to play this year, but he wanted to so he could get a shot at winning the Stanley Cup (I can’t think of a word for that kind of dedication, and though I’m glad Carolina won, I’m sorry he fell short in his quest).

As I watched what I could of the Stanley Cup Finals, I was reminded once more how good it is to see a deserving team earn its due. Would that real life had such justifiable outcomes on a more regular basis.