The Stanley Cup Playoffs: Ovie vs Crosby

A post by "Chris Stratton" To see more posts click here

Boom.

Here it is ladies and gentlemen. If you took my advice before and watched the Caps thrilling 7 game comeback win, then you’ve gotten a taste for what’s in store. You might say “What could possibly live up to that?” Well the hockey gods have blessed you with a matchup of titanic proportions, and I’ll tell you why you should be glued to a TV for the next two weeks.

Ovie vs. Sid the Kid

Okay. So this is just about all your going to hear about for the next two days and during this entire series, so I will not oversaturate this story, but briefly elaborate on why it is “THE” story of these playoffs. Very rarely in sports do two “once in a generation” talents enter a league around the same time. It just doesn’t happen. The only viable comparison that comes to my mind is when the NBA had Bird, Magic, and Jordan. The similarity is heightened by the fact that these two don’t like one another but have a level of respect that mirrors the relationship between the NBA giants. These legendary players did battle on the grandest stage and the outcomes of these clashes shaped the league for years to come. Ovie and Sid have the ability to take the NHL on their backs and bring it to somewhere it’s never been. This is something magic kids, and you are a part of it. Embrace history in the making.

An immovable object meets an unstoppable force.

Ummm….excuse me….over here.

The real crime though is the amount of talented players on both of these teams that are being not only overshadowed, but dwarfed by the supernova that is the collision between Ovie and Crosby. Semin, Backstrom, Green, Staal, Malkin, Fluery. These teams are flat out loaded with young hungry talent. Don’t be surprised if by the end of this series someone emerges to turn the tide and takes there game to another level, emerging a budding superstar.

Varlamov.

This kid has been unbelievable. Let me repeat. Incredible. To ask a rookie goaltender who just turned 21 on Monday to enter the playoff fray and perform like this kid did is unthinkable. Now, saying all of that, these are not the New York Rangers. The offensively impotent opponents of the previous round are replaced with the explosive and deadly Penguins who can score in bunches. This will definitely be the hardest test this young goaltender has seen in his career.

These crowds are going to be insane. If you are lucky enough to secure a few of the hottest tickets in town, then I am definitely jealous. Hockey has definitely arrived in Washington.

…….udothedishes