Hi everyone! Well, we’re down to the nitty gritty in the Stanley Cup playoffs, and the mug is going to end up somewhere in the deep South this year. I think Tampa is finally going to do it after coming so close so many times. That four-game sweep against Columbus last year was a real wake up call, much like the New York Islanders endured in 1979 when they were beat by the Rangers. They didn’t lose another playoff round until 1984. I’m not saying the Lightning is going to start a new hockey dynasty, but I think they’ve got a Cup in them this year at least. They kept their foot off the gas just a little bit during the regular season, sacrificed a few points to stay fresh in the playoffs, and now they are being rewarded. They went all out last year and won 62 games, yet zero in the playoffs. They learned. I pick Tampa in six.

I realized recently that it has been a long time since I posted any links to Seals-related audio or video, so this week, I’ve added new links to great interviews with Wayne Carleton, Dennis Maruk, and Rick Smith, which you can find here. You can find all of these interviews and many more from other legends of the sport at the Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast.

If there is anyone who has not already pre-ordered their paperback copy of my book The California Golden Seals: a Tale of White Skates, Red Ink, and One of the NHL’s Most Outlandish Teams, the University of Nebraska Press is making you a special offer, and you can download the flyer right here. which will get you 40% off the cover price! WOW!

Until next time, stay gold!