Washington and Vegas? Never would have thought I would be writing those words in the month of May. Talk about an absolutely jaw-dropping, shocking playoff. Washington not only beat Pittsburgh, but they did so in a seventh game, breaking two long-standing negative playoff traditions. And then they go out and win a second game seven in a row, this time a shutout against the mighty Tampa Bay Lightning. As if that wasn’t surprising enough, the Vegas Golden Knights have gone 12-3 to advance to the Stanley Cup final in their first year. One thing’s for sure; someone is winning their first-ever Cup this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing it. I’m happy to finally see Ovie get his team to the final series and hopefully prove to everyone that he’s every bit as good as Crosby, but I’m also thrilled about the story that has been developing all year in Vegas. Cinderella stories like this almost never end well, but this team sure is special, and one hell of a feisty bunch.
Of course, the Seals never came close to reaching the Stanley Cup final, and their one appearance in a game seven (in 1969 versus L.A.) ended in defeat. This week, I’ve added an article that was published shortly after the Seals’ last-ever playoff game, a 3-2 overtime loss to Pittsburgh in 1970. The 1969-70 season was not exactly a banner year in Oakland. The Seals had had an impressive season the year before, but by December 1969, the team was looking a lot older and worse for wear. It was only a matter of time before the team retooled. Unfortunately, that time was one year too late.
In the Overexposed wing of the Hockey Hall of Shame, another 1991-92 classic, this time from Upper Deck. The NHL’s 75th anniversary season was a weird time for sports card collecting. Like we’ve seen in previous inductions, everyone on planet Earth had his own hockey card clogging up the bike spokes of sixth-graders. I’m sure if I looked hard enough, I could find one or two cards of myself playing goal for my old ball hockey team. Hopefully, if I ever find that card, I won’t be dressed in the same get-up as poor Andrew Verner in his rookie card.
You may have also noticed the new ad for my book on the right-hand side of the page. Underneath, there is a little box, which if you scroll down to the bottom of it, you can go directly to Amazon to buy lots and lots of copies, or you can read a preview of the book before you go to Amazon and buy lots and lots of copies.
Weekly reminder time: Time is running out to cast your votes for the Seals Hall of Fame. The voting will be open for about another month and the new inductees will be announced in July on the site’s third anniversary.
Until next time, stay gold!