The Calgary Flames become the first team to win at home in the 2004 Western Conference Finals, and in doing so, head to the Stanley Cup Finals for the first time in 15 years. They become the first Canadian team to play for the Cup since the Vancouver Canucks lost to the New York Rangers in 1994.
I, for one, am happy the Flames won. There is no love for the San Jose Sharks in Dallas, and I cannot forsee a day when I would root for them. That, and as Calgary is the Cowtown of Canada, we here in the DFW area see a certain kinship with those particular Albertans.
I am torn on whom to root for in the East. Tampa Bay arguably deserves to play for the Cup, being the best team in the East this year. The Lightning are the turn-around story of the decade thus far; this is a team that has consistently been at the bottom of the standings for most of its short history. Philadelphia has former Stars coach Ken Hitchcock behind the bench, and seeing as how he coached the Stars to their only Cup win, Dallas fans will always have a place in their hearts for Hitch.
Posted by retrophisch at May 19, 2004 11:26 PM | TrackBack