The bad news: the Tampa Bay Lightning won the Stanley Cup.
The good news: we can finally turn the page on the 2019-2020 season!
Tampa earned its second Stanley Cup with a thorough 2-0 win over the Dallas Stars last night. While Dallas kept it relatively close, it seemed about as secure as a two-goal lead could be for much of the game.
At one point in the third period, I think I tuned in to see that Dallas had 9 shots on goal. Generally, that’s...not ideal, especially in an elimination game.
Victor Hedman is the Conn Smythe winner.
If we can take solace in one thing, it’s that if Tampa was going to win, they won in an empty arena in Alberta. It’s the little things.
To be fair, Tampa was far from a fluke winner. While the Bolts were unlikable, they were also a good team from top to bottom.
Plus, Steven Stamkos is cool, and he is now a Cup winner, so...not the worst thing.
Today’s highlight
Cheer up, Dallas. At least you’re not Buffalo.
Today’s random fact
Poor Anton Khudobin. So close to winning the Cup as a starter.
Khudobin was drafted in the 7th round in 2004. That year, the Bruins’ pick in that same round was Matt Hunwick, 224th overall.
Hunwick’s Bruins tenure ended when he was dealt to the Colorado Avalanche, the franchise the Dallas Stars beat this year to make it to the Western Conference Final.