This is what it's ALL about

In the spring of 1999, I watched nervously as Brett Hull scored the controversial OT goal that captured the Stanley Cup for the Dallas Stars. Being a long time Stars fan has been tough at times. There has certainly been more valleys than peaks. They had previously lost the Finals to the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins so it was relief of sorts to finally witness a win. Too many years of watching the Edmonton Oilers win was starting to grate on me.....especially because I have so many friends in these parts that are Oiler fans.

A few weeks after the triumph over Dominik Hasek and the Buffalo Sabres, the Stanley Cup would arrive in Saskatoon with little fan fare. As luck would have it, a friend of a co-worker was good friends with Brian Skrudland. The day that Skrudland had the Stanley Cup in Saskatoon, I was lucky enough to get invited over to his house to see Stanley up close and personal. It was cool. Yes, the Dude with the white gloves in the TV commercials was the same guy accompanying Stanley on this whirl wind trip. What a gig that would be. Parties, parties and more parties. Imagine all the different celebrations that hallowed mug has seen. How about some of the names on the trophy? WOW! It was an awesome moment in time. I had THE SAME Stanley Cup (there are 2 cups) over my head that countless other greats had had. Richard, Yzerman, Gretzky, Brodeur, Roy and just a few days earlier, Mike Modano......and on and on. That moment in time was something I'll always remember and never forget.



The second season of the NHL begins tonight. I'm a western conference guy so, I'm more familiar with those teams. Having said that, my Stars were out so I had kinda lost interest in what was happening the last little bit. With my playoff interest in decline, I decided to take the challenge to a few friends and so...... The Tailgater 2009 Playoff Picks were created. There's no Maggie the Macaw (sp?) here. Although, some who know me have probably compared me to an ape of sorts.

Here are the First Round match-ups:

East
#1 Boston vs #8 Montreal
#2 Washington vs #7 New York Rangers
#3 New Jersey vs #6 Carolina
#4 Pittsburgh vs #5 Philadelphia

West
#1 San Jose vs #8 Anaheim
#2 Detroit vs #7 Columbus
#3 Vancouver vs #6 St. Louis
#4 Chicago vs #5 Calgary

It may all be in fun but you better believe it's about bragging rights as well. Here are the guest picks and let the trash talking commence.......

TJ Stancil (former Saskatchewan Roughrider)
East
Boston
New York Rangers
New Jersey
Philadelphia (gotta go with the Home team)

West
San Jose
Detroit
Vancouver
Calgary

Denny Johnson
East
Boston
Washington
New Jersey
Pittsburgh

West
San Jose
Detroit
Vancouver
Calgary

Sherri Trapp (Communications - Saskatchewan Roughriders)
East
Boston
Washington
Pittsburgh
Carolina

West
San Jose
Detroit
Vancouver
Chicago (which kills me as a Flames Fan)

Paul Pybus
East
Boston
Washington
New Jersey
Philadelphia

West
San Jose
Detroit
Vancouver
Chicago

Mitchell Blair (former broadcaster and blogger extraordinaire)
East
Boston in 5
Washington in 6
New Jersey wins in 6
Flyers in 7

West
The Ducks upset San Jose in 6
Detroit in 5
Vancouver in 5
Chicago in 6

Troy Souster
East
Boston
Washington
New Jersey
Philadelphia

West
San Jose
Detroit
Vancouver
Chicago

Cory Wolfe (Columnist - The StarPhoenix)
East
Boston in 7
Philly in 6
Jersey in 5
Washington in 5

West
San Jose in 7
Chicago in 6
Vancouver in 5
Detroit in 5

The Tailgater would like to thank all our special guests for participating. Enjoy!!