It's called Stanley Cup fever, and I have a severe case of it.
Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Carolina Hurricanes and Buffalo Sabres certainly surpassed its advanced billing. The intensity of the hockey on the ice was matched by the electric atmosphere in the RBC Center in Raleigh for this do-or-die game. What a big in for the Canes!
I have never experienced anything like it. This was my first-ever Game 7 of any kind. It was also the first Game 7 in Hurricane franchise history.
For one team, there is no tomorrow. Both teams put it all on the ice that night.
The place went wild when the Canes scored first, but then the air went right out of the building when the Sabres got their second goal with three seconds left in the second period to take a 2-1 lead. That rekindled the fire in the Sabres fans, who once again --though in slightly smaller numbers than Game 5 in Raleigh -- cranked up their obnoxious chants of "Let's Go Buffalo!"
Like many others in the stands, I had that sinking feel in my gut. Statistically, the odds were in Buffalo's favor. The Sabres had never lost a playoff game this year in which they were ahead going into the third period.
But the Hurricanes have come from behind before.
When the Hurricanes tied the game on Ray Whitney's goal, the energy, along with the noise level, skyrocketed. But that was nothing compared to the eruption when Rod Brind'Amour scored with about eight minutes left in the third to put the Canes up 3-2. It was eardrum-shattering.
As the clock hit the two-minute mark in the third, everyone in the arena -- except a few Buffalo fans -- were on their feet. The joint was rocking like I have never seen it.
Everyone knew when the Sabres called time out with 1:30 left that once the puck was safely in their offensive zone, the goalie would be pulled to add an extra attacker.
The Canes did not give Buffalo that opportunity. Justin Williams iced the game and the Eastern Conference Championship when he scored with less than a minute left.
As we counted down the seconds to the Stanley Cup finals, the euphoria in that building, along with the noise, was off the charts. I will never forget it! My ears hurt as left the arena.
When you ride that roller coaster with your team through the playoffs, as I have with Hurricanes this year, you just don't want it to end. I savored every second of it.
Now we turn our attention to the Stanley Cup Finals against the Edmonton Oilers. What a remarkable playoff run this team has put together. As the eighth and last seed in the Western Conference, the Oilers only took out the top-seeded Detroit Red Wings in the first round, dispatched the San Jose Sharks in round two, and then polished off the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in five games to advance to the Stanley Cup finals.
What a story line for this series! Edmonton was a dynasty in the 1980s, winning five Stanley Cups from 1983 to 1990 with The Great One, Wayne Gretzky. But they have not made the playoffs since. The Oilers are well rested, and this franchise is hungry for a return to the glory days.
The Carolina Hurricanes, on the other hand, have never won the Cup. The Canes made it to the finals in 2002, falling in five games to the mighty Red Wings. Unlike four years ago, when the Hurricanes were heavy underdogs, Carolina is favored this time and has home-ice advantage. And this team expected to be here.
Both teams could argue that destiny on their side.
After two miserable, losing seasons following the Stanley Cup run and the lockout last year, the Hurricanes had their best year in franchise history.
A handful of players remain from the 2002 team. A lot of new faces have been added. I want to experience seeing every player lift that cup.
What a ride it has been so far. Hockey in June means one thing: playing for the Holy Grail of the sport. I love it. Go Canes!
Managing Editor David Sinclair can be reached at 693-2462 or by e-mail at dsinclair@thepilot.com.
