Playoffs - Picture of the Day - April 13th

So its Wednesday, right? Oh no, no no. Today is no ordinary Wednesday. Today is the start of the most gritty and grueling two months in sports.  Today is the start of 16 teams quest to have their names etched on the most famous trophy in all sports.  Today is the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

This year we get whats becoming one of the better rivalries in sports right from the beginning.  The Chicago Blackhawks take on the Vancouver Canucks. Honestly, I expect the Canucks to take the series in 6.  With the way the Hawks have played lately I just don't see them being able to pull this off.  They aren't as deep and the team seems tired.  The Hawks top guys haven't played like top guys.....I'm looking at you Duncan Keith.  But, anything can happen.  I believe this Hawks team has a core that can win so if those guys turn it on Loungo could be crying himself to sleep tonight.

So my pictures for today.  This season started back in October and before the first game the Hawks let all their season ticket holders have a chance to view the Stanley Cup.  I thought it was fitting to post these pictures today, on the day a new champion begins their run to the cup.



Me and the keeper of the cup! He was a very cool guy.



 

Stanley Cup Fun Facts:

- The Stanley Cup has names of of the winning players, coaches, management, and club staff engraved on it.

- The Stanley Cup was donated in 1892 by Frederick Arthur Stanley, Lord Stanley of Preston

-The Stanley Cup was first awarded in 1893 to Montreal HC

- Twelve women have had their names engraved on the Stanley Cup.

- The Cup is traditionally presented on the ice to the captain of the winning team after the series-winning game.

- The Stanley Cup championship team is allotted 100 days during off-season to pass around the cup.

- It is always accompanied by at least one representative from the Hockey Hall of Fame.

- The team with the most Stanley Cup wins is Montreal with 24.