I principally wrote this publish final season, which ended the identical approach, however it bears repeating: I do know the Oilers followers in my life and in Fug Nation perceive that whereas I don’t rejoice in their struggling in the present day, I used to be NOT UNHAPPY when Edmonton misplaced the Stanley Cup. Sports activities rooting is a petty enterprise; Edmonton is the in-province rival to my Calgary Flames and the PLAYOFF BLOOD RIVAL to the L.A. Kings, whom they’ve eradicated FOUR years in a row now (this 12 months, we even had them in an 0-2 gap, dammit!!!!). Actually, this group that drives me bonkers had an air of inevitability about them throughout this post-season, with comeback-win heroics and extra time clinchers — sincerely, a number of the most gripping hockey video games strung collectively than I can keep in mind — and an absurdly proficient roster. That they had grit and guts and a few insane grace once they wanted it. And they might have returned the Cup to Canada, which I need so badly. However I can’t even keep in mind what number of instances I growled,” I F’ING HATE THESE F’ERS,” nor mumbled that Connor McDavid has hockey’s most punchable face, nor yelled, “I NEVER WANT TO HEAR THE WORD DREISAITL AGAIN.”
So. Oftentimes sports activities is while you merely pull for the group you’re the least mad at, and so it’s that I pumped my fist final evening when the Oilers misplaced Recreation 6 by a rating of 5-1. Edmonton pulled the goalie with about 7 minutes left and gave up two empty netters. They fell aside, McDavid goes dwelling unhappy once more, and now I simply have to attend for them to destroy one in all my groups’ seasons once more subsequent 12 months. Presumably each. I’m positive they’ll do it. Respect. I GUESS. (However to not you, Evander Kane. You skipped the handshake line. That’s some bull. He was ejected for a pointless hit and declined to come back again out of the locker room for one of many biggest traditions, and that’s a BOO in my e book.)
Having stated that, I really like doing these posts, and I promise I might have printed it even when the Oilers had gained. Luckily, I didn’t need to cross that bridge. I’m sorry Edmonton followers! Kind of, possibly!!!! In case you lastly do it subsequent 12 months, I shall be right here and you’ll dance throughout my sports activities rage!!! God, I really like the Cup. Successful it as soon as is a gauntlet. Twice in a row, after shedding within the finals the 12 months earlier than that? Props to you, Florida, that’s — to place it mildly — some insanely exhausting shit.
