dailyadvance
What a week it was.
The last seven or so days have been anything but boring for this sports fan and Im eager to expound on it here.
Ill start locally and congratulate the Carolina Hurricanes and their fans on winning the Stanley Cup.
I wasnt nearly as emotionally invested 20 years ago when they won it last so in many ways, this felt like my first cup win as a fan.
I spent the clinching game at home where I could feel stressed from the comfort of my own couch.
I know why they call it a clinching game because I was clinched from the time the puck dropped until the third period when the Canes scored that empty net goal with seconds remaining in the game and season.
I smiled seeing Jordan Staal being presented the Stanley Cup and cheered when it was eventually handed to Rod BrindAmour who immediately hugged it.
From captain to coach, the Rod BrindAmour story is one that makes him a franchise legend.
I dont think Coach BrindAmour gets nearly enough credit for making a goalie change in the finals.
Freddie Anderson had been incredible until he wasnt and with understandable reason.
The same could be said for Las Vegass goalie, though for much less valid reason.
The difference between those two circumstances? BrindAmour made a change in net and played Brandon Bussi.
The Golden Knights coach stayed with his goalie, the man fans in Raleigh chanted no means no because he had been charged with sexual assault.
If you watched the series, you know that the Carolina Hurricanes coach made the right call and that Vegas coach did not.
Im not saying it decided the series, but it undoubtedly impacted it.
Whether you were already a fan or you jumped on the Carolina Hurricanes bandwagon a few months ago when I suggested it, I hope yall enjoyed the hockey postseason as much as I did.
Remember those good times when I bring up hockey in September during football season.
You may be aware that the New York Knicks won the championship this past week too.
I both predicted them making it to the NBA Finals, while publicly stating that nobody outside of New York (and New York fans) felt like they had a chance to actually win it.
I have to give credit where its due and recognize that the New York Knicks proved everybody wrong, myself included.
You dont have to like the city or the organization to appreciate how cool it must be to live in a place where 20 million people all cheer for the same team.
That parade in New York is going to be crazy.
The U.S.
mens national team won their first match against Paraguay in the World Cup, 4-1, and face Australia this Friday at 3 p.m.
The World Cup and Team USA would have my undivided attention this week if not for the college baseball World Series in Omaha.
My beloved North Carolina Tar Heels have advanced, and while I wont pretend to be a baseball fan, I rarely miss an opportunity to cheer on my favorite school.
Ive enjoyed watching them play and have even found myself watching some of the other matchups.
Is it just me or do the rest of yall hear Peyton Mannings voice when you read Omaha? So its just me...
okay..