Oh, how the bar has been lower here in Big D! With so many Dallas big league teams exiting in their opening round or in the event of the Texas Rangers, redefining the word "futility," the Stars just gave the biggest athletic boost to this town since, well, they won the Stanley Cup in 1999.
The Cowboys have been dreck until the last two years. Even then they have lost in their only playoff game each of those years. And it slammed the city's expectations hard its head.
The Mavericks have built success steadily since Mark Cuban's arrival as owner. They capped with a Finals berth two years ago. They crapped out after putting Dallas on the phantom Cloud Nine by winning the series' first 2.75 games. And of course they followed up 67 wins with a first-round exit. Now, they eek into the playoffs and look poised to flounder once more.
FC Dallas has been a fairly decent team the last few seasons, but have not challenged in the playoffs. In any event, their lackluster following does not allow for much excitement should they make a deep run.
There's little that can properly describe the ecstasy of the Cup in 1999. The parade, Derian Hatcher's infamous pool-party foul leaving a dent in the Cup, Nieuwendyk's Conn Smythe win, the brilliance of Ed Belfour, validation of Mike Modano, the toughest defensemen since players began wearing helmets, etc. The Stars made a good run in 2000, but were clearly the inferior team to the New Jersey Devils (and especially Marty Brodeur). Players left. Hitchcock left. Hell, even hockey left completely during the lockout. And success left the Stars. Three consecutive first round exits.
This year's Stars puttered down the stretch and put themselves in a match-up with the reigning Cup champs, the Anaheim Ducks. The Stars were supposed to lose. But they took the first two games on the road and old faithful came back. I heard the radio call on WBAP 820 Sunday night in the third period. The mighty Stars rocked out with four goals in the period to run away with the 4-1, Game 6, series-clinching win. Every American Airlines Center patron sounded as if he was outside his body. Pure joy.
And here's the beautiful part. We know that this is as good as it gets and we're OK with that. Dallas most likely spilled his heart on the ice in the first round. They broke through the other side once more. To the winner's side. The side Dallas has not seen in quite a while. And the side the Stars have not seen in even longer. If the Stars face San Jose, they should be smoked. If they face Colorado, it could be a tight series. But the way the team and the fans hung every nerve on beating the Ducks, I do not see a second round win. But I'm cool with that. I feel joyous just to see a Dallas team play above itself for the first time since 1999.
You can’t let life happen to you; nor can you plan your own life. Just listen and observe to what the world puts in front of you, and respond accordingly.
1 comment:
Last time the Stars won the cup was also the last time the Team in Arlington went to the playoffs. Neither will happen this year.
Stars do have talent. I was very impressed by their decision to both go after and acquire Richards before the trade deadline. He has made a positive impact on offense and made everyone around him better. Ribiero has benefited most from Richards' presence.
Every NHL playoffs, there's one team that rides a hot goalie to the Stanley Cup Finals. Ottawa did it last year with that asshat Emery. Turco could be that guy this year, but Turco's different from guys like Emery or Kuyprisoff.
He's a guy who's a proven goalie who just hasn't come through in the playoffs. This year he has the talent around him, but I just don't think he's good enough to lead the Stars to the Finals.
They could easily beat the Avs in the next round if Calgary wins tonight, but if it's the Sharks, San Jose should win that series in six. I think it would be very similar to last year's Vancouver series. Turco and Nabokov dueling each game, but the Sharks getting breaks here and there that lead to winning four games out of seven.
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