Finally The NHL Has A Good Night

By: Matt Dery

I think the NHL can claim a rare victory last night. The sport was front and center on a Monday night, with no NBA stealing its thunder (no pun intended) and I thought it showed itself to be a viable viewing option. Did I watch a ton of Kings/Devils Game 6? No. But, the game was on a "real" network with NBC providing the coverage and as usual Doc Emerick shined. The play-by-play man is tremendous and really is an asset to the sport. I also understand that the Bernier penalty and ejection (hoops term... sorry) may have tarnished the overall competitiveness, but the best team in this series won. I'm sure the league and its fans would have preferred a closer game, but the Kings were just better.

I love the end of the game and the post-game tradition. The handshake line is always must see TV and gives the sport a very positive slant.

Two teams and two organizations meeting together to show their respect after waging battle. Many sports fans were turned off by Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo of the Celtics on Saturday night strolling off the court without pumping some mitts with the Heat. I read some fan's tweets after that and it was your typical bashing of NBA players and their character. You did not see any of that last night after the NHL season concluded.

I actually have to commend Gary Bettman for his performance last night. While Bud Selig year in and year out, stutters and stammers through his post-World Series speech, the NHL boss was smooth in his delivery. Bettman actually looked happy to be there and happy for the LA Kings and their fans that they had just won the Stanley Cup. He did not come off as the villain for once.

There is no better trophy in sports than the Stanley Cup. I like how the NHL treats it and presents it and again, for someone like me who could not care less about the Kings and the Devils, I was watching the presentation. I think it is cool. The league kept the fanfare to a minimum and allowed the players the space and room needed to celebrate with the Cup and then it was over. No streamers or ridiculous indoor fireworks. Not needed. A good night for the NHL in my opinion.