While many are bemoaning the state of political affairs in our country, life continues. There is divisiveness enough to go around and so it is with glee that I look forward to the start of the NHL hockey season tomorrow. Making it even better is seeing my Chicago Blackhawks in the premier opening day game against the Stanley Cup winners, the Tampa Bay Lightning. Expectations are dismally low as my Blackhawks are a team in disarray and undergoing a “rebuild”. Still, the game and the values it promotes are before us and we can only hope that it brings a certain level of calm to us fans and casual observers.
Gary Bettman, league Commissioner and his staff are to be commended for putting together a season in the face of daunting issues. It remains to be seen how well it will be executed but the format appears to satisfy most ardent hockey fans and certainly appeals to the casual fans. The 4 divisions are not equal but then, few things in life are. Travel restrictions and COVID-19 protocols dictated many items but as of now, we will have a truncated but competitive regular season and a Stanley Cup playoff ending with a worthy champion.
With 2 and 3 back-to-back game series, rivalries will be heightened. Will we find ourselves reverting back to the rough and tumble days of Bob Probert? Not likely. But knowing you’re right back on the ice against the guy who took out your star player will elicit some kind of response. Familiarity should also highlight the skills to make adjustments in the style of play. Coaches will be looking at film wondering how to counter what they saw in yesterday’s game. Goalies probably won’t mimic Glenn Hall and play every game of the season but look for some to play back-to-back games. Something we have seldom seen in many years.
Look for players to do the “aw shucks” interviews and give all praise to their teammates again. They have been brought up in an environment where, despite their considerable talents, they understand they didn’t do it on their own. From host families when they were in their teens, to college and junior league coaches who nurtured them, hockey players learn humility and the value of teamwork. Our leaders would do very well to emulate them.
Drop the puck! It couldn’t have come at a better time. Amen!
Current Day Publius 