Try as I might, there won't be any topping Brent Burns' analysis of Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, so let's begin here by just bowing out of the big man's way:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqcPrMbTU_w
Yep. That's it. Gap-toothed and grizzly-bearded, but elegantly on point.
The Penguins owned the first period, Burns' Sharks owned the second, and all the rest was a stage for someone to step up and do something special.
Which, of course, Nick Bonino did, with 2:33 left in regulation:
Which, of course, pushed the Penguins past the Sharks, 3-2.
Which, of course, propelled them to a potentially pivotal launch in the series.
Which, of course, will prompt endless additional analysis from commentators across the continent, from professional pundits to Downtown office workers gathered at the water cooler. Everyone will offer expertise on everything from faceoff to final horn.
Well, count me out. I'm with Burns.
This came down to two terrific teams engaged in the equivalent of a tennis match, with momentum volleyed back and forth, back and forth, to such an extent that it's almost inconceivable that this series won't go the full seven games.
And yeah, it came down to one excellent all-around play.
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TAYLOR HAASE / DKPS____________________