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Hockey Celebration Parade in the Swamp
By Lee Leonard June 11, 2003 |
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Last Monday night in East Rutherford, N.J. was a night that New Jersey Devils fans will never forget. It was the first time since 1965 and for only the third time ever in which the home team chalked up all victories. Going into game seven the series knotted up 3-3, some felt the pressure was on the Devils. They had to beat a Mighty Ducks team that gained momentum coming in from their victory in Game 6. Or the pressure could have been applied to the Mighty Ducks due to the fact that the series moved from Anaheim back to the Meadowlands. Either way going into Game 7 of the finals added up to one thing, a battle for the cup. That question was answered last Monday night as the Devils Jeff Friesen once again scored two goals and tallied five for the series. All goals came at Continental Airlines Arena. "It's just shock. You can't believe it," Friesen said. "I've dreamt about it since I was 5 years old and playing with little sticks as a kid. It's just awesome." Mike Rupp who sat for most of the finals until Game 4 scored the first goal. Friesen, the subject study of many an interview on SportsTalk when he played in San Jose was suggested as the series MVP but that honor went to Anaheim goaltender Jean Sebastien Giguere. The Anaheim goaltender managed five shutouts through the Stanley Cup Playoffs as he faced 697 shots, and saved 657 for a .945 save percentage. For Giguere, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy, it was bittersweet because he wanted the big enchilada. "It’s tough to lose like that. It was tough to see them (Devils) cheer,” said a disappointed Giguere. “Like I said this not the one you want. You want the big silver one." When receiving the Conn Smythe, Giguere did not smile and was overcome with emotion from the loss. The Devils victory kept the Ducks from becoming the lowest seeded team in post season history from becoming the Stanley Cup champs. Rupp's goal turned out to be the game winner as he scored the game's first goal and the Ducks never answered. “I never would have thought this possible,” Rupp said, “I had a funny feeling. By no means did I think I would get a goal. But I had a good feeling. I was possibly as calm as I’ve been in any NHL game.” With the Devils 3-0 victory it was incredible that the Devils were able to accomplish two Stanley Cup championships in the last four years. The Devils are establishing themselves as one of the premier NHL franchises posting three Stanley Cup Championships in nine years. They won the Cup in 1995, 2000 and 2003 but lost to the Colorado Avalanche in the 2001 finals. Not to fear NHL fans, the puck drops again first week in September and even though it’s only exhibition it'll be a great start to a new season. SportsRadioService.com will once again cover the San Jose Sharks for their 13th season in the NHL. We will have exclusive coverage with interviews, analysis, and game recaps plus news and notes around the league. But the No. 1 team in the NHL for 2002-2003 is the New Jersey Devils who are the winners of Lord Stanley’s Cup. 2003 Stanley Cup Finals: Mighty Ducks of Anaheim vs. New Jersey Devils New Jersey wins 4-3 in the best of seven series Game 1: May 27- New Jersey 3, Anaheim 0 Game 2: May 29- New Jersey 3, Anaheim 0 Game 3: May 31- Anaheim 3, New Jersey 2 (O.T.) Game 4: June 2- Anaheim 1, New Jersey 0 (O.T.) Game 5: June 5- New Jersey 6, Anaheim 3 Game 6: June 7- Anaheim 5, New Jersey 2 Game 7: June 9- New Jersey 3, Anaheim 0 |
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