All Too FamiliarAs much as I want to enjoy Ottawa's misery, I can't help but be reminded of my own and as a big believer in Karma, I must take the high road.
Seeing the stunned Senators shake hands with the Cup champs then slowly glide off the ice only reminded me of the 1999 Cup Finals, 2006 ECF and the 2007 ECF. There are never any words, realizations, or silver linings that can console a hockey fan after his or her team has just been eliminated. In fact, all of the above usually tend to make it worse.
It's almost tragically comical how you immediately forget all the good things and good memories of the season when you see your team shake those hands and make the slow skate back to the bench. The only thing you think about is what could have, what would have and what should have been and there are not enough Prince of Whales Trophies or President's Trophies in the world to make any of it easier to take. True hockey fans like the ones found in cities like Buffalo and Ottawa have one thought and one thought only when the season starts and that is going to a Stanley Cup Parade in June. It's tough and it never seems fair.
I always debate whether it's easier to suffer a loss in the first round or to get all the way to the Conference or Cup Finals and lose. The truth is, it doesn't matter. I think back to all the years where the Sabres were ousted before May and they never seemed to be any easier than the equally miserable losses deep into the rounds. I guess it doesn't make any difference and the rule is essentially no Cup, no joy.
So, I do feel for Ottawa fans. Up until this year, we had made a habit of wrecking their Cup dreams in the playoffs and when they finally ended that streak this year, it seemed that it was finally their year with everyone in the Red and Gold feeling happy. It's amazing how emotions can change in two short weeks after you think you couldn't be happier and it is always a challenge to look past it. From past experience, I have learned that it may make you feel a little better to see your rivals' sadness, but it doesn't change the fact that you were once that sad. So for now, I'll give the Senators and their fans a few days to mourn, but when that is up, it will be back to hating them as usual.
Until then, just know that your rivals just south of the border know that feeling all too well.
Seeing the stunned Senators shake hands with the Cup champs then slowly glide off the ice only reminded me of the 1999 Cup Finals, 2006 ECF and the 2007 ECF. There are never any words, realizations, or silver linings that can console a hockey fan after his or her team has just been eliminated. In fact, all of the above usually tend to make it worse.
It's almost tragically comical how you immediately forget all the good things and good memories of the season when you see your team shake those hands and make the slow skate back to the bench. The only thing you think about is what could have, what would have and what should have been and there are not enough Prince of Whales Trophies or President's Trophies in the world to make any of it easier to take. True hockey fans like the ones found in cities like Buffalo and Ottawa have one thought and one thought only when the season starts and that is going to a Stanley Cup Parade in June. It's tough and it never seems fair.
I always debate whether it's easier to suffer a loss in the first round or to get all the way to the Conference or Cup Finals and lose. The truth is, it doesn't matter. I think back to all the years where the Sabres were ousted before May and they never seemed to be any easier than the equally miserable losses deep into the rounds. I guess it doesn't make any difference and the rule is essentially no Cup, no joy.
So, I do feel for Ottawa fans. Up until this year, we had made a habit of wrecking their Cup dreams in the playoffs and when they finally ended that streak this year, it seemed that it was finally their year with everyone in the Red and Gold feeling happy. It's amazing how emotions can change in two short weeks after you think you couldn't be happier and it is always a challenge to look past it. From past experience, I have learned that it may make you feel a little better to see your rivals' sadness, but it doesn't change the fact that you were once that sad. So for now, I'll give the Senators and their fans a few days to mourn, but when that is up, it will be back to hating them as usual.
Until then, just know that your rivals just south of the border know that feeling all too well.
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