As a die-hard myself, I have engaged in countless discussions with people about this very subject. I am what some would call a sports fanatic. I love football, basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, swimming, gymnastics... you name it, I'll watch it. In fact, I'll most likely have a favorite team or player in that sport as well. Because I am such a sports lover, I have been to and witnessed almost all sports' postseasons. However, I had never personally experienced what some people vehemently argue as the best postseason in all of sports... the NHL hockey playoffs.
Now, I am not an avid hockey fan. I'll watch a game, mostly because Andy is obsessed, and I'll cheer for the Capitals as they are my home team. But I have always argued strongly that hockey isn't a passion of mine. I have had several people inform me that I am missing out. According to many, including one not so subtle boyfriend, hockey has the most exciting and intense postseason in all of sports. Now, I have always felt very strongly that college basketball heralded the best postseason. March Madness is an incredible month-long playoff where hearts are broken and dreams come true. But I can also make arguments for the immense amount of pride rooted in college bowl games and the nerves that surround the NFL playoffs in January. But hockey? I never even considered it...
Unit Wednesday night. Andy and I went to the Capitals first playoff game of the 2009 season at Verizon Center in Washington D.C. where the Caps took on the New York Rangers. Now I have been to several Caps games before, but this was a different experience entirely. Every single person in the arena was wearing red. Full grown men began growing their "playoff beards", refusing to shave until their team was eliminated from competition. Girls and boys alike had shaved Mohawks in their hair to imitate their favorite players, such as Mike Green. The energy was so intense you could feel it in the air. The noise was at a whole new level. I was impressed to say the least. The game itself was so much fun, cheering and yelling with an enormous crowd. Washingtonians sure do take their hockey seriously.
Rob and I, Andy's friend who gave us the free playoff tickets
Andy and I cheering for the Capitals
With my boys. Annandale Highschool Alumns
While I had a great time at the hockey game, I still believe that March Madness in college basketball takes the cake for the best postseason award. I don't think I'll ever find anything in sports to be as intense as win and go on, or lose and go home. And the incredible upsets, intense pressure, and school spirit that accompanies March Madness just can't be beat. But then again, that's just my opinion. You may choose to disagree :)
No comments:
Post a Comment