I was glad to see Doug Weight get a chance for redemption from his Game 6 penalty that ultimately led to a power play winning goal for Buffalo. 1 HUGE game tying goal and an assist for Weight in a clinching Game 7...the weight has been lifted.
Who else but Rod Brind'Amour would knock in the game winning goal. After most reporters had left the locker room, I had a chance to chat with Rod about that final play and his eyes just lit up...probably like they did when he saw that unattended puck resting in front of the net. "It was sitting there on a tee!!!", said Brind'Amour. Nice drive Captain, right down the fairway and on to the Stanley Cup finals.
What a scene in the Canes locker room. No champagne Lindy Ruff...just players being interviewed while their kids played hockey with tennis balls. They were hitting those yellow balls all over the room...off of the lockers, off of reporters and off of their Dads. It was a perfect picture to define pro sports...big kids playing a little kids game. 12 wins...4 to go. Can you hold your breath that long???
