October 17, 2003
Banner Night - 10/16/03 - Toronto Maple Leafs
Well, we raised another banner last night - that makes 3 in case anyone has lost track. <g> It may be old hat to some, but for this long time fan, it was just as emotional as the first.
The ceremony was very nice, video clips on the Jumbotron, laser lights on the ice and Mike Emrick on the microphone. The players came out along the ice in front of the bench, while Doc reminisced with us about the 2003 playoffs. Kenny D got a standing ovation when his name was mentioned. Then the Stanley Cup was introduced and brought out to center ice through a blast of fog (could have done nicely without the fog.) No matter how many times I've seen it - and I've seen it up close - it never fails to thrill.
The Atlantic Division banner and the Eastern Conference Championship banners, which were already in place, were highlighted, then Mike asked the members of all 3 Cup teams - Stevens, Niedermayer, Brylin and Brodeur (not sure why Kenny D wasn't there) to help raise the Banner. The moment we were all waiting for had arrived. It was simply magnificent.
Couple of notes ...
They unfurled these plain white banners at the start of the ceremony. I didn't quite get that. All it did was block the view of the Jumbotron for some fans.
Joe Nieuwendyk was invited to take part, but I didn't see him, so I guess he declined. I don't suppose that taking part would have endeared him to his new Leafs teammates.
Overheard in the beer line ... "We're leaving right after the ceremony to go home and watch the Yankee game."
The Game
Nothing spectaular. The boys got off to a strong start and scored early, but they are back to their second period slumps again. They let Toronto get 2 goals to take the lead. For most of the 3rd period they didn't play strong either, though I thought it was a better effort than in the 2nd. Ed Belfour played well and kept the Leafs in it until 19.58 of the third when there was a scramble in front of his net and Brylin put it home to tie it for the Devs.
The OT was exciting with lots of action in the Leafs end, but Belfour held us off and the game ended in a tie.
At least the Ranjerks are still winless <g> - I'm lovin' it!
Pictures with the Cup - 10/13/03
The Devils management arranged for all Devils season ticket holders to have their pictures taken with the Cup. My husband and I were scheduled for Monday, which worked out well because he was off because of the holiday. We went around 9:30 and there were only a few other people there at that time.
We were allowed 2 pictures - one for each seat, so we took one with us standing alongside, and this one with us kissing the Cup - couldn't resist!