Stanley Cup Playoffs, Night 42

It all ended tonight! The Anaheim Ducks carried the Stanley Cup before a thrilled home crowd — just like my Bolts did three years ago. I had to sleep through it, sadly, what with having to work at 4 AM and such. But it was on NBC and I hear it was unbelievable.

Ducks 6, Senators 2
Ducks win series 4-1
All right so the Anaheim Ducks didn't just win Game 5 to clinch the Stanley Cup, they almost completely slaughtered and totally embarrassed the Ottawa Senators to do so. The Sens didn't help their case either, by making bad plays, taking stupid penalties and all around playing not like their season depended on it. The worst thing was Chris Phillips pulling a Steve Smith in the second period by deflecting the puck off his own goalie and into the net — not that it was entirely his fault. Way to be on your game there, Ray Emery.

So here's your recap. Andy McDonald got things off to a swell start for Anaheim notching a power play goal less than four minutes in. Rob Niedermayer made it 2-0 by the end of the first period. His brother would later be named the playoff MVP and carry home the Conn Smythe. Daniel Alfredsson scored twice in the second hoping to heal the wounds. Unfortunately for him and the Sens, that was the period of Phillips' mishandled puck. Plus Francois Beauchemin scored to give the Ducks back the two-goal lead going into period three. Jean-Sebastian Giguere kept the puck out of the net for the final 20 minutes of the NHL season while Travis Moen and Corey Perry scored the 5th and 6th Duck goals.

I think it's also worth noting that while the Ducks did score six times, it wasn't like Emery had to face a barrage of shots all night. He saw 18 — and stopped only 12. Not very impressive. I also think it's interesting that Teemu Selanne won his first Cup after 14 seasons while making no mark on the scoresheet and finishing the night a minus-1 — not even a shot on goal for the guy.



Photos: ESPN.com