Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in Raleigh NC

Well with my recent work trip taking me to Greensboro NC I could not help but make a couple of changes and luck up with a ticket to Game 5 of the 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I sat in section 316 on row G seat 2. Not bad seats but the ticket was far from cheap for the finals. The city was full of excitment and everyone kept telling me that I was going to see the cup skated that evening. I could not believe the fans and excitment there at the RBC center. It was an incredible experience. I had to go alone and all the time wanted Kristi to be there with me. Once I got inside and through the metal detectors it got even more crazy. I guess that is why the NHL says "Cup Crazy"....makes sense now. The game was wonderful and everyone there had a blast. The score was tied at the end of three which meant sudden death in OT. Well the Canes went on the powerplay and I really felt this was when they would win the cup. During the powerplay the Oilers got the puck, skated in shorthaned and scored. The crowd went from loud and crazy to a quiet silent arena. People sitting with their heads in their hands. It was very sad to miss the cup being skated but worth the excitment for a Game 5 with the cup in the building. Two games later the game came back to NC and sure enough the Canes won it. I was happy to see them pull it off for the Win. Now its time to get back to Predator hockey. I hope that the Preds will have a great season and bring some more playoff excitment to the city of Nashville. Kristi and I were talking last night about when Andrew's first game would be. We are hoping to introduce him to his own seat in the arena around 4 or 5 weeks old. Here is a photo of the crowd at Game 5.