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Looking For A Hangover Cure
by Mike Chen on 01/06/09 at 12:58 PM ET
Comments (3)
With the Pittsburgh Penguins sliding out of a playoff spot after their recent shutout loss to the New York Rangers, it’s time to start talking Stanley Cup hangover. No, it’s not just teams that win the actual Cup that seem to have a hangover. Take a look at what’s happened to the finalists since the 2000-01 season—it ain’t pretty:
2001: Colorado beats New Jersey
Colorado: Lost in Conference Final
New Jersey: Lost in 1st round
2002: Detroit beats Carolina
Detroit: Lost in 1st round
Carolina: Did not qualify
2003: New Jersey beats Anaheim
New Jersey: Lost in 1st round
Anaheim: Did not qualify
2004: Tampa Bay beats Calgary
Tampa Bay: Lost in 1st round
Calgary: Lost in 1st round
2006: Carolina beats Edmonton
Carolina: Did not qualify
Edmonton: Did not qualify
2007: Anaheim beats Ottawa
Anaheim: Lost in 1st round
Ottawa: Lost in 1st round
Between both the winner and the Cup finalist, only one team out of 12 made it past the first round. Carolina holds the distinction of being the only Cup winner not to at least make the playoffs (2007), but all the rest besides the Avalanche (2002) got bounced in the first round. As for the runner-up? Half didn’t qualify for the playoffs, half got knocked out of the first round.
Perhaps it’s the physical and mental exhaustion involved with playing into June. Maybe it takes more time for bodies to heal, or maybe the pressure of heightened expectations ruin team chemistry. Whatever the case, the fact that the Penguins are struggling isn’t that surprising when looking at these trends. Stanley Cup hangover? Maybe teams need to take a Chaser before the playoffs start this season (and don’t forget, Chaser For Wine too).
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Filed in: NHL | Mike Chen's Hockey Blog | Permalink
Tags: Playoffs,
Comments
That makes winning the Stanley Cup all the more special. It is indeed THE hardest trophy to win in sports.
Posted by SYF from a "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" on 01/06/09 at 02:27 PM ET
Well Mike, the Pens found the best hangover cure there is, playing the Atlanta trashers.
Posted by Kevin from Pittsburgh on 01/06/09 at 09:10 PM ET
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Colorado, Anaheim, New Jersey, Carolina, ... the good teams make it back eventually if not the next season. The Pens will be back in the Playoffs soon.
Posted by Billkamm from Pittsburgh, PA on 01/06/09 at 02:07 PM ET