And then there were two.
The long hockey season has reached its climax with the Stanley Cup final featuring the Western champions Los Angeles Kings and the Eastern champions New Jersey Devils.
The Kings have been the road warriors to reach the final for the first time since the Gretzky-era in 1993.
Kenora's Mike Richards and company have won eight straight away from home, and only have two losses in the post-season.
Strong goaltending by Jonathan Quick, and an overall commitment to team play have been the hallmarks of the post-season success.
The New Jersey Devils have proved the doubters wrong, getting to the final dance. And, I am predicting that if the Devils win it all, it could be the last time we see Martin Brodeur.
It would be a fitting retirement for the future Hall of Fame goaltender to go out on top just as Ken Dryden did in 1979, and Jean Beliveau in 1971.
The Devils could win it all. Ilya Kovalchuk has been playing his best hockey since getting out of Atlanta, and Zach Parise provides the leadership.
But, I’m looking for the Kings to spoil Martin's party and to win their first ever title.
That also means that Thunder Bay's Jamie Kompon, who is an assistant coach in Los Angeles, would join the list of locals to be part of a Stanley Cup championship.
