The keys to the Cup

If there really was any doubt about who would win this game, it was

certainly answered quickly. Steve Rucchin scored two goals early in

the first period, and the Ducks added a power play goal by Steve

Thomas to take a commanding 3-0 lead going into the first

intermission. The Ducks were officially running the Devils right out

of town and making the statement that there would be a Game 7.

The Ducks took advantage of a still shaky Martin Brodeur and a

Devils team that was looking a little tired. Cross-country flights

are not beneficial to athletes and the playoff format of 2 -2-1-1-1

means a lot of travel for those last three games.

The Ducks had a long lay off before this series began and they are

now reaping the reward of having that time off. For a Stanley Cup

Finals Game 7, you can rest assured that no matter the fatigue or

injury status of these athletes, we will all see heart, pride and

competitive spirit flourish and the NHL will reign in a new Stanley

Cup Champion.

Game 6 was a game in which I really thought that the star players

for the Ducks would have to play a major role if they were to win.

Big games require the big name players not only to show up but to

play a significant role in the outcome.

I looked for two players to lead the team, and they did not

disappoint. It was obvious to me that Paul Kariya and Rucchin were

those key players. Not only for the reason that they are perhaps the

two best players on the team, but because of what their leadership

means to this team’s success.

Kariya has always been a quiet, fiery competitor and lets his

actions speak louder than his words. He is able to set the tone of a

game by his presence on the ice. Kariya has accepted a role in which

he has sacrificed personal goals to be a better team player.

He is looked to by the fans and his teammates to score, no

question about that, but what he was asked to do by the coaching

staff this season was to become a more well-rounded player and make

others around him better.

Like a true leader, the captain of the Ducks fulfilled this

request from his coaches above and beyond anyone’s expectations.

Without Paul’s commitment to the franchise, his teammates and the

fans, none of what we have experienced would have been possible. A

selfish star player -- and believe me there are lots of them -- is

not willing to sacrifice the stats and the limelight for the greater

good of the team. Remember this: There is no “I” in TEAM.

Funny how lots of guys don’t realize this.

Kariya was able to demonstrate all of these characteristics

because of one frightening hit. Kariya was crushed at the Devils’

blue line by defenseman Scott Stevens. It was a clean hit by Stevens,

who has the reputation for big-time hits in the open ice.

Kariya will undoubtedly become part of the Stevens highlight hit

tape, but a funny thing happened along the way. As Kariya appeared to

come back to consciousness as he lay still on the ice, he was helped

up and off by teammates, as he could not do so under his own power.

We all worried that Kariya’s season had just ended, and maybe, so did

his teams.

Then that funny thing happened. Kariya came back to the team

bench, took a quick skate on the ice and pronounced himself ready for

action. Coach Mike Babcock sent his star over the boards, and within

minutes, Kariya flew down the left wing and blasted a patented

slapper up over the shoulder of Brodeur. Just like that, Kariya

announced he was back.

Not only had Kariya shown his mettle, Rucchin would, as well.

Rucchin has been sorely missed in the last few seasons as he has

battled various serious but fluke injuries. As Rucchin’s roommate on

the road for about six seasons, I got to know him well. I think over

those years, I spent more time with Rooch then with my own wife and

daughter.

With this, I learned what made Rooch tick, and the same for him

with me.

I know the man beyond the carefully chosen, well-spoken words he

uses in his interviews with the media. With Rucchin’s injuries and

his being a huge part of the team’s foundation, we sorely missed his

talent during my last two seasons with Anaheim, and really, outside

of our locker room, no one knew how important he was to our success.

Now being healthy and with a full year behind him, the hockey

world has come to realize that he is a special player. He has

continued to impress as the Ducks’ playoff run enters the final game

of the season, a game in which the winner will hoist Lord Stanley’s

Cup.

These two guys have demonstrated all the skill, leadership and

passion that a team needs to win at this level. Game 7 will be a

special one for all involved and a game that I remind the players

that they should cherish.

For me, no matter the outcome, these guys are champions, and

Orange County has a team that will be able to challenge for the Cup

for years to come.

In the event they do win, and I firmly believe they will, I have

reserved my seat on the fire truck for the victory parade.