As one of Amherst’s few hockey fans, I must express my regret that this finest of sports is brushed under the astroturf as it were to such an extent.

A successful hockey team balances talent, speed, power, and range of ability like no other sport. Unlike basketball, where a talented player or two can carry a team, hockey is a true team sport, with each player necessarily contributing equally. For that reason, fundamentals are key. Sloppy play is not rewarded by million-dollar endorsement deals. Baseball and football are (dreadfully slow and) games of situations. Each move is deliberated and chosen to fit the situation of the moment. Hockey is much more transient. There are situations just the same, but the players must be able to adapt to the situation without the plays being called from the sideline or the dugout. Soccer is like hockey, but much more dull.

Why No One Likes Hockey

I believe the learning curve for hockey is much greater than for other sports. Even if you’re not sure of all the rules or the subtleties of the game, most other sports have some continual or frequent viewer appeal. Baseball has hits and steals, basketball has baskets and fouls, football has tackles and touchdowns. And it’s even more pleasing when these are done with well. Hockey, it seems, has a bunch of guys slapping at a rubber puck with sticks, mostly missing it. Let me try to explain. Most of the “plays” that happen in hockey are done by multiple players, and what happens away from the puck is just as important (if not more important) than what happens to it. (This is also why watching hockey on TV is no substitute for seeing it live–it is usually impossible to watch a play develop because the camera is focused on the puck. Because of this, a goal almost always seems like a surprise.) Even when it is possible to watch a play develop, it usually happens quickly, and it takes experience in the viewer to identify it. Hence the learning curve.

The Playoffs

The NHL playoffs is currently in the second round. There are 8 teams left, 4 from the West and 4 from the East. Teams are eliminated by best-of-seven series. The playoffs have truly been exciting thus far. Fortunately, the playoff games are (almost) all broadcast on cable, so us few fans of the sport can enjoy it.

A Final Thought:

On Saturday, The New York Times, a periodical representing a city whose team is currently in the playoffs, did not cover the sport at all. At least the scores were reported–listed, along with the previous day’s other sporting events such as fishing and high school volleyball–but the editors could not even have been bothered to put in the scores from the previous day! One game from the previous day, by the way, was played (and nearly won) by the New York Rangers.

If You’re Interested:

At the beginning of the second round, I made predictions as to what the outcomes of the 4 semifinal series would be. These predictions are in the form of a response to my brother’s predictions, which you can see here.

My predictions:

Detroit Red Wings/Colorado Avalanche: I disagree about Detriot/Colorado. Going into the playoffs, I gave Nashville more credit than you did, and I don’t think Detroit losing two games is evidence of them slipping. Watch the Red Wings step it up, even against an historically surprising team. Prediction: Detroit 4-2.

San Jose Sharks/Dallas Stars: San Jose will womp Dallas. They have been riding Roenick but the rest of their front line will come alive. Prediction: San Jose 4-2.

Montreal Canadiens/Philadelphia Flyers: I was very surprised about the Flyers/Caps. The Caps were completely dominating in the third period and OT before they took an unfortunate penalty. If it were not for that, they would have sealed it in another few minutes. Prediction: Montreal 4-1.

Pittsburgh Penguins/New York Rangers: I agree, this one is difficult to call. After Pittsburgh waltzed through Ottawa, they will face their first real challenge of the playoffs only to see New York playing cleaner and better. Prediction: New York 4-3.

New York’s luck will end there. In the conference finals, they will face the superior Canadiens and lose in 5 or 6 games. San Jose/Detroit in the conference finals is too close to call. (Although I would like San Jose to win it all as well, I do not share your optimism. In the finals, Montreal would put up a good fight against either San Jose or Detroit.)

Finally:

If you wish to be enlightened about some of the cultural differences between Canada (whose interest in hockey has always been strong) and China (whose interest in hockey is waxing), viewed from the cultural context of the United States, read this amusing post.