Flyers Can't Take Punishment, Kane Beats Philly for Cup Win

The world of taxi driving can rest easy this summer: Patrick Kane has won the Chicago Blackhawks the Stanley Cup.

Kane pocketed a goal past goaltender Michael Leighton like loose change in the early stages of overtime to clinch the Cup victory for the Hawks, allowing the cabbie world a nationwide sigh of relief: what the hell could possibly get him so riled up to punch an unawares chauffeur now?

On a much brighter note, Jonathan Toews was awarded the Conn Smythe trophy, an accomplishment that even the high and mighty Sidney Crosby has not attained, giving the young Chicago captain more achievements in his just-beginning career than the Pittsburgh poster-boy. If there is any consolation for a Blackhawks Cup win for me, this is it right here.

Further, it should be noted that the Hossa curse has been lifted. Marion Hossa finally whored himself to the right team at the right time and proved that selling yourself all over the place can eventually bring you success. Look for there to be an increase in NTC's league-wide dissolving and a 100% jump in players looking to join some other team where they can be admired more. Fellow Blackhawk AND Detroit defector, Tomas Kopecky, will also have his name added to the Cup this year.

So now that this year of hockey has finally come to a close, Wings fans can stop worrying about irrelevant games that really have no effect on us, and get pumped to make a brand new run for the Cup next season.

Enjoy the Cup, Chicago. Only 20% of your team'll be back for next year, so have fun with that.

The Brett Lebda Departure Watch

It's only a matter of time now. After numerous seasons of what I felt were mediocre play, it looks like Detroit defenseman Brett Lebda has seen his last run with Hockeytown, and the suitors have already started lining up.

Reports already confirm that Lebs has turned down an offer handed him by Dynamo Minsk of the KHL, sources claim that talks broke down with the club after "the American" asked for too much money. We'll have to wait and see if any other Eurpoean teams have a deeper pocket and a thicker skull and offer Brett something more to his liking.

Or perhaps it'll be a team back here, in the NHL, who comes knocking for Lebda's...services. There always seems to be someone looking to add a piece of the Red Wings to themselves in hopes to better their own team. Heck, by next season maybe we'll see Lebs in Chicago, since that seems to be the place all reject Red Wings go nowadays. Or maybe he'll hook up for some binge parties in Philly with Ville.

Wherever he may go, he will be Lebda, and he will shine. Not brightly, only at about 55-60% efficiency, enough to make you wonder if it's time to change the bulb or not. Then before you know it, he's been there for 5 years. Ah well, time for some other club to walk around in the dim light that is Brett Lebda, Detroit's D-Corp will be looking much brighter next season.