Original Six - Game Seven

We've nearly arrived at Conference Finals of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In the East, the Bruins will take on the Penguins starting this Saturday. In the West, the defending Stanley Cup champion LA Kings outlasted the San Jose Sharks in a seven game thriller which ended in a 2-1 win by the Kings. There is only one question that remains. Who will they play?

The Detroit Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks have given us one of the best series of the playoffs thus far. Aside from the obvious fact that it's going to take seven games to wrap this one up, this series has been full of unexpected road wins, come from behind victories, and plenty of action. I believe that both Chicago and Detroit have the ability to win it all this year. They just so happened to meet in the Conference Semifinals, and that means that only one can advance beyond tonight. Both teams are part of the NHL's 'original six' franchises and have plenty of history to go along with their talent. So who's going to win it all tonight? Let's break it down.

With their backs against the wall, in hostel territory, the Blackhawks scored three goals in the 3rd period, coming from behind to force a game seven. Despite surviving two elimination games against a very good Detroit team, and despite being the favorites heading into the series, I don't think they have what it takes to close it out tonight. Detroit is too good, and they've come too far to throw it away now. This will be the second consecutive game seven for the Red Wings, and despite the game being held in Chi-town, I think the Wings will win this one. Now, bold predictions usually mean one of two things. Either, I'll be seen as a genius, or a complete idiot. Well, that's a chance I'm willing to take. Tune in at 8pm ET for what is sure to be an unforgettable game. Playoff hockey baby!

Connecticut Day at Fenway Park

My girlfriend is from Newtown, CT. Her father is part of the task force assigned to figuring out the future of Sandy Hook Elementary and what to do with the land/building. The Boston Red Sox, who are no stranger to tragedy, extended a invitation to the friends and families of the victims of Newtown, and I was lucky enough to be a part of the wonderful experience.

In addition to giving us a game winning comeback in the bottom of the 8th, followed by a successful save by Andrew Bailey, the Red Sox bused us all out to the park, gave us free tickets, hats, and food vouchers, and allowed us access to the championship club where we could keep our stuff safe and take a break from the relentless rain. But most importantly, they made dreams come true and raised some dampened spirits by inviting all of their guests onto the field after the game. Then, as if this wasn't enough, the majority of the roster, including Dustin Pedroia, David Ortiz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz, and more, joined everybody on the field and shook hands, signed autographs, and took pictures for nearly an hour.

Some of the more emotional moments involved a set of parents taking pictures with players, while holding a portrait of their fallen daughter, the pinning of a green ribbon to Big Papi's jacket, which insipired a round of applause from onlookers, and the handing out of Newtown Police Department badges to all of the players. The event was extremely well run and was a great experience, overall. I know I speak for everyone who involved when I say thank you, Boston. You never fail to renew my love for your city. #BostonStrong