The 2010 hockey season began all the way back in, well, 2009.  On October 1st, the Capitals defeated the Bruins in Boston to kick off the season.  Just over 8 months later, the Blackhawks took down the Flyers in Philly to send the season out in style.

First, let's get to how it all ended. In overtime, Patrick Kane (who became a recognized player to the casual fan after his Olympic performance for team USA) fired a shot that somehow snuck through Flyer goaltender Michael Leighton and into the net.  It had all the makings of a storybook, legendary goal.  The problem was that Kane was literally the only man on Earth that knew his shot had gone in.  The fans  in the arena had no idea where the puck was.  People watching the game on television couldn't see anything (and neither could the announcers, which meant a potentially-legendary goal call was turned into an awkward/confused verbal diarrhea in the broadcast booth.)  Hell, even the referees had no clue. 

So with the ref checking the goal for a puck, the fans sitting in horrified silence, and the announcers hopelessly stuttering, there was Patrick Kane skating across the ice in jubilation.  His teammates didn't know whether to rejoice with him or wait for an official call.  I'd hate to say the moment was ruined, but it kinda was.  I'd compare it to a World Series game where the teams scratch and claw for the whole game and with everything on the line in the bottom of the ninth, the home team wins on a freaky balk or something.  Kane scored the goal and the Blackhawks earned the title, it was just a bit of a shame that the moment didn't shine as bright as it should have...

So we're all done with hockey for a few months.  Expect the Rangers to do their normal tweaking around during the offseason, trying to make improvements on their borderline-playoff-level squad.  The Islanders?  There's still plenty of room for improvement for their incredibly young team.  Another top-5 pick in the draft should add another promising piece to the puzzle.  With Tavares, Okposo, Bailey, and other talented youngsters getting better, it certainly seems the dawn has come after a dark, dark couple of years.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Well we wouldn't be a reputable sports blog without saying at least something about the 2010 World Cup.  Many call it the biggest sporting event in the world, and it only comes as often as leap years.  Everybody gets excited for leap years, right? 

I found out that the lemon-lime fellow you see above is named Zakumi.  He's the official mascot of the World Cup.  That concludes the NY Sport Blog World Cup preview.

I will now go bet my whole savings account on USA to beat England on Saturday.  Apparently the Americans are Washington Generals-type underdogs, so it should pay out huge.  Thanks a lot for reading.  And to all the soccer fans, enjoy your most wonderful time of the year.