The Look, The Feel, The Stanley Cup Final

June 6, 2012; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings players Trevor Lewis (22) , Slava Voynov (26) and Jonathan Quick (32) defend the net against New Jersey Devils left wing Ilya Kovalchuk (17) during the second period in game four of the 2012 Stanley Cup Finals at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

 On the eve of game five as we await what could be the last game of the season for the NHL, I thought it be appropriate to share with you one of the great things in “hockey” life.  While NBC has done a marvelous job covering the playoffs, I personally still feel that CBC does everything better than anyone else.  For those of you in Canada who get to watch their broadcasts every night, you are very lucky.  For those of us here in the US, we are jealous.

My favourite part of the CBC broadcasts however are the opening video montage’s that are shown  before every game.  A two minute viniette that truly gives you the look, the feel and the pulse of the game.  It’s not just highlights that are put to music, it the little things that the camera catches.  Ilya Kovalchuk kissing his stick during the national anthem.  Players on the bench sharing smelling salts.  The little boy in the crowd wearing his goalie mask.  Fans praying, and Melissa Milano celebrating. 

While there’s no hockey till Saturday night, spend a few minutes watching the following four videos to help you get in the mood for what could be the final night of the year.

Game one: