For me, this loss hurts more than 04--because my expectations were higher. In 04, I really felt that the team gave it everything they had, and it just wasn't quite enough. That's a lot better than a team that suddenly discovers that they can't put together 60 minutes of good hockey right when the playoffs start.
In the end, though--it really IS just a game. None of us are affected by this loss personally or professionally.
Maybe now I can get some work done on my dissertation....
