[cheevers]

An incredible two months for me, was 19, working at HMV and bought my first set of season tickets that year. Went to every game with my best friend. Had no real bills or responsibilities outside a mall job, so got to go to every game, getting there hours early every time. It was really just the perfect timing for me when they went on that run. Even if they did the same thing now, just being older and having a family and responsibilities, it would not be the same. For all you young ins, if they go on a run again, enjoy every second. Never know when it can happen again.

The Flames not winning the cup that year is forever proof that there is no hockey gods, or god for that matter. That team gave everything and then the trash Tampa Bay Lightning win. Tampa had the easiest possible cup run:
-played in an all-time bad division. The second-best team in their division was the 10th worst team in the league. They were able to rest at the end of the year.
-not one significant injury to deal with. Meanwhile the Flames lost Reinprecht for half the year and all the playoffs. You could make an argument he was the best Flames centre. Didn't have McAmmond all playoffs, so that is two top 6 guys. Lombardi was nearly decapitated by Hatcher, so missed him after round 2. Only 6 playoff games for Lydman, and Regher playing with a broken foot.
-They got to play the Islanders and Canadiens who were both trash and put up next to no fight. Philly takes them to 7, and I still think if the Flyers had won, the Flames sweep them.
-Then the absolute terrible referring. I don't even consider the goal as one (I always thought even if they reviewed it, it would have never been given, especially to win the cup. It was too close). But the fact they allowed a goal to stand in Game 7 against the Canucks when the sweater thrown on the ice and interferred with the play. Those refs should have been investigated for betting. throw in the game 4 of the finals with the two penalties, and of course the blantant trip for the game 6 winner.

Everything was against the Flames and they still came so close. I am glad we had the Kipper jersey retirement to bring back most of the guys, but we really should have a night to honour that team as a whole. Just absolute warriors and heroes.

Forgot to add, one of my favorite memories that year was, I think we clinched the playoffs at home against the Coyotes on an afternoon game. Went to the car park to get autographs from the players. Had my Yelle jersey on, and get him to sign it. He takes the jersey, has a look at it and says "Is this a Yelle jersey?" "Yup" "Don't see many of those". What a guy.