A quote from my favorite Dire Straits/Mark Knopfler song, “Sultans of Swing” basically says it all.  The Devils season is now over after what seemed like a lifeless 3rd period from  New Jersey.

It was kind of an emotional time for me, because I knew that this would be the end of my hockey-covering season.

I noticed something in the Devils locker room today, that probably will stick with me for a long time.  It was Zach Parise…he was sitting in his stall with all of his equipment on, head against the wall, staring at the ceiling.

I just looked at him for a minute, wondering what was going through his head.  He knows the season’s over.  He knows his chance at the Stanley Cup is over.  But he doesn’t want  to leave.  The game ended at 10:32.  It was now 11:00, and he still had his equipment on.  It’s not like he had the media constantly asking him questions and he didn’t have time to take off his equipment.  I think we all wanted to let him be, because that was the most dejected I’ve ever seen a hockey player so far after a loss.

I understand how he feels right now.  This was my first shot at a big time event like the Stanley Cup playoffs, I know it’s not going to be my last, but I didn’t want to see it end.  It was a memorable experience, I met some great people, and (my friend Maria would love this) it made me care about the Devils and change my opinion about them and their style of play.

But alas, a season is done.  That doesn’t mean this blog is done either.  I’ll try to update intermittently, and whenever some big hockey news (Isles, Devils-related) comes around.  But don’t worry, you’ll hear from me.

Thanks to all the readers out there wherever you are.  I’m very appreciative of every one of you who took the time out of your schedules to read this.

You’ll hear more from me soon.  Have a great weekend everyone.