It was the first time I’ve watched the game in it’s entirety since that wonderful evening on June 6, 2007; only this time I was certain my heart wasn’t going to pound through my chest.

There is something about watching a hockey game that you’ve seen before, it’s strikingly familiar, even if you haven’t watched it in over three years. 

I remembered each of the goals as if it was yesterday.  Not just as they were happening, but as they were developing.  

I had goose bumps all over again.   

On this occasion, I noticed the things that I was still too naïve to understand at the time.  The overwhelming impact of Samuel Pahlsson, Travis Moen, and Rob Niedermayer.  The squirmy effectiveness of Andy McDonald.  How much Corey Perry‘s skating has improved over the past few years (no, really, it has).  Just how lucky the Ducks were to have Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger patrolling the blueline (it didn’t take long to learn that lesson, believe me).  And how long Teemu Selanne has been in the process of retiring. 

I miss that team.  Their effectiveness as a whole.  The work ethic and the domination that they possessed. 

I miss the WINNING!

And of course, the elite prize of the Stanley Cup.

It was a wonderful reminder of a fabulous time for the Anaheim Ducks and their fans.

Let’s hope we’re only 51 days away from those winning ways once again.

More Melted Ice