So we're playing the New Jersey Devils.
Sigh.
Let me explain. My entire family- yes, both sides- are from New Jersey. My parents grew up down the street from each other in Morris Plains. For years, visiting my grandparents meant going home to New Jersey. My parents may have fled the humidity of the east coast for a life in sunny California (via many, many moves around the country), but New Jersey will always be special to me. My super awesome Uncle David is rooting hard for the Devils, so I will refrain from saying anything bad about them (not that I have anything bad to say- yet). The point of this all is that my hockey heart will always be with the Kings, but my family heart has its roots in Jersey.
One thing I am thrilled about, though, is the chance to hear more Bruce Springsteen. Because if there's one thing that New Jersey loves (besides the Devils), it's The Boss. The NJ arena played Glory Days right after the Devils won- and I loved it.
I don't think it's an overstatement to say that Bruce is the greatest artist of all time. There's just something about him. I guarantee that at some point you've heard- and liked- his music.
Thunder Road
The screen door slams, Mary's dress waves
Like a vision she dances across the porch as the radio plays
The best opening of any song, of all time, ever. It's universal- so universal that it can even apply to hockey.
Don't run back inside, darling, you know just what I'm here
for
We are the Kings and we are here to win the Stanley Cup. In case you were confused.
So you're scared and you're thinking that maybe we ain't
that young anymore
Martin Brodeur, I'm looking at you. As @habrahamson said when the Devils won, "Brodeur is 40 years old as fuck."
Show a little faith, there's magic in the night
You ain't a beauty but, hey, you're alright
And that's alright with me
With a chance to make it good somehow
Hey, what else can we do now?
Except roll down the window and let the wind blow back your
hair
Drew Doughty. That HAIR. It's almost Greek God-like.
Well, the night's busting open, these two lanes will take us
anywhere
We got one last chance to make it real
To trade in these wings on some wheels
Climb in back, heaven's waiting on down the tracks
Hopefully these two lanes will take us to the Stanley Cup. The third line always reminds me of the Red Wings logo. (Sorry, O. Didn't mean to bring that up.)
Oh oh, come take my hand
We're riding out tonight to case the promised land
Technically, the Kings aren't riding out tonight- they're riding out right now. In fact, Bailey is pretty much live tweeting their plane trip to Jersey.
Hey, I know it's late, we can make it if we run
There were ghosts in the eyes of all the boys you sent away
They haunt this dusty beach road in the skeleton frames of
burned-out Chevrolets
The Sedins, Backes, Elliott, Doan, Smith. We sent them away. And before their departure, they all had the same haunted look- the look of defeat.
They scream your name at night in the street
I genuinely hope that Mike Smith wakes up every night, in a cold sweat from nightmares, screaming Penner's name in terror.
Your graduation gown lies in rags at their feet
I think it's safe to say that the Kings have graduated. No more will we exit in Round 1. We're going all the way.
It's a town full of losers, I'm pulling out of here to win...
Safe flight, boys. Full speed. Maintain your road trip prowess. You're pulling out of here to win. Don't forget that.
And now, for your viewing pleasure- the best rendition of this song that has ever been recorded. Thunder Road. Don't be confused by the end- they're saying Bruuuuuce, not booing (think "Dreeeeeeew" or "Luuuuuuuc").
You're pulling out of here to WIN IT ALL. And we're with you every step of the way.
Go Kings Go.
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