Game 7 snapshot: Ruslan Fedotenko, players (and coaches) who've been here before

by Hooks Orpik on Jun 12, 2009 12:58 AM EDT in News Comment 8 comments

Pittsburgh Penguins' Ruslan Fedotenko, left, from Ukraine, and Maxime Talbot (25) celebrate Fedotenko's goal during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Eastern Conference finals against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, May 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

8 months ago: Pittsburgh Penguins' Ruslan Fedotenko, left, from Ukraine, and Maxime Talbot (25) celebrate Fedotenko's goal during the first period of Game 4 of the NHL hockey Eastern Conference finals against the Carolina Hurricanes in Raleigh, N.C., Tuesday, May 26, 2009. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

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Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals is what everyone dreams of. For most kids the dream never amounts to much more than in your driveway, local pond or rink when you skate around imagining the puck was on your stick with the Stanley Cup in the balance. But for the very, very few lucky and talented ones, Game 7 is about to be a reality.

Some involved in this game already know about it. Petr Sykora (though injured now) played with one Dan Bylsma (now of course the coach) under the leadership of then Anaheim coach Mike Babcock in 2003 for a Stanley Cup Game 7. They all lost in the most crushing of emotions. So close, but just not good enough. Today, on Detroit (and Babcock's) side will be defenseman Brian Rafalski, who played an instrumental role for the New Jersey's playoff run.

They all know what it's about. And so does Ruslan Fedotenko.

In the spring of 2004 Fedotenko had a magical run, 12 goals in 22 games for the Tampa Bay Lightning (tied with Brad Richards for the team lead). But without a doubt the biggest two goals 'Tenk scored were his final two. They both came in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals, the only offense Tampa would get and need. The Lightning would hold on for the 2-1 win and raise Lord Stanley.

Game 7 is what we all dream of, from the time we first learn the game of hockey. It's equal parts fear and excitement. A steady level of total fear but with the ultimate prize just around the bend. For one side there's nothing but heartbreak. For the other there's sheer celebration for reaching the summit.

We're hours away from finding out. By now everything that can be said and written, has been said and written. It comes down to 18 skaters and a goalie against 18 skaters and a goalie. Who makes the plays, who makes the mistakes and who capitalizes on it all means everything.

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its been a great run, win or lose the pens and us as fans should be very very proud of what this team has become. this team wont quit, i expect the wings to come out flying but flower knows that THIS, not game 6 is his redemption game.

" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run

by oldtimehockey09 on Jun 12, 2009 4:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

http://www.tsn.ca/window/oneclip_nhl_playoffs.html#clip182136
a must watch on dan the man bylsma

" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run

by oldtimehockey09 on Jun 12, 2009 4:44 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

great story, thanks for the link :)

by eve11 on Jun 12, 2009 8:31 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

what i would love to see,

the rabid pens fans in detroit linning the players entrance to the joe as the pens arrive. i know its a pipe dream but you wanna talk about an extra bounce, if that would give them just a drop more go juice, i dont know what would

" I AM CAPATIN CHAOS, and this is my trusty Sidekick cato. Say hello Cato"
Dom Deluise 1933-2009, Cannonball run

by oldtimehockey09 on Jun 12, 2009 4:50 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

AMEN, OLDTIME......

…..It has been a tremendous season and I second our pride in the “Boys of Winter” and coach Dan!!!! I need a brand new Pens T-shirt and I hope it has something about Stanley Cup champions on it….(might I have to go to a third world country to get it???) NO!!! Make the winged wheels go find them!!! GO PENS!!!!!!!!!!

by JUKEBOXHERO on Jun 12, 2009 5:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs