Latest news with #DonCherry
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Every fan knows the truth: The Stanley Cup is the greatest trophy in sports
Stanley Cup (via Getty Images) The Stanley Cup is not a trophy—it's a living legacy that binds generations of NHL champions together in one simple, compelling tradition: it's passed from one team captain to the next, face-to-face on the ice, never behind a closed door. In contrast to the other professional sports, in which the owners are the stars, the Stanley Cup is put into the hands of those players who bled, broke, and fought for it. The Stanley Cup's traditions generate stories fans never forget When an NHL season ends, the moment every hockey fan waits for is not a speech from an owner or a trip to a VIP stage—it's watching the Stanley Cup being handed to the winning captain right on the ice. In that moment, the blood, sweat, and bruises of the playoffs crystallize into pure elation. It's immediate, raw, and deeply earned. A Reddit user summed up the sentiment best: 'I don't think any sports fan puts up an argument that it isn't the greatest trophy in sports. But I like to push a bit further and argue that the NHL playoffs is the greatest tournament in sports. It's absolutely GRUELING. It's months of playing broken, hurt and tired all for the glory of lifting the greatest trophy into the air and having your name etched into it.' NHL Mic Drop: Panthers vs. Oilers Game 2 | Stanley Cup Final That emotional center is one of what makes the Stanley Cup distinguishable from other trophies such as the Lombardi Trophy or the Larry O'Brien Trophy. As one fan put it, 'Watching the end of the Super Bowl always feels a bit gross to me for this exact reason.' And the trek? Fierce. Grueling. Glorious. Another commentator commented, 'This is arguably the best aspect of hockey. Credit is given to the warriors on the ice not the stiffs with the pocket books.' 'The 92 Penguins partied with the Cup so hard, doing various activities like throwing it into Mario's pool and diving for it. They ended up damaging the cup a bit (it got better) and that's why there's a keeper of the cup now,' one fan commented. Also read: Don Cherry slams Stanley Cup Final refs after controversial Game 2: 'The worst I've ever seen' But while all its glory, not everybody is pleased with the way the NHL handles its most revered item these days. One fan commented, "And the NHL is ruining it. Such a prestigious trophy in by far the greatest sport, and every fan has said at least once in the last 12 NHL is a joke.' But not even league blunders can remove the Cup's mythos.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Don Cherry slams Stanley Cup Final refs after controversial Game 2: 'The worst I've ever seen'
(Elsa/Getty Images) If Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final taught us anything, it's this: the Florida Panthers vs. Edmonton Oilers isn't just a hockey series, it's a full-on warzone. But this time, it wasn't just the players throwing hits. The refs are catching strays, and none louder than the one fired by Don Cherry. The legendary hockey voice called it the 'worst refereed game I've ever seen,' and judging by the internet, he's far from alone. Don Cherry slams Game 2 refs as Oilers fans erupt over Sam Bennett controversy Hockey Night in Canada icon Don Cherry may be off TV these days, but his opinions still slap harder than a playoff check. In a podcast segment, Cherry absolutely torched the refs in Game 2 of the Panthers-Oilers Final, calling their performance 'embarrassing' and 'a joke.' He specifically tore into the refs for letting the game get out of hand, accusing them of being inconsistent and letting too much dirty play slide. For Cherry, who's seen a lot of hockey, this game stood out for all the wrong reasons. The Sam Bennett no-call that's breaking Oilers fans' brains The moment that really sent Edmonton fans into meltdown mode? A blatant-looking interference by Panthers forward Sam Bennett. During a critical sequence, Bennett leveled an Oiler without the puck, a clear violation in most NHL games but the refs just didn't call it. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 35% off at Insotel Punta Prima Insotel Get Offer Undo Cue the chaos. X was instantly flooded with angry breakdowns and fan edits questioning the league's standards. ' Tkachuk patted Bennett for almost injuring Skinner. Florida players get away with too much. Dirty play wins in the game and in life unfortunately.' one fan posted. Another joked, ' The ongoing story of the McDavid era.' Even analysts were stunned the play didn't result in a penalty, especially since it led to a scoring chance moments later. Panthers fans, on the other hand? Silent as the refs' whistles. With Game 3 looming, tensions are sky-high. Will the refs rein it in? Will another Bennett-style hit go ignored? And how long until someone completely loses it on the ice? Also read - 5 things you didn't know about Seth Jones — the Florida Panthers' playoff beast
Toronto Sun
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
WARMINGTON: No need to wait until Game 1 of the NHL finals to get your first 'Cherry's Corner'
The Toronto Sun has Coach Don Cherry with the excitement on the Stanley Cup final between Edmonton and Florida and a prediction too Get the latest from Joe Warmington straight to your inbox Hockey icon Don Cherry is backing the Edmonton Oilers to win the Stanley Cup. He's pictured with columnist Joe Warmington at his Mississauga home on June 3, 2025. (Jack Boland, Toronto Sun) You don't need Hockey Night in Canada to learn that Don Cherry is in the Edmonton Oilers' corner. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Just tune in to Cherry's Corner. We have the scoop you won't get on CBC or Rogers Sportsnet. Yes, folks, by request of many readers, we went back to visit Grapes for another instalment of the popular Cherry's Corner so he could set up Wednesday night's opening game of the 2025 Stanley Cup finals between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers. No Ron MacLean. No problem. Joined by legendary Toronto Sun photographer and Boston Bruins fan Jack Boland, I did my best to bring Canada the coach once again. Of course, Cherry is all you really need. You can also enjoy Grapes every week on the Don Cherry Grapevine Podcast with his son, Tim, who is equally as knowledgeable about hockey as Cherry, and his grandson, Del. 'Last time you guys were late, and I was going to send you both Rochester,' teased the 91-year-old Canadian treasure. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Once NHL coach of the year, always coaching. We didn't dare be tardy this time. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. And there was the iconic former coach of the Boston Bruins and almost 40-years on Coach's Corner on Saturday nights, ready, waiting and reading the book — The Don Cherry Story — his late daughter Cindy wrote just before her passing of a sudden illness last summer. Don said reading the book from Cindy's perspective has been emotional for him but also cathartic. The personal stuff, professional stuff, the public stuff and the relationship with a country he loves. 'It's all true,' he said, adding he finds it hard to believe 'I went through all of that. She did a great job.' Cindy Cherry and her dad, Don Cherry. Photo by Bryn Gladding From Bobby Orr to his departure from Rogers on Remembrance Day 2019, the book is a nice piece of Canadian history. Needless to say, it has been a tough year for Grapes with both Cindy and his brother, Richard, dying. But the tough coach is putting one foot in front of the other, trying to keep going and admitting the NHL playoffs have helped a lot with that. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'It's been great,' he said. 'I've been watching and I will be watching.' Recommended video He's really looking forward to this puck drop between the Panthers — champs of 2024 — and the Oilers. So who does he like this year? 'They are two outstanding teams,' he said. 'But I have to go with Canada, all the way. I am sticking with Oilers to win.' But he doesn't think it's going to be easy. No finals are ever easy. He should know. He lost to the Montreal Canadiens back in the day. An inch here, a bounce or penalty call there, and who knows? This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But he believes this is the Oilers time. As much as he loves the Oilers players like Corey Perry, Jeff Skinner and Leon Draisaitl and Darnell Nurse, he also likes Sam Bennett, Sergei Bobrovsky, Matthew Tkachuk and Aleksander Barkov, too. 'The Panthers play like the Bruins, so you have to be ready,' he said. 'But Connor McDavid is the best player in the world. And he's playing great.' Like most of Canada, he is hoping this is No. 97's year. With two good coaches and two top goalies — and the best players in the world — Grapes thinks it could be classic. 'I am really looking forward to it,' he said. 'Let's go.' Read More Toronto & GTA Other Sports Toronto & GTA Ontario Toronto & GTA
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Don Cherry Doubles Down on Stanley Cup Final Winner Pick
Don Cherry Doubles Down on Stanley Cup Final Winner Pick originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The 2025 Stanley Cup Final features a rematch between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers, one year after Florida defeated Edmonton in seven games to win its first championship. Advertisement The NHL hasn't seen a finals rematch since 2009, when the Pittsburgh Penguins avenged their loss to the Detroit Red Wings from the season before. While not everyone is expecting history to repeat itself, legendary NHL coach and broadcaster Don Cherry thinks we'll see another revenge fulfilled. Cherry is staying firm on his prediction from earlier this spring, and he made that clear while speaking on Episode 310 of the "Don Cherry Grapevine Podcast." Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) and Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) get into a scrum in the 2024 Stanley Cup Belski-Imagn Images "I'm still sticking with Edmonton," Cherry said without hesitation when his son, Tim, asked to revisit his pick for the potential finals winner. The Oilers dropped both regular-season games against the Panthers this year. Still, Cherry isn't backing away from his original pick, even though he faced a tough question from Tim regarding the upcoming goaltending battle. Advertisement Tim Cherry suggested he'd take the Panthers' Sergei Bobrovsky over the Oilers' Stuart Skinner in a long series, to which Don Cherry responded directly. Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) and center Connor McDavid (97) celebrate a win in the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Belski-USA TODAY Sports via Imagn Images "Skinner's playing just as good," Cherry said about the Oilers netminder compared to Bobrovsky's postseason run. "Whether he'll do it in the finals ... we'll see." Tim Cherry, however, agreed with his father that Florida won't be able to push Edmonton around the way they did the Toronto Maple Leafs and Carolina Hurricanes, siding with his elder and backing up the Oilers on that front. Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final is set for puck-drop at Rogers Place on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET. Advertisement Related: Don Cherry's Big Stanley Cup Final Concern About Oilers' Stuart Skinner Related: NHL Insider Adds Fuel to Connor McDavid-Maple Leafs Speculation This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Don Cherry's Big Stanley Cup Final Concern About Oilers
Don Cherry's Big Stanley Cup Final Concern About Oilers originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Stanley Cup Final will once again be decided between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers. Advertisement It's a rematch of last season's seven-game series, and a showdown between goaltenders Sergei Bobrovsky, of the Panthers, and Stuart Skinner, of the Oilers, in the net. While Bobrovsky enters with more accolades and experience, the Oilers are hoping Skinner can help them flip the result this time after losing last year's finals as the starter. Don Cherry isn't sure how it will go in goal, but he isn't backing away from his preseason prediction, doubling down on his Oilers pick when asked by his son, Tim, about it. "I'm still sticking with Edmonton," Don Cherry said on Episode 310 of the "Don Cherry Grapevine Podcast." Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) reacts against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Miron-Imagn Images Don's confidence remains despite his acknowledgment of how tight the goaltending matchup could be. Tim Cherry said he'd take Bobrovsky over Skinner in a seven-game series. Advertisement Don Cherry didn't argue against his son's logic but made clear he still believes Skinner has earned the right to be trusted. That said, Don Cherry posed a big question, casting some doubts and concern over Skinner's performances in the upcoming finals compared to earlier rounds. "Skinner's playing just as good," Don Cherry said. "Whether he'll do it in the finals... we'll see." Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) looks on against the Toronto Maple Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images Skinner has battled inconsistency throughout the playoffs. He lost his starting job in Round 1 but reclaimed it in Round 2 and has gone 6-1 in his last seven games. He enters the finals with a 2.53 goals-against average and a .904 save percentage in the playoffs. Advertisement Bobrovsky, by contrast, has a more proven playoff resume, including winning the Stanley Cup title last season and two Vezina Trophy awards. The Panthers goalie has posted a .912 save percentage, allowing 2.11 goals-against on average. Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final is set for puck-drop at Rogers Place in Edmonton on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET, with the Oilers having home-ice advantage, contrary to last season. Related: Don Cherry Doubles Down on Stanley Cup Final Winner Pick Related: Oilers Get Definitive Injury Update on Top-Six Forward Before Stanley Cup Final This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
