Strangest Playoff season we've ever had, imo. From the 1st period of Game 1, it was apparent we didn't have a chance. It hasn't been that way in a long time. In fact, never to this length if you think about it. Even our 1st playoff series against the Red Wings, we won Game 3. We've either lost both away, but then came back to win Game 3 at home. Or we won one of more of the first two games. In everyone of those series, there was hope and excitement because we experienced a win.
This one doesn't even feel like a playoff series. It lacks the usual excitement around town and within the fan base.
There was a few moments in Game 3 when the crowd exploded like the old days, including an early, spontaneous Standing O. When we tied it at 3-3, you could feel it. If we had won, we'd be feeling that typical playoff fever.
But alas, we're not. It's a march to a predetermined end. It'll end almost as quickly as it began. Over before we know it. Although management has tried to stage it like all the others (parties, car slamming, t-shirts, blinking lite-up bracelets, etc.), it just doesn't feel right.
I'm going tonight with almost no enthusiasm, and I'm an eternal optimist. I WANT TO feel pumped, I even go thru the motions, but it's not there.
Now if they win tonight, I'll revive some of it. I'll play the "just win one more and we're back here 3-2 with a chance to force a Game 7" with the best of them.
However, there are very few vital signs. I hope I'm wrong. I miss the playoffs already cuz they never really started.
