I keep getting reminded how much Boston fans cheered for the Avs during the 2001 Cup Finals.
For the first time since 2001 will the Stanley Cup Finals be compelling to this native Bostonian. That the was spring of fulfillment for one of my favorite Bruins player of all-time, Ray Bourque.
Bourque patrolled the Bruins blueline for 21-years without sipping from the Cup, but was dealt to the Colorado Avalanche in 1999 for the playoff run with Patrick Roy and Peter Forsberg already in place for the title run. The 40-year old future hall of famer would have to wait a year before hoisting the Cup, losing in the third round after playing the final 14 games of the regular season in 99-00.
I find this stuff interesting, seeing the history of the league.
A history of NHL franchise moves since the expansion era (1967):
1967-68 -NHL expands by six teams: California Seals, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota North Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues.