"THE CUP FINALS" IS A LOT LIKE "HUNGER GAMES"...

Throughout the NHL playoffs, one of the things I've enjoyed the most is the playful banter with many hockey fans, especially on Twitter.  And one of the things that has come out of the banter is the constant references to the blockbuster film, "The Hunger Games".  Now unless you have been living under a rock, then you know what the premise of the film is.  And if you, in fact, have been spending your vacation under a rock (or in Alabama, same thing),  and have no idea what I am talking about, here's the Cliff Notes version.

In any case, hockey fans have taken to comparing the NHL playoffs with "The Hunger Games", using symbolic references from the movie for various scenarios of the live playoff games.  Each seeded team are referred to as Districts, just as in the movie.  Depending on each team's situation during each successive round, witty quotes/photos from the film are applied; best of all, it's fun to see other hockey fans and even NHL players get involved in the banter.

One notable player in particular, ANTHONY STEWART of the Carolina Hurricanes, has taken this sort of banter to a new level, and has become the de-facto go-to guy for great Hunger Games quotes.

Why do I bring this up now?  Because after watching the NJ Devils (better known as District 6, for their #6 seeding) take a beating from the LA Kings (otherwise known as District 8, for their #8 seeding) in Game 3, their backs are up against the wall.  The citizens of District 6 ) find themselves in desperate need of a parachute, some guidance or any kind of tribute to hold off a sweep.  It seems that fate has not been kind to the NJ Devils thus far as they have run into a swarm of killer bees.  And after last night's loss,  I got the sense that many of the District 6 faithful were ready to pull out the cyanide capsules.

That being said, while things do look especially grim for the NJ Devils, it's not over yet.  While you have to commend District 8, err.. the LA Kings for their dominant performance, not only in the Stanley Cup, but in the playoffs in general, they still have to win ONE more game.  And while history is on their side, it's not impossible for the Devils, if they approach it the right way.  Every game from this point forward is a Game 7.  Don't look ahead to Saturday or next week.  Focus on Wednesday and put everything out there- leave nothing behind.

photo credit: @ehstew13

That also goes for the NJ Devils fans.  Now is not the time for you to "jump ship" now that you find yourselves on the verge of elimination.  Your team can still climb their way back into this series.  And if in fact, you do end up hearing the sounds of the cannons signaling your elimination from the Stanley Cup,  you can at least hold your head up high and say that you were there for your team, through thick and thin.

Will District 6 become the last district eliminated from the Stanley Cup (otherwise known as the NHL Hunger Games)?  Or will the cannoneers stand at bay for another night?  We'll find out on Wednesday night.  In any case, I hope to see full contingents from both districts in the house, cheering wildly.


TONIGHT: CRAFT BREW TUESDAYS (5pm-close).  Enjoy $3/pints of select craft beers tonight and every Tuesday night!  TONIGHT'S SELECTIONS: Shipyard Sea Dog Blueberry Ale, Long Trail Belgian White, Lagunitas IPA and Brooklyn Pennant Ale!

And make sure to catch Game 5, Heat vs Celtics (8pm)!


Cheers!