I've said it many times before: there's a reason we actually play the games! Wherever my travels have taken me this off season, I've been glued to each game during the Stanley Cup Final, which have not only been entertaining, but there's intensity to this series that is unbelievable!

I was recently in New York at the NHL offices for an appearance for the NHL Diversity Program, and the playoffs buzz was definitely in the air!

There is no better case in point than this year's Stanley Cup Final. Many people were handing the Wings the Cup before actually hitting the ice. Kudos to the Pens for believing in themselves and playing head to head against the defending Champs.

Depth and role players are always key to any team, but mean SO much in the playoffs: Darren Helm, Justin Abdelkader, Maxime Talbot, Tyler Kennedy have all played HUGE roles on their respective teams.

Game 6 is Tuesday night. Hold on tight!